Highlights of Vietnam
Experience Overview
Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, taking in its limestone karsts. Stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, where old-world charm meets vibrant life. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a testament to Vietnam's wartime resilience. Along the way, dive into bustling local markets, taste local dishes, and uncover the rich traditions of this captivating country.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Hue: Enjoy lunch at one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue where you will gain insight into the lives of the Phan family and admire their fascinating collection of artifacts and mementos from the days of the former Royal Empire.
Iconic Experience
- Hanoi: Visit Ho Chi Minh's house in Hanoi.
- Hanoi: Travel past the colorful shopfronts and street food vendors of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a cyclo tour.
- Hanoi: On a sightseeing tour of the city of Hanoi, see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature.
- Hanoi: Enjoy a traditional evening Water Puppet performance in a local theater. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history and began approximately a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers stand in waist-high water and manipulate their charges in such a way that you can’t help but be swept up in the legend being told. Each short sketch in the performance relates to the daily life of the people.
- Hai Phong: Bike or ride through a coastal village to learn about everyday life in northern Vietnam. Visit the Bhaya Community Farm and discover the ‘Save the Langurs’ project. At Bhaya Cafe, make a refreshing mojitea or try your hand at bánh cuốn, all while soaking in views of buffalo-dotted fields.
- Ha Long Bay: Start your day on beautiful Ha Long Bay with a T'ai Chi class led by a Local Specialist.
- Hoi An: Hoi An is famous for its bespoke tailoring, where skilled tailors create custom suits, dresses and more—often in just a day or two. Whether you're after the perfect fit or a stylish design tailored to your preferences, your Travel Director will be on hand to ensure you’re well taken care of throughout your visit.
- Hoi An: Red Bridge Cooking School is a culinary gem in Hoi An. Begin your learning with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe before you explore the bustling central market with your chef, where you’ll select fresh ingredients. Take a boat to the school to enjoy a private cooking class and dine on your creations overlooking the river.
- Hoi An: Cruise down the scenic Cua Dai River on a local boat and experience the art of casting traditional Vietnamese fishing nets. Guided by friendly fishermen, you'll learn this centuries-old technique, adding an authentic and unforgettable adventure to your journey.
- Hue: See Hue by land and water today. Enjoy a cyclo tour past the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda before boarding a local dragon boat.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Enjoy the sights of the French colonial-era buildings and even a former CIA residential block as you partake in a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City.
- My Tho: Cruise along the canals of Cai Be in a small sampan boat during your visit to this market town.
- After a stroll through the streets of Cai Be, meet a local family in their home. Hear stories from your Local Specialist about surviving the Khmer Rouge and learn about the family's handicraft, making paper.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Gain insight into a challenging period of Vietnam's history as you join a Viet Cong veteran on a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built to protect Viet Cong guerrillas.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Ho Chi Minh City: Have dinner at KOTO restaurant, which supports those affected by poverty to provide opportunities and a vocational education in the hospitality sector. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City
- Visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Viet Hai Village in Halong Bay, the Imperial Citadel in Hue, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
- View Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's House in Hanoi and the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City
Trafalgar Difference
- Ho Chi Minh City: Originally opened in 1930 as a charming beverage shop owned by the Editor-in-Chief of a French newspaper, the Hotel Grand Saigon has grown into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks. Restored to its French colonial glory in 2012, this former meeting point for writers and intellectuals, now offers luxurious rooms and a prime location on Dong Khoi Street, perfect for exploring the city’s vibrant heart.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19290
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 108.361A
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- Flights from Hanoi to Danang and Hue to Ho Chi Minh City
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5149 ($429 /day)
Itinerary
On arrival, we have airport transfers arranged for you. Relish the warm embrace of Vietnam and her welcoming people, who will touch you with their humility and entrepreneurial spirit throughout your journey across this intoxicating land. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Ready to step into Vietnam’s past? You’ll visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university from the 11th century. It’s a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture—and if you’ve got a 100,000 dong note, you’ll spot it right there. Next, hop on a cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi, and cruise through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its 36 streets once home to artisan guilds. You’ll also view the striking Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and then go inside the One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh’s peaceful wooden house. Then, meet Mr. Liem Phan, a skilled artisan who brings the ancient art of water puppetry to life. Hear the story behind this unique tradition, enjoy a show, and even try your hand at puppet-making. End the day at your leisure, soaking in Hanoi’s charm and culture.
