en
- Adventure
- 17-day trip
- From €4,185 per person
Vietnam holiday | Tour highlighting the authentic side of Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most beautiful countries in the South-East Asian region, and on this authentic tour of Vietnam, you’ll experience everything it has to offer. You’ll begin your journey in the capital, Hanoi, which is over 1,000 years old and has so much to offer. As well as the city’s highlights, you’ll also venture down the narrow alleys in search of the tastiest food!
You’ll travel south to visit the ‘Halong Bay on land’: Ninh Binh. This stunning region is perfect for boat trips and a wonderful cycle ride. Of course, Halong Bay is a must-see. During an all-inclusive cruise, you’ll visit not only Halong Bay but also the less touristy Lan Ha Bay. After your adventure in the bay, you’ll fly to central Vietnam and visit Hue, the cultural heart of Vietnam. The Imperial City is a must-see! You’ll travel over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, where you’ll discover rural life and get to know authentic Vietnamese cuisine during a cookery class .
You’ll then fly further south to experience a completely different side of Vietnam in the Mekong Delta, where you’ll also stay with local families in a homestay. You’ll travel through the delta by boat and really get to know local life. Via the delta, you’ll arrive in Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll see the city’s highlights and take a unique trip to the Cu Chi tunnels. You’ll round off this wonderful and comprehensive tour on the beach at Mui Ne, where you can relax and unwind.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Flight to Hanoi
- Day 2 Arrival in Hanoi
- Day 3 Exploring Hanoi
- Day 4 Ninh Binh
- Day 5 Multi-day cruise in Halong Bay
- Day 6 Highlights of Halong Bay
- Day 7 Journey to Hue
- Day 8 Hue, the Imperial City
- Day 9 Hoi An
- Day 10 Cooking classes in Tra Que
- Day 11 The Mekong Delta
- Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 13 Cu Chi Tunnels
- Days 14–16 Beach finale in Mui Ne
- Day 17 Departure from Vietnam
- Day 18 Arrival
Arrival in Hanoi
You’ll arrive in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, early in the morning. After going through immigration formalities, you’ll meet your guide and travel to the centre of Hanoi. If you have an early check-in, you can have breakfast and check in first.
Hanoi is a city with a unique, harmonious blend of ancient Vietnamese traditions and modern French style. Although Hanoi is a very chaotic city, it possesses an extremely elegant and graceful quality. The city has developed from its historic old quarter and grown into a metropolis of millions, where the connection between the existing (French) and modern architecture is strongly emphasised by the typical Vietnamese street life. You’ll have the whole day at your leisure to get used to your new surroundings.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
The standard check-in time is 2.00 pm. If you would like to check in early, this is possible for an additional charge.
Included
- Meet & greet with your guide
- Private transfer to your accommodation in Hanoi
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Not included
- Early check-in
Discover Hanoi
A very pleasant first day with your guide awaits you. Together with the guide, you will explore the highlights of Hanoi and visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, the one Pilar pagoda and the Ethnological Museum, among others. Along the way, take in the city's atmosphere. In between, have lunch on your own before diving deeper into local life in the afternoon, visiting the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son and Tran Quoc pagoda. Late in the afternoon, stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town and enjoy some of the delicacies that North Vietnam has to offer, visiting people's homes, eating off the street and enjoying a great cultural experience.
Included
- Excursion: "Hanoi Highlights and Foodie tour" including English-speaking guide, transportation, snacks and entrance fees
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Ninh Binh
After breakfast, you’ll swap the big city for the countryside. Just under two hours’ drive away lies Ninh Binh, the ‘Halong Bay on land’. You’ll travel to Tam Coc, where you’ll begin a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, passing beautiful rice fields and unique limestone karst formations. Along the way, you’ll also sail through three caves – a truly unique experience!
After your boat trip, you’ll visit Bich Dong, a temple nestled in the mountains. Following a somewhat steep climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. In the vicinity of Bich Dong, you’ll also go on a cycle ride to take in the area even better. You’ll make several stops at Hang Mua and Trang An, where you’ll board the boat to take in the stunning natural beauty. After your visits, you’ll head to your hotel and check in for a free afternoon and evening.
