Deal

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. This is one of Asia’s most exhilarating cities, steeped in grand history and post-Vietnam war memories. This evening you’ll meet your travel comrades and explore the Ben Thanh markets, offering the freshest traditional Bánh mì, Pho and Bia hơi. Oh yes, this is the right way to get the Vietnam trip started.

Today you’ll leave Ho Chi Minh exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that’s a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. Though this isn’t the first time you’ll be seeing the Mekong Delta, your journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river’s fringes can vary. You’ll see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam’s famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off the day as you settle in for a night at a local guesthouse.

After an early breakfast you’ll make your way back to Ho Chi Minh, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors and some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam’s staggering past. Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam’s biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations.

With some traditional R’n’R on your afternoon agenda, the morning can be used to put on your discovering boots. Dabble in history and religion before taking a flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea. Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters and a bustling night life – this is Nha Trang. This afternoon why not book in for a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience before heading out to dinner with your crew. Ah, the good life.

Good news – you’ll be kicking it in Nha Trang for another night. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach saving your energy for seaside bar fun as the sun sets.

Today you’ll travel north and take a short coastal drive where you’ll find yourself in the canal town of Nha Trang overflowing with beauty and ancient history. With Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, Hoi’ An has no shortage of charm and architectural interest. Bike riding through the vibrant town, visiting an ancient house and ordering custom-made clothes at an artful tailor are just some of the activities that will colour your day. Tonight you can opt onto a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.

The day is all yours to explore. Poke around in galleries and market stalls and devour all of the delectable treats on offer. For a dose of culture, you could ride on one of Vietnam’s very own Bamboo Basket Boats (Yes, the ones that you’ve probably seen on Instagram).

After a delicious breakfast in Hoi’ An, you’ll head to Da Nang and board your internal flight to Hanoi. Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens! After you arrive in Hanoi you’ll head straight to the KOTO restaurant – a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. With your tummies happy and full, you’ll visit the Temple of Literature (AKA Vietnam’s first-ever university.) But the sight-seeing doesn’t end there. It’s time to make your way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to a Vietnamese revolutionary leader. In the evening, you’re free to explore the capital however you like.

Do you see them? Those lovely Ninh Binh landscapes are all yours to admire and explore today. Get inside Vietnam’s legendary army jeep, or a vintage Vespa (if that’s your vibe) and get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and clear blue water. If you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times.

Spend the morning climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave to witness an incredible sunrise over the valley. A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of ‘oh wow’s, but it only gets better as you board your home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as you drift the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. You’ll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests and dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at the docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences.

Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as you wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat – the views don’t get much better than this. After heading back to Hanoi you’ll enjoy one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away.