Vietnam Uncovered - Hoi An, Ha Long Bay & Saigon - Solo Traveller

Today we set off on our journey to Vietnam, departing on our flights to the vibrant capital of Hanoi.

Let's meet our guide on arrival in Hanoi and transfer to our hotel, our base for the next two nights.

This evening, our Vietnam adventure begins with a traditional cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the bustling streets of Hanoi to enjoy a traditional water puppet performance, a unique Vietnamese cultural experience. Afterwards, we'll savour our first taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant.

Please note this excursion may take place the following night pending your flight arrival times.

Please note:

Meals – While in Vietnam some lunches and dinners are included. These are set menu meals in local restaurants or hotels providing an opportunity to experience local dishes, traditional flavours, and appreciate the culinary preparations found across Vietnam.

Let's discover the vibrant capital of Hanoi on a full-day guided sightseeing tour. We'll explore some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), his former stilt house (viewed from the outside), the distinctive One Pillar Pagoda, the 11th-century Temple of Literature and the fascinating Hoa Lo Museum.

We'll also enjoy a walking tour through the lively Old Quarter and around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake, soaking up the sights, sounds and atmosphere of this captivating city. Along the way, we'll visit a hidden café to sample Hanoi's famous egg coffee, a unique local speciality and a must-try experience.

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

After our day of experiencing the highlights of Hanoi we enjoy our evening at leisure to soak up this bustling city. Enjoy free time to explore the many bars and restaurants in the city, walk along the lake and watch the locals, cooking, dancing, and going about their daily lives. Browse the night market for some souvenirs (at the weekend), for ornate cards, souvenirs, clothes, and be entertained by watching the local’s barter.

For those who want more, let's venture on a "Hanoi Street food story" a pre bookable only excursion. See why foodies like Anthony Bourdain fell in love with Vietnam, and its tantalising street food culture. We enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds on this gastronomic adventure learning about Vietnamese people's culture, lifestyle, and cuisine on an evening walking tour. Immerse yourself into the sights and scents of this city as your local foodie guide shares with you, many of their favourite eateries, and introduces you to the cooks, chefs, and characters that shape this Hanoi Street food story!

Departure from our hotel, duration 3 hours.

Minimum numbers apply for the operation of this pre bookable only tour.

Morning Transfer to Ha Long

Say farewell to Hanoi as we set off early in the morning for Ha Long City, a 2.5-hour drive away, to explore the world-famous Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site!

All aboard for our overnight cruise where you'll fall in love with this unique part of Vietnam. We'll sail towards Lan Ha Bay, a less explored gem of Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald, green waters, serene atmosphere, and embraced by picturesque limestone cliffs.

Afternoon - Set Sail Lan Ha Bay

Let’s enjoy some lunch on board as we cruise through the beautiful islands and islets of Lan Ha Bay. We'll visit a local village, where you can explore the majestic landscape, and simple village life. Visit an ancient house, and even experience a fishpond foot massage (not for the ticklish!) before heading back to the ship.

Soak up the beauty and enjoy the moment! As we anchor for the night, take part in a cooking class, or watch the sun set over the magnificent bay.

After dinner, enjoy some onboard entertainment. Relax with a movie, try your hand at squid fishing, or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere.

For those who rise early, begin the day with an optional Tai Chi session on deck as the sun rises over Lan Ha Bay. Afterwards, enjoy a light breakfast before our final cruise experience to the spectacular Dark and Bright Cave. Choose to glide through the cave on a traditional bamboo boat guided by local rowers, explore by kayak, or simply relax on board and admire the stunning scenery.

After disembarking, we'll return by speedboat to Tuan Chau Marina before travelling to Hanoi Airport for our flight to Danang. A light lunch is included today, either en route or at the airport.

We have arrived in Danang airport! Let’s get together and transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the beautiful city of Hoi An.

Relax and unwind at our hotel as the rest of our day is at leisure to relax and unwind.

Join us tonight for dinner at our hotel (included).

This morning, we start our Hoi An adventure with a boat journey on the Thu Bon River that runs adjacent to the ancient city. Next, we uncover the beautiful and historic part of Hoi An on a walking tour taking in some of the highlights including, the old Merchant House, Hoi An Museum, the Chinese Assembly Hall, and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge.

After our walking tour, we have a special treat instore, as we savour a typical Vietnamese crispy sandwich, Banh Mi (included), something everyone should try when in Vietnam.

The rest of our afternoon will be at leisure to explore and uncover Hoi An at our own pace.

Hoi An is a perfect place for the keen photographer, with colourful buildings, rice paddy fields, markets, and interesting people among the subjects to capture as holiday memories.  Opening hours permitting, a visit to the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum is recommended, to view stunning images of some of Vietnam’s ethnic tribes people dressed in splendid traditional costume.

For coffee connoisseurs this will be the perfect opportunity to try a Cafe Sua Da (iced coffee) Vietnamese-style. Vietnam is famous for its coffee, and it is simply delicious!

Escape the bustle of Hoi An as we venture into the peaceful countryside on a half-day guided excursion. Visit a traditional farming village and gain an insight into rural Vietnamese life as we watch local farmers tending their fields and vegetable gardens.

Next, enjoy a hands-on Vietnamese cookery class, where we'll discover the fresh ingredients, fragrant herbs and traditional techniques that make the country's cuisine so distinctive. Afterwards, sit down to savour the delicious dishes you've prepared for lunch, an authentic taste of Vietnam.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure in the charming town of Hoi An. Wander through the lantern-lined streets, browse the local markets, visit historic temples and museums, or shop for expertly tailored clothing, shoes and handcrafted souvenirs.

