Avila Travel Vietnam Ruins of old hindu temple at My Son Vietnam This sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam

Vietnam trip | Cultural Vietnam

  • Boutique
  • 17-day trip
  • From €5,485 per person
route-map

Vietnam trip | Cultural Vietnam

During this journey through Vietnam, you’ll discover cultural highlights and in-depth visits to cities with a culinary twist. The journey begins in the north and in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Here, you’ll explore the ‘Old Quarter’ and sample the delicious cuisine of Northern Vietnam. You ’ll board the overnight train and travel to Sapa, where you’ll visit ethnic minority communities during a stunning hike. You’ll also visit the summit of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina. The cultural adventure continues in Central Vietnam, where you’ll visit My Son, take a lovely stroll through the town and learn how to make paper lanterns. You’ll fly south to visit the tropical island of Phu Quoc. Here, you’ll be completely free to enjoy the white sandy beaches and beautiful natural surroundings. The trip ends in Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City. Here , you’ll round off your trip in style on the back of a Vespa. You’ll also take part in a cookery class and meet history experts who’ll take you on an informative ‘Heritage Walk’.

Travel programme

Travel overview

  • Day 1 Flight to Hanoi
  • Day 2 Arrival in Hanoi
  • Day 3 Hanoi
  • Day 4 Halong Bay
  • Day 5 Halong Bay & overnight train to Sapa
  • Day 6 Sapa
  • Day 7 Mount Fansipan
  • Day 8 Flight to Danang
  • Day 9 Hoi An
  • Day 10 Free day in Hoi An
  • Day 11 Flight to Phu Quoc
  • Day 12 – 13 Phu Quoc Island
  • Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City
  • Day 15 Saigon highlights and the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Day 16 Cooking class
  • Day 17 Departure from Vietnam
Day 1
Air travel to Hanoi
Day 2
Arrival in Hanoi
Day 3
Hanoi
Day 4
Halong Bay
Day 5
Halong Bay & overnight train to Sapa
Day 6
Sapa
Day 7
Mount Fansipan
Day 8
Flight to Danang
Day 9
Hoi An
Day 10
Free day in Hoi An
Day 11
Flight to Phu Quoc
Day 12 to 13
Phu Quoc Island
Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15
Saigon highlights and the Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 16
Cookery class
Day 17
Departure from Vietnam

Accommodations

Experiences

Destinations

Hanoi

Vietnam's capital is also the country's most atmospheric and alluring city, with its wide boulevards and ancient pagodas - a distinguished blend of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets and visit the Hanoi Night Market on Saturdays and Sundays. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda Temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House located in the heart of the French Quarter.

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Ky Son

Ky Son is situated just an hour outside Hanoi in an idyllic rural setting. This picturesque hamlet forms part of the historic village of Duong Lam, home to a collection of ancient traditional houses, some of which are over 200 years old. Surrounded by farmland and lush rice paddies, this is the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely cycle ride or take a fascinating tea-harvesting tour. Visitors travelling to Ky Son can enjoy a truly authentic Vietnamese cultural experience, from the local cuisine and picturesque landscapes to the historic buildings lining the streets. The undisputed highlight of this village is the Moon Garden Homestay, a unique establishment that preserves the architecture and culture of traditional Vietnamese villages, where visitors can enjoy traditional rural activities, including learning to cook Vietnamese food.

Vietnam

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Hoi An

Hoi An, on the coast of central Vietnam, is enchanting. Once a bustling port city, Hoi An boasts a colourful mix of French, Chinese and Japanese-inspired architecture. It is characterised by its many canals, bridges and temples. A nice bonus is that cars are not permitted on the main streets. The waterfront is very lively, with boutique hotels, restaurants and craft shops. Be sure to visit the ruins of My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Hindu temple complex.

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Quang Nam Province

Sandwiched between dense forested terrain and the shimmering blue sea lies the central Vietnamese province of Quang Nam. An exciting mix of eras and styles, travellers to this diverse destination can explore the bustling cities, admire the ornate architecture, visit charming temples, sunbathe on the golden shores and taste the famous Quang noodle. Home to two awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites, history buffs and the culturally curious can visit the historically charming Old Town of Hoi An, recognised for its exceptionally well-preserved examples of traditional Southeast Asian buildings; and the sacred My Son, a fascinating complex of partially destroyed Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th centuries. Sights not to be missed include the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky's Old House, Terracotta Park, Thac Grang and the Marble Mountains.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is bursting with energy. Highlights include the bustling Ben Thanh Market and the Nha Hang Ngon Market, where you can sample traditional street food from one of the many food stalls set amidst a leafy garden. Other notable sights include Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, the War Remnants Museum, and the Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda.
The city features a distinct blend of both American and Chinese influences. It is a modern, developed city that has not lost its Vietnamese character. Modern skyscrapers interspersed with Chinese-style pagodas, market stalls and street vendors trying to sell their wares make Saigon the most dynamic city in Vietnam.

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Sa Pa

Sapa is a former French hill station. The town is situated on the border with China, in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains in north-western Vietnam. The region is rich in stunning terraced rice fields and is home to ethnic minority communities. It is ideal for beautiful walking and cycling tours (possibly with your local guide), in most cases starting from your accommodation or base in Sapa. Apart from the spectacular views, the charm of this town can also be attributed to the local H’mong and Dao communities.
On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, there is a local market in the region where many mountain tribes gather to trade. This is definitely worth a visit! Possible walking routes take you past villages of, for example, the Red Zao and the Black H’mong. As well as the breathtaking rice terraces, the region offers views of the Ta Giang Phinh Valley, the Sin Chai Valley and Mount Fansipan (Phan-xi-păng; at 3,143 metres, the highest mountain in Indochina!).

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Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is an island in southern Vietnam, just off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for its white sandy beaches and resorts, which are mainly situated on the south-west coast of the island. More than half of the island is taken up by Phu Quoc National Park, featuring rugged mountains, dense tropical jungle and abundant wildlife. Duong Dong is the largest town, where you’ll find lively markets selling local produce.
The white beaches, unspoilt nature and palm trees make the island the perfect way to round off your trip through Vietnam or a welcome break from the region’s bustling cities.
Phu Quoc can be reached by speedboat from Rach Gia or by plane from Ho Chi Minh City.

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Lao Cai Province

Lao Cai is a city in northern Vietnam and the capital of the province of the same name. It is located on the border with China and can be reached by night train from Hanoi. The place is known as a base for a geographically very diverse province, known for its mountains, rivers, waterfalls and ethnic mountain peoples. Travel time from Lao Cai to Sapa Valley is about 1 hour.

Vietnam trip | Cultural Vietnam

We offer this itinerary from €5,485 per person.

The tour price is an estimate and is subject to availability and the travel period, amongst other factors.

Included

• Domestic flights from Hanoi to Danang, Danang to Phu Quoc and Phu Quoc to Saigon in Economy Class
• 14 nights’ accommodation in beautiful boutique hotels
Meet & Greet on arrival
• 1 night on board a night train
• Full-board cruise in Halong Bay
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All meals as listed in the ‘itinerary’
• All included excursions as listed in the ‘programme’, including the excursions and treks in Sapa, a visit to My Son and a culinary adventure in Saigon
• Entrance fees during the land programme
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Sustainable elements of your trip:
• A €50 per person contribution towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Carbon-neutral excursions in Sapa
• City walks

Not included

• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Vietnam visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)

View other sample itineraries for Vietnam here

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