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Authentic Vietnam

Take a moment. Leave astounded. Immerse yourself in the real Vietnam with this 12 night tour.

13 days / 12 nights

Guided Tour

Multiple departures

Overview

Immerse yourself in the real Vietnam, discovering the country’s architecture and traditional cultures.

This exciting journey through Vietnam captures many of the country’s most exciting and unique experiences. Explore Hanoi’s enthralling Old Quarter, sampling local delicacies as you go. Cruise spectacular Halong Bay with its thousands of limestone islets. Walk historic Hoi An streets and the rich farming practices of its outlying villages. And experience bustling Saigon, its vibrant markets and the verdant rice bowl of the Mekong Delta.

Inclusions

Highlights

  • Explore the Citadel and emperors’ tombs in historic Hue
  • Visit Animals Asia’s Vietnam bear sanctuary at Tam Dao
  • Cruise Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, admiring limestone islands

Inclusions

  • 10-nights accommodation
  • 2-nights Halong Bay cruise
  • 2 internal flights
  • Private transfers
  • 20 meals
  • A selection of handpicked experiences

Departs daily. Advertised price is based on per person, twin share. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

  • Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in downtown Hanoi. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Animals Asia Bear Sanctuary

  • Morning: Depart early for a visit to the Animals Asia Vietnam Bear Sanctuary, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. The sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates bears from the bear bile industry. You'll meet some of the bears, learn about their life stories, and observe them at play.
  • Afternoon: Return to Hanoi by mid-afternoon.
  • Evening: Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, with a focus on the city’s signature dishes such as pho ga, banh cuon, and nem cua.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

  • Morning: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay (approx. 3-hour drive). Upon arrival, check into your cabin for a two-night cruise on Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays.
  • Afternoon: Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, followed by a chance to swim in one of the Bay’s secluded coves.
  • Evening: Dinner on board, with scenic views of the Bay from the deck.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lan Ha Bay

  • Morning: Start your day with sunrise views or a tai chi class on deck. Then, transfer to a day boat for an excursion to Cat Ba Island, where you can cycle or take a bus through tropical hills to Viet Hai village.
  • Afternoon: After relaxing in the village, enjoy swimming or kayaking at Ba Trai Dao before returning to the boat. In the evening, attend a cooking demonstration and enjoy dinner on board.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi

  • Morning: Take tai chi on deck, followed by a leisurely breakfast and another opportunity to kayak.
  • Afternoon: Begin the return cruise to port and transfer back to Hanoi, arriving by mid-afternoon.
  • Evening: Dinner at KOTO, a social enterprise that provides hospitality training to disadvantaged youth.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Hanoi to Hue

  • Morning: Fly from Hanoi to Hue, then transfer to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Imperial Citadel, a symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty’s royal power, and the Thien Mu Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River.
  • Evening: Explore the countryside and visit Tu Duc’s tomb and Vong Canh Hill for panoramic views.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An

  • Morning: Drive from Hue to Hoi An, passing through Lang Co fishing village and the Pass of Ocean Clouds. Stop to visit the Cham Museum in Danang, which houses sculptures and artifacts from the former Cham kingdom.
  • Afternoon: Explore Hoi An, a charming town known for its vibrant markets, galleries, tailors, and restaurants.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast

Day 8: Hoi An

  • Morning: Visit a local farm in Tra Que herb village. Learn about rural life in Vietnam and assist farmers in the garden.
  • Afternoon: After a herbal foot massage, join the family for a cooking class, preparing traditional Hoi An dishes like tam huu and banh xeo.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Hoi An

  • Day at Leisure: Explore Hoi An at your own pace. Walk across the Japanese Covered Bridge, browse shops, or take a boat trip. You may also wish to visit the beach for a swim.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

  • Morning: Fly from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel.
  • Evening: Join a street food tour to sample Saigon specialties such as banh xeo, local soups, and rice with pork ribs. End the evening at a local café.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels

  • Morning: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the wars. Explore the tunnels and view war relics.
  • Afternoon: Tour Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Hall, Old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh market.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Mekong Delta

  • Morning: Drive south to the Mekong Delta. Take a boat ride in Ben Tre Province and explore the waterways, including a visit to coconut candy makers.
  • Afternoon: After lunch at a riverside restaurant, return to Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

  • Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure.
  • Dining Included: Breakfast

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

Destinations featured in this deal

Asia Vietnam

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