Explore Vietnam on a 13-day private tour, starting in the vibrant capital Hanoi. Enjoy a magical cruise on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover imperial history in Hue, modernity in Danang and the picturesque beauty of Hoi An. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) before relaxing in Ho Tram. Finish your trip by returning to Ho Chi Minh for your flight home. A varied adventure combining culture, breathtaking scenery and unforgettable moments of relaxation awaits you in Vietnam.
Your itinerary, day by day:
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3: Hanoi - cruise and overnight on Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Day 5: Visit Hue
Day 6: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Day 7: Hoi An on your own
Day 8: Hoi An on your own
Day 9: Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh - Ho Tram
Day 11: Ho Tram
Day 12: Ho Tram
Day 13: Return to Ho Chi Minh for departure
Deal negotiated for you
- 13-day / 12-night private tour in the accommodation mentioned (or similar)
- Board according to program
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- Return transfer from airport to hotel
- All mentioned transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
- Planned excursions and visits, including entrance fees
- The services of a local guide on days 2, 5 and 9
- A non-private cruise on Halong Bay with a local English-speaking guide and overnight stay on board the boat
Your stay starts here
The riches of Vietnam and a trip extension to Ho Tram 4*
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi, welcome at the airport by our driver.
Transfer to the city and then free time to rest or discover the city on your own.
Meals are at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Note: rooms are available from 2 p.m. onwards.
Day 2 | Visit of Hanoi
Breakfast at your hotel.
Visit the beautiful city of Hanoi, known as the “Paris of the East” for its colonial architecture, tree-lined boulevards and picturesque lakes.
Stop off at the Ho Chi Minh complex, which includes the mausoleum and its floating house, to pay tribute to the nation's founder. The complex also includes the ancient Single Pillar Pagoda, which predates the city itself. Continue to Hanoi's oldest pagoda, located on an island in Western Lake and called Tran Quoc.
In the afternoon, visit Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature. Stroll through the old quarter, famous for its “36 streets of 36 goods”.
Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the “Sword Lake”, is a magnificent place to end your visit by strolling around and admiring the scenery.
In the evening, enjoy a puppet show on water.
Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 | Hanoi - cruise and overnight on Halong Bay
Breakfast at hotel.
You'll then be transferred by coach to Halong Bay, passing through the Red River Delta, for an unforgettable cruise.
Vietnam's Halong Bay is an extraordinary site of thousands of limestone islands and islets covered in lush vegetation, offering breathtaking seascapes and an unforgettable cruise experience. You'll marvel at the astonishing karst landscape with its varied formations. Halong Bay is full of hidden caves and caverns and we'll take time to explore one of them.
On arrival, the crew will welcome you to the boat with a refreshing welcome drink and then the cruise begins! Lunch of delicious fresh seafood is served as we sail through emerald waters and limestone islands.
Dinner on board. In the evening, night fishing is available on request.
Overnight on board.
Please note:
- This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and boat availability.
- English speaking guide on board.
- No guide for Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi transfer.
Day 4 | Halong - Hanoi - Hue
Start the day with an on-board Tai Chi demonstration, which combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow, gentle movements.
Enjoy a light breakfast and brunch as the boat continues its cruise around the bay, passing through the most beautiful and peaceful areas.
You'll disembark around 10:30-11:00 and be transferred by the boat company's collective bus to Hanoi, then by private car to Noi Bai airport for your flight to Hue.
Welcome by your driver and transfer by private car to your hotel to settle in.
Dinner and overnight in Hue.
Day 5 | Visit to Hue
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you'll visit the Imperial Citadel, built from 1804 by order of the first Emperor Gia Long. Remarkable for its fortress-like appearance, entrenched in the heart of the city, it covers an area of over 10 kilometres.
Next, you'll visit the typical Hué garden houses. Built according to the rules of geomancy, these dwellings ensure a kind of continuity between nature and the city, and exude a particularly pleasant serenity.
In the afternoon, you will visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the most beautiful sites in Hué, which exudes tranquillity and is a model of traditional Vietnamese art. It's also an opportunity to learn about the history of the Nguyen dynasty (16th-20th centuries) and the French colonial invasion.
The visit continues with the Tu Hieu pagoda, close to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
Stroll to Dong Ba market, where you'll have free time for strolling and shopping.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hue.
Day 6 | Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel and morning free to explore the city on your own or enjoy the hotel pool.
In the afternoon, your driver will take you from Hué to the city of Danang, via the spectacular “Cloud Pass” road. Overlooking the bay, this road offers incomparable panoramic views.
You'll arrive in Hoi An at the end of the day.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 7 | Free time in Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time to explore the city on your own.
Hoi An offers the perfect combination of culture, history, culinary traditions and relaxation, making it a must-see destination on your visit to Vietnam.
Suggested visits:
- Stroll through the old town: Explore the picturesque alleys of Hoi An's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its well-preserved ancient architecture.