Included
- Excursion: "Ninh Binh by boat and bicycle" including English-speaking guide, transportation, mountain bike and helmet, boat and entrance fees
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Multi-day cruise in Halong Bay
From Halong Bay on land to the real Halong Bay. After breakfast, you’ll be taken by private transfer to Halong Pier, where you’ll board your cruise. The stunning seascape of Halong Bay, with its steep karst mountains rising dozens of metres above the jade-green water, is a mesmerising sight. This large inlet of the Gulf of Tonkin is dotted with nearly 2,000 islands. In 1994, UNESCO inscribed part of the bay on the World Heritage List.
You’ll arrive at Halong Pier and board your cruise ship. After a short briefing, it’s time to get to know the crew and the facilities on board. The cruise sets off and sails steadily through the bay. Lunch is served on board, so you can enjoy both the food and the incredible natural scenery. Over the next few days, you’ll enjoy fun activities and visits to local fishing villages, caves and beautiful secluded bays.
Included
- Private transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay pier with driver
- 3D/2N Oriental Sails cruise on full board basis, including excursions
Highlights of Halong Bay
Choose to get up early and take part in the morning Tai Chi sessions on deck, or stay in bed a little longer until breakfast is served on board. It’s set to be a lovely day as you sail through the bay, making various stops along the way to visit different caves, go kayaking and explore secluded beaches. You can swim, relax on the beach or go for short walks in the surrounding area. In the afternoon, you’ll visit a pearl farm and learn all about the ‘pearl-farming process’. It’s a fascinating day with visits to various spots that are often overlooked by mainstream tourists!
Included
- 3D/2N Oriental Sails cruise on full board basis, including excursions
Travel to Hue
The morning programme of the cruise gives you some free time to catch the last glimpses of the limestone formations from the deck. You will visit another cave after breakfast and then get ready to disembark and drive towards Hanoi. You will say goodbye to the crew and meet your driver for a transfer to Hanoi airport. After checking in, you will fly to central Vietnam and arrive in Hue, home of the "imperial citadel", in the early evening.
Included
- Morning programme Oriental Sails
- Private transfer to Hanoi airport
- Domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue
- Private transfer to your accommodation in Hue
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Hue, the Imperial City
In the morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast before travelling to the Thien Mu Pagoda and visiting the Imperial Citadel, as well as the tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh. The Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as the ‘Symbol of Hue’ and is renowned for its beautiful garden and serene atmosphere. You will also visit the Imperial Citadel. This vast complex houses palaces, temples and other buildings that served as the seat of the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty. It is one of the most impressive and significant historical sites in the country.
Later in the afternoon, you’ll continue the historical tour and visit the Minh Mang Tomb. The tomb is situated on a large, picturesque hill overlooking the Perfume River and is considered one of the finest examples of Nguyen dynasty architecture. You will also see the Khai Dinh Tomb with its unique blend of traditional Vietnamese and modern European architectural styles. After your visit, you will return to your hotel for a free afternoon and evening.
Included
- Excursion: "Highlights of Hue" including English-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Hoi An
After your breakfast, you will travel by private transfer to Hoi An, located about 2.5 hours away. The drive is partly along the coast and goes over the Hai Van pass, a route with very nice views of the beaches of Danang. After arriving in Hoi An, you will start with a walk past the quaint buildings that make Hoi An unique. You will walk through a maze of small streets and tree-lined streets. Thus, you will arrive in the centre of the old town of Hoi An, where you will visit the majestic Kwan Temple, the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, the Tan Ky Old House and the Japanese Cover Bridge. You will end your walk with a visit to the Historical and Cultural Museum. To end the day, you will be entertained with a traditional music performance and a visit to Hoi An's handicraft workshop before returning to the hotel.
Included
- Private transfer to Hoi An
- Excursion: 'Hiking tour Hoi An' including English-speaking guide and entrance fees
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Cooking classes in Tra Que
After breakfast, you’ll hop on a bike and, together with your guide, visit the local market to buy some herbs and vegetables for the cookery class that follows. The ride takes you through rice paddies and peaceful villages and lasts about an hour. You’ll then arrive in the vegetable village of Tra Que, where you’ll take a leisurely stroll through the garden and learn about the different types of culinary herbs and vegetables that will be used during the cookery class.
