An authentic Vietnam getaway with city tours and a Halong Bay cruise

Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam, beginning with your arrival in Hanoi, where French colonial charm meets vibrant local culture. Explore landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and the Old Quarter before heading to the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay for an unforgettable overnight cruise through emerald waters and limestone cliffs. Continue south to the historic city of Hue, home to the Imperial Citadel and Perfume River, then travel onward to the enchanting lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, famed for its ancient architecture and silk boutiques. Conclude your adventure in dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, discovering highlights like the Reunification Palace, Chinatown, and bustling street food markets, with time to relax or toast your travels before returning to the UK.

Itinerary

Day 1-2: UK - Hanoi
Get excited as you take off from your chosen UK airport, and touch down in bustling Hanoi. You’ll be met and transferred directly to your hotel, with time to freshen up and take your first steps into the city’s intoxicating cloud of Vietnamese culture, laced with French colonial influence. The following morning, fortify yourself with a delicious breakfast ahead of a morning packed with sightseeing. Your guide will lead the way to Hanoi’s top sights, including the Presidential Palace on Ba Dinh square, the Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, the charming Old Quarter and much more. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure time.

Day 3-4: Halong Bay
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the glorious Halong Bay where your traditional Vietnamese cruise awaits. Embark for a dreamy, overnight sojourn through the enchanting, emerald waters and dramatic cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, all meals included aboard. The next day, behold the sun rise over the stunning waterscape, and the cruise continues as you tuck into brunch on board. Later on, you’ll be transferred back to Hanoi, in time to catch your sleeper train at 7.30pm. Settle into your cosy, first-class cabin as the train winds you down to Hue.

Day 5: Hue
Draw back the curtain to the beautiful city of Hue, the historical capital under the Nguyen Dynasty, bursting with colour, culture and history. On the agenda today is a visit to the Hue Citadel and Royal Antique Museum, plus lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore, perhaps with a visit to the bustling night markets. Fuel up at breakfast the next morning ahead of your heavenly Huong River boat tour, aka Perfume River, then it’ll be back on the road as you transfer on to Hoi An Ancient Town.

Day 6-7: Hoi An
This unique UNESCO World Heritage Site is a truly picturesque scene of colourful houses, arched bridges and paper lanterns, its trading port roots reaching right back to the 2nd century. Settle in before embarking on an enriching walking tour, with highlights such as an ancient merchant house and a bustling riverside market. After breakfast the following day, Hoi An is yours to explore as you please. Wander the charming streets and sample some fine Vietnamese coffee, and be sure to visit the silk garment boutiques for which the city is famous.

Day 8-10: Ho Chi Minh - UK
After breakfast in Hoi An, you’ll transfer to the airport in Da Nang for your flight to Ho Chi Minh, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The next day, tuck into breakfast before an exciting morning of sightseeing. A stop at the resplendent Reunification Palace makes for quite the selfie backdrop, and your guide will also take you to Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple, a delectable street food market, and more Ho Chi Minh highlights. The afternoon is yours to enjoy, be it in a food coma or hopping in a boat to explore the city’s complex confluence of canals and rivers. Why not finish the day at one of Ho Chi Minh’s urban-glam cocktail bars, raising a glass to a truly epic holiday? The following day, it’s breakfast followed by some possible leisure time in the city, before your transfer arrives to take you to the airport. 

This Offer Includes:
- 2 nights in The Ann Hotel & Spa, Hanoi (or similar) 
- 1 night in a Superior cabin on board of Bai Tho Victory Cruise, Halong Bay (or similar) 
- 1 night in a 1st Class berth (shared cabin) on board of Train SE3 (room-only)
- 1 night in a Deluxe Riverview room at Hue Century Riverside, Hue (or similar) 
- 2 nights in Mullberry Collection Silk Village, Hoi An (or similar) 
- 2 nights in Muong Thanh Grand Saigon Centre, Ho Chi Minh City (or similar) 
- Breakfast included in Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City
- Full-board basis on your Halong Bay cruise
- Range of tours and excursions included as per the itinerary  
- Flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Hanoi, and returning from Ho Chi Minh City
- Hold & Cabin luggage 
- Shared transfers included throughout

Flight Information:
From London Heathrow or Manchester, via Dubai or Doha, with Emirates or Qatar Airways
Departing London Heathrow or Manchester between 08.30 and 16.00, arriving into Hanoi between 07.00 and 13.00 (the following day)
Departing Ho Chi Minh City at 09.00 and 18.00, arriving into London Heathrow or Manchester between 20.00 and 07.00 (the following day)