Best of Vietnam

Discover Vietnam's sizzling street food, rural village communities and soaring limestone karst formations on this inspiring tailor-made holiday. Explore historic Hoi An with its varied architecture and pretty beach and enjoy some friendly bartering for tailored clothes with one of the many tailors in town. Visit fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City home to the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace - speed through the city's canals with its slower pace of life - and get to know the Mekong Delta with its rich agriculture, busy floating markets and friendly people. 

Tour Itinerary

DAY 2

HANOI

Land Hanoi and transfer to Maison D'Hanoi Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy a tasty street food tour through winding streets in the Old Quarter. At night these pavements are packed with pop-up restaurants frequented by locals perched on stools surrounded by sizzling woks and bubbling pots.

DAY 3

HANOI TO HOA BINH PROVINCE

Depart Hanoi and drive to a local community in Hoa Binh province and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful landscape. The cost of this day tour directly funds a local villager whom you will meet. Learn how funds are helping to develop their livelihood and take part in a spot of basket making. Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch and visit the People's Committee commune to learn of challenges facing women in rural Vietnam. Return to Hanoi. (B,L)

DAY 4

HALONG BAY

Depart Hanoi and drive to Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and head out on the calm waters of Halong Bay while enjoying a sumptuous lunch. Late afternoon board a traditional sampan boat and head out to discover village life (alternatively there are kayaks available). Return to the boat in time for a sundowner on the deck before dinner. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

HALONG BAY TO HUE

Enjoy an early morning tai chi session before breakfast. Transfer to discover Me Cung Cave dated at roughly 10,000 years old. Enjoy a light brunch onboard before driving back to Hanoi. Enjoy a little more time to explore Hanoi before boarding a comfortable overnight train to Hue. (B,L)

DAY 6

HUE

Arrive Hue and transfer to Villa Hue Hotel for breakfast. After time to freshen up and relax enjoy a tour of the citadel and visit the Royal Tombs before ending with a trip on the Perfume River. (B)

DAY 7

HUE TO HOI AN

Depart Hue and drive to Hoi An historic merchant town. Enjoy a tour of key sites including Chua Ong Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Tam Ky House. Stroll across the iconic Japanese bridge before transferring to the hotel. (B)

DAY 8

HOI AN

Enjoy a wonderful day trip to a community farming project. Cycle between paddy fields and visit Tra Que farm to learn how the community has worked together to maintain this important local vegetable garden. Help in the garden and be rewarded with a massage and foot bath followed by a locally sourced lunch. (B,L)

DAY 9

HOI AN

Today is at leisure to relax or explore Hoi An further, why not get some clothes made at the expert tailors workshops? (B)

DAY 10

HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy a tour of this fascinating city. Visit the moving War Remnants Museum, a must for any visit and stroll past Reunification Palace. Stop at the Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel and take a walk down Dong Khoi Street which featured in the Quiet American novel. End today speeding through the city's canals where life remains unchanged despite the hectic pace of the surrounding city. (B)

DAY 11

MEKONG DELTA

Drive to the Mekong Delta today and visit a local project aimed at helping some of the poorest members of the community. This can be done through a variety of means including micro-loans and teaching agricultural techniques. Take a bicycle out to discover some local projects including quilters and sewing groups. Enjoy dinner in town and overnight in Long My town. (B,L,D)

DAY 12

MEKONG DELTA

This morning visit more projects before enjoying lunch with a local family. Afterwards transfer to Can Tho and check into the hotel. (B,L)

DAY 13

MEKONG DELTA

An early start today. Head out to discover bustling river life with a visit to the floating market. Watch sellers hawking their wares and locals haggling for the best produce and prices. Continue to Chau Doc and enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong waterways to observe Mekong life. Cruise the Vinh Te canal marking the border between Vietnam and Cambodia and enjoy sunset over rice fields. Overnight Victoria Nui Sam Lodge. (B,L)

DAY 14

MEKONG DELTA

Travel by xe loi (the delta's version of a cyclo) through Mekong lanes to observe relaxed rural life. Enjoy a glass of sugar cane juice before heading to a small community of Cambodians living in the midst of the Delta. Visit the village temple and spend time with monks. Continue to Tra Su Melaleuca Forest reserve which is rich in birdlife: enjoy a sampan cruise through mangroves and return to the lodge. (B,L)

DAY 15

MEKONG DELTA TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Return to Ho Chi Minh City today. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy some last minute shopping or sightseeing. (B)

DAY 16

DEPARTURE

Return to the airport this morning and take the flight back to the UK. (B)