Meet your chef at the restaurant and learn more about the dishes you’ll be preparing. You’ll learn how to prepare and cook Banh Xeo: a Vietnamese pancake. Of course, the famous Vietnamese spring rolls are a must, and you’ll also make a Tam Huu salad. You can enjoy the lunch you’ve prepared yourself before setting off on your cycle ride back to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is entirely at your leisure.
Included
- Excursion: "Cooking classes in Tra Que" including English-speaking guide, chef guidance, bicycle and lunch
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
The Mekong Delta
You’ll check out and travel by private transfer to Danang Airport for a domestic flight to Saigon in southern Vietnam. The city is now known as Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your local guide and board a car for the journey to the Mekong Delta. You’ll begin your journey through the delta with a short visit to the Cai Be floating market. You’ll then visit Tân Phong Island to cycle and/or walk along village paths. You’ll see authentic local daily life, orchards, the school, a colonial church, a traditional pagoda and local homes. Dried water hyacinth is used to make various products such as baskets, bags, hats, wallets and shoes. Along the way, you’ll learn all about the process involved in using this versatile aquatic plant.
You’ll travel by rowing boat along small canals deeper into the Mekong Delta. You’ll enjoy lunch with a local host family before crossing the Mekong to An Bình Island. You’ll check in at a local homestay on the island, freshen up and head to the kitchen to cook special dishes for dinner together with your host and his wife. You’ll be staying with your host family tonight.
Included
- Private transfer to Danang airport
- Domestic flight from Danang to Saigon
- Private transfer to the Mekong Delta (Vinh Long)
- Excursion: "Cai Be market and boating through the Mekong Delta" including English-speaking guide, transportation, lunch and dinner
- Overnight accommodation in a homestay including breakfast
Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a local breakfast prepared by your hosts. You’ll say goodbye to your host family and take a stroll through the village to soak up the morning rituals. You can pop into the local workshop to see how rice paper, coconut sweets and puffed rice are made. Enjoy some sweets with a cup of hot tea.
You’ll continue your journey by boat and visit the kilns where beautiful clay ornaments are made. You’ll pass a floating village and see how catfish are farmed. You’ll also visit the Vinh Long market, where fish, prawns, crabs, snakes, rice field rats, tropical fruit and all sorts of vegetables are sold. The cruise ends at around 10.00 am in the town of Vinh Long, after which you’ll travel to Ho Chi Minh City, check in and have the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.
Included
- Excursion: "Morning walk and local cruise through the Delta" including English-speaking guide, transportation, local snacks and tea
- Private transfer to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning, you’ll visit the Cu Chi tunnels in a slightly different way to the average tourist. You’ll travel by speedboat along the Saigon River to the historic Cu Chi tunnels. On the way, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast on board. At around 09:00, you’ll arrive at the tunnels and begin a two-hour guided tour, during which you’ll explore the tunnels and learn about their history. Lunch will be served after your visit, after which you’ll travel back to Saigon.
In the early afternoon, you’ll begin your city tour to visit the highlights of Saigon (also known as Ho Chi Minh City), such as the War Remnants Museum, the Old Post Office, the Opera House and Central Park.
Included
- Excursion: "Speedboat trip to the Cu Chi tunnels" including English-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees
- Lunch
- Excursion: "Highlights of Saigon" including English-speaking guide, transportation, and entrance fees
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Beach exit in Mui Ne
You will leave the city after breakfast to conclude your Vietnam trip with a lovely peaceful beach visit. The next few days are completely free to enjoy the serene surroundings of Mui Ne. Besides a lovely white beach and blue sea, Mui Ne offers other activities and attractions such as "Red Sand Dunes", fishing villages, the "fairy Stream" and the Po Shanu Cham towers. You can also kite surf, take boat trips and enjoy delicious fresh seafood. Mui Ne is a wonderful place to end a beautiful trip through Vietnam!
