SHORTLIST

Very Vietnam - 10 days

From charming Hanoi with its fading colonial architecture and national monuments, to the spellbinding scenery of Halong Bay and bustling Ho Chi Minh City on the edge of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam is as colourful as it is diverse. See the very best of vibrant Vietnam in 10 captivating days.
Tour details
Tour Provider On The Go Tours
Price From
$2,724
Number of Days
10
Start Location
Hanoi, Vietnam
End Location
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
1 to 28
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Hanoi
Saturday. Welcome to Hanoi, perhaps the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to explore the wide tree-lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagodas and the thriving historic old city, all easily navigated on foot.



For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi with us on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on which explores the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc, and also includes an exhilarating local experience - riding pillion, on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake.
Day 2: Halong Bay
Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi's French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views.



This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Day 3: Halong Bay
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people.



Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk around the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.



Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Day 4: Hue
Upon arrival to Hue we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.



In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings and here we view the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets there is an optional cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night.
Day 5: Hoi An
Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along My Khe beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline which was nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war and famously featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south along the coast to Hoi An.



The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with its cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a bygone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.



On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.



During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Day 6: Hoi An
A bicycle ride into the countryside leads us to Tra Que village (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here, we discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a hands-on experience today where we assist with tending the fields and gardens and cooking lunch!
Day 7: Hoi An
A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. Alternatively you can opt to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the Ba Na Hills, where you can ride the second longest cable car in the world, explore the resort and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).
Day 8: Can Tho
Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Then a drive to the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as its fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our sampan from Cai Be we cruise through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks of rice and children's toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. Our walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City includes visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Post office and the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening is at leisure.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Monday. Today is free for you to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City before your departure transfer to the airport. Opt for a relaxing foot massage, shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath.


You could also extend your stay and join us on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here you can go underground to explore the vast network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, see booby traps, trap doors or test your skill with an AK 47 at the firing range.
Inclusions
  • Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
7 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)
Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City
Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide
Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 10
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Tour Style: This tour is fully guided and escorted by a single expert local tour guide throughout your trip. Your guide will travel with you for all included travel arrangements and will stay with you at your hotel. If you would prefer to enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and have all of your travel arrangements included without a tour guide between destinations, please book our Escorted & Guided Sights Very Vietnam tour
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
19 Oct 2024 28 Oct 2024 Contact Operator $2,724
26 Oct 2024 04 Nov 2024 Contact Operator $2,724
02 Nov 2024 11 Nov 2024 Contact Operator $2,724
09 Nov 2024 18 Nov 2024 Contact Operator $2,724
16 Nov 2024 25 Nov 2024 Contact Operator $2,724
23 Nov 2024 02 Dec 2024 Available $2,724
30 Nov 2024 09 Dec 2024 Available $2,724
07 Dec 2024 16 Dec 2024 Available $2,724
21 Dec 2024 30 Dec 2024 Available $2,903
28 Dec 2024 06 Jan 2025 Available $2,903
04 Jan 2025 13 Jan 2025 Contact Operator $2,860
11 Jan 2025 20 Jan 2025 Available $2,860
08 Feb 2025 17 Feb 2025 Contact Operator $2,860
15 Feb 2025 24 Feb 2025 Available $2,860
22 Feb 2025 03 Mar 2025 Available $2,860
01 Mar 2025 10 Mar 2025 Available $2,860
08 Mar 2025 17 Mar 2025 Contact Operator $2,860
15 Mar 2025 24 Mar 2025 Available $2,860
29 Mar 2025 07 Apr 2025 Available $2,860
05 Apr 2025 14 Apr 2025 Available $2,860
12 Apr 2025 21 Apr 2025 Available $2,860
19 Apr 2025 28 Apr 2025 Available $2,860
26 Apr 2025 05 May 2025 Available $2,860
10 May 2025 19 May 2025 Available $2,818
24 May 2025 02 Jun 2025 Available $2,818
31 May 2025 09 Jun 2025 Available $2,818
07 Jun 2025 16 Jun 2025 Available $2,818
21 Jun 2025 30 Jun 2025 Available $2,818
28 Jun 2025 07 Jul 2025 Available $2,818
05 Jul 2025 14 Jul 2025 Available $2,818
12 Jul 2025 21 Jul 2025 Available $2,818
19 Jul 2025 28 Jul 2025 Available $2,818
26 Jul 2025 04 Aug 2025 Available $2,818
02 Aug 2025 11 Aug 2025 Available $2,818
09 Aug 2025 18 Aug 2025 Available $2,818
16 Aug 2025 25 Aug 2025 Available $2,818
23 Aug 2025 01 Sep 2025 Available $2,818
30 Aug 2025 08 Sep 2025 Available $2,818
06 Sep 2025 15 Sep 2025 Available $2,860
13 Sep 2025 22 Sep 2025 Available $2,860
20 Sep 2025 29 Sep 2025 Available $2,860
27 Sep 2025 06 Oct 2025 Available $2,860
04 Oct 2025 13 Oct 2025 Available $2,860
11 Oct 2025 20 Oct 2025 Available $2,860
18 Oct 2025 27 Oct 2025 Available $2,860
25 Oct 2025 03 Nov 2025 Available $2,860
01 Nov 2025 10 Nov 2025 Available $2,860
08 Nov 2025 17 Nov 2025 Available $2,860
15 Nov 2025 24 Nov 2025 Available $2,860
22 Nov 2025 01 Dec 2025 Available $2,860
29 Nov 2025 08 Dec 2025 Available $2,860
06 Dec 2025 15 Dec 2025 Available $2,860
20 Dec 2025 29 Dec 2025 Available $3,047
27 Dec 2025 05 Jan 2026 Available $3,047