From Hanoi to Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, this 12-day Vietnam vacation takes you around the incredible country.
On this Classic Vietnam Tour, you can gain a deeper understanding of the country’s history and culture. Begin your journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic and colonial capital, and travel to Halong Bay, which is known for its turquoise waters and towering limestone karsts.
Then, travel to Hue and visit the Citadel before moving on to Hoi An’s quiet, well-preserved streets. And see samples of French classical architecture in Saigon’s busy streets. See the Reunification Palace and the Cu Chi Tunnels, two of the most significant historical sites from the Vietnam War. This tour will also provide you with a taste of river life as you travel across the Mekong Delta.
Arrive in Vietnam’s capital which is famous for its rich culture, bustling life and colonial influences on their centuries-old architecture. Little lakes dotted around the city are encased by busy streets and secret alleyways, which are waiting to be explored.
Today we enjoy an action-packed city tour. We make the first stop at Huu Tiep Lake, where the famous downed American B-52 bomber is located, and stroll through the lively local market. We then visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, built in honor of the one who was considered a historical figure and father of modern Vietnam (closed on Mondays and Fridays from September to December) and see the exteriors of the Presidential Palace, former residence of the Governor of Indochina from 1954 to 1969. In the same complex, we find the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly in 1049 and considered an important symbol for the inhabitants of Hanoi.
We continue to Van Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam streets to visit the Temple of Literature, which was the first University of Vietnam and dates from the 11th century. We walk through the streets of the old town to see the local people trading and going about their daily lives. We sat down in a crazy coffee shop for a refreshing cup of coffee or green tea. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and the rest of the day free.
Today, we depart Hanoi early this morning for Halong City (Approximately 4-hour drive), a natural wonder declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. We’ll explore the rich lands of the Red River delta as we observe the curious daily life of villagers working in the rice fields where there are water buffalo, cows, ducks and other water birds.
Arrival, boarding, welcome drink and cabin assignment. The best way to get to know this unique enclave is to spend a night aboard a charming traditional sailing boat, slowly ploughing through the waters to admire its breathtaking mystical landscape, where thousands of bizarrely sculpted limestone islands jut out into a sparkling emerald sea and are surrounded by colourful floating villages.
Lunch on board. We sail through the bay and see several rock formations such as the well-known Dinh Huang or “incense pot”. We stop to see some limestone caves and local fishing villages. We enjoy a magnificent dinner on board while we watch the sunset.
Brunch on board as the traditional junk continues sailing through the idyllic landscapes of Halong Bay. We bid farewell to this natural beauty before heading back to Halong port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by road.
In the afternoon you may have some free time before the transfer to the train station. It has been ensured that day rooms are available for the group to freshen up on their return from Halong Bay. Train ride to Hue. Overnight in four-bed compartments. (Travel time on the train approx. 11 hours).
Upon arrival in the morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter, the bustling Dong Ba Market is a great place to sample some of the specialties that once graced the Nguyen emperors’ tables like Banh Khoai (royal rice cake). Reunite with the group to visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, statehouses and the emperor’s palace.
Today, see the hue from the back of a motorbike! Depart to Hue countryside tour covering the best villages destinations and local foods. You have just found it!
We’ll begin the day by enjoying a tasty cup of coffee or tea at Lavin Decor, a specialty coffee, tea, and paper flower shop.
Then we’ll go to Thuy Chanh village to learn about the lives of the locals. We see beautiful rice fields, a Japanese bridge, and a small market in this village. After that, we go on a boat tour of Hue’s countryside. We’ll take you to the Standing Buddha Temple, which represents Hue’s largest lady Buddha statue, as well as the Khai Dinh Tomb, which combines Eastern and Western architecture.
Then, we climb Vong Canh Hill where you can view the Hue Perfume River. This is the most beautiful view in Hue city. Here, where we all will share about the history of the river as well as some facts about the war in Vietnam.
