15-day Highlights of Vietnam starting at
£2,795 £2,645pp
A land of staggering natural landscapes and vast cultural diversity – a journey through Vietnam is compelling. With so many varied attractions and experiences across the length and breadth of the country, Vietnam has fast become one of South Asia’s gems and our Highlights of Vietnam tour provides you with the perfect way to explore this wonderful country.
You will experience all the must-see attractions of north, central and southern Vietnam; discover the ancient history of the country through its temples, pagodas; enjoy bustling moped-filled cities with streets full of vendors; tantalise your taste buds with the renowned flavours of Vietnamese cuisine and have time to relax whilst enjoying some of Asia’s finest scenery.
With highlights such as the Imperial Citadel in Hue and the Cu Chi Tunnels, we have also included a very special two-night cruise in Vietnam’s most famous natural beauty, Ha Long Bay. Watching the sun set over the towering limestone formations is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If you like the idea of just travelling as a couple, or even with a group of friends, then why not consider travelling on our Highlights of Vietnam tour, as a Private Tour. You’ll have the same expertly crafted itinerary and stay in the same hand-picked hotels, yet have the exclusivity of your own vehicle and guide. You can even choose your own departure date. With supplements for two people from just £445 per person, taking your own Private Tour is surprisingly affordable.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book by 30th June 2022 to save £150 per person on all tours to Vietnam departing from September 2022.
Discover why Distant Journey’s Highlights of Vietnam escorted tour is a leisurely paced exciting holiday that uncovers the wonders of this fascinating country. If you would like more information about a particular hotel or destination, please click on the orange text as you scroll through the day by day itinerary.
Depart with Cathay Pacific from the UK airport most convenient for you. Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester. Or, if you prefer, fly with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester. If you prefer to fly direct to Hanoi from London Heathrow, flights with Vietnam Airlines may be available. Whichever airline you choose, there is no extra cost.
Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks
Alternative airline – Emirates
If you prefer, you may fly with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow for a supplement from £195 per person
Those flying with Cathay Pacific to Hanoi will travel via Hong Kong. After clearing customs, we transfer to our hotel, the delightful Pan Pacific Hanoi, which will be our home for the next three nights. Those flying with Vietnam Airlines will arrive in Hanoi early in the morning, so may wish to arrange an early check-in – please enquire for details. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its vibrant Asian culture is mixed with influences of its status as a former French colony. This afternoon is at leisure to settle in to your surroundings; maybe stretch your legs and soak up the peace and tranquillity of Hoan Kiem Lake. Tea is an important part of Vietnamese culture and there’s the opportunity to meet Mr Nguyen Viet Hung, former winner of the Tea Masters Cup. Listen to his stories, taste different teas and learn the secrets to brewing the perfect cup of tea. This evening, your Tour Manager will host a welcome drink so we can get to know our fellow travellers and learn more about the adventures which lie ahead.
Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks
Our day in Hanoi begins with a morning tour cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Cyclos are a traditional form of transport in Vietnam, similar to a rickshaw, and our journey will take us through streets full of charming colonial architecture, past Buddhist temples and pagodas, and along the ancient commercial streets named after the original businesses that were once housed here. Lunch is served at Koto restaurant, a not-for-profit social enterprise that aids disadvantaged Vietnamese youth through its training programme.
We will visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Bác Hồ, or Uncle Ho, before viewing the 11th century Temple of Literature and The One Pillar Pagoda, an historic Buddhist temple. Our busy day concludes with a visit to the fascinating Ethnology Museum, together with a traditional water puppet show.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Today has been left free so you can continue to enjoy the delights of the city at your own pace. Budding photographers may wish to join a tour to capture the city’s many incredible photographic opportunities. Or maybe take a cookery class and learn the secrets of Vietnam’s delicious cuisine. Alternatively, take a full-day excursion to ‘Halong Bay on Land’, Ninh Binh.
Included meals: Breakfast
Tour Highlight
Known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforest, Ha Long Bay has become one of Vietnam’s must-see destinations. We travel to Ha Long, where we board our first class vessel, the Au Co, for a spectacular two night cruise around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch as we cruise into the bay, and visit the floating village of Cua Van, situated in the heart of the bay. Back on board, end the day on deck watching the sunset, followed by dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Start your day, if you wish, with a Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck before cruising through the lesser-known, but no less dramatic, Lan Ha Bay. We arrive at Cat Ba Island and cycle a short distance to Viet Hai Village, nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, where we learn about community life. Later, we visit Trinh Nu Cave to view its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. This evening we enjoy a buffet barbecue on deck with our fellow passengers.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Following breakfast, we visit Sung Sot Cave, Halong’s largest and most famous cave. Back on board, spend time soaking up the scenery as we cruise back to the mainland. We board our waiting coach and travel back to Hanoi for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival, we continue to the town of Hoi An and the fabulous Hoi An Silk Marina Resort & Spa, home for our next three nights.
Included meals: Breakfast
Tour Highlight
Once a major trading port, historic Hoi An is a delightful UNESCO World Heritage Site of grand architecture, Chinese warehouses, Dutch and French colonial houses and Japanese temples. The best way to explore Hoi An is by foot. During our walking tour we visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, Tan Ky House and the 17th century Japanese Bridge. We finish with a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. The remainder of our day is at leisure. Relax by the hotel pool, or maybe join an optional lantern making class.
