Asia · Vietnam
A comprehensive itinerary traversing Vietnam from north to south, revealing a country where ancient rural traditions of rice paddies and bamboo forests coexist with a dynamic drive towards modernity.
A comprehensive itinerary traversing Vietnam from north to south, revealing a country where ancient rural traditions of rice paddies and bamboo forests coexist with a dynamic drive towards modernity. The journey unfolds between the vibrancy of the capital, Hanoi, the iconic landscapes of Halong Bay, and the river rhythms of the Mekong Delta, offering profound insight into local culture and history.
The trip is distinguished by its variety of experiences and transport methods, ranging from traditional junk boat cruises among limestone karsts to discovering ethnic minorities in the mountainous highlands reached by overnight train. Cultural immersion is central, featuring in-depth visits to historic temples, pagodas, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Ethnology Museum, which is essential for understanding the country's tribal mosaic.
The programme includes private transfers by minibus, domestic flights, and evocative rail journeys, ensuring a pace that balances urban exploration with relaxation during the cruises. Full board dining and the constant presence of English-speaking local guides ensure a total immersion into the Vietnamese reality.
16 days in the programme
Departure on a scheduled international flight to Hanoi.
Landing in the Vietnamese capital followed by a private transfer to the hotel Landing in the Vietnamese capital followed by a private transfer to the hotel. Enjoy a first encounter with the city, defined by its numerous lakes and an atmosphere suspended between past and present. Overnight stay at the hotel with full board.
A day dedicated to discovering Hanoi, visiting Hoan Kiem Lake with the Ngoc Son Temple, as well as Ho Tay and Truc Bach lakes A day dedicated to discovering Hanoi, visiting Hoan Kiem Lake with the Ngoc Son Temple, as well as Ho Tay and Truc Bach lakes. Explore the Old Quarter, a labyrinth of medieval streets bustling with artisan workshops and daily life. Visit the Temple of Literature, an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Confucius. Full board at the hotel.
Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which includes the stilt house, the museum dedicated to the revolutionary leader, and the famous One Pillar Pagoda Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which includes the stilt house, the museum dedicated to the revolutionary leader, and the famous One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Museum of Ethnology to deepen your knowledge of tribal minorities and attend a traditional water puppet show. In the evening, transfer to the station for the overnight train to Lao Cai in first-class four-berth compartments. Full board with meals included.
Arrive in Lao Cai, on the border with China, to begin exploring the northern mountainous regions, characterised by spectacular terraced rice fields and tree-lined paths Arrive in Lao Cai, on the border with China, to begin exploring the northern mountainous regions, characterised by spectacular terraced rice fields and tree-lined paths. Meet the local people and visit the area's markets or villages. Full board and overnight stay at the hotel.
Continue exploring the tribal areas to observe the customs and traditions of different Vietnamese ethnic groups amidst bamboo groves and rural landscapes Continue exploring the tribal areas to observe the customs and traditions of different Vietnamese ethnic groups amidst bamboo groves and rural landscapes. In the evening, return to Lao Cai station for the overnight rail journey back to Hanoi in first-class sleepers. Full board.
Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and transfer to Halong Bay Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and transfer to Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk for a cruise through the emerald waters and limestone peaks of the bay. The voyage includes visits to caves and archaeological sites. Dinner and overnight stay on board in cabins with private facilities.
Spend the morning continuing the cruise through the bay Spend the morning continuing the cruise through the bay. After disembarking, transfer to Hanoi airport for a domestic flight to the central region of the country. Private transfer to the hotel and full board.
A day dedicated to visiting the historical capital of Vietnam A day dedicated to visiting the historical capital of Vietnam. Explore the archaeological sites, pagodas, and the Citadel, all enduring testimonies of the imperial past. Full board and overnight stay at the hotel.
Transfer to the coastal city of Hoi An, travelling through evocative natural scenery Transfer to the coastal city of Hoi An, travelling through evocative natural scenery. Visit the historic centre, a World Heritage site renowned for its traditional architecture and old-world atmosphere. Full board and overnight stay at the hotel.
Continue the exploration of Hoi An and its surroundings, visiting local markets, temples, and artisan workshops Continue the exploration of Hoi An and its surroundings, visiting local markets, temples, and artisan workshops. Enjoy free time to explore this town, famous for its lanterns and riverside life. Full board.
Transfer to Da Nang airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Transfer to Da Nang airport for a domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, begin your discovery of the southern metropolis, the symbol of Vietnamese modernisation. Full board and overnight stay at the hotel.
Depart for the Mekong Delta region Depart for the Mekong Delta region. Board a river boat to explore the complex network of canals and rivers. Observe rural life unfolding along the banks amidst plantations and floating markets. Overnight stay on board in cabins with private facilities and full board.
A second day of navigation to gain a deeper insight into life in the Delta A second day of navigation to gain a deeper insight into life in the Delta. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City for final visits to the city's history and its main monuments. Full board and overnight stay at the hotel.
Final hours at leisure for individual sightseeing or shopping in Saigon's Old Quarter before the private transfer to the airport for your return international flight Final hours at leisure for individual sightseeing or shopping in Saigon's Old Quarter before the private transfer to the airport for your return international flight. Meals are included based on the flight schedule.
Arrival in the UK and conclusion of the journey.
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