Taste of Vietnam
Delve into an ancient and mysterious world as you explore Vietnam’s rich culture and complex history. At the Vietnam War Memorial park, tour the Cu Chi Tunnels – underground hideouts used during the war. Experience life on the Mekong Delta. Learn about the country’s unique culinary traditions during a cooking demonstration in rural Ky Son; at a local market followed by a cooking class in Hoi An; and whilst visiting the Tra Que Herb Village. Try your hand at lantern making at a famous lantern workshop. Stay aboard a luxury junk boat on brilliant Halong Bay. Behold the nation’s imperial past at the Thien Mu Pagoda and marvel at the haunting ruins of My Son. A new colourful mosaic unfolds everyday as you make your way through this fascinating land.
- 12 Nights accommodation
- 21 Meals (12 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches & 5 Dinners)
- Learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking during an interactive class.
- Sample several famous Vietnamese dishes on a walking food tour.
- Discover the 19th-century palaces and shrines of Hue’s Imperial City.
- Cruise along the famous Mekong Delta, rich with natural wonders.
- Explore Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter on an exciting walking tour.
- Savour some of Hanoi’s finest food during dinner inside a restored 19th-century French Colonial mansion.
- Overnight on a luxury junk boat and cruise the waters of Halong Bay.
- Participate in a lantern-making experience at an organisation that benefits local artisans.
Day 1: Hanoi, Vietnam - Tour Begins
Set out on a journey that reveals the best of Vietnam. Inside the lush valleys and verdant fields of a rural paradise, discover a beautiful country with a long and rich history. Your tour opens in Hanoi, Vietnam's dynamic capital city.
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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
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. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
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. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.
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 harbour and return to Hanoi to board your flight to Hue. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
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. Today breakfast will be included.
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 Kein 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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 8: Hoi An
Explore the flavours 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 flower. 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 symbolise luck, happiness, and wealth. Working together, you’ll create colourful beacons of prosperity in a place that is a beacon of hope for the community. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
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. Today breakfast will be included.
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. Today breakfast will be included.
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 travelling back to Ho Chi Minh City. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.
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. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
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. Today breakfast will be included.
Multiple departure dates available.
19-31 October 2019 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
30 Nov - 12 Dec 2019 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
11-23 Jan 2020 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
22 Feb - 5 Mar 2020 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
7-19 March 2019 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
18-30 April 2020 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
25 Apr - 7 May 2020 - $3099pp Twin; $4149 Solo
- Days 1 – 3 La Siesta Hotel Trendy, Hanoi or Silk Path Hotel, Hanoi
- Day 4 Bhaya Classic, Halong Bay
- Days 5, 6 Pilgrimage Village, Hue
- Days 7 – 9 Hotel Royal Hoi An, Hoi An
- Days 10 – 12 Hotel des Arts Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
- On some dates alternate hotels may be used.
Travel at 60 booking conditions apply. Please enquire for more information.
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