The Very Best of Vietnam Tour

Depart with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow. No matter which airport you choose, there will be no additional cost.

Alternative airline – Singapore Airlines

If you prefer, you may fly with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester, via Singapore, for a supplement, from £125 per person.

Those flying with Emirates to Hanoi will travel via Dubai. After clearing customs, we transfer to our hotel, the delightful Pan Pacific Hanoi, which is our home for the next three nights. This evening, our Tour Manager hosts a welcome drink so we can get to know our fellow travellers and learn more about the adventures which lie ahead.

After breakfast, we embark on an enriching journey through Hanoi’s cultural heritage. We start at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where we gain an understanding of the diversity across the country. Wander through the meticulously arranged exhibits showcasing the ingenuity and artistry of Vietnam’s indigenous peoples. Next, we head to the Old Quarter for a unique calligraphy lesson, taking guidance from our master calligrapher. Lunch is served in this charming old French building before a short cyclo (similar to a rickshaw) ride to explore the backstreets and colonial architecture of the area. We finish our day of sightseeing at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, dating back to the 11th century. We have the chance to stroll through its serene courtyards and ancient pavilions before returning to our hotel.

Today, we visit Dai Yen Village, which is now a living museum, where time-honoured traditions and craftsmanship are still thriving. Here, we delve into the ancient art of paper-making, learning how to apply the traditional techniques in the modern world. Our afternoon has been left free so you can continue to enjoy the delights of the city at your own pace. You may wish to join a specialist cookery class to explore the five fundamental tastes of Vietnamese cuisine.

This morning, we embark on a picturesque journey from Hanoi to the enchanting rural provinces of Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh. We stop in Co Chat Village, renowned for the ancient art of silk weaving, where we admire the skilled artisans at work. Following lunch, we travel to Hong Quang Village, where we are mesmerised by the traditional art of water puppetry. Unique to Vietnam, this classic art form comes to life in one of the most authentic settings, where the artform has been preserved by the villagers for generations. We travel onwards to Ninh Binh and our hotel for the next three nights, Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat.

Tour Highlight

We begin our day with a visit to the Four Paws Sanctuary, offering conservation and protection for rescued bears. Learn about the stories and behaviours of these majestic animals, as well as the ongoing efforts to ensure their well-being. After lunch, we embark on a scenic boat ride through the caves and countryside of Tam Coc. As we glide along the still waterways, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and lush rice paddies, we experience the peaceful coexistence of nature and local life.

We journey to Hoa Lu this morning, once the ancient capital of Vietnam. We explore its historic temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, surrounded by towering limestone karsts. We continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene temple complex nestled in the mountainside. For those that wish, a climb to the top will reward with stunning views. Following lunch, we travel back to our hotel for an afternoon to relax and soak up our surroundings.

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we say farewell to Ninh Binh and head to Ha Long. Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations, famed for its emerald waters, staggering limestone islands and untouched rainforests. Once in Ha Long, we travel in style on our first-class vessel, the Au Co, for a stunning two-night cruise around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. We enjoy lunch whilst cruising into the bay. We arrive at the fascinating floating village of Cua Van, with a population of just over 700, to see how these remarkably independent people live. Our day ends with dinner on deck, watching the sun set over this dazzling paradise.

Start your day, if you wish, with a Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck, before we cruise through the spectacularly serene Lan Ha Bay. Arriving at Cat Ba Island, we venture on a short cycle ride to Viet Hai Village, where we learn about community life in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Trinh Nu Cave, with its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, is our next destination, at the heart of picturesque Ha Long Bay. Our evening is reserved for a delicious on-board barbecue with fellow passengers.

After breakfast we head to Ha Long’s famous Sung Sot Cave, before returning to the mainland whilst soaking up the beautiful panoramas. Disembarking, we return to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Da Nang. On arrival, we journey to Hoi An and check in to our hotel for the next three nights, the Allegro Hoi An.

Tour Highlight

Today is our chance to explore the quaint city of Hoi An on foot. We discover former merchant houses, colourful communal halls, narrow streets lined with lanterns, and the iconic Japanese Bridge. A visit to the Hoi An Folklore Museum helps us understand the life of the people who call this ancient city their home. Late afternoon, we board a traditional boat for a journey along the scenic Thu Bon River. Enjoy watching local life along the riverside and take in a stunning sunset as we arrive at a secret venue for dinner. This garden is our peaceful haven, where we can unwind after our busy day and indulge in the delicious cuisine of central Vietnam.

