Halong to Mekong and the Flavours of Vietnam

Day 1 Depart London Gatwick
You’ll flight overnight direct to Vietnam.

Day 2 Arrive Hanoi
From the airport, you’ll transfer to Authentic Hanoi Hotel for a 2 night stay and enjoy breakfast. After some time to rest, you’ll visit Ngoc Son Temple, set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake. A cyclo tour through the chaotic streets of the Old Quarter brings Hanoi to life, before a traditional performance of the Vietnamese water puppets.

Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Authentic Hanoi

Day 3 Hanoi
This morning you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex which contains the former president’s mausoleum as well as his house on stilts and learn about the fascinating character known as Uncle Ho. You’ll wander the peaceful grounds at the Temple of Literature, dating from 1070 before a free afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Authentic Hanoi

Day 4 Hanoi to Halong Bay
You’ll transfer to Halong Bay to board a traditional wooden junk and sail to the secluded islands over lunch, staying on-board overnight in the picturesque bay.

Vessel: Bai Tho or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Halong Bay to Hue
After visiting the Cave of Surprises you’ll return to Hanoi where you’ll spend some free time before boarding a short flight to the Imperial City of Hue for 2 nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch.
Hotel: Park View Hotel

Day 6 Hue
This morning you’ll tour the Citadel, home of Vietnam’s emperors from 1802-1945. This afternoon is free but you may choose to take an optional excursion to visit 2 of the most impressive Imperial tombs with a cruise down the Perfume River.

Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Park View

Day 7 Hue to Hoi An
Driving along the coastline, with breath taking views from the Hai Van Pass, you’ll arrive at the Thuy Duong hotel for 2 nights in the World Heritage town of Hoi An. This afternoon’s walking tour takes in the winding streets of the Ancient Quarter including one of the Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200 year old Tam Ky family house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Thuy Duong 3

Day 8 Hoi An
Today you’ll cycle through emerald green rice paddies to Tra Que village, famous for its vegetables used in Hoi An’s local delicacies. After an introduction to vegetable cultivation, you’ll help prepare the land and plant crops. Returning to Hoi An on a traditional wooden boat, you’ll meet local fisherman, try river net fishing and explore the waterways in a bamboo coracle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Thuy Duong 3

Day 9 Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
You’ll have a free morning and you may wish to take part in an optional hands-on riverside cooking class (extra cost). Later you’ll transfer to Danang airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving at the Golden Central Hotel for 3 nights.

Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Golden Central

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a morning visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex system of passages that formed an underground city for Viet Cong soldiers. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Post Office, Dong Khoi Street and Reunification Palace.

Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Golden Central

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City
A fascinating full day awaits you in the lush Mekong Delta. Travelling out to the countryside, you’ll board the Cai Be Princess for a river cruise through the colourful floating market with stops to see local life and handicrafts. Lunch is at an Indochine style restaurant on the river bank. You’ll return to the city for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Golden Central

Day 12 Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Your flight leaves tonight unless you have pre-booked our beach extension to Mui Ne.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13 Arrive London Gatwick
You land back in the UK this morning.

Tour includes

Maximum group size: 25
Local expert guides in resort
All flights specified
Inspirational sightseeing programme
11 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 3 lunches and 1 dinner

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”