This morning, we drive to Danang (Approximately 4 hours), crossing the picturesque Hai Van pass. Also, have the chance to visit the Cham Museum. Continue the drive south to Hoi An, past the Marble Mountains. One of the most impressive scenic parts of your journey lies ahead of you. Not far to the south you can reach the most charming of all Vietnamese cities – Hoi An.
Check-in and in the afternoon, stroll the narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An with your local expert, which served as a thriving trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries. Stroll through the pedestrian streets of this well-preserved architectural center and pass various buildings, temples, merchant houses and pagodas. Marvel at the various French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Pass the 400-year-old covered Japanese bridge and learn more about the history of the structure from your guide. Visit the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation Hall and take a close look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market selling colorful goods, Spices and exotic fruits are sold. The market is particularly known for its locally produced silk. A separate part of the area is therefore dedicated to the tailors.
Today, we will visit the ancient Champa Kingdom that dates back to the 3rd century and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Set in a lovely valley surrounded by mountain peaks, the temples that were rebuilt in the 7th-century became a sanctuary of Hinduism.
This is one of the most stunning sights to see in the Hoi An area is My Son, a spiritual center of the ancient kingdom of Champa. Located in the heart of a beautiful valley and surrounded by high mountains, My Son is about 45 kilometers away from Hoi An. Letters from the 4th century were found during excavations at My Son, revealing that the temples of the complex were used to worship and make offerings to the Hindu gods. In 1999, UNESCO designated My Son a World Heritage Site.
Originally built from wood, the temples were completely destroyed by fire in the 6th century and then rebuilt in the 7th century with locally made bricks. By the 13th century, more than 70 similar temples had been built, establishing My Son as a sanctuary of Hinduism in the Champa Kingdom.
After visiting the temple, we will return to Hoi An and your afternoon is at leisure.
This morning, take a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately 1.5 hours). Formerly known as Saigon, is probably the most exciting city in Vietnam and a popular travel destination for individual Asia trips. Life in Ho Chi Minh City pulsates around the clock and the city is always filled with motorcycles, cars and bicycles.
Around noon you start your half-day sightseeing tour of the most important sights in the center. On a tour of the War Remnants Museum, you can still feel the long-lasting aftermath of the Vietnam War today.
This morning, we take an excursion to discover the magical Mekong Delta. We head to the Ben Tre province crossing the Rach Mieu bridge. Arriving at Hung Vuong Pier, we board a motorized boat on the Ben Tre River, one of the tributaries of the Mekong River, and sail through the narrow canals, surrounded by dense vegetation of mangroves, coconut palms, rice fields and orchards of tropical fruits, to the heart of the delta while we witness the lively daily activities of the locals. We make a stop at a brick kiln, where they are made by hand with the mud that is extracted from the river and then we visit one of the coconut workshops which are located along the canal, where they process the fruit to obtain different products such as oil, sugar, milk or coconut candies. Then we cross the shady trails and green rice fields by motorized car or bicycle to discover a completely different world where life unfolds around the river. We then enjoy a pleasant ride in a rowboat to a beautiful palm tree stream before returning to the dock.
Today, we take a half-day excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels. The Important base of the Vietcong during the War with the United States, the Cu Chi tunnels were never discovered by American forces. This incredible underground network that extends for 200 km, has been excavated by hand on the hard laterite stone and connects different rooms such as command posts, hospitals, houses and weapons factories. Today, you can walk through this area and discover the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly camouflaged entrances, learn about the traps they prepared and even venture into the tunnels, some of which have been modified so that they can access tourists. Returning to Ho Chi Minh City the remainder of the afternoon is free.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Ho Chi Minh City at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is 20 minutes from the airport.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Located in Hanoi and with Thang Long Water Puppet Theater reachable within 100 metres. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a desk and a private bathroom.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Santa Maria Cruise Halong has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Ha Long. Featuring barbecue facilities, the 4-star cruise has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
Hue, Vietnam
This hotel is located in Hue, a city that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a perfect location for both exploration and relaxation. Romance Hotel has 110 well-furnished rooms only a short distance from Perfume River and many more popular locations.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Pho Hoi Riverside Resort is located on the banks of the picturesque Hoi An River, with a stunning bridge named Cam Nam connecting the historical town center and Cam Nam Island, a tourist resort. The resort has a variety of unique villas and bungalows. All rooms feature private hallways and balconies with breathtaking views of the entire town and the hustle and bustle of the Hoi An market.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, 500 meters from War Remnants Museum. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. The hotel rooms are equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
Meals are characterized by fresh, seasonal ingredients, prepared in a simple, classic style of Vientam. Food & cooking course is offering bountiful selections of local specialities and feature hand-made food among other favourites. Western food is also available during the trip.