Today has been left free, so you may choose how to spend your time. Perhaps visit the local community of Tra Que Village and learn about the techniques used by its farmers, then enjoy a delicious lunch made from locally-grown ingredients. Alternatively, you may prefer to visit the enchanting temples of My Son, shop for souvenirs or simply relax and enjoy our hotel’s facilities.

We Recommend – Tra Que Village

Experience the Vietnamese countryside and meet the farmers of Tra Que Village, where organic vegetables are produced using traditional methods.

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we venture to an organic farm set up by a team of passionate locals, to learn about Vietnamese cuisine and the brilliant balance of aromatics, heat, sweetness, sourness and umami that make up the dishes they are so proud of. We hear inspiring stories and pick up fresh ingredients ourselves and learn how to create some traditional dishes. Once complete, we sit down to dine on our home-cooked creations. In the afternoon, we board a heritage train as we travel to Hue. This journey is one of Vietnam’s most scenic rail routes, offering beautiful vistas as it traverses the famous Hai Van Pass. We wind through lush mountains and picturesque bays before arriving into Hue and checking in to the Eldora Hotel for the next two nights.

Today is all about Hue’s imperial history. We start at the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, faced with ancient walls and regal palaces, giving us a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. We wander through the site enjoying the An Dinh Palace, a unique garden house with French influences, and engage with the former head of the Conservation Centre Hue to gain exclusive insights into the royal abodes. After lunch at the home of our guide, we explore Minh Mang Tomb, a serene site for the famous king. The tomb is a masterpiece of intricate carvings, pavilions, and courtyards, surrounded by picturesque gardens. As late afternoon arrives, we relax on a scenic boat cruise along the Perfume River and indulge in afternoon tea. A wonderful way to end a fascinating day.

Following a leisurely morning, we head to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, and transfer to the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, where we stay for the next two nights. Often referred to by its former name, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a cosmopolitan metropolis where the past is entwined with modern skyscrapers. The remainder of the day is ours to enjoy at leisure. Our hotel is ideally located in front of the Saigon River and only a short stroll from Nguyen Hue walking street, perfect for an afternoon stroll.

We leave the city behind us this morning as we head for the Cu Chi Tunnels, once the stronghold of the Viet Cong. We explore the narrow tunnels that were so integral to the conflict, being living quarters, supply routes and hospitals. Following lunch, we return to the city and take a drive along Dong Khoi Street, featured so prominently in Graham Greene’s famous novel, The Quiet American, passing Saigon Opera House, the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. We discover the Reunification Palace, a former bastion of the South Vietnamese Government frozen in time. Our day finishes with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, providing thought-provoking insight into the war and its devastating impact on human life.

Tour Highlight

Today, we travel to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta. We board our wooden sampan boat and sail down the river, floating past fish farms and houseboats. Transferring to smaller rowing boats, we take a slow ride along canals shaded by water coconut trees. Stopping at a lush island, we meet Mr Hai Phuong who shows us around his farm, before we enjoy a lunch of local delicacies like ‘banh khot’ (savoury mini pancakes). Exploring this tranquil island further, we stop at a moonshine maker, visit a bee farm, and meet a professional basket weaver. We then return to the mainland and Cai Be for our two-night stay at the charming Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort.

After breakfast, we travel by tuk-tuk to delve deeper into local life in Tra Vinh. Our first stop is at a local family home where we watch rice cake making, and enjoy tea and lively conversation with our welcoming hosts. We then visit a Khmer artist who crafts statues and masks for temples and take part in a private blessing at the 900-year-old Ang Pagoda, ensuring us the best of luck for our onward travels. We enjoy a delicious Khmer lunch prior to visiting a Wax Coconut farm, a hidden gem only found in Tra Vinh.

After a leisurely breakfast, we return to Ho Chi Minh City and the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel. Our afternoon is free to relax, or for those who want to squeeze a little more into their holiday, you may decide to partake in a brewery tour and tasting, or a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

As our flight departs in the early evening, there is further time to explore Ho Chi Minh City or to purchase any last-minute souvenirs. We head for the airport to embark on our return flights with Emirates via Dubai or Singapore Airlines via Singapore.

We arrive into our chosen airport this morning. With the fantastic memories created on our journey, our Vietnamese adventure has come to an end.