COMPLETE VIETNAM

Our trip starts in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. You’ll be picked up at Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) and transferred to the first hotel of our trip. We’ll gather as a group for the first time this evening for a welcome meeting and dinner – a perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

Dive deep into the heart of Vietnamese heritage this morning on a tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the historic Temple of Literature. The former is a tribute to the nation’s founder, who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. See his Mausoleum, the Stilt House where he used to live and the Presidential Palace itself. You’ll notice the profound reverie with which Vietnam sees its leader. For lunch we’ll head to Koto Restaurant, a social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged children. They’ve trained over 700 students in Hanoi and Saigon, with 200 currently enrolled. You’ll be treated to an impressive three-course meal of traditional Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, head to the Museum of Ethnology, the best place in Vietnam to understand the nation’s unique tapestry of creeds and cultures. We’ll wrap up the tour in the scenic yet historical B52 Lake. You’ll also have the option to join a truly unique experience, by visiting the home-turned-cafe of local legend Mr Khoa, who’ll be on hand to rustle up some traditional egg coffees and regale us with some tales from his extraordinary life.

This morning our guide will take you to Ninh Binh Province, known affectionately as ‘Halong Bay on land’. The limestone karsts are similar, but instead of water they spring out from dazzlingly emerald green fields, dotted with rice paddies and carved through by winding rivers. At Gia Vien District we’ll swap four wheels for two and embark on a short and scenic cycle ride. We’ll stop in the rural village of Mai Trung, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet farmers and learn about their lives farming rice, before continuing to a local family’s home. Here you’ll be given a masterclass on how to rustle up delicious local delicacies, before feasting on dishes like fried crab, and hanging around for a chat with our hosting family – challenge them to a game of chess if you’re feeling confident! Afterwards we’ll head to Northern Vietnam’s largest wetland, Van Long Nature Reserve, for a picturesque boat trip through the rolling jungle hills, before heading back to Hanoi for the evening.

Vietnam’s most iconic landmark is not man made. In fact, not even the most audacious artist could sculpt a sight as spectacular as Halong Bay, the Unesco World Heritage site that draws countless visitors every year. The best way to see the bay is by boat, so hop onboard our overnight cruise boat, enjoy your welcome drink and get ready for a full day and night of spectacular views, featuring towering limestone karsts and wildlife-covered cliff faces. You’ll have the option to book an optional 25-minute plane ride over the bay, but there’ll be a full itinerary of day and night activities to keep you entertained on the boat. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you prefer kicking back and enjoying the views from the sundeck! A buffet lunch will showcase the region’s finest local delicacies, while dinner is served in the sumptuous onboard restaurant. 

It’s hard to think of a more special sight to wake up to than the serene waters of Halong Bay, especially at sunrise, while tucking into coffee, tea and cookies as a warm glow begins to wash over the bay. If the season and conditions allow it, we’ll visit a local pearl farm or, alternatively, we’ll visit the magical Ti Top Island. Brunch is included onboard, so once our cruise experience comes to an end, we’ll head straight to Hanoi airport for an afternoon flight to the pretty city of Hue, in Central Vietnam, which we’ll be calling home for the night. 

This morning is all about enjoying the many bounties of Hue, one of the most historical cities in Vietnam. We’ll start off at the bustling Dong Ba Market, where hot food and fresh produce fills the air with delicious aromas, while traditional medicines and dainty China tea sets line the stalls. You’ll hop onboard a cyclo to be peddled around the city’s old town and fortress walls, taking in the most historic sights in Hue, before stopping at a charming teahouse for a traditional brew. Next up is a lovely little family restaurant, famous for their savory cakes and previously visited by Anthony Bourdain. You’ll be given a masterclass and have the opportunity to try your hand at making these tasty creations using cassava and rice flour. Gobble down your creations (as well as a few professionally-made dishes on the side) in the restaurant’s pretty garden area. In the afternoon our tour continues as we explore Hue’s dynastical past at the Imperial City, home to a number of impressive palaces and temples. You’ll also have the option to book an optional street food tour in the evening.

