Explore Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Hoi An

Let's begin our Vietnamese adventure with an overnight flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi is well known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture which have Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences.

On arrival in Hanoi, we will be welcomed by our local expert guide and transferred to our hotel in the downtown area. The remainder of the day will be at leisure so you can settle in and get to know your surroundings.

3 star hotel in Hanoi (3 nights)

Today, let’s jump head-first into Hanoi's iconic sights and sounds on a full day city tour of Vietnam’s iconic capital.

We’ll start the day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the Mausoleum, Uncle Ho's former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and The Temple of Literature.

(Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed from 1st October - 30th November for annual conservation.)

After an included lunch, let’s explore the Museum of Ethnology, which contains an extensive display of life-size structures dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities.

Next up is an exciting cyclo ride winding through the narrow, chaotic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A cyclo is a three-wheel bicycle taxi that appeared in Vietnam during the French colonial period, after a failed attempt to introduce rickshaws. There is no better way to get to know the winding narrow streets of Hanoi than by this traditional mode of transport.

This evening, you will be free to further explore this buzzing city yourself, or just relax at your hotel.

Today, let’s adventure more in Vietnam as we embark on a road trip through the picturesque countryside from Hanoi to the ancient complex of Hoa Lu, the capital city of Vietnam under both the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009. Here, let’s enjoy views of many palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions as well as a visit to the Dinh and Le Temples followed by an included traditional Vietnamese lunch.

Afterwards, let’s experience a sampan boat ride along Tam Coc, a winding waterway dotted with limestone karsts, before embarking on a 6km bike ride through the countryside towards the Bich Dong Pagoda. The more adventurous among us can climb the steps to explore this cluster of cave temples, including three pagodas located at different levels of the mountain, before returning to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Let’s depart Hanoi for the world famous Bai Tu Long Bay, the highlight for many who visit Vietnam. Bai Tu Long Bay is well known for its emerald-green waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. Let’s explore this iconic area by boarding a traditional wooden junk boat for a one-night cruise. 

Let's enjoy an included lunch on board while the boat heads towards some of the caves and grottoes of the limestone islands  of Bai Tu Long Bay.

In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to explore Ti Top beach and go for a swim at its beach, as well as have time to explore the Tung Sau area. Or we can simply relax on board and soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Please note swimming is subject to weather conditions.

Please note that the itinerary for 2025 will differ as below.

Let’s board our junk boat and head towards Bai Tu Long Bay, a lesser-explored gem of the wider Halong Bay renowned for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere. Let's uncover the secrets of this secluded corner of Vietnam, immersing ourselves in the beautiful backdrop of emerald waters embraced by limestone cliffs and experiencing the local fishing culture.

After lunch onboard admiring the stunning scenery, we’ll stop at a local floating fishing village. Let’s learn more about the life and culture of the people who live and work here as we explore via kayak and locally woven bamboo boats before returning to our ship.

After some time to relax, let's enjoy a cooking demonstration of traditional Vietnamese dishes, before dinner on board, and an evening spent squid fishing, or just admiring the stars from the top deck.

This evening let’s attend a Vietnamese cooking class on the sundeck while watching the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay.

Overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay (1 night)

Let’s start the morning early with an outdoor Tai Chi lesson on deck as our boat cruises through Halong Bay. The ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi combines slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and breathing exercises and is practised in Vietnam for its reported health benefits.

After a well-deserved breakfast, we will cruise to Sung Sot Cave where we will have the chance to explore one of the biggest caves in Halong bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites before returning to our boat where we will continue cruising passing Ba Hang fishing village and Dog Islet before disembarking the boat in the early afternoon.

Please note that the itinerary for 2025 will differ as below.

Wake up early this morning and enjoy a Tai Chi class as we cruise through the limestone pillars of the Bay. The ancient Chinese practice of Tai Chi combines slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and breathing exercises and is practised in Vietnam for its reported health benefits.

After breakfast let's visit the Thein Canh Son Cave underground cave, covered in limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Hike the 200 steps to the top of the cave and admire the vista of Bai Tu Long Bay that stretches before us. Next, take some time to relax on the white sands of the local beach and board our ship before returning to Halong Bay port.

After leaving our ship let's travel to Yen Duc Village, a community-based tourism project which aims to give visitors an authentic glimpse of Vietnamese village life. Here we will have lunch along with a 30-minute traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets, an ancient Vietnamese tradition that dates back as far as the 11th century.

Afterwards let's continue towards Noi Bai airport for our internal flight to Danang. On arrival in Danang we will travel to our hotel in Hoi An where we will have the rest of the evening at leisure to relax in this beautiful city.

3 star hotel in Hoi An (3 nights)

Today let’s travel back in time to the beautiful town of Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most delightful and atmospherics towns, where colourful merchant houses, warehouses and Chinese temples still dot the streets and canals as have done for centuries.

First let’s embark on a cycling tour this morning on Cam Kim Island with our local guide. Cycle on small paved paths in the middle of the island, through rice and corn fields, with some stops included at the small traditional villages along the way where life has changed very little in the last few hundred of years. (Duration by bicycle: 15km)

Let's then relax and enjoy an included lunch at one of Hoi An’s traditional restaurants.

In the afternoon, let’s discover more of Hoi An on foot with a walking tour of Hoi An’s old town. The 400-year old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Phuc Kien Assembly Halls and the colourful local market are just some of the sights we will get to experience on this tour with a difference. 

Let's discover Vietnamese cuisine from the garden to the plate today with an optional Vietnamese cooking class. Begin your day with a welcome drink at Hai Café in the Ancient Town of Hoi An, visit the morning market to uncover some of the ingredients you’ll work with in your cooking class and then board a boat for a cruise along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Explore the herb garden, learning about some of Vietnam’s most well-known dishes and partake in a cooking class. After lunch, there will be time to take a dip in the cooking school’s swimming pool. Culinary guide, lunch and transfers included. (Please note: This excursion is subject to minimum numbers)

Today you have a full day to spend as you wish in Hoi An. Rent a bicycle and take a ride to the nearby beach, relax by the pool at your hotel, visit one of the many tailor shops for custom made items or barter down at the central market for some souvenirs. The options are endless.

You will also have the evening at leisure to spend as you desire. We highly recommend that you visit the ancient old town by night as the atmosphere is simply stunning. In the evening, the streets are illuminated by lively lanterns strewn between buildings, creating a magical array of colour as far as the eye can see. Grab a bite to eat at one of the riverside restaurants and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Let’s explore more of central Vietnam as we drive north to the Royal City of Hue with a stop for a short climb up the famous Marble Mountains. These are a cluster of five marble and limestone hills named after the five elements (metal, water, wood, fire and earth). We will then continue travelling along the scenic route to Hue, enjoying the view of the coastline and Danang from the top of the Hai Van Pass. Lunch will be included along the way.

In the afternoon we will arrive at the former imperial city of Hue, filled with impressive palaces from the time of the Nguyen dynasty where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Visit one of the bustling local markets independently, walk along the banks of the Perfume River or simply relax at your hotel. The choice is all yours.

Let's try a variety of street food dishes in Hue on a street food walking tour. Discover hidden restaurants, traders, and street food vendors located off the beaten track that most tourists won’t find. Start by sampling some Hue local specialties such as Loc cake, Beo Cake, Nam Cake and Khot cake. Afterwards indulge in a Vietnamese BBQ with some local beer and locally prepared noodle soup. Your foodie tour will end with a sweet and cool dessert. Culinary guide and food tastings included (This excursion is subject to minimum numbers)

3 star hotel in Hue (1 night)

Let’s spend the beginning of our day discovering the Imperial City of Hue. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, Hue is home to many colourful palaces and temples housed within its giant walls.

We will then enjoy life like a local at Dong Ba market, browsing local produce, followed by an included lunch at a local restaurant before your afternoon transfer to Phu Bai airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon) is a city in southern Vietnam famous for the pivotal role it played in the Vietnam War. On arrival in this bustling city, let's travel to our hotel in District 1, a great choice for those looking for shopping, culture & nightlife.

You will have the remainder of the evening at leisure. Check out some of the local food stalls that line the city’s streets, especially around bustling Bến Thành Market, or simply relax at your hotel while you get to know your surroundings.

3 star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (3 nights)

Let’s embark on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City that will cover all of it's iconic highlights, starting with the War Remnants Museum - a real eye-opening part of Vietnam's history; followed by the Reunification Palace; the former South Vietnam Presidential Palace; the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office, offering us a glimpse into the past of Vietnam's biggest city..

After an included lunch at a local restaurant, let’s discover the sights of Chinatown with a walking tour through its back-streets allowing you to witness local daily life as we visit the Cholon and Binh Tay Market before exploring the Thien Hau temple, which was built in the early 19th Century as a tribute to the goddess of seafarers.

Today let’s explore more of the area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City as we drive to Tay Ninh, which was once the historical centre of the Cao-Dai religion. Founded in 1926, Cao-Dai is a combination of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. At the Holy See Temple, we will have the chance to watch the worshippers in their long white tunics during the noon Buddhist ceremony.

After an included lunch at a local restaurant, let's experience the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. A must do for any visitor to Vietnam!

Let’s depart Ho Chi Minh City and drive towards the Mekong Delta to explore its famous network of fresh and saltwater canals that cover a wide area of Southern Vietnam.

Our first stop will be Ben Tre where we will take a boat on Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River, with a stop along the way to see how traditional bricks are made by printing and baking. We will also visit one of the many coconut processing workshops and a local village located along the water’s edge.

In the afternoon, let's take a bicycle ride or a tuk tuk along the village pathways, passing by green rice fields and vegetable plains, enabling us to discover local day to day activities in the Mekong Delta. After lunch at a riverside restaurant, let's enjoy a small rowing-boat trip along water palm creek, and a boat trip back to the pier where we will then be transferred to our hotel in Can Tho.

Can Tho is set on the southern bank of the Hau River and is known for its canal network and nearby floating markets.

3 star hotel in Can Tho (1 night)

Let’s embark on a cruise to visit the Cai Rang floating market. This is a unique market where all sorts of types of commerce take place on boats and ships only. Watch the locals make their local purchases from their own boats. Afterwards, let’s continue to a small canal to visit a fruit garden where we will have a short tour and the chance to sample some local produce.

In the afternoon we will travel back to Ho Chi Minh City, observing rural life and the lush vegetation along the riverbanks. Enjoy lunch en route before arriving at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. The evening will be at leisure to experience the bustling night time atmosphere of Vietnam's largest city!

3 star hotel in Ho Chi Minh City (1 night)

Let's enjoy one final day at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City for independent exploration. Your guide will be happy to suggest something to suit your taste. Enjoy a local beer at one of the many lively cafes on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, do some last minute souvenir shopping at the Bến Thành Market or simply relax. Late checkout is included at your hotel before your evening transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home. (Late checkout is subject to flight times)