Vietnam Experience Private Tour

• Day 1

  Arrive Saigon
  Upon arrival at Saigon airport your private driver will be waiting to escort you to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure.

• Day 2

  Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels B L
  Start the day with a stroll through Le Van Tam Park, the so-called ‘green lungs’ of Ho Chi Minh City. Sample some Vietnamese specialty coffee before exploring the city’s heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. See the Notre-Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the poignant War Remnants Museum. The latter is an emotional visit; you will be given time to explore independently. Stop for lunch before transferring to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Sightseeing here involves two hours on foot on wide but uneven paths through the forest, seeing examples of reconstructed bamboo traps, Viet Cong kitchens, and tunnel entrances

• Day 3

  Mekong Delta B L
  This morning, your private guide will pick you up for a whirlwind escape to the country. Head to Ben Tre to explore on a rural section of the mighty Mekong. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam', the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruits. Spend the day cruising and exploring, travelling by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and changing to smaller paddleboats in the canal. Return to Saigon in the early evening.

• Day 4

  Journey To Hoi An B L
  Take a 1hr 20min flight to Danang and transfer to the charming, UNESCO listed town of Hoi An. This wilfully traditional town offers an impressive ancient centre famous for its yellow buildings, romantic ambience and swaying silk lanterns. After lunch, your guide will show you Hoi An's secrets on a private walking tour. This historic merchant town has influences from many corners of Asia. See the elaborate Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the bustling market. Your evening is at leisure to soak up the atmosphere, go lantern shopping or even get measured for express tailoring at one of the local boutiques. The night seamstresses and shoemakers here are famous for their quick, high-quality work - they can whip up a custom garment in just 24 hours and deliver it to your hotel too.

• Day 5

  Tra Que Village B L
  Your personal guide will pick you up by car this morning. Head out into the lush green countryside to visit Tra Que, a local farming co-operative that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. See the farmers at work, hear about the traditional methods they use, and even try your hand at it for yourself. This afternoon, you are at leisure to explore Hoi An's lovely shops and bars, relax in your hotel or even visit the beach.

• Day 6

  Imperial Hue B L
  This morning, drive approximately 4 hours to Hue; this journey will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass, often named as one of the best road trips in the world. Hue is the epitome of Vietnam's dynamic past, and was once the seat of the Nguyen emperors. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang; the complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by scenic gardens and pools. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City before an evening cruise on the Perfume River. Hue is a small city, with almost everything in walking distance. Take advantage of the nearby street market, or head to one of the neighbouring restaurants along the riverfront - the choice is yours.

• Day 7

  Fly to Hanoi B L
  Fly to Hanoi and enjoy time at leisure to explore Vietnam's capital, your way. Why not shop in the wonderful boutiques of the Old Quarter, or enjoy the beautiful architecture and restaurants in the French Quarter?

• Day 8

  Explore Hanoi B L
  Your private guide will introduce the city's history during this morning's private tour. Take a walk through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll see the Stilt House set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace, before continuing to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Day 9

  Halong Bay Overnight Cruise B L D
  Travel east to Halong Bay, the highlight of any visit to Vietnam. Here, you'll spend a day and night aboard a comfortable cruise ship, sailing amongst magnificent karst peaks on the tranquil green waters of Halong Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn't hard to see why it is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. Amid the myriad of islands, enjoy an excursion such as a visit to one of the bay's stalactite-filled caves, or a kayaking experience in one of its sheltered bays.

• Day 10

  Water Puppet Artistry B L
  Rise early this morning for a beautiful sunrise over the bay as you cruise back to port. Return to Hanoi after brunch. This afternoon, your private guide will take you to visit the home of a water puppet artist. This traditional Vietnamese performance art has roots dating back to the 10th century. You will have a chance to talk with the artist, watch the process of making the puppets and enjoy a private water puppet show.

• Day 11

  Depart Hanoi B

  You will be transferred to Hanoi airport where your arrangements end.

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Places Visited: Saigon (3N) - Hoi An (2N) - Hue (1N) - Hanoi (3N) - Halong Bay (1N)

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• Nights 3

  Muong Thanh Saigon Centre

  Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant District 1, Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel blends modern comfort with warm Vietnamese hospitality. Located just minutes from landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House and bustling Ben Thanh Market. Elegant rooms offer city views and thoughtful touches such as plush robes and slippers, while facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and indulgent spa treatments.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Non-smoking
  • Elevator
  • Bar
• Nights 2

  Silkotel

  A stone's throw from the pedestrianised Old Town, Silkotel Hoi An offers 92 elegant rooms close to to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. With a reputation for some of the best service staff in Hoi An, Silkotel's facilities include an indulgent spa, an in-house restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool with adjacent pool bar.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
• Night 1

  Saigon Morin

  The Saigon Morin can boast perhaps the best location of any hotel in Hue. Situated on the banks of Hue's Perfume River, just beside the famous Truong Tien Bridge, this landmark hotel is within walking distance of everything from boutiques and street food markets to high-end dining, not to mention the Forbidden City. Staying in? The in-house bars and restaurants offer both Vietnamese and European cuisine. Originally built in 1901, this French colonial hotel has been lovingly restored for today's travellers.

  • Wi-Fi
  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
• Nights 3

  Le Jardin Haute Couture, Hanoi

  Combining Vietnamese elegance with contemporary style, Le Jardin Haute Couture is a light, airy oasis in the heart of Hanoi. Guests can take advantage of the the spa, swim in the rooftop pool, or enjoy a drink in the hotel's excellent 12th-floor sky bar.

  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
• Night 1

  Bhaya Classic

  Aboard a traditional-style junk, refurbished in 2015, a Bhaya Classic cruise offers a convivial atmosphere and classic oriental style. There is a sundeck for admiring the scenery and a spa and jacuzzi for relaxing whilst the restaurant serves freshly prepared Vietnamese and international cuisine. Onboard activities as you cruise include Tai Chi and cooking classes. Cabins are cosy and comfortable with big windows for beautiful views, a fridge and a bathroom with walk in shower.