BEST OF VIETNAM
BEST OF VIETNAM
from £1,499.00Dates and Prices
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Join other Solo Adventures to Vietnam an incredible country with beauty and cultural diversity that is just waiting to be explored. From Hanoi's Old and French Quarters to the picturesque Ha Long Bay Cruise; from the ancient My Son Holy Land Sanctuary to a vibrant Hoi An Cooking Class; from the magnificent Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills to the majestic Imperial City of Hue; from the bustling Ho Chi Minh City to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, there is something for everyone in Vietnam. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventurer, you're sure to find something to enjoy on your visit to Vietnam.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- All tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary
- 4 star hotels inc breakfast and Halong Cruise
- Private minibus throughout and 2 domestic flights
- Airport Transfers
- Prices based on sharing a twin room (single room option available at additional cost, this varies on trip so please get in touch to find out the cost)
- Experienced and trusted guides throughout the trip
ITINERARY
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DAY 1
Welcome to Hanoi -
DAY 2
Explore Hanoi old and French Quarters -
DAY 3
Ha Long Bay Cruise -
DAY 4
Ha Long Bay Cruise -Luon Caves -
DAY 5
My Son Holy Land Sanctuary -
DAY 6
Hoi An – Cooking Class -
DAY 7
Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills -
DAY 8
Imperial City of Hue -
DAY 9
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) -
DAY 10
Cu Chi Tunnels -
DAY 11
Cai Be – Experience local river life and idyllic scenery -
DAY 12
Bid Farewell to Saigon
YOUR ITINERARY
Welcome to Hanoi
Today is an arrival day so there are no planned activities. Tonight you can join your guide and the rest of your group for dinner to get to know your fellow travellers!
Explore Hanoi old and French Quarters
After breakfast, you will begin your city tour of Hanoi, the bustling Vietnamese capital. You will the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, The Temple of Literature and the Ethnology Museum, dedicated to the diverse hill tribes in Vietnam. You will also take a 1-hour cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter to experience local life in the oldest parts of the city. Catch a famous water puppet show in Thang Long Theatre. Overnight in Hanoi.
Ha Long Bay Cruise
Leaving early, you will begin your journey to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay. This natural wonder truly is one of Vietnam’s most impressive sites. This exciting cruise will provide you with picturesque views of the 3000 limestone islands which stand tall in the emerald waters of North Vietnam. These limestone karst formations are dotted with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. You will spend the night aboard the boat.
Ha Long Bay Cruise -Luon Caves
Today is the second day of your boat cruise around the magnificent Ha Long Bay. After breakfast you will visit the Luon Caves before being transferred back to Hanoi for evening flights to Danang and then transfer onto Hoi An.
My Son Holy Land Sanctuary
After breakfast, visit the ruins at My Son Holy Land, the former capital of the ancient Cham civilisation that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century. In the afternoon, you will begin a walking tour of Hoi An, visiting a Japanese style bridge pagoda dating back to 1593, the Sa Huynh Museum, the Tran Family Chapel, and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall. You will end your tour with a visit to a Lantern Workshop, for which Hoi An is famous.
Hoi An – Cooking Class
After breakfast you cruise down the Thu Bon River in a Bamboo boat and visit the local food market before learning how to cook delicious Vietnamese dishes. Early evening you can take a sunset cruise and witness the magic of the glowing lanterns and release a lucky lantern into the river
Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills
In the morning, you’ll be leaving Hoi An and driving to visit the Ba Na Hills, home to the newly opened ‘Golden Bridge’. At an altitude of 1487m, you’ll take the cable car to the top of the mountain for stunning views of the scenery below. You’ll also visit the deer park and Linh Ung Pagoda. After lunch, your guide will take you on a walk to explain more about the ecology of the Ba Na Hills. Afterwards, continue on your journey to Hue, where you will spend the night.
Imperial City of Hue
After breakfast, you will be given a guided tour of the city of Hue. Located in the heart of Hue is the impressive Imperial Citadel, a vast and beautiful complex built in the early 19th century. You will also visit Dien Tho Palace, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Hall of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Perfume River, stopping at the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven tiered octagonal tower which has become ones of Hue’s most recognisable monuments. Continue cruising into the countryside to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful setting.
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Free morning time in Hue. Lunch will be at a local restaurant and then you will be transferred to Da Nang Airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.
Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning you will make a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, but were never discovered by American forces, despite stretching over 200km. You will then visit all the interesting sites and landmarks in Ho Chi Minh city, including the Notre Dame Catholic Cathedral, the Reunification Palace, and the War Remnants Museum, which primarily contains exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Overnight in Saigon.
Cai Be – Experience local river life and idyllic scenery
After breakfast, you will be driven to Cai Be, where you will be taken by boat to visit a family making rice paper and a lively floating market. In the afternoon, you will take a walk to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Vietnamese countryside life, stopping on the way to learn about fruit trees. Transfer back to Saigon in the late afternoon.
Bid Farewell to Saigon
Today is the final day of your tour and you will be transferred to the airport for international flights home.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Check FCO Travel Advice and Entry Requirements
Visa Requirements
Vaccinations and Health Advice
Travel Insurance
Packing List and other Useful information
- Backpack or day bag
- Power adaptors- https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/gb/vietnam/
- Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Travel wipes/ Hand sanitizer/Face Mask
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable Walking shoes/trainers and flip flops
- Swimwear
- Clothing-Lightweight clothing is recommended as Vietnam’s hot and humid climate calls for light, breathable clothes and light raincoat for showers
- Medication – If you are carrying prescribed medication, you will need to carry a doctor’s note with you to verify this.
- CURRENCY
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). It is recommended to take US dollars, Euros or Vietnamese Dong with you when travelling to Vietnam. US dollars are accepted in most places, however it is best to have some Vietnamese Dong on hand for smaller purchases. Credit cards are widely accepted in Vietnam, especially in cities and tourist areas. However, it is always best to carry cash, as some places may not accept all credit cards. ATMs are available in most cities, however it is best to check with your bank or credit card company to ensure that your cards will work in Vietnam.