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Vietnam's greatest hits — from the chaotic energy of Hanoi to the dreamlike stillness of Ha Long Bay, the imperial grandeur of Hue and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, finishing in the electric pace of Ho Chi Minh City. Ten days, north to south, in a small group personally escorted by our team.
Arrive in Hanoi — Vietnam's ancient, chaotic and utterly captivating capital. Check in and spend the first afternoon exploring the Old Quarter on foot: 36 streets, each traditionally specialising in a different trade. This evening, join your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and a briefing from our team about the journey ahead.
A full day in Hanoi. Morning visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the beautiful One Pillar Pagoda. Afternoon at the Temple of Literature — Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. This evening, join the locals for bia hoi (fresh draught beer) on a street corner and explore the night market in the Old Quarter.
Drive east to Ha Long Bay and board your overnight cruise boat. As you sail into the bay, over 1,600 limestone islands emerge from the water — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of breathtaking scale. This afternoon, kayak through sea caves, swim in sheltered lagoons and watch the sun go down behind the karsts from the boat's top deck.
Wake up on the water as morning mist clears from the karsts — one of Vietnam's most iconic sights. A guided hike up to a viewpoint on one of the larger islands for panoramic views over the bay. Return to the marina by midday, then fly to Hue — Vietnam's former imperial capital.
Morning inside the Imperial Citadel — a walled city within a city, modelled on the Forbidden City of Beijing. The moated citadel contains the Imperial Enclosure, royal temples and the famous Ngo Mon gate. Afternoon cruise along the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda — Hue's most iconic landmark.
Morning visit to the royal tombs — elaborate, beautifully landscaped mausolea of the Nguyen emperors scattered across the hills south of Hue. Each has its own architectural character; the Tomb of Tu Duc is particularly atmospheric, set beside a lotus-covered lake. Afternoon drive over the Hai Van Pass — one of the most spectacular coastal roads in Southeast Asia — to Hoi An.
A free morning in Hoi An — one of Southeast Asia's best-preserved trading towns. The ancient town is small enough to walk: merchant houses, Japanese covered bridge, Chinese clan halls and tailors' workshops fill every lane. This afternoon, a cooking class with a local chef — visit the morning market, then prepare and eat a traditional Hoi An meal.
Morning at leisure — take a bicycle out to the rice paddies and fishing villages surrounding Hoi An, or have clothes made by one of the town's extraordinary tailors (allow 24 hours for fitting and collection). This evening, the town transforms as coloured lanterns are lit along the riverfront — a magical last night in central Vietnam.
Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City — the relentless, electric engine room of modern Vietnam. Afternoon visit to the War Remnants Museum (confronting but essential) and the Reunification Palace. This evening, explore District 1's rooftop bars, street food alleys and night markets — and raise a glass to an extraordinary journey.
Morning half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels — the extraordinary 250km network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong forces during the Vietnam War. Return to the city after lunch. Your adventure ends this afternoon — transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Our team has led small-group adventures across Asia, East Africa, the Caucasus and South America since 2006. We know the routes we run inside out — and we run them personally.
Never more than 10 people on this tour. Small groups move differently — you get into places larger groups can't, spend more time in the moment and actually get to know the people you're travelling with.
You book your own flights, so you have full flexibility over your dates, airline and route. We're always happy to advise on the best connections — just ask when you enquire.
No booking engine. Enquire and our team will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss everything personally — and to tailor the trip around your schedule and what matters most to you.
