Classic Summer Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi! After landing at the airport, you'll be met by our friendly team on the ground and driven to your hotel in the city. We've left the rest of your day free for you to relax, acclimatise, and settle in after your journey. You can simply take it easy at your hotel, enjoying the pool and gardens, or head out to explore the town at your own pace, soaking up its local markets and getting your first taste of the street food. We can give you some recommendations, of course!

This morning, you’ll be picked up by your private guide and taken on a fascinating tour of Hanoi's highlights and local spots. You'll visit the Temple of Literature, a peaceful oasis and Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076, as well as the Vietnam Women’s Museum, which celebrates the vital role of women in Vietnamese society. Your tour will finish up with a wander through the atmospheric Old Quarter, keep an eye out for restaurants you fancy trying this evening.

You'll have a private transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh today. When you arrive, this afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of activities to do here, such as cycling quiet lanes, taking a sampan ride, but you could also simply relax and enjoy the area’s stunning scenery.

This morning, we've included a half-day guided tour of Tam Coc, a UNESCO-listed gem known as ‘Halong Bay on Land’. During your tour, you’ll enjoy a peaceful sampan cruise through limestone caves, followed by a scenic bike ride past rice fields. You’ll also visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb to Ngu Nhac Mountain for panoramic countryside views.

Your day starts with a private transfer to Halong. When you arrive at the pier, you’ll be checked in for your overnight cruise. After a warm welcome and cabin check-in, enjoy lunch as your boat begins its gentle cruise into the bay. The afternoon offers time for kayaking, squid fishing, Tai Chi, or simply marvelling at the natural beauty of the dramatic limestone karsts. As evening falls, you'll anchor in a quiet cove to enjoy a delicious dinner as the sun sets, before retiring to your cabin for a peaceful night on the water.

Wake up to a fresh morning on the bay and enjoy your onboard breakfast amongst the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. Disembark and meet with your guide for the transfer back to Hanoi airport for your short flight south to Hoi An, with its lantern-lit streets, riverside charm, and timeless architecture, all ready to welcome you. We recommend staying at one of the beautiful beach resorts here (if you're looking to incorporate some relaxation on the coast during your adventure), if not, you could always swap to a stay in the Ancient Old Town, just a few minutes’ drive away.

Spend a relaxing few days at leisure in Hoi An. We've included a beach resort here for a few nights of relaxation, but rest assured the town’s historic streets, ancient temples, and vibrant markets are just a few minutes away by taxi, which can be easily arranged at your hotel.

Today, you have another free day at leisure to enjoy your beach resort. If you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger, then we'd recommend heading into Hoi An for a day of sightseeing. You may want to test out some of the fantastic local eateries in the town, have something tailored or head off on an adventure into the surrounding countryside. 

After a short flight from Hoi An, you'll arrive in vibrant Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) today. The modern skyscrapers and endless stream of scooters offer a dynamic contrast to the laid-back atmosphere in Hoi An. Discover the city’s rich history, lively markets, and mouthwatering cuisine on arrival – but be careful when crossing the road, there’s definitely a knack to it! 

Today, you'll embark on an insightful excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, just outside Saigon. Discover this vast underground network used during the Vietnam War, where you’ll learn about its history and strategic significance. Explore the tunnels (if you’re brave enough to go in!), hidden traps, and exhibits, offering a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime resilience.

You'll leave Ho Chi Minh City this morning for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Can Tho. Here you’ll have a warm welcome onto your Bassac boat ahead of your one-night overnight cruise on the delta. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating way of life on the banks of the river, whilst enjoying the charming Vietnamese hospitality aboard your boat. This is a real slice of authentic Vietnam, we love including it in our holiday itineraries.

After waking up on the Mekong, it’s time to begin your journey back to the UK today. Disembark your boat and head back to Saigon airport in your private transfer for your overnight flight back to the UK. Time to start dreaming about your next adventure!