Day 1: Fly from UK to Hanoi
Depart from London Heathrow on an overnight flight on Economy Class with Singapore Airlines to Hanoi, changing planes in Singapore.
Overnight: On board the plane
Day 2: Arrive into Hanoi
After arriving into Hanoi International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our local partners who will assist you with your immigration formalities. After the immigration procedures, our representative will take you to the baggage claim to pick up your luggage then escort you to meet your driver in the arrivals hall. You’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Later this afternoon, enjoy the Vietnamese water puppetry which is a tradition that dates to the 11th century when villagers would wade into the flooded rice fields and entertain one another with puppet play.
The ‘stage’ is a pool of water in which the puppeteers stand waist deep, hidden by a screen behind which they skillfully manoeuvre the lacquered wooden puppets. Attached to a bamboo pole, the puppets appear to dance and play on the water’s surface. The puppeteers are incredibly skilful and dexterous and it is a delight to observe!
A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides the musical accompaniment whilst performers sing songs telling the story being acted out by the puppets.
Following the performance finale you are transfer by air conditioned car to one of Hanoi’s many superb Vietnamese restaurants for dinner.
Overnight: La Siesta Hotel | Meals: –
Day 3: Hanoi City Tour
You will be greeted by a local Travel Expert and driver in your hotel lobby after breakfast before starting this half-day trip. You will be seeing the parts-unknown of the city with slices of life in the maze of backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, random markets and black market, experiencing where & how locals live, work and play.
On the second part of the trip, you will visit some must see spots of the city including the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum-the Mecca of Vietnamese, the 1000 year-old Buddhist and Toasist temples of Tran Quoc, temple of Literature, the historical training track, the enchanting French Quarter, the hustling & bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem, West lake, Hanoi Opera House & the famous Long Bien bridge.
On the third part of the trip, you will be taken to the peaceful & allure out-skirt villages around West lake and Truc Bach lake to enrich your experiences about the contrast in harmony of life between the city center and the outskirts.
The last stop on this trip is at different authentic restaurants, eateries and food stalls to savour the tastiest of the tasty dishes of Hanoi including family heirloom & secret recipe dishes, local delicacies and specialities.
Afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: La Siesta Hotel | Meals: B
Day 4: Food Tour of Hanoi
Your expert local foodie meets you in the lobby of your hotel this afternoon as we embark on a culinary adventure that showcases some of the finest culinary experiences in the streets of Hanoi.
Start your day with a bowl of “pho”, then move onwards to weave your way through the winding streets and alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to visit a family in a traditional “tube-house” to sample their delicious roasted peanuts. Head further into the small neighbourhood markets and head to a ‘bun cha’ stall run by a 3 generation family before continuing onwards to Dr Bun’s famous Thang Noodles with Chicken which is the star of the show being unique to the North of Vietnam. Dessert is a no brainer, you cannot come to Hanoi and not stop by a local doughnut stall, no one can resist the crispy crust coated with fragrant Molasses and the tender Mung Bean and Coconut filling. Our journey would not be complete without a cup of egg coffee. Yes, egg coffee, or Hanoi cappuccino. It’s a custard like consistency that most people don’t simply drink, but enjoy by licking their spoons with delight.
With full and satisfied bellies we end of journey of culinary discovery and return you to your hotel or we can recommend the perfect venue for a final nightcap.
Overnight: La Siesta Hotel | Meals: B, D
Day 5: Hanoi to Hue
Today you’ll be picked up and transferred back to Hanoi Airport. Here you’ll check in for your flight to Hue, it’s just a short 1 hour 15 minute hop.
On arrival, you’ll be taken to your next hotel.
Overnight: Silk Path Grand Hotel, Hue | Meals: B
Day 6: Cycle Tour of Hue
After breakfast be picked up in the lobby of your hotel, depart the city and make your way through the pretty suburbs and into the landscape of Hue. Cycle around the canals, small villages, alongside rice fields and vegetable farms taking it all in. Your guide will take you into the fields and with the help of local farmers, will show you how to plant and transport rice whilst giving you a deeper insight into the local culture. Stop for a home-cooked lunch in a local families house, to sample the fresh delicious food as well as the traditional hospitality of the Vietnamese. Continue onwards to the village of Thanh Toan. Visit the little market on one side of the bridge, the local museum and a handicraft workshop where you can try your hand at being a craftsman. Once you’ve finished up here, peddle back to Hue as the afternoon light comes down, reaching your hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Silk Path Grand Hotel, Hue | Meals: B, L
Days 7: Travel to Hoi An & Walking Tour
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to your next stop, Hoi An.
Upon arrival into Hoi An, have lunch and then discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. You will visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colourful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. There will also be time to peruse the numerous boutiques and galleries that line the narrow streets and perhaps make a purchase or two. During the walk, a quick visit at the market to find out well-known local cakes in Hoi An market such as Banh It la Gai or Banh Dau Xanh. Finish the tour with a short journey on motorised boat along the Thu Bon River to relax after discovering Hoi An town and see it from a different perspective.
This afternoon at leisure for you to relax at your resort, explore the city on your own or go shopping what you like- Hoi An is a shopper’s paradise and you’ll find paintings, silk fabric and clothing, ceramics, Chinese lanterns, chopsticks, lacquer ware, teapots, and embroidered tablecloths and napkins.
Overnight: Victoria, Hoi An | Meals: B, L
Days 8-10: Free Days
Enjoy some free days in Hoi An to make the most of your resort and everything this incredible town has to offer for your whole family.
Overnight: Victoria, Hoi An | Meals: B
Day 11: Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh
Once you’ve been picked up from your hotel, you’ll be taken to the nearby Da Nang Airport to catch a short flight down to Ho Chi Minh.
Arrive into Ho Chi Minh Airport and you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the final stop on your incredible trip.
Please Note – Internal flight times will be confirmed on confirmation of dates.
Overnight: Mai House, Ho Chi Minh | Meals: B
Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
The Cu-Chi Tunnels have now been preserved as a national park, with 2 huge sections open to the public. You have the option to learn about the war, see the tunnels and even go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. This trip will really make you understand what went on here and what led to this disastrous war.
Return Saigon for your late lunch and then the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Mai House, Ho Chi Minh | Meals: B
Day 13: Free Day
Today is a free day to explore Ho Chi Minh city as you please. We have plenty of suggestions on what to see and do and there’s even an optional activity to cruise on the Mekong River if that is of interest too.
Overnight: Mai House, Ho Chi Minh | Meals: B
Day 14: Travel back to the UK
Today you’ll be departing Vietnam, take an included transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport and fly via Singapore back to London.
