Vietnam Highlights: From Halong Bay to Hoi An

Discover the timeless charm of Hanoi on a full-day guided tour that brings together the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. Accompanied by your professional English-speaking guide and private driver, begin your journey at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where fascinating exhibits showcase the traditions and lifestyles of Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities.

Continue to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university and one of the country's most treasured cultural landmarks. Later, enjoy a delicious local lunch at the famous Bun Cha Huong Lien, renowned for hosting former U.S. President Barack Obama and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.

In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you'll explore the peaceful grounds surrounding the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside view), the Presidential Palace, the traditional Stilt House, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader as your guide shares fascinating stories along the way.

End your day with a relaxing stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, crossing the iconic red bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple before wandering through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Browse local markets, admire the charming colonial architecture, and perhaps treat yourself to a famous Vietnamese egg coffee or a delicious local snack before returning to your hotel or continuing to explore the city at your own pace.

After breakfast, leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to the breathtaking Halong Bay, accompanied by your English-speaking guide. Upon arrival, step aboard your luxury cruise, where you'll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink before settling into your elegant cabin.

As your cruise sets sail through the stunning limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay, take time to explore the ship and soak in the spectacular scenery. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of exciting activities—relax in the Infinity Oasis Pool or Jacuzzi, swim in the emerald waters, kayak through peaceful lagoons, enjoy the inflatable water slide, or try your hand at mini-golf on the sundeck.

As the sun begins to set, unwind with breathtaking panoramic views during Happy Hour before joining an interactive Vietnamese cooking demonstration led by the onboard chef. After a delicious dinner, spend your evening however you wish—watch a movie, play board games, try squid fishing, or simply relax on your private balcony while admiring the peaceful beauty of Lan Ha Bay under a starlit sky.

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Lan Ha Bay and begin your morning with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the limestone islands. After breakfast, board a traditional bamboo rowing boat and journey into the enchanting Dark & Bright Cave, where you'll glide through a natural tunnel into a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery.

After this unforgettable experience, return to the cruise to bid farewell to the crew before disembarking. Enjoy a comfortable private transfer back to Hanoi, taking in the scenic countryside along the way.

Later, board your domestic flight to Da Nang, where another warm welcome awaits. Upon arrival, relax during a scenic drive to the charming UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, where your next adventure begins amidst lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, and timeless Vietnamese charm.

Step into the timeless charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture, rich trading history, and vibrant cultural heritage. Accompanied by your private guide, begin your walking tour through the lantern-lined streets, where centuries of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences come together in perfect harmony.

Visit the beautifully preserved Tan Ky Ancient House, a 200-year-old merchant residence that offers a fascinating glimpse into Hoi An's prosperous past. Continue to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, home to an impressive collection of pottery and artifacts that reflect the town's importance as a historic international trading port.

Explore the peaceful Chua Ong Pagoda, admired for its intricate Chinese architecture and spiritual significance, before wandering through the charming streets filled with traditional wooden houses, boutique shops, and riverside cafés. End your experience at the lively Hoi An Central Market, where colorful stalls overflow with fresh produce, local delicacies, handcrafted souvenirs, and the town's famous silk products, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of Hoi An.

Discover why Hoi An is considered one of Vietnam's top culinary destinations on a delightful guided street food tour through its charming ancient streets. Accompanied by your private guide, stroll through the bustling morning markets and hidden alleyways, where the aromas of freshly prepared local delicacies fill the air.

Along the way, sample a variety of Hoi An's signature dishes, including the famous White Rose Dumplings (Banh Vac), Steamed Dumplings (Banh Bao), and the city's iconic Cao Lau Noodles, along with several other authentic local specialties. As you taste your way through the town, your guide will share fascinating stories about Hoi An's rich food culture, centuries-old traditions, and the diverse influences that have shaped its unique cuisine.

After indulging in a memorable culinary journey featuring around 10 authentic local dishes, unwind with a relaxing traditional Vietnamese foot massage, the perfect way to recharge before continuing your adventure.

Later, leave the charming streets of Hoi An behind and enjoy a comfortable private transfer to Hue, travelling along one of Central Vietnam's most scenic routes. Sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful coastal landscapes as you make your way to the country's former imperial capital, where another unforgettable chapter of your Vietnam journey awaits.

Step back in time as you explore the fascinating imperial city of Hue, the former capital of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accompanied by your private guide, begin your journey at the magnificent Hue Imperial Citadel, a sprawling fortress complex that once served as the political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. Wander through its impressive gates, royal palaces, and historic courtyards while learning about Vietnam's rich imperial past.

Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Perfume River, taking in the peaceful scenery that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Visit the elegant Minh Mang Tomb, renowned for its harmonious architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, before continuing to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples overlooking the river.

Complete your day with a visit to a charming local café, where you'll savour Hue's famous salted coffee, a unique regional specialty loved by locals. After an enriching day of history, culture, and scenic beauty, enjoy a comfortable private transfer back to your hotel.

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Hue Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.


Board a flight from Hue with direct service to Ho Chi Minh City. Approximate flight time is one hour and 30 minutes.


You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.


The history of Ho Chi Minh City has many layers, telling a tale of decades of external influence from the Chinese and the French. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, start your visit today by exploring Dong Khoi Area in the center of the city where French colonial presence can be felt at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Catholic Basilica commissioned entirely of imported French building materials. Then it's on to a visit to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences. From here, continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai and regarded as one of the most interesting pagodas in the country. Built by the Cantonese community at the early 20th century, worshipers still use this historic landmark to this day. The pagoda, with its elaborately carved figurines and decorated panels of carved gilt woodwork, is dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist deities. If you only visit one pagoda in the city, it should be this one. Finally, head over to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown. Cholon is widely regarded as the largest Chinatown in the world by area.

Years of French occupation and a lengthy war with the United States have marked Vietnam since the late 19th century. One of the most impressive feats of wartime engineering is the famed Cu Chi Tunnels, located in the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, head approximately an hour and a half out of the city to explore this monument to perseverance. Gain important insight into the prolonged struggle against invading armies, and appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The residents of Cu Chi took the war underground into a highly developed network of tunnels that at its height stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens and triage areas. Imperceptible from the ground, opposing armies could roll their tanks over the bunkers without causing damage to the tunnels below. Living conditions were harsh – in addition to fighting the war, residents battled food and oxygen scarcity, venomous insects, and cramped living quarters.

Drive back into the city and stop for a local lunch. In the afternoon start with a moving visit to the War Remnants Museum, a must-see for any war or history buff visiting Vietnam. Delve into the images and sounds of Vietnam’s lengthy war history with the French and Americans. The museum features a comprehensive collection of the machinery, weapons, and photos of the Vietnamese side of the war, and includes a moving tribute to the journalists, civilians, and soldiers lost during the war, as well as a critical look at biological warfare, weaponry, and worldwide movements for peace. It’s a truly moving visit but not for the faint-hearted. Continue to the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975 during the Fall of Saigon. It was here that the Vietnam War ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates and led to the formal reunification of the two sides.

You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.