This morning we’ll head to the tomb of Minh Mang, on the outskirts of the city, to see the final resting place of the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The impressive mausoleum is set within the beautiful surrounds of Tam Tai Son mountain. In the afternoon we’ll meet with a legendary local family who live on a tranquil lagoon near Hue. They make their living fishing for oysters in the lagoon, and you’ll be welcomed with open arms to their rustic stilt home. They’ll take us out onto the lagoon to find out the tricks of the trade, before returning to the house for a sumptuous seafood lunch, with plenty of fresh oysters on the table of course! Having learnt about their unique way of life – and heard a fair few fascinating family tales – we’ll get back on the road to traverse the spectacularly scenic coastal route of Hai Van Pass, en route to the seaside city of Hoi An.

Today begins with a walking tour of Hoi An, which boasts Unesco World Heritage status thanks to a remarkably well-preserved old town. We’ll start at the 16th-century Japanese Bridge, a landmark iconic enough to be featured on Vietnamese currency, before wandering along the ancient streets of the city to discover a diverse range of cultural influences. You’ll get an authentic taste of local culture by visiting a home that has housed 14 generations, before heading to local legend Ms Quynh’s tailor shop to learn her craft. After lunch, you’ll get to meet a master behind the art of mask making, a crucial part of traditional Vietnamese theater. These elaborate creations are a sight to behold, and you’ll get to create your own during a mask painting workshop. Whether you go classic or contemporary, souvenirs don’t get much cooler. We’ll cap the end of our tour with a spot of tea at a charming teahouse that supports locals with disabilities to learn new skills and gain employment. 

We’ll head out of town and into the picturesque countryside that surrounds Hoi An this morning. Hop on two wheels and cycle across the Thu Bon river and to the peaceful suburb island of Cam Kim. This place is renowned for its craft making, so we’ll watch some local ladies put on a weaving demonstration, before visiting a family black rice farm. We’ll chat to the owner about her amazing life story and her dedication to organic farming, as well embarking on an immersive tour of the farm. The highlight of your visit will no doubt be delicious farm-to-table lunch served in the onsite cafe, which will fuel our cycle back to the hotel in Hoi An.

Having got a taste for the northern and central regions of Vietnam, it’s now time to head all the way south, so we’ll hop on a flight down to the nation’s most populous city, Ho Chi Minh. Upon arrival we’ll be transferred to the nearby city of Can Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta.

Embrace the early hours with a visit to Can Tho’s vibrant Cai Rang floating market, a journey that replaces the conventional morning commute with a boat ride at dawn, showcasing the unique rhythms of local life. As the sun rises, you’ll navigate the bustling market, a hub for fresh vegetables and exotic fruits. Here, amidst the lively trade, engage in the local tradition by bargaining for a bowl of Hu Tieu noodles, a staple breakfast in the Mekong Delta. The culinary exploration continues as you venture to a local handicraft village, delving into the art of Hu Tieu noodle making with the guidance of skilled artisans, offering a hands-on experience that connects you directly to the region's cultural heritage. Having enjoyed a serene cruise back to the hotel, perhaps it’s time for an afternoon nap, having experienced an intimate encounter with local traditions, as well as a delightful gastronomic adventure.

A sobering start to today as we head to what remains of Can Tho Prison, a complex built by French colonizers between 1878 and 1886. Your tour will be led by a former prisoner, Nam Sy, who called this place home during the war. His stories are fascinating and harrowing in equal measure, as he gives us an insight into what his life was like in the prison – from brutal tortures to an escape attempt – and what life was like for locals during the war. We’ll follow that up with a visit to the rather more amenable walls of Binh Thuy Ancient House, a rarely well preserved example of French architecture in the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a tour of the house with its owner, before hitting the road once more to the mega metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning we embark on a tour of Ho Chi Minh, a sprawling city that over 10m call home. We’ll start by observing their morning rituals in the park, before heading to a vibrant flower market. After stopping to refuel with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a cherished local cafe, we’ll visit a striking Buddhist temple, home to thousands of Buddha statues and an amazing place to witness the city’s religious culture. 

Sadly, our time together in Vietnam has come to an end, but what times we’ve shared! From vibrant cities to remote farms, you’ve visited cultural landmarks and gained historical insights, met local farmers, families and craftspeople, and basked in the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in time to catch your flight home.