Alternatively, relax in one of the many cafés and savour a rich Vietnamese Robusta coffee while soaking up the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today we bid farewell to Hoi An and journey north by coach to the historic city of Hue. Sit back and relax as we travel through the scenic countryside, passing emerald-green rice paddies, traditional fishing villages, peaceful lagoons and coastal landscapes. Our approximately four-hour journey includes lunch at a local restaurant en route.

This afternoon, discover Hue's fascinating imperial heritage with a visit to the magnificent Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of Vietnam's emperors and their families.

We also visit the elegant Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the finest examples of Nguyen Dynasty architecture, set amongst tranquil pine forests, lakes and beautifully landscaped gardens just outside the city.

Sit back and relax as we round off the day with a scenic cruise along the Perfume River to the iconic Thiên Mụ Pagoda, one of Hue's most recognisable landmarks. The river takes its name from the fragrant flowers and blossoms that once drifted downstream, delicately scenting the water.

This evening, enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant before transferring to our hotel for an overnight stay in Hue.

Today we transfer to Hue Airport for our flight to vibrant and bustling Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, where we'll spend the next four nights.

On arrival, we'll transfer to our hotel before enjoying some free time to experience Vietnam's dynamic southern metropolis. A fascinating blend of modern skyscrapers, French colonial architecture and bustling streets, Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant contrast of old and new. Perhaps take a stroll through one of the city's leafy parks, watch locals gathering to socialise or play traditional games, or simply soak up the energy of this fast-paced city.

This evening, we'll come together for dinner at a local restaurant, the perfect way to begin our stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, discover the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided full day sightseeing tour. Our first stop is the historic Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace, a key landmark in Vietnam's modern history.

We'll then stroll through the elegant French colonial district, passing the famous Central Post Office and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, before continuing to the atmospheric Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the city's most treasured temples.

To complete the morning, enjoy a light lunch of traditional Vietnamese Pho noodle soup at a local restaurant – a classic and much-loved dish that captures the flavours of Vietnam.

After lunch, we’ll continue our excursion to Cholon, the largest Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, we'll discover historic and cultural treasures, including Cha Tam Church, where President Diem sought refuge shortly before his assassination in 1963. We'll also visit the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the seas, and explore the authentic Binh Tay Market. The tour wraps up with a visit to a small Cao Dai Temple, where a small sect of this eclectic religion worships daily.

We'll return in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free for you to further explore this dynamic and vibrant city at your own pace.

Let’s discover more of this fascinating and historic country as we embark on a half day excursion to discover the Chu Chi network of underground tunnels. These tunnels were the location of many of the Viet Cong’s military campaigns during the Vietnam War (or American War, as it is called in Vietnam). The tunnels were used as hiding places during combat; also serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food storage and living quarters for the Vietnamese fighters.

For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above.  The more daring among us can enter some of the tunnels with our guide. As this requires crawling along on hands and knees in the darkness of the tunnel, it is certainly not for the faint hearted, wear comfy clothes, and be prepared to get a little dirty!

Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

After our morning exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, we return to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to discover more of this vibrant city at your own pace. Perhaps admire the city's striking blend of French colonial and modern architecture, visit one of its fascinating museums or art galleries, stroll along the lively pedestrian boulevard, or simply soak up the energy and atmosphere of Vietnam's largest city.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure and explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace.

If you'd like to delve deeper into Vietnam's recent history, you may wish to visit the War Remnants Museum, home to thought-provoking exhibits, military vehicles and artefacts relating to the American/Vietnam War.

Alternatively, enjoy a stroll through one of the city's leafy parks, where locals gather to exercise, socialise and play đá cầu, the traditional Vietnamese game of foot badminton. Whether you choose to explore the city's museums, admire its distinctive architecture or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere, our expert guide will be happy to recommend places to suit your interests.

We depart Ho Chi Minh City by road and set off on a full day guided excursion to Cai Be (approximately two-hour journey), famous for its large floating markets. On arrival, we’ll take a cruise on the mighty Mekong Delta, in a motorised sampan boat.  Experience the floating markets, with displays of food produce, hung from bamboo poles to attract custom. We then pass a maze of tributaries and fruit plantations, depending on the season we will sample local tropical fruit with our lunch (included) at a local farmers home. After lunch enjoy a leisurely cruise to Vinh Long, before transferring by road and ferry to Can Tho for our overnight stay.

Time to check in to our hotel and relax for the evening. Let’s get together for dinner (included).

A very early start this morning! Let’s uncover more of Vietnam with one last cruise.  We’ll visit the bustling market town of Cai Rang and enjoy a Sampan ride through its colourful floating market, with hawkers jostling for space to sell their wares, including everything from plastic sunglasses to exotic fruit and vegetables.   Then let’s travel deeper into the Delta area, to see one of its most spectacular temples, the Khmer monastery of Kh'leng. This temple is inhabited by a group of young Buddhist monks, and a learning centre for members of the Khmer race that have remained there for centuries. The monks study English and Vietnamese and are keen to talk to foreign visitors. We return to our hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before we make our way to Ho Chi Minh Airport for our return flights home.

We say a fond farewell to Vietnam and our memorable journey from the highlights of Vietnam tour.

Arrive home after a memorable experience of Vietnam.