Cities, Waterways & Beach
Highlights
... spectacular natural beauty and charming locals. Arrive into atmospheric Hanoi and get lost in the maze of laneways in the Old Quarter before being mesmerised by the craggy ocean rocks of Halong Bay, which rise skywards from glistening waters. You’ll be spellbound by the intoxicating buzz of Ho Chi Minh City before appreciating the hushed atmosphere of the Mekong Delta. Catch your breath relaxing on the pristine beach of Phan Thiet.
Some of the highlights included are:
- Admire towering karst peaks reflecting in green waters in stunning Halong Bay
- Wander past beautiful temples and chic skyscrapers in Ho Chi Minh City
- Explore the complex waterways of the Mekong Delta
- Laze on pristine beaches and discover the lush forests of Phan Thiet
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What's included
- International and internal flights
- 9 nights in 4* hotels
- 2 night Halong Bay Cruise on the Dragon Pearl
- 2 night Song Xanh Serenity Cruise
- All airport transfers
Need to know
- Arrives: Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
- Time difference: GMT+7
- Visa requirements: British passport holders require a tourist visa; please ask your travel consultant for more information
- Language: Vietnamese
- Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
- Flying time from UK: around 12 hours direct
- Plug type: 2 round pins or 2 flat pins
- Voltage: 220V
Your route
Itinerary
Fly from UK to London
Hanoi
Vietnam’s atmospheric capital, Hanoi, offers a warm welcome to this intriguing country. Explore the ancient pagodas, stroll along sweeping boulevards and soak up the atmosphere in the bustling Old Quarter. Sip cappuccinos in the Parisian-style cafés, where fresh baguettes are served, a throwback from the city’s French occupation. Inviting aromas greet you at every turn, hawkers in conical hats ply their wares on the street side and the buzz of the city resonates in the ancient structures of the country’s capital.
4* Silk Path Hotel
Transfers
Halong Bay
Head to mesmerising Halong Bay, where craggy ocean rocks rise skywards from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Discover the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage site aboard the Dragon Pearl. Cruise through the breathtaking landscape, watch fisherman go about their daily business and partake in a Vietnamese cooking lesson.
2 night Halong Bay Cruise aboard the Dragon Pearl: Transfers
Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to the buzzing city of Ho Chi Minh City. This vibrant metropolis pulsates with life – from the bustling stalls in Ben Thanh Market to the throngs of motorbikes that zip along the teeming streets. Prepare for a city like no other. Wander through ancient alleys and discover colour-adorned temples before taking time to catch up with the present day in the glittering designer malls housed in chic skyscrapers. Explore Vietnam’s chequered past at the harrowing War Remnants Museum, or walk around the secret bunkers and command centres at the intriguing Reunification Palace, whose interior has been left a it was when Saigon fell in April 1975.
4* Saigon Prince Hotel
Transfers
Mekong Delta
Today, you’ll head south to the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam – the Mekong Delta. A landscape cloaked in emerald and carved with intricate waterways, this compelling water world features boats, restaurants, houses and markets – all floating atop the rivers, canals and streams. Spend three days exploring this rural area and you'll pass rice paddies, visit a traditional floating market and learn about local life in the Mekong.
2 night Song Xanh Serenity Cruise (accommodation in 4* hotels) Transfers
Ho Chi Minh City
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Perhaps check out City Hall, a striking yellow colonial building, or take a look around the Museum of Vietnamese History. Stock up on a souvenir or two at the markets, including the maze of stalls that make up Ben Than Market. You can find authentic woven cloth from the mountains in the north of Vietnam, lacquered paintings and fascinating Vietnamese propaganda posters here, as well as fruit and local snacks.
4* Saigon Prince Hotel
Phan Thiet
From Ho Chi Minh City, travel to nearby Phan Thiet, where you can spend time lazing on the pristine beach, exploring the surrounding tropical forest, or if you’re feeling adventurous try sand boarding on the sand dunes of Mui Ne. Phan Thiet is known for its fish sauce and excellent seafood restaurants so be sure to save space for some culinary delights while you’re here.
4* Victoria Phan Thiet
Transfers
