8 days
with 2 travellers
16 travellers
This tour offers a perfect introduction to Vietnam, combining rich cultural experiences with breathtaking landscapes. Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi, the ancient capital of Hue, and the charming town of Hoi An, with its preserved heritage. Discover Vietnam’s natural beauty in Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. Ideal for those seeking a quick yet comprehensive visit, this tour also provides the option to unwind on the stunning beaches of Vietnam’s central coast, with a beach extension available in Hoi An or Danang for a relaxing end to your adventure.
On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers. Stay the next two nights at Le Jardin Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Full day Hanoi City Tour This morning you will be met at your hotel by your guide at 8am to begin your city tour with an orientation drive past some of Hanoi's unique sites including Long Bien Bridge, St Joseph's Church & the Opera House. Continue with a walking tour through the fascinating Old Quarter - 36 ancient streets where you can observe the daily bustle of life around the markets where peddlers continue to trade as they have done for centuries. We then visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, dedicated to the father of modern Vietnam – Uncle Ho, to see his mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, his 'house on stilts' and the One Pillar Pagoda. A short drive to take a look at the Citadel & Flag Tower which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010. After stopping for lunch at KOTO Van Mieu restaurant continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature - Vietnam's first university now dedicated to Confucian worship. Also visit Tran Quoc and Ngoc Son Temples and then the “Hanoi Hilton” - the nickname given to the place where U.S pilots shot down over North Vietnamese airspace were imprisoned during the Vietnam War - now converted into a small museum. Return to your hotel where your tour ends. (Lunch included)
Important message Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays; The Ho Chi Minh Museum & the Citadel are closed on Mondays.The Presidential Palace can only be viewed from the outside. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has annual maintenance normally from September for 2 to 3 months and can only be viewed from the outside. All other sites in the Ho Chi Minh complex are still accessible during this period.
Full day Hoa Lu & Trang An Landscape Complex This morning you will be met at 8am at your hotel by your guide for your 90km drive south to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Visit the famous sanctuary of Dinh Tien Hoang, a former emperor of the Dinh Dynasty, and the temple dedicated to the Le Emperor. Following the demise of the Le dynasty the capital was moved to Ha Noi. After lunch (own arrangement) we visit the Trang An Landscape Complex. A spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Exploration of caves at different altitudes has revealed archaeological traces of human activity over a continuous period of more than 30,000 years. Recently awarded UNESCO world heritage status we take a small boat through this magnificent area before transferring to your hotel in Ninh Binh for check-in. Lunch not included. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel (or similar).
Marvel at the towering limestone karsts and vast paddy fields as you make your way from Ninh Binh to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. Dotted with 3,000 limestones karsts, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s stunning natural wonders. Board a beautifully appointed junk boat and begin to cruise the impressive emerald waters of Halong Bay. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch before stopping to explore the many secluded corners of the bay. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar. Overnight on-board of Victoria Star Cruise (or similar)
Rise early to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, or choose to relax and take in your final moments in this majestic location before feasting on a delicious buffet brunch. After disembarkation, drive back to Hanoi for your onwards flight to the former imperial capital of Hue, situated on the banks of the Perfume River. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel And Spa (or similar).
This morning you will be met at your hotel at 8am by your guide for a half day city tour of Hue. We start by viewing the tomb of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty Tu Duc which is set beautifully amongst lakes & frangipani trees. Continue with a stop at Bunker Hill which overlooks the Perfume River with panoramic views of the plains that stretch towards the mountains in the west & then a brief stop at the Tiger Colossium. Next we explore the impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors - the Citadel. Graded as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. We finish with a short boat trip to the much-revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most beautiful. After your own lunch, you will leave Hue for Hoi An. The guide and driver will take you over the beautiful Hai Van Pass - Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. This evening is free for you to explore Hoi An at leisure. Stay the next two nights at Little Residence - Little Boutique (or similar).
Early morning departure by bike for a ride to Cam Kim Island. Cycle for about 13km mainly on small paved paths in the middle of the island, through rice and corn fields, passing by beautiful hamlets. Visit Kim Bong carpentry village where traditional skill sets have been utilized for a long history of building boats, beautiful wooden houses and furniture in the old town dating from the 18th century. Experience a family making noodles and rice paper in the village. Proceed to Tra Nhieu fishing village, where you talk with the family about lifestyle and tradition you can have fun with a fisherman by trying to cast a fishing-net for fish, shrimp, and crab. Finally, you will take a boat for 1-hour boat trip from Tra Nhieu village back to Hoi An town.
Please note from April 2025 the bike tour will be discountinued and only the Hoi An walking tour will take place.