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Settle in aboard your Halong Bay boat before meeting your Cruise Manager and crew. As you cruise southeast, take in the limestone karsts of Trong Mai, Ngon Tay and Con Coc Islets over a relaxing lunch. Step ashore in a coastal village where you’ll travel by bike or electric cart, meeting locals who’ll introduce you to northern Vietnamese life. Pause at a local cafe to shake up a refreshing glass of mojitea or roll delicate bánh cuốn alongside your host. Returning to the boat, you’ll moor for the night and sit down to a Vietnamese dinner with your fellow travelers. A rice wine tasting rounds out the evening with a taste of local tradition.
Accommodation: Au Co Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a Tai Chi session as the sun rises over Halong Bay, a UNESCO-listed landscape. After breakfast, you’ll explore Cua Van Floating Village, either by kayak or traditional rowing boat. This quiet water community is home to generations of fishermen, and your visit offers a closer look at how life continues to flow on the bay. Enjoy the final views of the bay as you cruise back to the Wharf, then head to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Transfer to Hoi An, where your evening is free—an ideal time to explore the tailoring capital of the world and its old town.
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Step into Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with roots as a 15th-century trading port. Once a bustling hub for merchants from China, Japan, and Europe, this town now welcomes you to explore its rich history and blend of cultures. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with ancient merchant houses, cross the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and admire the intricate carvings of the Chaozhou Assembly Hall. Afterward, visit the market, where you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of fresh spices and the shimmer of colorful silk. Browse the market stalls and you’ll certainly find a Hoi An treasure to bring home. Your afternoon is free but why not try one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast
Spend the morning at leisure—explore Hoi An at your own pace or relax at your hotel. Alternatively, join one of our Optional Experiences: visit the ancient My Son Sanctuary or uncover history at the Ky Anh tunnels in Tam Thanh village. In the afternoon, Dive into Culture at the Red Bridge Cooking School. Start with a welcome drink at Hai Cafe, shop for fresh ingredients at the market, then take a boat to your private cooking class, enjoying your creations with a river view.
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hoi An’s waterways, a lifeline for villagers and a window into its past. Visit a fishing village to learn the art of casting Vietnamese fishing nets and try paddling traditional round basket boats through coconut-palm groves. Hear stories of the area’s wartime history as you cruise back with a refreshing drink in hand. This afternoon, cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass, famed for its breathtaking views, and stop at Red Beach, where American marines first landed in Danang. Wrap up the day in Hue, Vietnam’s imperial capital, for an overnight stay steeped in history.
Accommodation: White Lotus Hue
Meals: Breakfast
You’ll navigate the busy streets of Hue on the back of a cyclo en route to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, once home to Nguyen emperors. From here, you’ll drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Boarding a local dragon boat next, cruise along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son, the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh. Although the house is no longer owned by royalty, you will meet the current Phan family for a Be My Guest lunch to gain a glimpse of their life in this historic house. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure or consider joining one of our Optional Experiences.
Accommodation: White Lotus Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
A short flight this morning brings you to the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Get ready to uncover its sights on a walking tour along vibrant Dong Khoi Street. Marvel at the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville, then stroll up to the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, crafted by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Take a poignant journey through the War Remnants Museum, offering a glimpse into the war through the eyes of locals, before walking through Ben Thanh market, a treasure trove of history and culture. Later, your Stays with Stories experience at Grand Hotel Saigon is a French colonial gem right in the city’s historic heart. End the day with dinner at KOTO restaurant, where your MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports life-changing opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Accommodation: Grand Saigon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The mighty Mekong beckons today, as you take a day trip to Cai Be town, in the heart of the Mekong Delta. You’ll transfer to a charming traditional boat where you will cruise and explore the bustling riverbanks. Visit a beautifully preserved ancient house dating back to the 19th century, passed down through many generations of the family. Enjoy a leisurely sampan ride through the narrow canals, stopping for a home-hosted lunch of delicious Mekong Delta specialties, before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Grand Saigon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Uncover Vietnam’s fascinating past with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network used by the Viet Cong. A veteran shares how these tunnels served as homes, hospitals and hideouts. You’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City by private speedboat, with free time to unwind. Later, you’ll step into history at the former home of US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, followed by dinner to end the day.
