Require More Info or book?
Check availability
DESTINATION
Asia
PROVIDER
Collette
DURATION
13 days
Valued At Pay Only Save
$2,929 per person $2,870 per person $118 per couple

Delve into an ancient and mysterious world; a world rich in culture and fascinating history. From Hoam Kiem Lake and the Hoa La prison, to a street food adventure through the city, Vietnam’s balance of peace, modernism and prosperity engage your thoughts and senses around every turn. Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine during a cooking class. This is Vietnam, a fascinating mosaic of culture and history that unfolds with every new blink of the eye.


Your Guided Holiday Includes:

  • 13 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels
  • 21 meals including 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 5 dinners
  • Select sightseeing + more

Price is based on 22 February, 07 March & 18 April 2020 departures.

 

At a glance

  • Explore Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter on an exciting walking tour. Participate in a lantern-making experience at an organization that benefits local artisans.

Walking Food Tour

  • Sample local culinary favorites like banh mi, pho, and other flavorful Vietnamese dishes during a walking food tour before enjoying views of Hoam Kiem from a hidden rooftop café.

Halong Bay

  • Located about 4 hours to the east of Hanoi is Halong Bay, or Descending Dragon when translated into English. Declared one of the wonders of the World, this is a Unesco World Heritage Site with blue-green water, karst formations and junk boats. Karst formations are limestone rocks carved out by the water and full of caves and sinkholes, making for an eerie landscape as we sail in the bay. Similar to the karst formations in China along the Li River, but not on land, in the sea.

Cooking Class

  • Dive into an unforgettable cooking class, right on the Bon River. Learn how to catch fish and crabs straight from the river, and how to grind rice into flower, before using your ingredients to cook classic Vietnamese dishes.

Mekong Delta

  • Traveling by coach, the Mekong Delta is about 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. The Mother River as she is known, is full of islands populated by industrious and inventive Vietnamese. Cottage industries with fish farms, fruit farms, fish sauce, coconut candy and rice flour wrappers are very popular and highlighted during the tour. Once in the Mekong Delta, we board a boat to cruise in-between the islands, visit some of the cottage industries and have a local lunch on an island.

Day 1. Hanoi, Vietnam - Tour Begins

Your tour opens in Hanoi, Vietnam’s dynamic capital city. Accommodation: La Siesta Hotel Trendy

Day 2. Hanoi

Enjoy a walking tour this morning through the French Quarter. You’ll also see the infamous Hoa Lo Prison. This historic site, dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” by American POWs, is now a museum which tells the story of Colonial history from the Vietnamese perspective. Later, discover decades of Vietnamese art treasures at the Vietnam National Art Museum. This evening, attend a traditional water puppet show that welcomes you to Vietnam with its incredible display of artistry and folklore. Afterward, dine in one of Hanoi’s best restaurants located in a restored Colonial mansion. Accommodation: La Siesta Hotel Trendy Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3 / Hanoi

Rise early to circuit the “Lake of the Restored Sword,” Hoam Kiem Lake. Become mesmerized by Tai Chi practitioners moving along the waterfront in this peaceful respite as the city comes to life for the day. Later this morning, take a step back to Imperial times on a walking tour through the Old Quarter. Follow the meandering streets, decorated with temples and pagodas, and feast on the history before you. After working up an appetite, enjoy a walking food tour including some of Vietnam’s most famous dishes like banh mi and pho. At the end of the tour, enjoy coffee and views of Hoam Kiem at a hidden rooftop café. Accommodation: La Siesta Hotel Trendy Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4, Hanoi - Halong Bay

Journey to Halong Bay and board a luxury junk boat for an overnight cruise - the perfect vantage point for soaking up the spectacular landscape. Once on board, enjoy a feast of fresh seafood as you sail past vistas of low green mountains, small villages and hundreds of islands and limestone peaks jutting out from the sea. Disembark to discover the wonders of nature, history and archaeology in the mysterious Tien Ong Cave. Back on board, sit back and relax as the sounds and peaceful sway of the boat lull you to sleep. Accommodation: Bhaya Classic, Halong Bay Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5. Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

Awaken as the fog gently lifts above the emerald surface of Halong Bay. The day begins with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, as the boat makes its way to one of the bay’s floating fishing villages. Here, it’s your choice! Explore a floating village by traditional row boat -OR- see it from the seat of a kayak! Cruise back to the harbor and return to Hanoi to board your flight to Hue. Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6. Hue

A full day of discovery awaits in Vietnam’s Imperial capital city of Hue. Stop at the mausoleum of Tu Doc, an elaborate royal tomb dedicated to the former emperor. At the shores of the Perfume River, board a traditional dragon boat and sail to Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic temple that dates back to 1601. After a thrilling cyclo tour through the city, conclude the day with a tour of Hue’s impressive citadel. Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Meals: Breakfast

Day 7. Hue - Hoi An

On your way to Hoi An, travel the coast and countryside via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. Pause for a glimpse of the quaint fishing village, Lang Co. Finally, arrive in the trading port of ancient Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a walking tour of the old town, stroll by such incredible sights as the ornate Chinese-style temple Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, and a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. End at the vibrant riverside market on the banks of the Thu Bon. Enjoy another memorable meal tonight at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8. Hoi An

Explore the flavors of Hoi An today. Embark on a river basket boat journey along the Thu Bon River to your kitchen for an immersive cooking class! Learn how to catch fish and crabs in the river, and grind rice into flour. Then use your ingredients to cook four classic Vietnamese dishes which you’ll enjoy for lunch afterward. Once you’ve learned the secrets to some of Vietnam’s cuisine, embark on a soulful experience at Reaching Out Vietnam. Celebrate the work of a talented team of artisans that create original pieces of sustainable and fair-trade products. Here, amongst new friends and enlightened minds, you’ll take part in an immersive lantern-making experience. A significant part of Hoi An’s culture, lanterns symbolize luck, happiness, and wealth. Working together, you’ll create colorful beacons of prosperity in a place that is a beacon of hope for the community. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9. Hoi An

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the magic of Hoi An. Walk along the canals that cut through Ancient Town and discover an architectural melting pot all around you. You’ll find history is very much alive in this beautifully preserved city on the central coast. In the afternoon, consider an optional tour exploring the Hoi An countryside by vintage Vespa. Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An Meals: Breakfast

Day 10. Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Leave Hoi An and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic urban capital formerly known as Saigon. On an eye-opening city tour, see the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral,* and the Reunification Palace. Then, head over to explore treasures from local vendors on display at the Old Market in District 1. Accommodation: Hotel des Arts Saigon Meals: Breakfast

Day 11. Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Today we take to the waters of the famous Mekong Delta. As you sail along, your guide will delve into the history and culture of the region. Lush tropical gardens and islands, floating markets and the bustling energy of these expansive waterways give an intriguing peek into everyday life. Discover the region’s cottage industry with a visit to a coconut candy factory, and learn how this confection is made. Enjoy lunch featuring southern Vietnamese cuisine before traveling back to Ho Chi Minh City. Accommodation: Hotel des Arts Saigon Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12. Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passageways used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City before your farewell dinner at a local restaurant – a renovated Art Deco-style villa. Accommodation: Hotel des Arts Saigon Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 13. Ho Chi Minh City - Tour Ends

Return home with a wealth of incredible memories of your journey through the rich cultures of Vietnam. Meals: Breakfast