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Days
15
Price from
2414USD
Map of Vintage Vietnam including Vietnam

Uncover Vietnam from south to north – from homestays in the Mekong Delta to cruises on Halong Bay – all with a touch of comfort on this Peregrine small group tour.

From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of wonderful people and picturesque landscapes. Imagine learning the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City or exploring the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi – and what better way to get to know the locals than to be their guests on a Mekong Delta homestay. Experience historical temples, visit Vietnam's spectacular coastline, enjoy delicious banquets and explore lively cities – all with a touch of comfort – on this 15-day Vietnam journey.

Start
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Destination
Vietnam
Style
Peregrine
Code
PAVV
Physical rating
Trip rating
149 reviews
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover Vietnam's astounding histories, both modern and ancient, from the Cu Chi war tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City to the Chinese and Japanese architectural marvels of Hoi An

  • A cruise along the waterways, and friendly Mekong guesthouse with local fare gets you up close and personal with life on the legendary Delta

  • The splendour of Vietnam's waterways doesn't stop there – enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch and snorkelling trip in Nha Trang and a candle lit dinner in Halong Bay - your Peregrine Feature Stay

  • Peel back the curtain on traditional Vietnamese water puppetry as a seventh-generation puppeteer shows you around his small-scale family theatre

  • With three included internal flights, there's less time spent travelling and more time experiencing your destinations

Is this trip right for you?

  • One night is spent in simple guesthouse accommodation in the Mekong Delta. Rooms have their own bathroom, although may only have cold water available. Mosquito nets and bedding are provided. Most travellers find that this experience is the best way to connect with your local hosts, and get a real sense of life on the Delta.

  • With included walking tours in Hoi An and Hanoi, as well as in the caves in Halong Bay, and walking around sites in Hue and the Mekong Delta, you will cover some distance on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.

  • On the included boat trip from Nha Trang, you will ride in a small basket boat, with the opportunity for snorkelling. Let your leader know if you have any concerns about water-based activities.

  • Temperatures in Vietnam vary greatly between South and North. While there's no one 'best time of year to go', it's best to check the seasonal patterns on Peregrine's country information page to gauge the weather.

vietnam halong bay
vietnam ho chi minh
vietnam mekong
vietnam monk people
vietnam hoi an

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jan 2019 to 31 Dec 2019.
 View the 2020 itinerary

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. There are no activities planned until an important group meeting in the evening (usually at 6pm). Please check the welcome board or reception desk on the ground floor of the hotel for details about this. If you have time, get out and acquaint yourself with the city beforehand. Afterwards you will enjoy a welcome dinner with your group at one of the city's excellent eateries.
Accommodation
  • M Boutique Hotel (formerly the Millennium Boutique Hotel) or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
Rooms at the M Boutique Hotel (formerly the Millennium Boutique Hotel) and in Ho Chi Minh City in general are compact given the building style and central location.

Sit down to a leisurely buffet breakfast at KOTO this morning. This restaurant is designed to give disadvantaged youth an education in hospitality. Then you'll drive south to Cai Be for a boat cruise along the intricate and beautiful waterways of the Mekong Delta. En route you'll stop and visit an orchard and sample some local tropical fruit, and visit some local cottage industries. As the sun starts to drop, continue to your local guesthouse, your place of rest tonight. Here you will enjoy a beautiful home-cooked meal of local specialties.
Accommodation
  • Mekong Delta Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mekong Delta - Sightseeing tour including cottage industries
  • Ho Chi Minh City - KOTO breakfast
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your guesthouse is operated by local hosts, with simple twin and double rooms. Bedding and mosquito nets are supplied. Each room has a private bathroom, although may only have cold water available.

Today you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City for a bus and walking tour around the city. You'll visit Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Admire the many beautiful French colonial buildings along the way, such as the main Post Office and the former Hotel de Ville (city hall).
Accommodation
  • Millennium Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
  • Mekong Delta - Local Market
  • Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
Optional Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - A O show - VND1050000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning after breakfast it's time for a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network (some 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They contained hospitals, dwellings and schools and were used extensively for refuge and storage, as well as being a military base. As you explore this extraordinary labyrinth you will learn more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists to get a feel for what the underground life must have been like. Note that this will be hot and can be a little claustrophobic. Later this afternoon, fly to Nha Trang (approximately 1.5 hours).
Accommodation
  • Stella Maris Nha Trang Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

With palm trees, white sandy beaches and a hip cosmopolitan atmosphere, Nha Trang is often referred to as the Cannes of the Orient. Venture out on a boat to explore the nearby islands today. From the main boat, you will take basket boats to shore and visit a fishing village. There's also the chance to snorkel in the warm waters, feast on an included fresh seafood buffet lunch and enjoy the sunshine on the deck of the boat.
Accommodation
  • Stella Maris Nha Trang Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Nha Trang - Boat trip
  • Hon Mun Island - Snorkelling
  • Nha Trang - Basket boat ride
Optional Activities
  • Nha Trang - Mud baths - VND280000
  • Nha Trang - Po Nagar Cham Tower - VND22000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take a short flight to Danang (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). From here you will embark on a short ride by private vehicle to Hoi An (approximately 1 hour). Hoi An was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced by a myriad of traders from various cultures. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. You'll notice a distinctly Chinese appearance here, with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small lanes.
Accommodation
  • The Villa Hoi An Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

A morning walking tour today takes you to a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon you are free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader will be able to help with suggestions for extra activities in Hoi An.
Accommodation
  • The Villa Hoi An Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD28
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

This evening, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River and enjoy some drinks as you watch the sunset over picturesque Hoi An. This is one of the best times of day to see the city, as it basks in a lovely sunset glow beside the river. Before this activity, the day is yours to spend as you please. Hoi An is renowned for its specialist tailors, so perhaps take this opportunity to get some clothing made from some unique local fabrics. If you feel like getting active, a lovely beach is located just nearby and is easily accessible by bicycle (these are easily rented). Or take a tour to My Son Cham to explore the ruins dating back to the 4th century. You might like to visit a local workshop to learn how to make your own rice paper. A Vietnamese cooking class too is a great way to familiarise yourself with some age-old culinary techniques, not to mentioning feasting on the fruits of your own labour.
Accommodation
  • The Villa Hoi An Boutique Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Thu Bon sunset river cruise
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An - Hoi An Walking & Cooking Class Urban Adventure - USD49
  • Hoi An - My Son Cham tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included) - USD35
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Depart beautiful Hoi An today for Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. En route pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. You will also make a stop at this beach to stroll the shore. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of frenetic streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon you will visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here you'll gain some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war.
Accommodation
  • Cherish Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hue - Imperial Citadel
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Venture out this morning for a local breakfast, feasting on a popular dish called bún bò Huế which contains rice vermicelli (bún) and beef (bò). This is a signature of the city.
Take a boat cruise on the Perfume River before visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. You will also enjoy lunch at a local nunnery or monastery. This not only allows you to sample some of Hue’s famed vegetarian food, but also offers a chance to learn about Vietnamese Buddhism. You will also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees.
Accommodation
  • Cherish Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Fly from Hue to Hanoi today (approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes). Your departure will mostly likely be in the morning, but can vary a little. After some free time on arrival, be taken through the ancient '36 streets' and discover an amazing selection of shops that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery and beautifully embroidered tablecloths. This afternoon, sit down to a water puppet performance. Your host Liem invites you into his home, a veritable small-scale theatre that continues a long running family tradition, passed down from generation to generation. Witness not only the show itself but gain a behind-the-scenes insight into how the puppets are made and animated. Liem is only too happy to discuss the history and development of this age-old cultural practice.
Accommodation
  • Lan Vien Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Local water puppet performance
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Enjoy a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting the major sights, including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. In your free time, the Vietnam Fine Arts museum is well worth a visit. Walking is a great way to explore the city, with fun shopping and many lakes and parks provide enjoyable escapes. You'll see that this enchanting northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart.
Accommodation
  • Lan Vien Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Leave your luggage at the hotel and pack an overnight bag as you drive to Halong Bay (approximately 3 hours). Take in glorious views of this World Heritage-listed beauty and its spectacular limestone islands. You will travel to Bai Chay (Halong City West) and board a boat for an exploration of the bay, enjoying a seafood lunch and dinner (non-seafood is also available). A candle-lit dinner on the deck of the boat, weather permitting, is a truly memorable experience, as the views at sunset are stunning. You'll also visit a cave in the area. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from Ti Top Island. There is also the option for kayaking to get up close to the towering limestone karsts. If the weather is obliging, the views at sunset are especially incredible.
Accommodation
  • Halong Bay Overnight boat (feature stay) (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Halong Bay - Overnight boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
Optional Activities
  • Boat Tour - VND250000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Swimming in the bay from the boats is banned by the local authority. Kayaking is restricted to designated zones within the bay.

Your wooden junk-style boat has twin-share cabins with en suite facilities and air-conditioning. Due to the limited cabins on board, the single supplement is excluded, and accommodation will be on a twin-share basis.

Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you will stay on a larger boat (with up to 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case a group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.

In the morning, sail back to the port, disembark and then take a bus back to Hanoi (approximately 4 hours). Arriving back in the capital, there will be a few hours free to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, bidding farewell to your newfound friends.
Accommodation
  • Lan Vien Hotel or similar (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND180000
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast today.
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food By Night Urban Adventure - USD31
  • Hanoi - Citadels, Karsts & Cycle Urban Adventure - USD88
  • Hanoi - Village Discovery by Bike Urban Adventure - USD33
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

Boat, Plane, Private minibus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (12 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Feature Stay Overnight Boat (1 night)

Included Activities

  • Mekong Delta - Sightseeing tour including cottage industries
  • Ho Chi Minh City - KOTO breakfast
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
  • Mekong Delta - Local Market
  • Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Nha Trang - Boat trip
  • Hon Mun Island - Snorkelling
  • Nha Trang - Basket boat ride
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Thu Bon sunset river cruise
  • Hue - Imperial Citadel
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Hanoi - Local water puppet performance
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
  • Halong Bay - Overnight boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. An airport arrival transfer is included. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking.
2. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. Please note the single supplement excludes day 2 (Mekong Delta) and day 13 (overnight boat) where you will be in shared accommodation.
3. Full name exactly as per passport required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Essential trip information

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