Accommodation: Grand Saigon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Our discovery of the iconic and unexpected highlights of Vietnam at its end. The offered complimentary transfers arrive at Ho Chi Minh City airport at 04:00 and 16:00 on the last day of the tour only. Please speak to your Travel Director for further information.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Suresh Nagesh Pai - Traveled, May 2024
Enjoyed the 12-day Vietnam tour. Everything on the tour went smoothly. Sure, Trafalgar may share my experience with others. Better if the tour price is all inclusive, including tips for the local guides and bus drivers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/25/2024
Tod Morgan - Traveled, April 2024
The best tour ever, fantastic tour director and all accommodation was all 5 star. Very well planned. No time wasted.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2023
Trafalgar is an excellent tour company! Their tour guide, Thom, provided great travel plans and service. Thom is filled with the Aloha Spirit as it is called in Hawaii. Which is filled with love, kindness, compassion, etc. . Thom does a great job! We loved the daily tours, etc., my husband was the Navy during the Vietnam war. Our trip pleased him in seeing how Vietnam changed for the better.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/15/2023
Lucy Clark Fong - Traveled, October 2023
Thom made our Vietnam tour exceptional. Ask for Thom!! AAA+ Our tour in Vietnam was outstanding. Definitely due to our tour guide, Thom. Thom made sure to get us into sites (like UNESCO) before the crowds and hot times of the day. Thom also was able to provide us with experiences that other groups were not going to like the organic farm, fishing with local fisherman, dinners with locals, cooking class, etc. Make sure Thom is your guide! Read less 5 Trip Rating The itinerary had some holes in it due to changes in weather or schedules. Our guide, Thom, was able to fill in these openings with opportunites to visit with locals. The coach drivers made sure we were safe and on time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Jehangir Bejanji Chaina - Traveled, October 2023
Trafalgar : Always reliable. Yes, in fact, I have recommended Trafalgar since my first trip. All personnel were very efficient and helpful. This is necessary as we are seniors. The hotels were all very good and so was their staff. I speak for myself and my wife. The itinerary was very different from past tours. They were enlightening and entertaining. Some of the places such as the war museum and the tunnels were exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/21/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2023
Highlights of Vietnam. Our first trip with Trafalgar and to Vietnam. Highly recommend the services of Trafalgar and a trip to Vietnam. The tour was exceptionally inclusive, gave us more than we could’ve imagined learning about this part of the world. Our tour director was so helpful, resourceful, interesting and knowledgeable. As well as his sense of humor and at times never ending patience, he made our trip complete. We certainly managed to see almost every highlight of this country, while it was a full schedule and travel times made it necessary to keep moving, my only suggestion if there was room for one more free day around the middle of the tour as the full day activities and then moving locations did make us weary, though we did sleep well! If considering this tour I would recommend arriving a day before and staying a day after to really relish the experience. The accommodation was above expectations and all staff where ever we went, were beyond friendly, helpful and an absolute pleasure to interact with. Accommodation was excellent, all staff and guides reliable, courteous and happy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2023
Bruce Galvin - Traveled, April 2023
BRUCE AND LYN DO VIETNAM. This was our first planned OS trip that involved a set itinerary, we are now wondering why we had never done it before. Usually we only book the first night in and last night out and then wing it for the rest. Using the tour group ensured we really didn't miss anything and going with a large group made the trip more fun. Having a great tour guide helped as he was so helpful and knowledgeable we would have missed so much if we had of traveled on our own. If anything it was too much, you could opt out but as it was so good you didn't want to miss anything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2023
David Williams - Traveled, April 2023
Our travel director (Xin) was truly excellent. Hotels were very good and ideally situated. Schedule was tight at times and there were several full days if options were taken up, but all in all a very good balance.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/02/2023
Tony Vuong - Traveled, April 2023
Yes, I will tell my friends. The Trafalgar Director was very good.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
Vietnam Tour. Excellent Itinerary, very professional tour director. Exciting sightseeing, excellent Tour Director, Beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2023
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