Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more

Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia

Cambodia, Vietnam

Two countries, one unforgettable journey through South East Asia.

15 days

from £4,150 pp

Luxury Vietnam

Romantic Classic + 3 more + 3 more

A luxurious, slow-paced holiday across the full length of Vietnam.

16 days

from £8,250 pp

Classic Summer Vietnam

Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more

Our classic Vietnam holiday for the summer months.

14 days

from £3,825 pp

Vietnam In-Depth

Off-the-beaten-track Ultimate + 1 more + 2 more

Our ultimate Vietnam adventure from north to south.

28 days

from £6,975 pp

Vietnam's Overnight Rail

Wildlife & Nature Off-the-beaten-track + 2 more + 3 more

An overland adventure through Northern Vietnam.

15 days

from £5,025 pp

Classic Winter Vietnam

Family Classic + 3 more + 3 more

A winter break to Vietnam with a sun-soaked finale.

14 days

from £3,675 pp

Quirky excursions

View all excursions in Vietnam

Family Fun in Hanoi

This is a carefully crafted blend of outdoor activities, cultural exploration and some culinary fun. The day has been planned with families very much in mind, especially suitable for those under 16 years. Start the day with a visit to Bat Trang Pottery Village located to the east of Hanoi. Famous for its blue and white pottery, much of today's Bat Trang pottery is made in moulds and hand painted by the family businesses that make up the entire village. The main street is lined with shops and just about every household is involved in the production. Walk to a workshop where pottery can be hand painted to any design and taken home (delivery within Vietnam can take a few days). Children love this creative activity plus a souvenir can be taken home at the end! Afterwards, venture deeper into the village to discover a house where locals worship their ancestors. Here, a local elder explains the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs. Conclude the trip by learning all about banh cuon or rice pancakes, a dish of northern Vietnam. Pay close attention to the master chef as he explains the art of creating this local specialities, and typically rewards visitors who are able to prepare the best banh cuon. After this fun and rewarding experience, sit down and enjoy a tasty self-made lunch of local specialities. The trip concludes with a tour of the ceramic market that really puts the influences of Vietnam’s growing economy into perspective. Expected return to the hotel is around mid-afternoon.

Evening Street-Food Tour of Hanoi by Vespa

This is part street food extravaganza and part night tour of Hanoi. You get to experience the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi the way locals do, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter (don't worry, you won't be expected to drive it yourself!) Start the night at a stylish local Cafe with cocktails and a snack from the local night time vendors before zipping off around the buzzing streets. It's not remotely as terrifying as it sounds. The city comes alive after sundown and people congregate on sidewalks, parks and all over the city at the end of each day. After weaving through the magical, busy back streets of the Old Quarter, you soon arrive at a fascinating local joint, right on the railway tracks (literally!) where you try some infused rice wine and an appetizer. It’s back riding through the narrow streets again, as you head toward our next foodie place, a lively local restaurant serving Bun Cha. This the quintessential must taste Hanoi dish of rice noodles, grilled pork and meatballs, with a side of Nem (spring rolls). Simple but delicious. We then head out of the Old Quarter and ride close by the lake toward our next venue, which is very famous in the neighbourhood! We try the local speciality of Pho Cuon and learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style. with these fresh & fragrant ingredients, and the Pho noodle! Your evening out in Hanoi finishes with a ride to the Opera House, the halcyon days of the 1930s may be over, but this Jazz Club will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles - 30s jazz & traditional Vietnamese music!

Home Cooked Dinner in Hanoi

A private home-cooked dinner in Hanoi is the perfect way to learn more about Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Hosted by a local family residing in suburban Hanoi, a typical evening meal will be enjoyed within the comfort of their home, this intimate setting offers a wonderfully deep insight into how the locals really live and eat, and is sure to leave you with lasting memories! This evening you will be met by your private driver and guide at your hotel to head out to the South West of Hanoi. Arrive at your dinner venue for this evening - a suburban local family home in Hanoi, and meet your host family who will provide you with a deeper insight into Vietnamese culture and cuisine. Enjoy your delicious family meal, chatting about their daily life and afterwards enjoy some traditional music played for you by your host as you relax after your meal.

Cat Tien National Park

North-east of Saigon and south-east of Dalat is Nam Cat Tien (Cat Tien National Park) - a very diverse region encompassing rolling hills, flat plains, dense forest and meandering rivers. In 1978, the south and north Cat Tien parks were put under the State's protection and then in 1992, Cat Loc park was also listed in a joint program to protect the environment. Eventually, in 1998, these three parks joined together to become the Cat Tien National park, under the management of the ministry of agriculture and rural development. It is now the most important reserve in Vietnam, home to a wealth of flora, as well as much of the country's endangered wildlife. Amongst the species that live in the 70,000-hectare park are the Asian elephants, yellow-cheeked gibbons and sun bears. You begin by visiting the park's Endangered Primate Centre, where you'll be able to see two of the rarest species in the world - the Delacour and Cat Ba langurs. Whilst in the National Park you will be accompanied by one of the Park Rangers – all of whom are knowledgeably experienced, having been trained to a very high standard. Your programme can be tailored to suit your preferences, however typically you will spend your day hiking and spotting wildlife, including the wealth of birdlife. Nam Cat Tien is a three and a half hour drive from both Saigon and Dalat. Consequently, it is far better operated as an overnight excursion from either.