Included
- Private transfer to your accommodation in Mui Ne
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Accommodations
MK Premier Boutique Hotel
Combining traditional culture and modern design, MK Premier Hotel offers 65 uniquely designed rooms to give an unexpected experience to Hanoi and its visitors, a dynamic and unforgettable hospitality experience. Ideally located in the heart of Hanoi's beautiful and historic Old Quarter and the famous 36...
Combining traditional culture and modern design, MK Premier Hotel offers 65 uniquely designed rooms to give an unexpected experience to Hanoi and its visitors, a dynamic and unforgettable hospitality experience. Ideally located in the heart of Hanoi's beautiful and historic Old Quarter and Vietnam's famous 36 streets, MK Premier Hotel offers an atmosphere that is at once refined, remembered and inspiring in traditional Vietnamese style and old-fashioned sophistication.
Your stay: 2 nights
Tam Coc Garden
A beautiful oasis of tranquillity with spacious rooms and more than enough facilities. There are plenty of opportunities to relax by the pool or make use of the bikes available for hire here. Do book these in advance so that the bikes can be adjusted to suit your height.
Your stay: 1 night
Oriental Sails
Oriental Sails features 18 luxury cabins in traditional style combined with modern facilities and comfort. The mess has rattan and wooden furniture, a large number of windows for fantastic views from inside, and a panoramic sun deck that allows for various activities with the beauty of...
Oriental Sails features 18 luxury cabins in traditional style combined with modern facilities and comfort. The clutter has rattan and wooden furniture, a large number of windows for fantastic interior views, and a panoramic sun deck that allows for various activities with the beauty of Halong Bay in the background. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese style, Oriental Sails II (8 cabins) offers Vietnamese charm combined with modern facilities and high-quality service. The junk boat offers rattan and wooden furniture, cosy cabins and restaurant, large windows with stunning panoramic views of Halong Bay, and a relaxing spacious upper deck for endless fun and leisure.
Your stay: 2 nights
Alba Spa Hotel
Located in the heart of the historic city of Hue, Alba Spa Hotel is a tranquil haven for body, mind and soul. Located in a quiet alley, the 10-storey building is just steps away from Hue's main attractions, including the Trang Tien Bridge, the Huong River and the...
The Alba Spa Hotel is situated in the heart of the historic city of Hue and is a peaceful retreat for body, mind and soul. The 10-storey building is situated in a quiet alleyway, just a stone’s throw from Hue’s main attractions, including the Trang Tien Bridge, the Huong River and the famous Imperial City of Hue. Alba Spa Hotel prides itself on its unique spa hotel concept, in which water and its health benefits are central to its philosophy. With its state-of-the-art facilities and a team of caring and dedicated staff, the Alba Spa Hotel strives to offer travellers and locals a rewarding and lasting experience.
Your stay: 2 nights
Hoi An Historic Hotel
The Hoi An Historic Hotel opened its doors in 1991 and, thanks to its charming atmosphere, central location and extensive facilities, is a lovely place to stay. The bright, spacious rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and offer every comfort for a relaxing stay. After a day full of new experiences, you can enjoy…
The Hoi An Historic Hotel opened its doors in 1991 and, thanks to its charming atmosphere, central location and extensive facilities, is a lovely place to stay. The bright, spacious rooms and suites are elegantly furnished and offer every comfort for a relaxing stay. After a day full of new experiences, you can unwind in the lush gardens, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or relax in the spa.
The hotel also has plenty to offer in terms of cuisine. In the restaurants, you can sample a variety of Vietnamese, Asian and Western dishes, whilst the bars invite you to enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Those who like to stay active can head to the tennis court or the fitness centre. Thanks to its delightful combination of comfort, hospitality and facilities, the Hoi An Historic Hotel is an excellent base from which to explore the charming town of Hoi An and its historic streets.
Your stay: 2 nights
Ut Trinh Homestay
Ut Trinh Homestay - a local house with typical Mekong architecture is located on an island of Binh, surrounded by gardens, bonsai trees and a variety of tropical fruit trees. Come enjoy the family atmosphere, good food, authentic house with simple but comfortable rooms, orchards with a fun...