- Visit ancient temples and pagodas: Visit ancient religious sites such as Fukian Temple, Quan Cong Pagoda and Japanese Bridge Pagoda.
- Shopping: Explore local markets and craft shops for unique souvenirs such as bespoke clothing, silk items and handicrafts.
- Beach excursion: Soak up the sun on nearby sandy beaches such as An Bang Beach, ideal for relaxing and swimming.
- Boat Trip: Take a trip along the Thu Bon River to discover the daily life of the local people and admire the picturesque scenery.
- Vietnamese Cooking Classes: Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. A gourmet experience not to be missed.
Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 8 | Free time in Hoi An
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time to explore the city on your own or head for the beautiful beaches of An Bang or Cua Dai, around 5 km from the town centre.
Dinner not included and overnight in Hoi An.
Day 9 | Hoi An - Danang - Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast at your hotel. In the morning your driver will transfer you to Danang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
On arrival at Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat Airport, you'll be met by your guide and taken to the city to see the must-see sights:
- The War Remnants Museum, which presents a partial but very interesting view of the American war through the eyes of the Vietnamese. It contains fascinating relics and photographs from the past, including American armoured vehicles, artillery, bombs and infantry weapons.
- The Reunification Palace, former residence of the Governor General of Indochina, then President of the Republic of South Vietnam until its fall on 30 April 1975.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior), a red brick building with two spires, based on the original design of the Paris Cathedral.
- The Central Post Office, designed by architect Gustave Eiffel before he became famous for the Eiffel Tower.
- The lively Ben Thanh market for shopping. You'll leave with unusual souvenirs to remember this exciting day.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel
Day 10 | Ho Chi Minh - Ho Tram
By private car (without guide), you'll set off in the early morning for the renowned seaside resort of Hô Tràm, arriving around midday.
Located 120 km from Ho Chi Minh City, Hô Tràm is an excellent choice for travellers seeking to replenish their energy in a peaceful environment, surrounded by greenery and facing a magnificent sea with crystal-clear water and beautiful beaches.
Free day to explore the area, enjoy the beach or the hotel pool.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 | Relaxation in Ho Tram
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day.
Meals at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 | Relaxation in Ho Tram
Breakfast at the hotel.
Free day to round off your stay in style and take advantage of the hotel's facilities.
Meals at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 | Ho Tram and return to Ho Chi Minh for your departure flight
Breakfast at the hotel, then check-out.
In the morning, you will leave Ho Tram for Ho Chi Minh airport for your international departure flight.
Note: Your room available until noon.
Your accommodation
This 11-night tour includes accommodation as listed below or similar. This is subject to availability:
Hanoi: 2 nights at the 4-star Acoustic Hotel & Spa in a Boutique/Deluxe Room
Halong: 1 night aboard the 5-star The Au Co Cruise
Hue: 2 nights at the 4-star ÊMM Hotel Hue in a Deluxe Room
Hoi An: 3 nights at the 4-star Hadana Boutique Resort HoiAn in a Standard Room
Ho Chi Minh: 1 night at the 4-star Nhat Ha L'Opera Hotel in a Deluxe Room
Ho Tram: 3 nights at the 4-star Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa in a Garden Room
Please note:
The establishments are rated 4-star according to local standards. The services provided may not be equivalent to European 4-star standards.
Hotels are subject to change, depending on availability. However, we will always try to accommodate you in hotels of a similar category.
Your accommodation
During your tour, you will enjoy breakfasts from days 2 to 13 inclusive, as well as lunch and dinner on day 3, and a brunch on day 4 aboard the boat.
ENTRY FORMALITIES
From 15 August 2023, UK nationals are exempt from the visa requirement for stays of up to 45 days (including days of entry and exit), regardless of the type of passport and the purpose of the stay.
To benefit from this visa exemption, the expiry date of the UK passport must not be less than six months before the end of the stay in Vietnam.
Tourist visa exemptions (maximum 45 days, including entry and exit days), e-visa (maximum 90 days, including multiple entry and exit days) and tourist visas in general cannot be extended or renewed on the spot. Neither the UK Embassy in Hanoi nor the Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City can intervene in these matters, which are the responsibility of the Vietnamese authorities.
TRANSFERS
The following transfers are included in the offer:
- Hanoi airport - Hanoi hotel transfer in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver (day 1)
- The transfers between destinations as mentioned, in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
- Roundtrip transfer Hanoi - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi in a limousine shuttle provided by the cruise company (days 3 and 4).
- Domestic flight Hanoi - Hue (day 4), including airport tax with one 10 kg cabin luggage and 1 piece of 23 kg hold luggage
- Domestic flight Danang - Ho Chi Minh (day 9), including airport tax with one 10 kg cabin luggage and 1 piece of 23 kg hold luggage
- Transfer Ho Tram - Ho Chi Minh Airport by private air-conditioned vehicle (day 13)
Note: No transfer service is included on free days.
