Scratch just beneath the surface of this country and quickly discover how authentic Vietnam is; a potpourri of beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities, striking coastlines, sandy beaches, and welcoming locals. A Vietnam where ancient custom is harmoniously entwined with modern life, and where the street is still the heart of social gatherings.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of Vietnam. Colourful floating markets bob along turquoise rivers as exotic spices spill from woven baskets. The locals wash laundry alongside the riverbank and market squares buzz with shared gossip as the air is filled with aromatic dishes sizzling in hot woks.
Our Vietnam tours truly encapsulate the magic of this sacred country: the conservative north, the rich heritage of the imperial cities, stunning coastal scenery, and the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).
We’ll take an escorted tour of Ho Chi Minh City, with its beautiful French colonial buildings and vibrant neon streets, to visit the Reunification Palace, the General Post Office, and bustling street markets, before an authentic dinner in a local restaurant.
Then, we’ll visit the strategic Cu Chi tunnels, an elaborate network of underground dug-outs used by the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War. Deep in the jungle heartland, we’ll tour the ancient town of Hoi An, where we find the UNESCO site of My Son temple. We’ll learn traditional customs and values from welcoming locals as we share stories with Hoi An residents in their own homes.
We then travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass to the Imperial City of Hue for a voyage on the Perfume River. Relive the history of the Nguyen dynasty on a visit to the intricately carved stone tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.
We continue on to the capital city of Hanoi where we enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing around centuries-old architecture in the chaotic old quarter. Then, we’ll move on to the rice paddies of Mai Chau Valley to walk in the tropical countryside.
In Halong Bay, we’ll cruise on a traditional junk boat amongst the distinctive 3000 limestone islands and iconic floating stacks. Be sure to watch the sun rise over the bay from the deck for incredible views of this remarkable scenic phenomenon. We continue to Sapa for dramatic sceneries: towering ledged valleys, mirrored paddy fields, and soaring mountains on all sides. Here we enjoy some magnificent walking in lush countryside, before returning to Hanoi.