Essential Vietnam tour - Vietnam

This is a customisable itinerary to provide you with a start point and suggestions for your travel plans. We’ll work closely with you and our travel partner to design your ideal trip, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our partner’s specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.

Day 1 International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi you are greeted by an Audley representative and taken to your hotel by private transfer. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore at your own leisure. You might like to visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, a short walk from your hotel — it's beautifully lit up at night.

Day 3 Hanoi

This morning embark on a private city tour with your driver and guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh's former home, the Temple of Literature (the first university in Hanoi) and perhaps the Fine Arts Museum, which has a wonderful collection of art and sculpture. The tour comes to an end in Hanoi's busy Old Quarter before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 4 Haiphong

This morning take a private transfer to Haiphong, where you board your traditional Vietnamese junk. Spend the afternoon cruising around Lan Ha Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves and see the sun setting over the calm waters before enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars. All meals are included during your stay on board.

Day 5 Hue

Wake up to see the sunrise over the bay this morning. Continue cruising before returning to Hanoi airport this afternoon in time for your flight to Hue. Back in Hanoi you will have some time to enjoy lunch and do some further exploring before it is time to go to the airport. Fly to Hue later this evening and check into your city hotel.

Day 6 Hue

After breakfast you will join your guide for a tour around some of Hue's important historical sights including the citadel and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Later you can try your hand at crafting bamboo paper art named Trucchi.

Day 7 Hue

Today you will embark on a cycling tour through some of Hue's more rural areas with some stops arranged at local houses along the way. Spend the night in a traditional garden house and enjoy a home cooked meal using ingredients straight from the garden.

Day 8 Hoi An

Drive from Hue to Hoi An today, a journey of about three and a half hours. Pass abundant rice paddy fields and travel over the Hai Van Pass, which on a clear day has spectacular views out to the South China Sea and the Lang Co peninsula. Take the afternoon to relax — you might like to take a stroll around the charming riverside town of Hoi An.

Day 9 Hoi An

Explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with your private guide on hand to offer his expert knowledge. The city's historic district is littered with 16th century buildings, once an important trading post for international visitors. Afterwards take a drive out to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son — a series of Hindu temples which have now been claimed by the mighty jungle surrounding them. This afternoon is free to relax and explore at your own leisure. You might like to try out the hotel's pool to cool off after the day's exploration.

Day 10 Saigon

Drive to Danang airport today for the short flight to Saigon in southern Vietnam with your private guide and driver. On arrival, you're met by your private guide and driver. En route to Saigon, stop at the Cu Chi tunnels to learn a little more about the Vietnam war and the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong. It's possible to enter a few of the tunnels if you are comfortable with narrow spaces, as well as see exhibitions and videos of the tunnels when they were in use. This evening embark on a fascinating discovery of Saigon on the back of a Vespa as part of a small group tour. You will sample delicious street food, enjoy local music and experience the city from the viewpoint of your experienced local guide.

Day 11 Saigon

Embark on a full day tour to a quieter area of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. You will travel using various means of transport, learn about local farming practises and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a local home. This is a fascinating way to see an undisturbed side of the country.

Day 12  International return flight

After enjoying breakfast you are collected from your hotel and taken to the airport by your private driver in time for your onward flight.

Day 13 International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.