Essential Vietnam Tour

From the excitement of Saigon to the quiet elegance of Hanoi city, this Vietnam tour covers all the best parts of Vietnam. The highlight has to be our overnight stay on the beautiful ‘Jewel of the Bay’ sampan in Halong Bay which allows us to relax in pampered luxury whilst admiring the stunning limestone scenery. We also have time to enjoy the small fishing village of Hoi An and the imperial capital of Hue.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 15
Arrival Transfer: Airport transfer to hotel day 1
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides
Transport: Private air-conditioned minibus / coach, plane
Flights: Saigon to Nha Trang, Nha Trang to Danang and Hue to Hanoi
Activities: Extensive walking at sites
Accommodation: 6 nights in tourist class hotels, 2 nights bungalows on Whale Island,1 night homestay
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Local Payment: Must be paid in cash on day 1 of your tour

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Chinese architecture of Hoi An
• Idyllic Whale Island
• The Imperial City of Hue
• Vibrant Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY): Arrive in Saigon.

Day 2, MEKONG DELTA HOMESTAY: We head south to the Mekong Delta and spend the day exploring the area by boat and on foot. Tonight we are guests of a local family. (BLD)

Day 3, MEKONG DELTA - SAIGON: This morning we visit an authentic floating market before returning to Saigon. (B)

Day 4, SAIGON - WHALE ISLAND: Morning walking tour of this amazing city. Afternoon flight to Nha Trang and transfer to the idyllic Whale Island. (BD)

Day 5, WHALE ISLAND: A relaxing free day to swim, laze on pristine beaches or go snorkelling amidst lovely coral gardens. (BLD)

Day 6, HOI AN: Today we drive to Nha Trang for a short flight to Danang then transfer to the wonderful ancient trading town of Hoi An. (B)

Day 7, HOI AN: After a guided tour of the town the rest of the day is free to wander the streets for yourself. (BD)

Day 8, HUE: Drive along the coast via Ocean Cloud Pass, the geographical divide between north and south Vietnam. Arrive in Hue and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to the Heavenly Lady Pagoda and the tomb of the Nguyen Emperor Minh Mang. (B)

Day 9, HUE: Morning tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Imperial City. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Hanoi. (BD)

Day 10, HANOI: Enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Tour ends early afternoon (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. Explore without roughing it.

Maximum Group Size - 15: You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of inclusions, comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. You enjoy the freedom of using privately charted vehicles but also understand that sometimes the best way to go is 'local'. Whether a seasoned or a first time traveller, you love to explore without roughing it.
Tour Extensions: Traveller-class Extension tours are non-group tours, available on request.
Included: All accommodation (usually in comfortable tourist class hotels on a twin share basis), transportation, many meals, and all entrance fees as included in the itinerary.
Single Supplement: (applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room) Usually available and usually not compulsory (check your specific tour for details). Please note: Single supplements do not apply on all boats, overnight train journeys and whilst camping.[Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]