Day 1 – Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (D)

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and meet the local Tour Leader at Tan Son Nhat International Airport before transferring to the hotel. Passengers travelling with the Tour Host will meet at Brisbane International Airport or en route in Singapore, while independent travellers can meet the group at the airport or hotel. Settle in and prepare for your Vietnamese adventure.

Day 2 – Cu Chi Tunnels (B-L)

Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network associated with the Vietnam War. On the return to Ho Chi Minh City, visit an organic farm in the Cu Chi region to learn about local produce and sustainable farming. Back in the city, explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace, the French colonial-era Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.

Day 3 – Mekong Delta (B-L)

Travel to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta and cruise through its waterways, experiencing the traditional lifestyle of local river communities. Visit cottage workshops producing puffed rice and coconut candy, an historic house and a family workshop creating water hyacinth products. Take a rowing sampan through the narrow canals and enjoy a demonstration of how to make banh xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 4 – Saigon – Danang – Hoi An (B-D)

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for the short flight to Da Nang, where you will meet the local Tour Leader and continue by coach to Hoi An. After arriving at the hotel, there will be time to settle in and refresh before the evening’s activities.

Day 5 – Hoi An (B-L)

Discover the history of Hoi An, a former international trading port, as you explore its atmospheric Old Quarter. Visit Chua Ong Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tam Ky House and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge before taking a short boat trip along the river. Visit a traditional ceramic craft village and the local docks to see traditional fishing boats and distinctive round basket boats.

Day 6 – Hoi An (B-L)

Travel to My Son Holy Land to explore the ancient Cham towers and shrines dating back around 2,000 years and learn about the history of the Champa Kingdom. Return to Hoi An around lunchtime and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the town’s charming streets, shops and restaurants.

Day 7 – Hoi An (B-D)

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hoi An, with plenty of time to relax, shop, explore the historic streets or discover more of the town at your own pace.

Day 8 – Hoi An – Hue (B-D)

Travel from Hoi An to Hue via the scenic Hai Van Pass before exploring the impressive Imperial Citadel and Long An Palace. Later, cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable landmarks, before enjoying the evening in the former imperial capital.

Day 9 – Hue – Hanoi (B-D)

Fly from Hue to Hanoi and begin exploring Vietnam’s vibrant capital. Take a cyclo ride through the atmospheric Old Quarter and its famous “36 Streets”, then visit an eco-friendly coffee shop for a demonstration of Vietnamese egg coffee before settling into Hanoi.

Day 10 – Hanoi Cooking Class with Host Family (B-L)

Meet a local host and chef and visit a morning market to learn about Vietnamese ingredients and everyday life before walking to the family’s home for a private cooking class. Discover local traditions and prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes before returning to the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure. A transfer to the host’s home is available for passengers who do not wish to walk.

Day 11 – Hanoi (B-L)

Explore Hanoi with an orientation tour taking in Hoan Kiem Lake, the city’s French colonial architecture and the Opera House. Visit the Museum of Ethnology to discover the cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, followed by the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 12 – Hanoi – Halong Bay (B-L-D)

Travel to Halong Bay and board your cruise vessel for a two-night journey through this spectacular region. Visit Viet Hai Village in Cat Ba National Park by bicycle or trolley and learn about traditional village life and local sustainability initiatives. Visit Bhaya Café, enjoy the opportunity to swim in a secluded lagoon and take in panoramic views of the bay.

Day 13 – Halong Bay (B-L-D)

Explore Luon Cave and the Trinh Nu Area, with opportunities to kayak, discover caves, relax on a secluded beach and observe the natural beauty and wildlife of Halong Bay. Later, take part in a Vietnamese cooking session on the sundeck before enjoying the evening on board, with the option to try squid fishing with the crew.

Day 14 – Halong Bay – Hanoi (B-D)

Begin the morning with Tai Chi on the sundeck before choosing between an excursion to Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most famous cave in Halong Bay, or Titov Island, known for its beach and panoramic views. Return to Hanoi after disembarking and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before a farewell dinner.

Day 15 – Depart Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Hanoi Airport for your flight home. Passengers travelling with the Tour Host will continue together to Brisbane via Singapore before continuing to their respective home destinations, bringing the Vietnam journey to an end.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed