Best of Vietnam - Premium Adventure
Experience Overview
Experience the very best of Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hue and Hoi An, the Mekong Delta, and Lan Ha Bay – the lesser-known (but no less sensational) twin of Ha Long Bay. Guided by an expert local tour leader, we experience everything that makes Vietnam a cultural adventurer’s dream, from Michelin-starred dining to world-famous street food, natural wonders to ancient temples and ruins. Best of all, we end most nights in Premium accommodations, providing a bit of luxury and plenty of comfort.
Profile
— Accommodation: 10 Premium nights (7 resort, 2 hotel, 1 cruise), 3 Superior nights (2 hotel, 1 lodge) — Travel by private air-conditioned minibus, two flights and a boat — Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 10 Premium nights (7 resort, 2 hotel, 1 cruise), 3 Superior nights (2 hotel, 1 lodge) — Travel by private air-conditioned minibus, two flights and a boat — Group normally 4 to 16 plus leader
Trip For You
This Premium Adventure is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
This is not a rushed trip and, although there are early starts, the focus is on spending time in each area in comfort, with few long road journeys. Vietnam can be humid, which can be tiring as we explore some areas on foot. We have included two flights to keep travelling time to a minimum but delays can occur.
Group Description
The trip is led by English-speaking Vietnamese tour leaders, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, nine lunches and six dinners are included.
Thanks to the tropical climate, long coast and gigantic range of mountains, Vietnam is blessed with a variety of culinary offerings, and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest, most delicious cuisines in the world. Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices. The Chinese and French influence is felt throughout the country where you are just as likely to be offered a banh mi (stuffed baguette) as you are a steaming bowl of pho (noodle soup).
Be sure to seek out the national beverages: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, a real sugar and caffeine hit, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing. Western food is also available in most places visited.
Food is cheap in Vietnam and you can generally avoid the spicier dishes if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere, except for the Mekong Delta area. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Transportation
We use private air-conditioned car, minibus or bus dependent on group size. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary. There are two flights included in the itinerary and all bookings on flights are economy class.
Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, our itinerary is subject to minor change as, despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur, but if required, suitable alternative premium accommodation will be used.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Luxe Paradise Premium Hotel, 75 P. Phạm Hong Thai, Truc Bạch, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam
Phone: (+84-24) 3367 7575
Recommended arrival time: It is recommended to arrive by the early afternoon. There will be a welcome briefing at 6pm followed by an included welcome dinner
Airport: Hanoi Airport (HAN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 30 - 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with daytime temperatures usually between 28C and 34C (82F and 93F). It is only a little cooler at night.
There is quite a range of seasons between the north and the south: the south up to Hue has a distinct dry season between December to April and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between. Hanoi is cool in autumn, and even gets chilly between November and February (with drizzly rain).
There is no ideal time to visit Vietnam; it is quite pleasant at any time of year, though due to the shape of the country it is unlikely the weather will ever be perfect for the entire duration of any trip.
Please be aware, the Lan Ha Bay boat trip can be subject to change at short notice if certain adverse weather conditions develop. These could occur year-round, but especially in monsoon season (October to April). Lan Ha Bay boat trips are governed by local authorities, who are authorised to make such appropriate safety decisions. If your Lan Ha Bay trip is affected by adverse weather, this could either result in a reduced excursion on Lan Ha Bay for your group or, less likely, the need to re-arrange the itinerary if it is not possible at all to go out on Lan Ha Bay. While this is not a frequent occurrence, our local team and leaders are well equipped to handle such situations and have long offered appropriate options to groups in the instances where this may occur.
Spending Money
You need about US$300‐US$375 for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, allow money to cover drinks (more if you like beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Optional ecursions
There are several optional activities, which your leader can help arrange for you and advise of costs locally.
Hanoi
— Street food experience: 1,000,000 dong (US$40) — Water puppets 150,000 dong (US$6)
Hoi An
— Paper mask making: 350,000 dong (US$14) — Cooking class: 750,000 dong (US$30) — My Son discovery: 1,925,000 dong (US$77)
Ho Chi Minh City
— Street food by night: 900,000 dong (US$36)
Tipping
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will be taken care of by your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So need no for tipping kitties or to make your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the tour leader are not included. Whether to tip at all, and the amount, is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point we suggest around 61,000-125,000 dong (US$3- US$6) per person per day for the duration of the trip.
Highlights
— Uncover the best of Vietnam: ancient cultures, revered cuisine and natural wonders — Enjoy Michelin-starred Vietnamese food with a welcome dinner at Tam Vi in Hanoi — Cruise among the limestone peaks of Lan Ha Bay with sunset drinks and morning tai chi — Traverse the Mekong Delta by boat, meeting the local people and learning about their lives — Experience Ninh Binh's highlights: the historic Dinh Le King temples and a scenic journey down the Ngo Dong River — Stay at several Premium properties, including a luxury silk village in Hoi An and a Lan Ha Bay boat
Trip Details
Product Code: 19826
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: be used.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AOW
Starts: Hanoi, Hanoi
Finishes: Hanoi, Hanoi
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts, nine lunches and six dinners — All listed accommodation — Tips for local staff — Named tour leader, chosen for their experience and great customer feedback — All transport and listed activities — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Hotels, cultural villages, and Lan Ha Bay cruiseFor this Premium adventure through Vietnam, we curated accommodation for their location, comfort, style and unique characteristics. The hotels typically used are on the daily itinerary. However, below are some of the standout places we stay. Lan Ha Bay: La Regina Legend Cruise (night 5) Experience captivating Lan Ha Bay from the comfort of La Regina Legend, an enchanting Vietnamese cruise that combines modern comfort and luxury, as we sail through emerald waters, surrounded by majestic cliffs and lush islands. Enjoy views over the striking scenery from your deluxe/executive cabin or head to the sundeck. The latter is a prime spot for sunset, which you can experience with a drink in your hand. Hue: Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa (nights 6-7) Enjoy this traditional Vietnamese resort in the quiet countryside, which is set amid lush gardens and lily ponds. You can also try a myriad of experiences, from the naturally inspired spa treatments to tai chi, yoga and even some chakra cleansing. It’s also near historic landmarks and the city of Hue. Hoi An: Mulberry Collection Silk Village (nights 8-10) Secluded from Hoi An’s bustling centre nearby, this luxurious resort has been modelled on an old silk village, breathing new life into the 300-year-old history of the Maritime Silk Road. A silk museum keeps that cultural heritage going, while excellent dining options, pools and a spa round out the offerings. Worth knowing The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance, which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.The Lan Ha Bay cruise ship may have other guests on board at the same time.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,085 ($363 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi, the culture-rich capital of Vietnam. Depending on your arrival time, you might like to start exploring this fascinating city by strolling the broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a fading colonial ambiance here, with baguettes and good coffee sold from the doorways of grand buildings from a past era. We have a group welcome meeting at 6pm with your tour leader at the hotel. That’s followed by a welcome dinner at Michelin-starred Tam Vi, a tea house-style restaurant specialising in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly from the north. Superior accommodation: Luxe Paradise Premium Hotel
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Hanoi this morning, visiting the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple built to resemble a lotus blossom. For lunch, we head to a local eatery that serves excellent bun cha, a Hanoian classic of noodles, broth and meat served with greens. Then explore Dong Xuan Market, the largest in Hanoi, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample street food. There may also be time to wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and perhaps enjoy the view from a lakeside cafe. Superior accommodation: Luxe Paradise Premium Hotel
Our first destination today (after a two-hour transfer) is Hoa Lu in the Ninh Binh province, capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and early Le Dynasty (980-1009). Here we visit the Dinh Le King temples, among the most sacred structures in the district and dedicated to the founders of these important dynasties. We then head to the town of Tam Coc, which sits within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Here we board row boats, embarking on a one hour to 1hr 30min journey down the Ngo Dong River. Our adventure takes us through caves and past local villages – the surrounding limestone mountains make for a stunning backdrop. Premium accommodation: Lalita Tam Coc Resort
After breakfast, we take a one-hour transfer to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, a non-profit dedicated to wildlife and ecosystem conservation. At the centre, we meet a SVW co-ordinator who takes us on a tour to learn more about their preservation efforts and the endangered animals. We also meet some of the rescued animals and visit a half-wilderness area to see how they adapt before release. Then we visit Cuc Phuong National Park, where you can choose your own adventure. Options include: exploring the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where 7,500-year-old human relics were discover in the 1960s; visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center; or taking a leisurely walk in the jungle. Premium accommodation: Lalita Tam Coc Resort
We make an early start for the approximate 81mi (130km) journey to Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known (and busier) Ha Long Bay. After arrival, we board our Premium boat and spend the afternoon cruising the waters. Hopping into a tender, we also visit the Dark and Bright caves, either by kayak or in a bamboo boat. The day ends with sunset drinks back on our Premium boat – a chance to relax and soak in the extraordinary views together. Premium accommodation: La Regina Legend Cruise
Rise early for tai chi on deck, followed by our final chance to relax and take in the beauty of the bay. As the boat heads back to the harbour, we enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we transfer to Cat Ba Island to join a tour of Trung Trang Cave. Here we see impressive limestone formations and learn about the wartime history of the cave, when it served as a military base and command post. This afternoon, we transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Hanoi Airport to take a flight (approximately 1hr 15min) to Hue. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa, where we spend the next two nights. Premium accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
After breakfast, we visit Thanh Tien village, which has been making paper flowers for more than 300 years. We also experience a Hue-style tea tasting at Tra Dinh Vu Di teahouse, learning from our host about the benefits of drinking royal tea and how to make a cup. This afternoon, we visit the royal tomb of Emperor Minh Mang – a World Heritage site, offering a peak into Vietnam’s imperial past and the Nguyen Dynasty’s rule. Premium accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa
Visit the Imperial Citadel this morning, the standout attraction in Hue. Inside 6mi (10km) long walls are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. The Forbidden Purple City was almost destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric, and the bomb holes a testament to the destruction wreaked upon the country. We then drive 81mi (130km) to Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam. Our journey passes through the beautiful peninsula of Lang Co, between a crystalline lagoon and the Eastern Sea, and then passes over the Hai Van pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds) where the views are stunning. This afternoon, we have a walking tour of Hoi An and visit the Hoi An temple. The town is a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples. It is also a marvellous place to wander, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing. For those who wish, there is the option to make Vietnamese paper masks (additional cost, payable locally), a craft deeply rooted in local folklore and artistic traditions. Premium accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Village
Take a 20-minute transfer this morning to the tranquil village of Duy Xuyen (also known as Duy Vinh), which is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, particularly weaving. First, we hop into basket boats for a 30-minute ride past coconut wetlands. We also visit a family of mat weavers, who have been practising the craft for generations. That’s followed by a visit to a local house to see how Vietnam’s rice wine is distilled with a chance to try it for yourself and enjoy a set menu in their green garden. We return to the hotel in the early afternoon. Premium accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Village
Today is free to enjoy Hoi An – a hot spot for culturally curious adventurers. Options include visiting My Son, the spiritual home of the Cham civilisation, where Cham kings were buried as long ago as the fourth century. Although bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are several interesting stone towers and sanctuaries. Alternatively, you may wish to participate in a cooking class to learn the intricacies of Vietnamese cooking. This activity also includes a visit to the local market to shop for ingredients before you create your own dishes. For those wishing to venture outside of town, a popular option is to jump on a bike for a ride through the countryside, passing local markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km). Premium accommodation: Mulberry Collection Silk Village
We drive to Da Nang (approximately 45 minutes) and then fly (approximately 1hr 30min) to Ho Chi Minh City, an exciting metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. After arrival, we take a short bus trip to the Reunification Palace, which served as the presidential residence and workplace during the Vietnam War, witnessing key events such as the fall of Saigon in 1975. Premium accommodation: Rex Hotel
In the morning, we transfer (approximately two hours) to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam, this region is known for its lush coconut groves, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Take a boat trip and explore the intricate waterways on the mighty Mekong River, passing orchards and friendly locals also travelling by boat. You’ll get a chance to get off the boat, visiting an orchard and sampling tropical fruit. You’ll then continue the cruise and visit a selection of cottage industries to experience local life and the local businesses surrounding the river up close. Tonight we stay at the Mekong Lodge, a tranquil property amid the river greenery. It's an excellent chance for us to enjoy Delta hospitality, interact with the people who live there, and sample Mekong cuisine. Superior accommodation: Mekong Lodge
Today we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately two hours) where the afternoon is free. You may wish to visit the Ben Thanh Market or the War Remnants Museum. The museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam War but please note that some images are very graphic. This evening, we meet our tour leader and group for a final special meal at HUM Garden and Restaurant, one the top vegetarian restaurants in the world. Housed in an elegant villa, it serves Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and showcases fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. Premium accommodation: Rex Hotel
This cultural adventure ends after breakfast. There are free transfers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport from the end hotel. Alternatively, if you’d like more time to explore this fascinating destination, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
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