Vietnam Express

Welcome to Hanoi! After landing, you'll be met at the airport by your driver and whisked off to your hotel in the city. Spend the rest of the day relaxing, acclimatising, and settling 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.

This morning, you’ll be collected by your private guide and taken on a fascinating tour of Hanoi’s highlights, with plenty of hidden treasures and local spots thrown in. Stops will be made at 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. Conclude your tour with a wander through the bustling Old Quarter where we are sure you’ll pick up lots of recommendations for where to eat this evening!

Explore the city at your own pace today with a full day at leisure. You could fill your day by visiting the local markets, taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, or flitting between hidden cafés and street food gems in the Old Quarter. Of course, if you'd prefer a little more structure today, there are plenty of additional excursions that can be planned for you – just ask!

Your day starts with a 2.5-hour transfer to Halong Bay. When you arrive at the pier to a wonderfully warm welcome, you’ll be checked in ready for your cabin for your overnight cruise. Sit down on deck to enjoy a delicious lunch as your boat begins its gentle cruise into the bay. The afternoon offers time for kayaking, squid fishing, Tai Chi or just simply marvelling at the natural beauty of the dramatic limestone karsts. As evening falls, you'll anchor in a quiet cove to tuck into a delicious dinner as the sun sets. After toasting your adventure so far, retire to your cabin for a peaceful night on the water.

Waking up on the bay will be an unforgettable experience this morning. Enjoy your onboard breakfast amongst the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations before it's time to head back to shore. After disembarking, you'll meet with your guide for a transfer back to Hanoi airport, where you'll hop on a short flight south to Hoi An. Later today, you'll arrive in enchanting Hoi An – one of our favourite spots in Vietnam – where lantern-lit streets, riverside charm, and timeless architecture welcome you.

Set off this morning for a delightful countryside experience, exploring the rural landscapes of Hoi An by bicycle. Enjoy a leisurely ride passing water-coconut groves, lotus ponds, and seasonal rice paddies - an idyllic slice of Vietnamese village life. Your journey takes you to a thriving organic vegetable garden, a 6,000-square-metre community project supporting 14 local families. Learn about traditional farming techniques and, depending on the season, try your hand at planting, weeding, or harvesting alongside the farmers. Afterwards, enjoy a 20-minute ride in a traditional woven basket boat, gliding along a gentle river to a charming local restaurant nestled amid rice fields. Here, relax with a delicious Vietnamese lunch before returning to central Hoi An in the early afternoon.

We've left today clear for you to spend a relaxing day at leisure in Hoi An. You'll be staying at one of our favourite central hotels, within easy walking distance of the town’s historic streets, ancient temples, and vibrant markets. Plus, it’s just a short bicycle ride to the beach!  Erin’s favourite thing to do here is to enjoy a traditional Ca Phe Sua Da (Traditional Vietnamese Iced Coffee) by the river and watch the blend of tourists and locals going about their day. Of course, if you'd prefer to be based by the beach during your time in Hoi An, this can be arranged!

You'll be picked up from your Hoi An hotel today and driven to the airport for a short flight to the vibrant streets of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). The modern skyscrapers and endless stream of scooters are quite different to the laid-back atmosphere you'll experience in Hoi An, but no less special. Discover the city’s rich history, lively markets, and mouthwatering cuisine this evening – but be careful when crossing the road, there’s definitely a knack to it! 

Today, you'll head off on an insightful excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, just outside Saigon. Explore this vast underground network, which played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, and discover its rich 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.

Bid farewell to Saigon (and Vietnam!) as you board your overnight flight back to the UK. It's been short but sweet, time to start dreaming about your next adventure!