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The Essence of Vietnam - North to South
11 Days Tailor-MadeFrom £1,580 per person

The Essence of Vietnam - North to South

Overview

Capture the essence of Vietnam with this sweeping trip from the charming northern capital, Hanoi, to metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Cruise for two days through spectacular Ha Long Bay, with floating karst peaks scattered for miles across emerald waters. Admire the country’s most beautiful ancient architecture in Hoi An, ride a bamboo basket boat in Cam Thanh Village, and explore the immense network of underground tunnels at Cu Chi. Beyond the country’s major highlights, delve deeper into the everyday lives of Vietnamese with this eleven-day trip.

Trip Highlights

  • Visit cultural highlights along with ancient back alleys in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi
  • Cruise through emerald waters and towering limestone pillars at Ha Long Bay aboard a traditional junk
  • Explore Hoi An’s ancient town and interact with the locals
  • Ride a cyclo through Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the infamous underground city constructed during the Vietnam War

Interactive Journey Map

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Expedition Route|
Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
Hue
Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Phase 1: Northern Highlands & WondersNorth region
Day 1

Arrival in Hanoi - Airport Fast-Track VIP Check-in

🍴 D🏨 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Michelin DiningCyclo Heritage TourPrivate Water Puppets

Land in Vietnam where you are met at the aircraft door by our hostess and fast-tracked through VIP immigration. Board your private vehicle transfer to the luxury Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

Insider Tip:

Keep your flight details updated. Our private host coordinates the landing time in real-time.

Day 2

Hanoi Old Quarter Heritage & Art Tour

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
VIP Catamaran SailingHidden Caves KayakingSunset Champagne

Explore Hanoi's ancient guild streets by vintage sidecar. Visit private art galleries, talk with local curators, and savor a refined lunch at a Michelin-selected Vietnamese townhouse.

Insider Tip:

Try the famous egg coffee at a quiet rooftop spot overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Ask your guide for the secret entrance.

Day 3

Hanoi Old Quarter Heritage & Art Tour

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Hilltribe TrekkingBespoke Ecolodge StayMountain Sunrise

Explore Hanoi's ancient guild streets by vintage sidecar. Visit private art galleries, talk with local curators, and savor a refined lunch at a Michelin-selected Vietnamese townhouse.

Insider Tip:

Try the famous egg coffee at a quiet rooftop spot overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Ask your guide for the secret entrance.

Day 4

Hanoi Old Quarter Heritage & Art Tour

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Michelin DiningCyclo Heritage TourPrivate Water Puppets

Explore Hanoi's ancient guild streets by vintage sidecar. Visit private art galleries, talk with local curators, and savor a refined lunch at a Michelin-selected Vietnamese townhouse.

Insider Tip:

Try the famous egg coffee at a quiet rooftop spot overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Ask your guide for the secret entrance.

Phase 2: Central Imperial HeritageCentral region
Day 5

Forbidden Purple City & Royal Garden Feast

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Azerai La Residence Hue
Organic FarmingLantern Making WorkshopBeachfront Bliss

Explore the Royal Palace ruins with private access to restricted sectors. Dine on a multi-course royal feast inside a beautifully restored garden home of a royal descendant.

Insider Tip:

The sunset over the Perfume River is best viewed from the terrace of La Residence.

Day 6

Forbidden Purple City & Royal Garden Feast

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Azerai La Residence Hue
UNESCO Heritage WalkBespoke TailoringCycling Excursion

Explore the Royal Palace ruins with private access to restricted sectors. Dine on a multi-course royal feast inside a beautifully restored garden home of a royal descendant.

Insider Tip:

The sunset over the Perfume River is best viewed from the terrace of La Residence.

Day 7

Forbidden Purple City & Royal Garden Feast

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Azerai La Residence Hue
Imperial Tombs TourPerfume River CruiseRoyal Feast

Explore the Royal Palace ruins with private access to restricted sectors. Dine on a multi-course royal feast inside a beautifully restored garden home of a royal descendant.

Insider Tip:

The sunset over the Perfume River is best viewed from the terrace of La Residence.

Day 8

Forbidden Purple City & Royal Garden Feast

🍴 B, L, D🏨 Azerai La Residence Hue
Organic FarmingLantern Making WorkshopBeachfront Bliss

Explore the Royal Palace ruins with private access to restricted sectors. Dine on a multi-course royal feast inside a beautifully restored garden home of a royal descendant.

Insider Tip:

The sunset over the Perfume River is best viewed from the terrace of La Residence.

Phase 3: Southern Tropical PulseSouth region
Day 9

Ho Chi Minh City Discovery & Leisure

🍴 B, L, D🏨 The Reverie Saigon
Couples Spa RitualBeachfront BarbecuePrivate Yacht Snorkeling

Enjoy a luxury private tour around the historic sights of Ho Chi Minh City, culminating in a bespoke evening dinner curated by local chefs.

Insider Tip:

Ask our private driver for the scenic route to avoid highway traffic.

Day 10

Ho Chi Minh City Discovery & Leisure

🍴 B, L, D🏨 The Reverie Saigon
Floating MarketsPrivate Sampan CruiseLocal Artisans

Enjoy a luxury private tour around the historic sights of Ho Chi Minh City, culminating in a bespoke evening dinner curated by local chefs.

Insider Tip:

Ask our private driver for the scenic route to avoid highway traffic.

Day 11

Departure from Ho Chi Minh City

🍴 B🏨 The Reverie Saigon
Vespa Night CrawlSkyline CocktailsHeritage Landmarks

Morning at leisure to enjoy the resort's premium spa or infinity pool. Transfer by private vehicle to the airport for your onward international flight back to the UK.

Insider Tip:

Late check-out is pre-arranged subject to flight schedule.

📍 Expedition Planning & Practical Info

Best Time to Travel

The best season for this route is October to April. The skies are generally clear and temperatures are comfortable.

What to Pack

Pack lightweight linen clothing for walking. Smart casual attire is recommended for dining at luxury hotels. Don't forget sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.

Practical Info

UK passport holders require a visa for stays exceeding 45 days. Local currency is VND, though credit cards are widely accepted at all pre-selected luxury establishments.

Your Destination Curator

Plan with Alice Mercer

Alice Mercer

Alice has designed this journey based on personal travels. They can adjust any detail to suit your preferences.

Request A Quote

Direct Phone: +84 988600388

Email: info@vietnamtours.co.uk

Trip Details

  • Pacing:Relaxed / Luxury
  • Primary currency:£ GBP (UK Market)
  • Best Season:Oct to Apr
11 Days Tailor-Made Journey

The Essence of Vietnam - North to South

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