Classic Vietnam
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
A country of astonishing beauty and resilience, Vietnam is a destination that has risen in spectacular fashion from the ashes of one of the bloodiest and most contentious conflicts of the last century. Fed by the waters of the Mekong, its classic landscapes are enhanced by the wonderful additions of a charmingly hospitable people, some of the finest cuisine in the world and two of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities.
This comprehensive 15-day journey through the country’...
A country of astonishing beauty and resilience, Vietnam is a destination that has risen in spectacular fashion from the ashes of one of the bloodiest and most contentious conflicts of the last century. Fed by the waters of the Mekong, its classic landscapes are enhanced by the wonderful additions of a charmingly hospitable people, some of the finest cuisine in the world and two of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities.
This comprehensive 15-day journey through the country’s cultural and scenic landmarks includes a chance to explore the iconic treasures of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, cruise through the stunning limestones vistas of Halong Bay and floating markets of the Mekong Delta, as well as discovering the ancient wonders of Hoi An and Hue.
Beginning in Hanoi you will enjoy some time exploring Vietnam’s colourful capital, with its traditional Vietnamese architecture and revolutionary zeal, before heading off to cruise amongst the stunning World Heritage landscapes of Halong Bay on a junk boat. Flying on to the old trading port of Hoi An, here you can discover silk weaving and fishing traditions, and view the mesmerising Ancient Town from your very own kayak as you float downriver.
Moving on to the old imperial capital of Hue, you’ll be able to visit the tombs of the Nguyen emperors and enjoy a local meal with nuns, before flying south to Ho Chi Minh City, where vibrant backstreets and superb street food await, along with the riverside communities of the Mekong Delta.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Explore backstreets and culinary hotspots by motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City and Hue
- Cruise the limestone karst landscapes of Halong Bay and through colourful floating markets in the Mekong Delta
- Step back in time and explore rural villages and ancient UNESCO sites from the north to the south
- Sample Vietnam’s renowned culinary delights and enjoy the warm hospitality of local families
- Learn about Vietnam’s history and traditions through folklore and creative performances in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
- Admire colourful lanterns and mesmerising reflections as you kayak downriver into Hoi An’s captivating Ancient Town at sunset
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI
DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI
On arrival into Hanoi you will be met by a Wild Frontiers representative and transferred to your hotel. After freshening up, take a one-hour cyclo tour of this charming capital city. Your guide will tell you about the places you are passing amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life that will surround you.
DAY 2: HANOI: CITY HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 2: HANOI: CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Spend the day exploring some the city's fascinating sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Hoa Lo Prison, the Hanoi Hilton Museum where John McCain and other prisoners were held during the war, the Temple of Literature, and Ethnology Museum. Enjoy walks around Hoan Kiem Lake, where Hanoians enjoy their early mornings with Tai Chi and 'Vietnamese style' aerobics, as well the eclectic Old Quarter where streets are named after the trades practiced here since the 15th century. In the evening attend a traditional water puppet show unique to Vietnamese culture, before enjoying a delicious dinner at one of our recommended restaurants.
DAY 3: HANOI: STEP BACK IN TIME
DAY 3: HANOI: STEP BACK IN TIME
Today you will get to explore beyond the highlights and delve deeper into Hanoi's past as you set off around the ancient Nom village and the surrounding rural area. This is a wonderful opportunity to trace back the origin of Vietnam's culture and traditions as you meet with local villagers and explore ancient houses and communal places of worship.
DAY 4: HANOI - HALONG BAY
DAY 4: HANOI - HALONG BAY
Set off this morning to the beautiful Halong Bay. Here you will board one of our favourite junk boats and cruise through the quieter northern area of the bay, where you can stop to visit island caves and remote sandy beaches. Enjoy dinner and drinks on board as the sun sets over this magical setting.
DAY 5: HALONG BAY - HANOI
DAY 5: HALONG BAY - HANOI
Begin the day with morning Tai Chi exercises and an opportunity to view the sunrise over the bay. Enjoy another morning floating between islands as you slowly make your way back to Halong Bay's main harbour, from where you will transfer back to Hanoi and can enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
DAY 6: HANOI - HOI AN
DAY 6: HANOI - HOI AN
This morning you will catch a flight to Danang where you will be met and transferred to the beautiful quaint town of Hoi An. After checking in and freshening up, set out on foot and explore the magical Ancient Town with your guide, discovering ancestral homes and lovely hidden pagodas.
DAY 7: HOI AN: KAYAK INTO THE ANCIENT TOWN
DAY 7: HOI AN: KAYAK INTO THE ANCIENT TOWN
This afternoon is a wonderful way to discover Hoi An's surroundings, as you transfer to a nearby village to begin your kayaking adventure. After a detailed safety briefing, take to the water and slowly make your way through countryside and villages until you reach the colourful lanterns of Hoi An's ancient town, viewing this magical town from a very unique perspective, as the sun sets and the lanterns twinkle in the calm river waters.
DAY 8: HOI AN: EXPLORE BY BICYCLE
DAY 8: HOI AN: EXPLORE BY BICYCLE
Set off by bicycle this morning as you explore Cam Kim Island, an area rich in traditional crafts where you can learn about the artists and tradesmen of this area and traditional creative methods that go back centuries. This afternoon is free to relax or explore at leisure.
DAY 9: HOI AN - HUE
DAY 9: HOI AN - HUE
Today you will travel north across the Hai Van Pass to the historic city of Hue. The route will take you along the spectacular central coastline and the edges of the Annamite Mountain Range to where it finally meets the sea.
DAY 10: HUE: IMPERIAL HISTORY
DAY 10: HUE: IMPERIAL HISTORY
Start your day by exploring the old capital city, a World Cultural Heritage Site located southeast of the Citadel along the banks of the Perfume River. Here you’ll discover several royal tombs and will be given an insight into Hue’s fascinating imperial history. After a delicious local lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful 19th century Citadel, now a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site.
DAY 11: HUE: BACKSTREETS BY MOTORBIKE
DAY 11: HUE: BACKSTREETS BY MOTORBIKE
Relax as you sit behind your trusted driver on a motorbike for a journey through the backstreets where you will gain insight into both past and present cultural traditions in and around Hue, exploring the less-visited outskirts of the city as you meet locals and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by the resident Buddhist nuns in a local village.
DAY 12: HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY
DAY 12: HUE - HO CHI MINH CITY
Enjoy a morning at leisure before transferring to the airport in time to catch your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 13: HO CHI MINH CITY: CULTURE AND CULINARY ADVENTURE
DAY 13: HO CHI MINH CITY: CULTURE AND CULINARY ADVENTURE
Enjoy a full day exploring the vibrant and bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City as you sit behind your trusted driver on a motorbike and wind your way through backstreets as you travel between the classic historical highlights of the city. Meet with locals and learn about daily life, sampling many culinary delights as you go, before ending at the private home of a local family of musicians, where you will hear stories of Vietnamese history and culture, before enjoying an intimate concert of traditional Vietnamese melodies.
DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY: MEKONG DELTA
DAY 14: HO CHI MINH CITY: MEKONG DELTA
Up early this morning you will be driven into the fascinating Mekong Delta area, where you will board a small private boat and explore backwaters and islands, passing rice paddies and pottery factories, and meeting the friendly local villagers as you go. Enjoy a special lunch with a local family in the setting of a beautiful traditional garden house, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening you will then be treated to fascinating performance at the Saigon Opera House, which showcases the poetic beauty of Vietnam, where rural traditions and stories are recreated by bamboo props, breathtaking acrobatics, rhythmic dance and mesmerizing folk music. After the show, your guide will take you “Di Vong Vong”, the local Vietnamese custom of going around on motorbike meeting friends and seeing the sites at night. Capture some great night shots along the way, stop by some great food and drink spots before winding up back at your hotel.