Ut Trinh Homestay - a local house with typical Mekong architecture is located on an island of Binh, surrounded by gardens, bonsai trees and a variety of tropical fruit trees. Come enjoy the family atmosphere, good food, authentic house with simple but comfortable rooms, orchards with a fun hospitality experience with local family, great food in beautiful surroundings.
Your stay: 1 night
Mai House Saigon
MAI HOUSE Saigon is a stylish hotel in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where comfort and hospitality come together. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a relaxing moment on the sun terrace or work on your fitness in the gym. The restaurant serves delicious meals…
MAI HOUSE Saigon is a stylish hotel in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where comfort and hospitality come together. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool, enjoy a relaxing moment on the sun terrace or work on your fitness in the gym. The restaurant serves delicious meals, and you can start the day off right with a generous breakfast buffet.
The rooms are modern and comfortably furnished and feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and an en-suite bathroom. With a 24-hour reception, room service and free Wi-Fi, everything is in place for a pleasant stay. Combining contemporary facilities with a welcoming atmosphere, MAI HOUSE Saigon is a lovely base from which to explore Ho Chi Minh City.
Your stay: 2 nights
Pandanus Resort
Pandanus Resort in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, features two bands and offers all guests an introductory walking tour of the Mui Ne fishing village. Due to the size of the resort, the hotel offers guests the feeling of freedom and independence. Adjacent to the beach, the hotel also has a huge swimming pool that will be...
Pandanus Resort in Mui Ne, Phan Thiet, features two bands and offers all guests an introductory walking tour of the Mui Ne fishing village. Due to the size of the resort, the hotel offers guests the feeling of freedom and independence. Adjacent to the beach, the hotel also has a huge swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. Many tropical plants and flowers can also be found in the rest of the garden. The public areas have high ceilings, while the bungalows nicely match the orange sand dunes near the resort.
Your stay: 3 nights
Experiences
Tra Que Garden Cooking Class
Located in Hoi An, Vietnam, Tra Que Garden Cooking Class offers visitors a unique cooking experience. The tour starts at 08:30 and has a duration of about 5 hours. Visitors will be guided by a cooking instructor and the first part of the tour begins by visiting a local market. The next part of the tour takes place in...
Located in Hoi An, Vietnam, Tra Que Garden Cooking Class offers visitors a unique cooking experience. The tour starts at 08:30 and has a duration of about 5 hours. Visitors will be guided by a cooking instructor and the first part of the tour begins by visiting a local market. The next part of the tour takes place in the Tra Que Vegetable Village where vegetables unique in flavour are grown. A farmer will then show visitors the process behind preparing and fertilising the soil with seaweed collected from a nearby river. Visitors will then enjoy a relaxing foot massage before taking part in preparing dishes with the vegetables and herbs from the vegetable village. These dishes include rice pancakes, banana flower salad, fresh spring rolls, and fried spring rolls.
Cu Chi tunnels
With this half-day tour, you will visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels near Ho Chi Minh city. A driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel. The tunnels can be found 75 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh city, in an area that played a major role during the Vietnam War. More than 200 kilometres of...
With this half-day tour, you will visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels near Ho Chi Minh city. A driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel. The tunnels can be found 75 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh city, in an area that played a major role during the Vietnam War. More than 200 kilometres of underground tunnels were built here by the Vietnamese guerillas. You will have the chance to admire the bedrooms, meeting rooms, hideouts and kitchens. You will get a good impression of life underground in this extraordinary tunnel complex.
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.
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.
Hue
The former capital is the cultural and religious centre of Vietnam and achieved Unesco's World Heritage List in 1993. The city owes its charm partly to its location on the Perfume River, but more importantly, to its many ancient temples and palaces, the remnants of the last surviving Vietnamese; Nguyen dynasty. The 19th-century Hue Citadel (also known as the Imperial City) is very impressive. There are also numerous other shrines and stupas scattered along the riverbank, including the Thien Mu pagoda with its octagonal tower. You can also eat exceptionally well at one of the city's many restaurants.
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.