This morning, you will begin your walking tour of this UNESCO world heritage site. Hoi An was once Vietnam’s most active trading centre and over many centuries the Old Town has been largely preserved. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Hoi An is also the town where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as well as the Romanised script that has become the standard Vietnamese script. Today you will be guided on a walking tour through the streets of enchanting Hoi An. You will visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The tour will end in Hoi An Ancient Town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure. Overnight in Hoian.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Danang, where your tour concludes with a transfer to Danang Airport for your onward journey. Alternatively, if you choose to extend your stay with a beach vacation, the transfer to your resort will be included and will replace the airport transfer. Enjoy the beauty of the coastline at one of the stunning resorts in and around Hoi An and Danang. Ask us for exclusive deals and recommendations to make your stay even more memorable.
Social - Talk with the local family about lifestyle and tradition in Tra Nhieu fishing village
Unique - Visit of the Trang An Landscape Complex
Unique - River cruising on Halong Bay and overnight onboard
Unique - Tai Chi lesson on Halong Bay at sunrise
Unique - Drive through the Hai Van Pass, geographical & psychological boundary between north and south
6 nights in 4 star hotels
1 night on a boat
Daily breakfast
3 local lunches
1 local dinner
Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Air-conditioned vehicle
All flight specified in itinerary
English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees
All tipping
START DAY | MONTH |
---|---|
Sunday, 12 January 2025 | Sunday, 19 January 2025 |
Sunday, 26 January 2025 | Sunday, 2 February 2025 |
Sunday, 9 February 2025 | Sunday, 16 February 2025 |
Sunday, 23 February 2025 | Sunday, 2 March 2025 |
Sunday, 9 March 2025 | Sunday, 16 March 2025 |
Sunday, 23 March 2025 | Sunday, 30 March 2025 |
Sunday, 6 April 2025 | Sunday, 13 April 2025 |
Sunday, 20 April 2025 | Sunday, 27 April 2025 |
Sunday, 4 May 2025 | Sunday, 11 May 2025 |
Sunday, 18 May 2025 | Sunday, 25 May 2025 |
Sunday, 1 June 2025 | Sunday, 8 June 2025 |
Sunday, 15 June 2025 | Sunday, 22 June 2025 |
Sunday, 29 June 2025 | Sunday, 6 July 2025 |
Sunday, 13 July 2025 | Sunday, 20 July 2025 |
Sunday, 27 July 2025 | Sunday, 3 August 2025 |
Sunday, 10 August 2025 | Sunday, 17 August 2025 |
Sunday, 24 August 2025 | Sunday, 31 August 2025 |
Sunday, 7 September 2025 | Sunday, 14 September 2025 |
Sunday, 21 September 2025 | Sunday, 28 September 2025 |
Sunday, 5 October 2025 | Sunday, 12 October 2025 |
Sunday, 19 October 2025 | Sunday, 26 October 2025 |
Sunday, 2 November 2025 | Sunday, 9 November 2025 |
Sunday, 16 November 2025 | Sunday, 23 November 2025 |
Sunday, 30 November 2025 | Sunday, 7 December 2025 |
Sunday, 14 December 2025 | Sunday, 21 December 2025 |
Sunday, 28 December 2025 | Sunday, 4 January 2026 |
Sunday, 11 January 2026 | Sunday, 18 January 2026 |
Sunday, 25 January 2026 | Sunday, 1 February 2026 |
Sunday, 8 February 2026 | Sunday, 15 February 2026 |
Sunday, 22 February 2026 | Sunday, 1 March 2026 |
Sunday, 8 March 2026 | Sunday, 15 March 2026 |
Sunday, 22 March 2026 | Sunday, 29 March 2026 |
INSIDER JOURNEYS CANADA
#650 – 997 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 3M1
1-604 428 0408 (Vancouver)
1-855-663 3736 (Toll free)
info@insiderjourneys.ca
INSIDER JOURNEYS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
Level 1, 503-505 Kent St
Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
+61 1300 138 755
info@insiderjourneys.com.au
INSIDER JOURNEYS UK
12 Melcombe Place
Marylebone, London, NW1 6JJ
+44 186 526 8940
info@insiderjourneys.co.uk
INSIDER JOURNEYS IRELAND
Church Lane
Midleton, Cork
info@insiderjourneys.ie
INSIDER JOURNEYS EUROPE
Parkstrasse 39
82065 Baierbrunn
info@insiderjourneys.de
INSIDER JOURNEYS USA
125 Kingstone Dr. Ste. 107
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
info@insiderjourneys.us
INSIDER JOURNEYS SOUTH AFRICA
812 Park Street
Arcadia, Gauteng, Pretoria
info@insiderjourneys.co.za
One of our Journey Designer will contact you shortly to confirm the details.