Dietary Requirement
If you have any specific food requirements (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies), please inform in advance so that we can provide a notice to the restaurant or hotel where you will be served.
Each activity comes with an experienced tour guide responsible for offering local insight, pursuing great experiences and make every tour exceptional.
They are trained to make your trip magical. We know that it’s the unexpected surprises that make a trip memorable. That’s why our guides pride themselves on anticipating your needs before you ask.
Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh
Min. 2 – Max. 12 People
12+ years old
Walk/Boat/Vehicle/Cruise
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REQUEST A QUOTEThe terrain is varied, mainly flat and follows by the mixture of tarmac roads and dirt roads passing the countryside & Angkor complex. We cycle on backroads with lovely open landscapes and leisurely with plenty of stops to rest or take photos. Our Siem Reaper guides can also easily accommodate type riders, who seek less ride with a boost in the van.
We strongly recommend that you ride a mountain bike for our trips involved in asphalt, dirt, and backroads that some are sandy and rocky. If you are much more comfortable with your own stuff, we highly suggest bringing such as pedal, saddle, helmets, and water bottles. Our mechanic will adjust to your bikes and personal stuff.
The tools and spares are carried by your tour guide in the vehicle along with a full toolkit for the tour. However, it is also gauche for us to carry spares for every eventuality, therefore, it is necessary that when before departing, you should have a quick look at your two-wheel fellow whether it is in good order.
We recommend you to wear a helmet all our biking adventures and is non-negotiable. If you do not wear a helmet you will not be allowed to cycle. Your tour guide is trained in first aid and emergency rescue, but to a large degree, you must be responsible for your own safety while riding.
The country has two distinct weather seasons but we can travel all year round in Cambodia. Our wet season runs from May to September and the dry season from October until April and the heaviest rainfall usually in August & September. The cooler is 24°C around November/December and hottest hitting 35°C around April/May.
Keeping you completely hydrated is a job we take very seriously. Cold water, some energy-restoring local fruit, and soft drinks are included in the tour price while riding. Soft drinks and other beverages during meals are not included. Beer is freely available everywhere but is NOT included in the price.
The currency of Cambodia is called ‘Riel’, and there are however no needs to change the currency into riel as US dollars are accepted everywhere. Please kindly note that ripped, torn, or old bills will not be accepted. ATM machines are available in the main cities across the country and mostly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Saturday morning until 12:00 PM. Most hotels and restaurants in the major cities will charge US dollars, but for other currencies, it is advisable to visit a bank. Traveller’s checks can be exchanged at banks and some hotels, but it is not usable outside of the major cities. We would highly recommend using Visa Card or Master Card, as they are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. As if you wish to travel in a local taxi (Tuk-Tuk), make sure to have the right amount of cash and change with you as the drivers are unlikely to keep a lot of cash with them.
The visitors to Cambodia require a passport to enter the country and all travelers must hold a passport with the validation for 6 months after their planned exit from Cambodia.
Citizens of the UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and almost all other nationalities will require a visa to visit Cambodia. Non-UK residents should check with the Cambodian Embassy in their country of residence for the most up-to-date information. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh & Siem Reap international airports without prior registration. Visa issued on arrival for most nationalities, US $30/pax, and the visa has a one-month validity. You need to pay in cash and in US Dollars and provide two recent, identical passport photographs.
Travel insurance is not covered in the tour price. You can organize travel insurance with your preferred insurance company. As medical facilities in Cambodia are rather limited, so it is imperative for you to take out a good medical insurance policy when travelling.