DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: UK to Hanoi
Fly overnight from the UK to Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi
Once you have landed, you will be spending two nights at La Siesta Ma May. Situated in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this hotel provides guests with a luxurious and quiet oasis away from the bustling city streets. Enjoy your day at leisure before early evening comes and you are welcomed into a local family home for a first-hand insight into daily life in Hanoi, topped off with some fantastic hospitality and a variety of home-cooked, local specialities for you to enjoy. Welcome to Vietnam! 

Day 3: Hanoi
Today you will head out on a private full day tour by one of our friendly local guides. You will be transferred an hour north out of the city and back in time, with a visit to Duong Lam ancient village. Explore narrow alleys to see the old houses that make this charming and tranquil village utterly unique. Then enjoy a freshly prepared lunch by one of the locals in their 100-year-old house. Continue to one of Vietnam’s first Pagodas, Tay Phuong Pagoda, and admire the unique sculptures carved into wood such as dragons and demons before heading back to the capital in the late afternoon. If you wish to fill your evening with some more stunning food, talk to us about one of our many exciting food tours we have on offer.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay
This morning you’ll be transferred down to the port where you will stay for 1 night aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk boat: Peony Cruise with all meals included. Blending classic European form and rustic Vietnamese styling, this is truly a wonderful way to see the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Once you are onboard and settled in with your welcome drink, you will begin cruising! Start with a visit to the unspoiled Tra Bau – this is the best time for kayaking if you fancy it, take a dip in the bay, or enjoy the jacuzzi pool back on board. 

Join in with a cooking demonstration this evening or head to the top deck of the boat to catch the sun set! Want to enjoy some more time cruising? There is a 2 night itinerary available – call us if you would like this option instead! 

Day 5: Hue
Watch sunrise overlooking the bay as the boat begins cruising back to land, or join the morning Tai Chi session. On arrival into the port you will be transferred back to Hanoi International for a short flight south to Hue. Once you have arrived you will be taken to The Scarlett Boutique Hotel to stay for 2 nights in a perfect location in walking distance of the Perfume River & the Imperial Citadel.

Day 6: Hue
Start the day with a private tour of the UNESCO-Heritage Imperial Citadel itself. Hear stories about the majestic buildings and former Emperors. Continue your guided tour by bike, discovering the tranquil gardens of the region before arriving at the lotus-filled Tinh Tam Lake. Follow the Perfume River to one of Hue’s most historic landmarks: Thien Mu Pagoda. You will then travel into Hue’s countryside to explore the many tombs of former Emperors each set within stunning forest settings.

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An
Today you will take a scenic drive through the Hai Van Pass to the Bach Ma National Park, a protected area in Central Vietnam, covering 220 sq km. Our local guide will take you on a private trek through the National Park where a fifth of the flora of Vietnam has been discovered, including rare ferns and orchids, as well as nine other species of primate including the rare red shanked Douc Langur. It is also hoped that wild elephants will soon return from the Laos side of the border. You will then travel on to Hoi An to spend 2 nights at Little Hoi An. Nestled in the centre of Hoi An you’ll find this charming boutique hotel – enjoy a dip in the pool before drying off with a sundowner in hand after a busy day, or head out and explore under your own steam. 

Day 8: Hoi An
Today you will head to the spiritual My Son Temple. Its combination of tranquil landscapes and fascinating history is sure to impress you as you hear tales of the Champa kingdom. Return back to Hoi An in the early afternoon with the rest of the day free.

Day 9: Hoi An
Today you’ll board a boat and cruise to the mouth of the river for your private tour into the Cua Dai Sea. As the sun begins to rise you will see the local fishing fleet returning to land in their unique Vietnamese bamboo boats. Help them take out their nets, and see if you can paddle the boats back to the beach yourself! Once on land enjoy a much-needed Vietnamese coffee and typical fisherman breakfast with the rest of your day free.

Day 10: Hoi An to Buon Ma Thout
Later this afternoon you will take a short flight to Buon Ma Thout. From here you will be met and transferred by boat across the stunning Lak Lake to the secluded paradise of LAK Tented Camp where you will spend the next 2 nights with all your meals included. Created with a goal of environmental protection, its aim is to offer guests an eco-friendly, unique, and comfortable stay.

Day 11: Buon Ma Thout
This morning you will be transferred to Yang Tao village, located on the foot of Chu Yang Sin National Park. As the sun rises, start your day with a trek to a hidden waterfall embedded within the jungle. Cool off with a swim in the many fresh natural pools around, before savouring a picnic lunch by the waterfall. In the afternoon, you will get a chance to explore the camp’s extensive organic farm helping to choose fresh produce to then transform, with the help of the cook, into a traditional meal.

Day 12: Buon Ma Thout to Ho Chi Minh City
Take an early boat ride out to the picturesque Lak Lake. As fisherman slowly drift, the lake begins to change colours with the sun rise – a perfect Sundowner moment! The rest of the day is free. Chat to the locals who contribute to the camp, take out a kayak on to the lake or simply sit back in a hammock and catch up on your book before early evening comes and you say goodbye to village life. A quick flight will then transfer you to the frenetic and exciting Ho Chi Minh City to stay for 2 nights at Mai House Saigon. Enjoy the modern comfort and feel right at home in this luxurious hotel from the moment you step through the front door! Head to the roof terrace this evening, or head out and start exploring. 

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Today we’ve included a private tour with one of our brilliant guides. Visit the War Remnants Museum & the former Presidential Palace. From there, stroll (your vehicle will be available at all times) to the major sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring but save some energy for the evening when the city comes alive and you head out on an after dark private Vintage Vespa food tour of the city. Travelling like a local, you will join the plethora of mopeds whizzing around the city to enjoy all-you-can-eat food & free-flow drinks at a mix of cafes, restaurants and live music venues.

Days 14 & 15: Mekong Delta
After breakfast you will be transferred deep into the winding water networks of the Delta where you will be staying for two nights at The Island Lodge on its own secluded island in the Mekong. Soak up the life of the river, relax and watch the world go by, take a tour to a local coconut farm or cross the river to My Tho taking bikes and exploring true Vietnam life at your own pace. If you would like to stay on the river itself then why not talk to us about staying overnight on the many River Cruises we have on offer?

Day 16: Mekong Delta to UK
After one final breakfast and dip in the pool, say goodbye to the lodge as you are transferred back to Ho Chi Minh International to catch your flight home.

Welcome Home – time to look through the photos!!