Vietnam
Mekong River Delta
The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam consists of a 60,000 km network of connected waterways stretching across three Vietnamese provinces. This lush, tropical delta is dominated by Southeast Asia's most powerful river, the Mekong. Exploring these rivers and their numerous tributaries is, of course, ideal by boat. The area is full of small artisan villages, Khmer pagodas, beautiful mangroves, picturesque orchards and some remarkable floating markets.
Phan Thiet
On the coast of Southern Vietnam you will find Phan Thier and Mui Ne, traditional fishing villages that are becoming an increasingly cosy beach destination. The long beaches and beautiful sunsets are the main reason to visit, but in the area you will also find tropical forests, Sahara-like sand dunes, beautiful harbours and ancient, colonial buildings and temples.
Mui Ne
Mui Ne is one of Vietnam's most popular beach destinations. This beautiful destination offers beautiful sandy beaches with luxury resorts and some great restaurants, bars and shops. Travellers looking for a traditional Vietnamese experience can head to a nearby fishing village that offers stunning views of the coastline lined with palm trees and colourful fishing boats. In addition, Mui Ne is a paradise for kitesurfers, and also attracts athletes from all over the world. Other popular activities include surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and jet skiing.
My Tho
My Tho is the capital of the Vietnamese province of Tiền Giang and a key gateway to the beautiful Mekong Delta. This important market town lies on the northern bank of the Mekong River and boasts a number of nearby offshore islands that can easily be visited on short trips. The city’s convenient location relative to Ho Chi Minh City makes it a popular destination for day trips for travellers seeking peaceful riverside life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Must-see attractions include a lively morning market and the sprawling Vinh Trung Pagoda with its three impressive Buddha statues
Bach Ma National Park
Set in Central Vietnam and stretching from the Annamite Mountains to the coast, Bach Ma National Park is a massive protected area situated close to the city of Hue in Vietnam. The park boasts beautiful scenery such as waterfalls, mountain ranges, hiking trails, rustic French villas and natural pools. This nature lover's paradise features a variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can look forward to spotting rare orchids, ferns and over 1400 other plant species, view abundant wildlife, and enjoy an array of activities such as hiking, mountain climbing and swimming. Other popular sites include: the magnificent Do Quyen Waterfall; the magical Ngu Ho, comprising five lakes known for their incredible aquamarine hues and the picturesque Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
Ninh Binh
Ninh Binh is the capital of the province of the same name. This laid-back city is an ideal base for exploring the remarkably scenic surrounding countryside. The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the Trang An Scenic Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with lush green rice paddies, the typical Vietnamese limestone landscape and a number of impressive caves. Other popular nearby attractions include the nation's largest pagoda and the extraordinary view from the top of Mount Hang Mua.
Vinh Long
Located about halfway between My Tho and Can Tho in Vinh Long province, Vinh Long is an idyllic town with beautiful temples, a stunning floating market and a beautiful island, as well as plenty of restaurants. The beautiful Co Chien River, lined by colourful orchards and farms, is home to the Cai Be floating market, where visitors can buy deliciously fresh produce and souvenirs while watching the sunrise, as part of a boat tour of the area. Cruises and tours also visit the beautiful island of An Binh, where guests can also rent bicycles to explore the area. Culture lovers should definitely visit the fascinating Van Thanh Mieu (Temple of Literature) and the historic and rare Confucian Van Thanh Mieu Temple. While you're here, make sure to try the local, freshly made sugarcane juice.
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.
Vietnam holiday | Tour highlighting the authentic side of Vietnam
We offer this itinerary from €4,185 per person
The tour price is an indication and is subject to availability and travel dates, amongst other factors.
Included
• Domestic flights from Hanoi to Hue and from Danang to Saigon in Economy Class, including hold luggage
• Accommodation in charming, authentic hotels
• Overnight stay in a local homestay, including lunch and dinner
• Full-board multi-day cruise in Halong Bay
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All included excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including a cycle tour in Ninh Binh, cookery classes in Hoi An and a homestay in the Mekong Delta
• Entrance fees during the land programme
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Carbon-neutral excursions by bike and kayak
• Homestay in the Mekong Delta
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)