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Premium Vietnam in Depth

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Premium Vietnam in Depth

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Description

Discover Vietnam’s kaleidoscope of colour, history, cuisine and landscapes on a 15-day Premium adventure. Learn about the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi and get a glimpse of rural life as you cruise through the Mekong Delta. Experience historic temples, spend a night on a junk style boat beneath the stars in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay and enjoy delicious banquets of fresh cuisine while learning what it means to be a local. This journey will take you off the well-trodden track and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Trip Name
Premium Vietnam in Depth
Last Updated
2024-08-27
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Visit a centuries-old pottery village in Hoi An. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll learn about this ancient art form and meet the artisans who keep traditional techniques alive.
  • Experience the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay from the comfort of a traditional style junk boat – your Feature Stay accommodation. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on deck while soaking in the landscape.
  • Sit down to a soul-stirring Exclusive Experience – a Hat Xam performance in Hoi An. This ancient musical art form, which dates back over 700 years to the Tran Dynasty, is rarely seen today.
  • Explore a local market with an expert local chef in Hue, then visit his home to learn how to transform fresh ingredients into delicious Vietnamese dishes during a cooking class.
  • Uncover Vietnam's history during a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, a stroll through the historic streets of Hoi An and a walking tour of northern city Hanoi, where the echoes of the country’s turbulent 20th century can still be felt.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your hotel before meeting the group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, head out for dinner with your small group and local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – originally an opium refinery built in 1861, this building still holds subtle nods to its past. Feast on a menu filled with classics and southern Vietnamese favourites, like pho (noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noodles).
Day 2 - Mekong Delta
Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta, a network of rivers and canals featuring floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City
Today, see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about the end of the war and then take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum after stopping by the Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and notice the many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader to recommend some great local spots for dinner. Perhaps pay a visit to renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An
This morning, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kms) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. As you explore this labyrinth, your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what the underground life must have been like. These tunnels will be quite hot and can get claustrophobic, so there’s an option to view them from above ground if you’d like. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An, a riverside town in central Vietnam.
Day 5 - Hoi An
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover Hoi An’s ancient architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you’ve uncovered on the walk. After, sit down to a lunch with the group. This afternoon you’re free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader can provide suggestions if you need inspiration!
Day 6 - Hoi An
Once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom, Hoi An remains home to many Cham descendants today. This morning, your leader will guide you through My Son Cham, a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes and drums. The afternoon is free for you to explore – maybe visit one of the many tailor shops and get a custom outfit or relax by the pool at your hotel.
Day 7 - Hue
Head for Hue this morning, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. En route, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will provide share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.
Day 8 - Hue
Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try in Hue. Next, meet a local chef and explore a local market where you can taste and smell all the herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life while learning about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. Stop for lunch then continue to the local chef’s home and discover how to cook up dishes using the fresh ingredients from the market. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and unofficial symbol of Hue that dates back to 1601. You’ll also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
Day 9 - Hanoi
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Settle in when you arrive and then get your bearings with a leader-led walk, where you’ll wander the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is a Northern Vietnamese art form that originated in the Tran Dynasty. Originally performed by blind performers, it was enjoyed by local working-class audiences until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. This style of performance is rare today, but you and your group will be taken to a private clubhouse for an exclusive performance, which is one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically.
Day 10 - Mai Chau
Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Then, spend some time learning the story of the vibrant Muong ethnic group, native to this region, at the Muong Museum. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind at the Onsen retreat, before coming back together for a BBQ dinner in the hotel garden.
Day 11 - Mai Chau
