Vietnam at a GlanceEscorted Tour, Vietnam

Have limited time but still want to experience Vietnam's top sights? With this tour you can tick off the highlights with visits to charming Hoi An, historical Hue, spectacular Halong Bay and much more.

Fully Inclusive

Touring with Guides and entrance fees

Included Meals

Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 9, Dinners: 10

Flights

International flights and current taxes

Accommodation

10 nights in 4 star accommodation

Cruise

Halong Bay Cruise

Group Tour

Max Group Size: 28

Physical Rating 1

Walking, some steps and time on your feet

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Explore fascinating Saigon

Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels

Drift on the Mekong Delta

Be inspired by charming Hoian

Marvel at Hue’s Imperial Citadel

Wake to a Halong Bay sunrise

ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Saigon

Fly to Saigon where you will be met at the airport in the arrival hall by your Local Guide or National Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer 45 minutes to your hotel and check into your room or store any luggage if your room is not ready yet. There is no sightseeing today.

Dinner

Day 3: Saigon

Confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels. The cramped tunnels were central to a few of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive, and they did not escape damage. American B52 bombers dropped hundreds of missiles leaving huge tell-tale craters behind. The Cu Chi experience can be emotional for some visitors, but it offers a fascinating window into the hardship and traumas of war. This afternoon, explore modern day Saigon with its heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. We pass the Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

Please note: The Notre Dame Cathedral will be under renovation until 2023. During this time, you are unable to enter the Cathedral; however, you will see the architecturally impressive exterior.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Mekong Delta

Drive approximately 2 hours to the picturesque Mekong Delta to witness the daily life of people living in this area. You will travel around by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and then change to smaller, paddle boats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Have lunch at a local restaurant where we can sample the culinary specialties of the Mekong Delta. Return to Saigon, en route visit Vinh Trang Pagoda to experience the Cao Dai religion.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Saigon – Hoi An

Fly 1 hour and 15 minutes to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and ancient streets of this charming town. Visit one of Hoi An’s oldest homes, built over 200 years ago and still occupied by the descendants of the merchant family that originally built it. You will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Reaching Out arts and crafts workshop, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Hoi An

This morning, visit a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An – Tra Que village, where the community has come together to create a large vegetable farm. Learn the traditional methods the farmers use to plant, fertilise and harvest the crop, then try your hand at raking the ground and sowing seeds. The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure to explore the ancient town, or go to the beach.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7: Hoi An – Hue

After breakfast, drive approximately 4 hours to Hue; this journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass. Hue is the epitome of Vietnam’s dynamic past, and considered a scholarly city. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang; the complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by gardens and pools, making it one of the more beautiful tombs. Then visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City which is still being restored many years after the destruction caused by street fighting and bombing during the American War in Vietnam. Continue by road to Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8: Hue – Hanoi

This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Hanoi

Discover the sights of Hanoi today. First stop will be the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and pass Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, followed by the Humble House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. Next, drive to the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. Later experience an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. This afternoon you will also have the opportunity to taste some traditional egg coffee.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Drive around 2 and a half hours from Hanoi to Halong, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of the bay. Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way over and through other boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting underground caves on the islands which involves climbing up and down lots of steps. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset over the bay followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night.

You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up on your return.

Please note: Weather conditions such as mist, fog, wind, rain and storms may delay the departure time of your cruise, or in some cases your cruise may be cancelled. Notifications of any delays or cancellations may not be known until your group’s arrival in Halong Bay. If your cruise is cancelled after your arrival in Halong Bay, you will have lunch in Halong City and return to Hanoi. If notification of the cruise cancellation is given prior to your departure for Halong Bay an alternative day trip will be arranged to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc or ‘Halong Bay on Land’, an area located approximately 2 hours from Hanoi. Guides will make every effort to inform the group at the earliest possible moment should there be any itinerary changes.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After an early lunch (or brunch meal) disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, an artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Depart Hanoi

Any time before your flight is free is at your leisure today. You will be transferred 1 hour from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.

Breakfast

Vietnam at a Glance is located in Escorted Tour, Vietnam. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 01/02/2021