Vietnam Highlights 2027 Small Group Tour (12 Days)

Day 1  Depart The UK (Thursday 18 March 2027)

Day 2 
Hanoi - Arrival 19 March 2027
Welcome on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport.
Welcome and transfer to your hotel. Check in: 14.00 
Accommodation at La Siesta Ma May, 

Day 3 
Hanoi      (20 March )
Breakfast at hotel.
Our full-day exploration of Hanoi starts at the famed Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by the former president’s stilt house where Uncle Ho lived from 1958 to 1969.
Next is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. We head to the Temple of Literature and enjoy a cyclo ride, followed by a visit to Ngoc Son Temple and picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.
Optional Visit to the famous water puppet show performance (extra)
This is a unique Vietnamese traditional art form that takes its origins from rural festivals in Vietnam and it is performed by the puppeteers in water. Meals at own account.

Accommodation at La Siesta Ma May, 

Day 4    (21 March )
Breakfast at the hotel
Hanoi - Ha Long   
Drive to iconic Ha Long Bay.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to thousands of dramatic limestone karsts that jut out of the ocean.
We board the boat and set off on our unforgettable exploration of this fascinating natural phenomenon. Unlike Camille and Jean-Bapstite in the famous movie Indochine,
we enjoy a lavish seafood meal and take part in a variety of activities, including swimming and kayaking among the ancient rock formations and visiting caves that date back millions of years.
In the late afternoon, we can kick back and relax on the sun deck, soak up the sublime surroundings, enjoy a sundowner cocktail during happy hour and learn how to cook like a local with a cooking demonstration.

Dinner and overnight on boat, Indochine Grand, Junior Suite Please note:

There are many boat companies offering cruises on Ha Long Bay. The comfort level and itinerary may slightly differ between different operators. 

Day 5    (22 March )
Ha Long - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An 
The perfect day starts with an energizing tai chi class on the sundeck as the boat navigates through a spectacular seascape.
Brunch is served ahead of the return to Tuan Chau Marina (Ha Long), which marks the conclusion of this cruise.  There is no private guide on board but an English-speaking in-house guide may be available.
Drive back to Hanoi, drop off at the airport for flight to Da Nang. Arrival in Da Nang, pick up and transfer to hotel in Hoi An.

Accommodation at Vinh Hưng Riverside, Superior room, Hoi An

Day 6       Hoi An (23 March )
Breakfast at the hotel.
Walking tour of Hoi An takes in the best attractions this historic and picturesque UNESCO-listed destination has to offer.
As a former prosperous seaport during the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An attracted merchants from afar.
Consequently, it has a wealth of buildings and architectural styles. We visit the colourful local market, Tan Ky Old House, the Fukien Assembly Hall and the renowned 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
We will also see how local residents raise silkworms to produce silk for Hoi An's burgeoning textile industry.
This guided tour, with an expert local guide, will give you the best insight into this stunningly beautiful location that has exceptional historical and cultural treasures. Continue on to visit a family-run lantern making business. This work is simple, and there will be an opportunity to design a unique lantern, from making the frame to gluing the cloth. Rest of day at leisure.

Accommodation at Vinh Hưng Riverside, Superior room, Hoi Ann

Day 7  Hoi An   (24 March)
Breakfast at hotel.
Day at Leisure or Optional Farming and Fishing Life Tour
Location: Local Farming Tra Que organic village, rice paddy field & Cua Dai Fishing and Cam Thanh Ecological village
Departure Time: 8:00 A.M or 2:00 P.M Duration: 5 hours to 5,5 hours – bicycle and Jack Tran’s boat

Accommodation at Vinh Hưng Riverside, Superior room.

Day 8   Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh  (25 March)
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Da Nang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh.
Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, we are greeted and transferred to the hotel in Ho Chi Minh. Check in time: 14.00

Accommodation at Hotel Liberty Central Riverside, Deluxe room

OPTIONAL TOUR: SAIGON AFTER DARK (See Extras Section)

Day 9   Ho Chi Minh  (26 March)
Breakfast at the hotel.
This mornings tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels takes us back in time to an era of past conflict but what is now an area of peace and tranquillity.
The vast network of underground tunnels is testament to the resilience of the people. Above ground you will see picturesque rice fields, fertile crop plantations and sprawling countryside,
but underground lies a labyrinth containing living quarters, storage rooms, weapon factories and field hospitals. They date back to 1948 during the fight against French occupation in the First Indochina War,
but by the time the Vietnam War escalated in the 1960s, a 250 km warren spanned from Saigon to the border with Cambodia.
Upon arrival and after a short introduction, you will have a chance to crawl into a short section of the tunnels to feel the oppressive narrowness and heat inside. Documentaries and displays of traps will give you a vivid idea of life and struggle in this extraordinary subterranean world.
Return to Ho Chi Minh city, take a quick photo stop at Reunification Palace, the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial Central Post Office and the City Hall.

Accommodation at Hotel Liberty Central Riverside, Deluxe room

Day 10  Ho Chi Minh (27 March)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin your journey with a scenic transfer from Saigon to Ben Tre, Vietnam's coconut heartland, a journey of more than 2 hours.
Upon arrival, discover the community's deep connection to this versatile fruit. Observe traditional brick-making techniques before embarking on a motorized wooden boat ride along the Mekong River.
Navigate village paths by auto rickshaw or bicycle, immersing yourself in rural life. Relish honey tea and tropical fruits in a local garden, then learn the art of coconut candy and rice wine production at a family workshop.
Enjoy a tranquil rowing boat excursion through scenic waterways lined with water coconut palms. Stroll through lush tropical orchards, taking in the verdant landscape.
For lunch savour authentic local cuisine at a charming riverside restaurant, offering a true taste of Mekong Delta flavors. Conclude your adventure with a motorized wooden boat ride to My Tho, where you'll begin your approximately 2-hour transfer back to Saigon, carrying with you rich memories of rural Vietnamese life and culture.

Accommodation at Liberty Central Riverside, Deluxe room

Day 11   Ho Chi Minh Departure (28 March)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time till transfer to the airport

Optional Add-Ons:  Phu Quoc Island (3 Nights) or Cambodia (7 Nights)   See Extras for more Details
See Extras for details of add-ons

or fly back to the UK

Day 12: Arrive back in the UK  (29 March)