Start the day with a leader-led walk around Bouc village, known for its terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses. Stop at one of these houses to learn about the local Thai ethnic group, then meet with an artist to discover the craftsmanship of traditional Thai garments and textiles. Watch a performance by a Thai musician and dancers, showcasing their culture, and feel free to chat with them after. Enjoy lunch hosted by a resident family, then head back to Mai Chau for an afternoon of your choosing. You might like to take part in a bamboo rattan weaving class, try fishing at a nearby stream or simply relax in your accommodation’s Onsen baths.
Day 12 - Hanoi
Head back to Hanoi this morning for a guided half-day tour of the city with your leader, gaining insights into its history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you're interested in its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.
Day 13 - Halong Bay
Today you’ll drive to Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than on board a junk-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in comfort as you weave through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. Stop by Surprise Cave to learn about its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. During the warmer months, your leader will discuss the option of swimming from Ti Top Island. You might also opt to kayak while you’re here, giving you the best chance to get up close to the towering limestone karsts. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck by candlelight and watch the sun go down.
Day 14 - Hanoi
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board the boat and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.
Day 15 - Hanoi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
01-02-202515-02-2025AUD $ 4,756-
06-02-202520-02-2025AUD $ 5,840-
08-02-202522-02-2025AUD $ 5,840-
13-02-202527-02-2025AUD $ 5,835-
15-02-202501-03-2025AUD $ 5,606-
20-02-202506-03-2025AUD $ 5,096-
22-02-202508-03-2025AUD $ 5,024-
25-02-202511-03-2025AUD $ 4,926-
27-02-202513-03-2025AUD $ 5,304-
01-03-202515-03-2025AUD $ 5,253-
06-03-202520-03-2025AUD $ 5,198-
08-03-202522-03-2025AUD $ 5,253-
13-03-202527-03-2025AUD $ 5,763-
15-03-202529-03-2025AUD $ 5,096-
20-03-202503-04-2025AUD $ 5,202-
27-03-202510-04-2025AUD $ 5,763-
29-03-202512-04-2025AUD $ 5,045-
03-04-202517-04-2025AUD $ 5,253-
10-04-202524-04-2025AUD $ 5,304-
17-04-202501-05-2025AUD $ 5,045-
19-04-202503-05-2025AUD $ 5,045-
24-04-202508-05-2025AUD $ 4,938-
01-05-202515-05-2025AUD $ 4,671-
15-05-202529-05-2025AUD $ 4,671-
22-05-202505-06-2025AUD $ 4,718-
05-06-202519-06-2025AUD $ 4,718-
12-06-202526-06-2025AUD $ 4,671-
26-06-202510-07-2025AUD $ 4,671-
03-07-202517-07-2025AUD $ 4,671-
17-07-202531-07-2025AUD $ 4,820-
24-07-202507-08-2025AUD $ 4,671-
07-08-202521-08-2025AUD $ 4,671-
14-08-202528-08-2025AUD $ 4,671-
28-08-202511-09-2025AUD $ 4,671-
04-09-202518-09-2025AUD $ 4,671-
11-09-202525-09-2025AUD $ 4,671-
18-09-202502-10-2025AUD $ 4,671-
25-09-202509-10-2025AUD $ 4,858-
27-09-202511-10-2025AUD $ 4,858-
02-10-202516-10-2025AUD $ 4,858-
09-10-202523-10-2025AUD $ 4,858-
16-10-202530-10-2025AUD $ 4,858-
23-10-202506-11-2025AUD $ 4,858-
25-10-202508-11-2025AUD $ 4,858-
30-10-202513-11-2025AUD $ 4,858-
01-11-202515-11-2025AUD $ 4,858-
06-11-202520-11-2025AUD $ 5,045-
13-11-202527-11-2025AUD $ 5,045-
15-11-202529-11-2025AUD $ 5,045-
20-11-202504-12-2025AUD $ 5,045-
27-11-202511-12-2025AUD $ 5,045-
29-11-202513-12-2025AUD $ 5,045-
04-12-202518-12-2025AUD $ 5,045-
11-12-202525-12-2025AUD $ 5,045-
18-12-202501-01-2026AUD $ 5,715-
25-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 5,715-
27-12-202510-01-2026AUD $ 5,715-
29-12-202512-01-2026AUD $ 5,715-
01-01-202615-01-2026AUD $ 6,045-
03-01-202617-01-2026AUD $ 6,045-
08-01-202622-01-2026AUD $ 6,045-
15-01-202629-01-2026AUD $ 6,045-
22-01-202605-02-2026AUD $ 6,045-
29-01-202612-02-2026AUD $ 6,045-
05-02-202619-02-2026AUD $ 6,285-
07-02-202621-02-2026AUD $ 6,285-
10-02-202624-02-2026AUD $ 5,495-
12-02-202626-02-2026AUD $ 6,285-
14-02-202628-02-2026AUD $ 6,285-
17-02-202603-03-2026AUD $ 5,495-
19-02-202605-03-2026AUD $ 6,285-
21-02-202607-03-2026AUD $ 6,285-
24-02-202610-03-2026AUD $ 5,495-
26-02-202612-03-2026AUD $ 6,285-
28-02-202614-03-2026AUD $ 6,285-
05-03-202619-03-2026AUD $ 6,530-
07-03-202621-03-2026AUD $ 6,530-
12-03-202626-03-2026AUD $ 6,530-
14-03-202628-03-2026AUD $ 6,530-
19-03-202602-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
21-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
26-03-202609-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
28-03-202611-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
31-03-202614-04-2026AUD $ 5,495-
02-04-202616-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
04-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
09-04-202623-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
11-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
16-04-202630-04-2026AUD $ 6,530-
23-04-202607-05-2026AUD $ 6,285-
30-04-202614-05-2026AUD $ 6,285-
07-05-202621-05-2026AUD $ 5,495-
14-05-202628-05-2026AUD $ 6,045-
21-05-202604-06-2026AUD $ 6,045-
28-05-202611-06-2026AUD $ 5,495-
04-06-202618-06-2026AUD $ 6,045-
11-06-202625-06-2026AUD $ 6,045-
25-06-202609-07-2026AUD $ 6,045-
02-07-202616-07-2026AUD $ 6,045-
16-07-202630-07-2026AUD $ 6,045-
23-07-202606-08-2026AUD $ 6,045-
06-08-202620-08-2026AUD $ 6,045-
20-08-202603-09-2026AUD $ 6,045-
27-08-202610-09-2026AUD $ 6,045-
03-09-202617-09-2026AUD $ 6,045-
10-09-202624-09-2026AUD $ 6,045-
17-09-202601-10-2026AUD $ 6,045-
24-09-202608-10-2026AUD $ 6,045-
26-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 6,285-
01-10-202615-10-2026AUD $ 6,285-
08-10-202622-10-2026AUD $ 6,285-
15-10-202629-10-2026AUD $ 6,285-
22-10-202605-11-2026AUD $ 6,285-
29-10-202612-11-2026AUD $ 6,285-
31-10-202614-11-2026AUD $ 6,285-
05-11-202619-11-2026AUD $ 6,530-
07-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 6,530-
14-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 6,530-
19-11-202603-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
21-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 5,495-
26-11-202610-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
28-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
03-12-202617-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
10-12-202624-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
17-12-202631-12-2026AUD $ 6,530-
24-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 6,285-
26-12-202609-01-2027AUD $ 6,285-
31-12-202614-01-2027AUD $ 6,285-

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights),Overnight boat (1 night)

Transport

Boat,Plane,Private Minibus

Map

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