Vietnam Explorer

Arrive in Vietnam’s lively capital, where French colonial charm meets the pulse of a modern Asian city. Upon landing, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your central hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. With no scheduled activities today, you’re free to rest, explore your surroundings, or sip a traditional Vietnamese coffee in one of the city's many leafy cafes. In the evening, meet your local guide and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting to go over the journey ahead.

Activities Group arrival transfer Welcome meeting and trip briefing

Accommodation Rex Hotel Hanoi – Premier Deluxe Room (★★★★) rexhanoihotel.com

Meals Included None

Begin your exploration of Hanoi with a peaceful cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake and through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter. Later, head into a tucked-away alley to try your hand at crafting traditional Vietnamese paper masks — an art form tied to the Mid-Autumn Festival. In the afternoon, experience the centuries-old art of water puppetry, performed to live traditional music — a cultural staple of northern Vietnam.

Activities Cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake Paper mask-making workshop in the Old Quarter Traditional water puppet theatre performance

Accommodation Rex Hotel Hanoi – Premier Deluxe Room (★★★★) rexhanoihotel.com

Meals Included Breakfast

Leave the capital behind and journey through the Red River Delta to the breathtaking UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Board your elegant overnight cruise and sail among towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from emerald waters. Explore a natural grotto, relax on deck, and enjoy fresh meals as the sun sets over the bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most iconic experiences — and spending the night on the water makes it unforgettable.

Activities Transfer to Halong Bay Halong Bay cruise and grotto visit Onboard activities and scenic sailing

Accommodation Mon Chéri Cruise – Ocean Suite Balcony (★★★★) monchericruises.com

Meals Included Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Start the day with a serene Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the still waters and misty peaks of Halong Bay. After a light breakfast, enjoy time to soak up the views or join an onboard activity before cruising back to shore. After a leisurely brunch, transfer to the peaceful province of Ninh Binh — often called “Halong Bay on land” — where dramatic karst peaks meet lush rice paddies.

Activities Tai Chi session on the cruise sundeck Return cruise through Halong Bay Private transfer to Ninh Binh

Accommodation Emeralda Tam Coc Resort – Superior Room (★★★★) emeraldatamcoc.com

Meals Included Breakfast Brunch

Step back in time with a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where ornate temples honour Vietnam’s first kings. Afterwards, sit down to a warm, home-cooked Vietnamese lunch in a local residence — a truly personal and authentic cultural encounter. In the afternoon, board a traditional sampan boat to glide through caves and rivers beneath towering karst cliffs in Tam Coc. Return to your hotel before heading to the station for your overnight train journey to Hue.

Activities Visit to Hoa Lu temples (Dinh & Le Dynasties) Home-hosted Vietnamese lunch Rowboat trip through Tam Coc’s limestone caves Overnight train to Hue

Accommodation Overnight Sleeper Train – 4-berth shared cabin (Standard sleeper with bedding; shared with fellow travellers or locals)

Meals Included Breakfast Lunch

Arrive in the imperial city of Hue and transfer to your hotel. After freshening up, delve into the city’s regal past with a visit to the sprawling Imperial Citadel, home to emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Later, embrace your inner royalty as you dress up in traditional Vietnamese court costume — a fun and colourful way to connect with history.

Activities Imperial Citadel guided visit Dress-up photo experience in royal attire

Accommodation Eldora Hotel – Deluxe City View (★★★★) eldorahotel.com

Meals Included None

Depart Hue and take the scenic drive south along the Hai Van Pass, a winding coastal road with panoramic views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Arrive in Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town renowned for its lantern-lit streets, fusion architecture, and tailor shops. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through its beautifully preserved Ancient Town, where Chinese temples, Japanese merchant houses, and French-colonial buildings sit side by side.

Activities Scenic drive via Hai Van Pass Guided walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town

Accommodation Mulberry Collection Silk Village – ROH Charm Room (★★★★) silkvillage.mulberrycollectionvn.com

Meals Included Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a tranquil escape to Tra Que Village, a peaceful farming community just outside Hoi An. Join a local chef for a guided tour of his organic garden, harvesting fresh herbs and produce that will be used to prepare your lunch. Then, sit down to a delicious garden-to-table feast, made just for your group. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore more of Hoi An at your own pace.

Activities Visit to Tra Que organic vegetable village Farm-to-table cooking experience with private chef

Accommodation Mulberry Collection Silk Village – ROH Charm Room (★★★★) silkvillage.mulberrycollectionvn.com

Meals Included Breakfast Lunch

Enjoy a full day to soak up the charms of Hoi An on your own. You might choose to cycle to nearby An Bang Beach, browse the buzzing central market, or have custom clothing tailored by one of Hoi An’s expert seamstresses. You can also book an optional street food tour or cooking class through your guide. However you spend the day, Hoi An’s relaxed atmosphere and riverside beauty make it a highlight of any Vietnam journey.

Activities Free time to explore Hoi An or enjoy optional activities (e.g. cycling, market visits, tailors, beach)

Accommodation Mulberry Collection Silk Village – ROH Charm Room (★★★★) silkvillage.mulberrycollectionvn.com

Meals Included Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Hoi An before transferring to Danang Airport for your short domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind or take your first stroll through Vietnam’s dynamic southern hub — known for its French architecture, vibrant street life, and excellent food scene.

Activities Domestic flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City Private airport transfers

Accommodation Silverland May Hotel – Khaya Room (★★★★) silverlandhotels.com

Meals Included Breakfast

Today, embark on a full-day adventure into the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s agricultural heartland. Travel by private boat to Ben Tre, where you’ll visit a coconut workshop, taste tropical fruits, and take a scenic sampan ride through shady palm-lined canals. A tuk-tuk tour through nearby villages offers insight into rural life and cottage industries. After a riverside lunch of local specialties, return to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at your leisure.

Activities Mekong Delta full-day tour Boat cruise, sampan ride, and village tuk-tuk tour Visit to coconut farms and local craftspeople

Accommodation Silverland May Hotel – Khaya Room (★★★★) silverlandhotels.com

Meals Included Breakfast Lunch

Spend your final full day however you wish — shopping for souvenirs, visiting the War Remnants Museum, or simply enjoying a rooftop coffee overlooking the city skyline. Alternatively, join an optional half-day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a fascinating network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Activities Free day to explore Ho Chi Minh City independently Optional: Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour

Accommodation Silverland May Hotel – Khaya Room (★★★★) silverlandhotels.com

Meals Included Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the spirit of Vietnam.

Activities Airport departure transfer

Accommodation None (check-out by 12:00pm)

Meals Included Breakfast