DAY 15: DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY
DAY 15: DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY
You will be transferred to the airport today in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, Hue
The Pilgrimage Village is a four-star boutique hotel located in a rustic village setting in the countryside of Hue, just four kilometres from the centre of the city. Designed in Kingpost architecture, the interior harmoniously blends traditional and colonial styles. The fifty spacious rooms and suites are tastefully decorated and fully equipped with modern facilities, and they all offer garden or countryside views. Hue specialities in Vietnamese and Western cuisines can be sampled at the sophisticated Junrei restaurant. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, spa and fitness centre.
La Siesta Classic Ma May, Hanoi
La Siesta Classic Ma May (formerly Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa), is the first of the La Siesta group and stands as one of our favourite mid-range properties in Hanoi. Promising a warm welcome and personal service superbly located on old Ma May Street, it is within easy reach of Hanoi’s evocative Hoan Kiem lake and major attractions. The property is both modern in style as well as embodying the hidden charm of Hanoi’s old quarter. The hotel has 75 spacious rooms, including Suites and Duplex rooms, and other facilities include a spa, gym, movie room and for Vietnam’s authentic cuisine the Red Bean Restaurant is located on the ground floor. Don't forget to make the most of the Moonlight Sky Bar for pre-dinner drinks and some wonderful 360-degree views of the city.
La Siesta Hoi An Hotel, Hoi An
This lovely retreat, a short drive from Hoi An’s old town, captures the history of the ancient part of town. Elegant period furniture is used throughout the hotel for a classic Vietnamese look. The 107 rooms and suites are spread across two wings, circling the pools and gardens, where the quality, dark-wood finishes and marble décor found in the rooms creates an ambiance of distinction. Apart from its stylish, luxury setting, the real draw to the hotel is the opportunity to revel in relaxation and there is no better place to do this than La Spa. Additionally, guests can opt for some lounging in one of two swimming pools, including a salt-water and a fresh-water pool, lined with luscious green palm trees and ornate statues and fountains. For those that prefer a more natural setting, guests of the hotel also have use of an exclusive part of the beach. In between pampering and lounging, you can inject a bit of energy into your day with the complimentary use of the hotel’s vintage-style bicycles. An indulgent stay is complimented with fine dining at either of the hotel’s two restaurants, offering a mix of Vietnamese and European dishes.
Fusion Suites Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City
The modern, four-star Fusion Suites Saigon is the Saigon branch of the successful wellness-inspired Fusion chain, open since 2008. With a great location in the heart of District 1, close to Ben Thannh Market, guests can explore the city with ease, returning to this innovative sanctuary for some relaxation at the end of the day. The hotel mainly offers light and airy, one and two-bedroom suites, showcasing natural décor, floor to ceiling windows and innovative, contemporary furniture. The rooms create a sense of being close to nature with the quality, light-coloured wood panels, running from the floor to the ceiling, almost feeling akin to staying in a high-end treehouse. There is also a smaller single room with no windows. The hotel of course features a sleek spa, sauna and gym and offers spa packages. Based on the concept of chromotherapy, the spa uses colours to enhance treatments and your wellbeing. The informal in-house café-diner offers both indoor and al fresco seating, using fresh local ingredients as well as serving fun, healthy poke bowls. There is also a takeaway service for those wishing to take lunch out with them.
Dragon Legend, Halong Bay
Sail around Ha Long Bay in style on the Dragon Legend. The cruise ship boasts twenty-four cabins with traditionally Vietnamese interiors and handmade artwork, as well as modern luxuries such as bathtubs. Families or groups can join two of the cabins to create a wonderful space. The beautifully crafted wooden design continues in the restaurants, bar and spa. The ship provides the opportunity to dine outdoors, not common amongst Ha Long Bay cruise ships, for the best sunset views. The sundeck is popular for sunbathing and morning tai chi lessons before carrying on with the cruise activities within the bay.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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