Vietnam Beaches & Culture
Summary
This itinerary aims to take you through all the highlights of Vietnam with a focus on its beaches and cultural sites in 15 nights. It aims to do so by using the best hotels, local guides and experiences. It will be a truly unforgettable trip for anyone’s first visit to Vietnam or for someone looking to stay at some of the world’s best beach resorts.
Duration |
16 Days
Price
From $7,128.00 per person based on two people sharing*Best time to go
There really is no best or worst time to visit Vietnam as it totally depends on where you are visiting. However, the official peak season is from September to April.
Tour Highlights
- Sail along the dramatic Halong Bay in a traditional Vietnamese junk boat
- Guided tour of the fascinating Cu-Chi tunnels, the former Vietcong underground stronghold
- Visit the stunning UNESCO town of Hoi An
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi
Arrive at Hanoi airport and transfer in a private air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel. Relax and get acclimatised to Vietnam’s bustling capital. The hotel is well located close to top restaurants and attractions, should you wish to venture out into the city.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole
Day 3: Hanoi
Today you’ll sample the highlights of Hanoi with a full day city tour.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole
Day 4: Halong Bay
You’ll undertake the three and a half hour journey to Halong Bay where you’ll board your luxury home for the next two nights. The Violet is a traditional Vietnamese ‘junk’ boat which has been restored in traditional Indochinese style. This is a luxury cruise in every sense with the boat offering just 6 en-suite rooms, all with private balcony. On your first day you’ll cruise between Halong Bay’s karst limestone pillars, explore caves and fishing villages, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking class and witness one of the world’s most breathtaking sunsets.
Overnight: Violet Junk
Day 5: Halong Bay
Rise early if you wish to enjoy a Tai Chi class and Halong Bay’s sunrise. The rest of the day will be spent further exploring Halong’s scenery as well as optional biking on Cat Ba Island and kayaking through the enchanting waterways of the bay.
Overnight: Violet Junk
Day 6: Hanoi
This morning your cruise will visit Ti Top island which offers amazing panoramas. After you’ll enjoy brunch as you journey back to shore where you’ll arrive in the late morning. You’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, where you have a free day to enjoy the city, staying at the Sofitel.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole
Day 7: Lang Co
You’ll be transferred to Hanoi airport for the short flight to Da Nang. At Da Nang airport a transfer will be waiting to take you to the Banyan Tree hotel in Lang Co. Lang Co is home to one of Vietnam’s best beaches which the Banyan Tree is situated on. It is also equidistant from the historically important towns of Hue and Hoi An. This will be the perfect spot to base yourself in central Vietnam.
Overnight: Banyan Tree
Day 8: Lang Co
Today you’ll enjoy a half day city tour of Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital. The Imperial Citadel, Tu Duc Royal Tomb and the Congregation Hall will be just a few of the highlights.
Overnight: Banyan Tree
Day 9: Lang Co
Journey south to enjoy a half day walking tour of Hoi An a prosperous and historic trading port. Hoi An boasts a UNESCO world heritage listed ancient town and is a jewel in Vietnam’s crown.
Overnight: Banyan Tree
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to Da Nang airport for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it is known to the locals. Here you’ll be transferred to your hotel. This hotel is excellently situated to make the most of Saigon’s attractions and offers French colonial luxury. In the afternoon you can either relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities, explore Saigon or visit the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Viet Cong famously lived underground during the Vietnamese war, only surfacing to launch stealth attacks against the enemy.
Overnight: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
The Mekong Delta south-west of Saigon is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. A full day tour is included where you’ll travel to the Mekong, before cruising between floating markets and down narrow canals on traditional sampans.
Overnight: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel
Day 12: Con Dao
Transfer to Saigon international airport for your flight to Con Dao Island, here you’ll be staying at the Six Senses Con Dao, Vietnam’s premier beach resort. Here you’ll enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Con Dao from your luxury villa featuring a private pool. Six Senses Con Dao is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy your final few days in Vietnam.
Overnight: Six Senses Con Dao
Days 13 - 14: Con Dao
A day at leisure to enjoy the spa and sights of Con Dao Island.
Overnight: Six Senses Con Dao
Day 15: Departure
Fly to Ho Chi Minh and connect with your onward flight to the UK
Day 16: UK Arrival
From £5,295.00 per person based on two people sharing*
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified.
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
*Costs are based on travel in low season