Included meals: Breakfast
Today has been left free, so you may choose how to spend your day. Perhaps visit the local community of Tra Que Village and learn about the techniques used by its farmers, then enjoy a delicious lunch made from locally farmed ingredients. Alternatively, you may prefer to take a cookery class at a local organic farm, visit the enchanting temples of My Son, or simply relax and enjoy your hotel’s facilities.
Included meals: Breakfast
This morning we begin our spectacular drive over the Hai Van Pass. This 19km stretch of road climbs 3,000ft (914m), following the Vietnamese coastline. This afternoon we visit the elaborate Minh Mang Tomb and continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, before cruising back to the city along the Perfume River. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Eldora Hotel, centrally located for exploring the city.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Originally the settlement of the Cham people, the Imperial city of Hue was capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, we visit the Imperial Citadel modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing. Many of the buildings, as well as the citadel, were destroyed by war, but these are slowly being rebuilt and restored. We then visit Ngoc Son, the former residence of Princess Ngoc Son. Our afternoon is free to spend as we please. Try your hand at the delicate art of Truc Chi, paper made from bamboo pulp, or alternatively travel to the local village of Than Tien to learn the craft of paper flower making, a tradition the local residents have been practicing for over 300 years.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
It’s an early start this morning as we journey to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the city’s Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the War Remnants Museum. A stark, and often graphic representation of the impact of the Vietnam War, the museum provides a fascinating insight into this country’s history. We finish the day with a stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Saigon Opera House. Our home for the next two nights is the perfectly located Liberty Central Riverside Hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
Tour Highlight
This morning we head out of the city and travel to the countryside which was once the stronghold of the Viet Cong. We visit the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Village, where we join a Vietnamese cooking class, and continue afterwards to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network of tunnels was used by the Viet Cong, and at its peak, the tunnel system in the district of Cu Chi covered more than 250km. Our visit provides a fascinating insight into how the Viet Cong lived and fought the war. This evening there is an optional dinner at ‘Dining in the Dark at Noir’, a dining experience like no other!
Included meals: Breakfast and lunch
As your flight departs in the evening, there is further time to explore Ho Chi Minh City or to purchase any last-minute souvenirs. Our flights to our chosen UK airport operate via either Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, Singapore with Singapore Airlines, Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines or Dubai with Emirates
Included meals: Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks
This morning we arrive into our chosen airport. Filled with amazing memories to cherish, our Vietnamese adventure comes to an end.
Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks
All of the departure dates for our 2022/2023 season Highlights of Vietnam tours have an exciting Special Offer. Book by 30th June 2022 to save £150 per person on all tours to Vietnam departing from September 2022.
Please note that our holiday prices are subject to the availability of flights in the lowest fare booking class. Air fares have risen steeply in recent weeks, and as a result there may be a flight surcharge to add to the price of your holiday. The correct price will always be confirmed to you before you book, and once you have booked, our Price Promise will guarantee there will be no further increases.
Departure date | Price (pp) | Availability | Offer |
2022 | |||
13 November | | HALF FULL | SAVE £150 per person |
2023 | |||
05 February | | ONLY 5 ROOMS LEFT | SAVE £150 per person |
19 February | | ONLY 9 ROOMS LEFT | SAVE £150 per person |
05 March | | ONLY 6 ROOMS LEFT | SAVE £150 per person |
Should you prefer to take the Very Best of Vietnam & Cambodia tour as a private tour, please add the relevant supplement below to the main tour price.
Number of Guests | Tour Supplement (pp) | ||
All Dates | |||
2 guests | £445 | ||
3 guests | £395 | ||
4-5 guests | £245 | ||
6-7 guests | £195 | ||
8 guests | £95 | ||
9-12 guests | £45 | ||
13+ guests | No extra charge |
Prices: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.
Single occupancy supplement: £545
Deposit: £1,000 per person if travelling in economy class, £1,950 per person if travelling in premium economy, and £3,750 per person for business class.
Stopovers:
Extend your holiday with a stopover in Singapore, Sentosa Island or Dubai. Prices from £295 per person. Please call for details. from £345 per person.
Flight upgrades
Visa information:
Visas are not required for British Citizens staying fewer than 15 days in Vietnam.
Important information
Prices and flight upgrades are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights. The correct price will be confirmed before you book.
For full terms and conditions see our terms and conditions page.
Our escorted holidays are designed to include must-see sights and memorable experiences in your tour price. And the new Highlights of Vietnam tour is no exception as so much of what you will experience is already included in the price. That’s all your scheduled international flights, overseas transfers, expertly chosen hotels, daily breakfast and several other meals too, experienced local Tour Manager and several amazing excursions, already paid for.
At Distant Journeys, we understand the importance of a good hotel on a touring holiday, and we take great pride in choosing the hotels and accommodation you’ll be staying in during your Highlights of Vietnam group tour. Our Directors personally take charge of finding the hotels that have a great location and are high quality too – the two most important considerations on any touring holiday to Vietnam. These are the hotels we’ve chosen for you:
ALL HOTELSDiscover more in your free time with an optional excursion. This can be arranged by your tour manager while you are on tour, so no need to worry about what to do before you leave.
A visit to a Tea House is an intrinsic part of Vietnamese culture, and what better way to start your time in Hanoi than by learning about tea from a...
from VND 1,104,000₫ / GBP £38 Read More >Join a half day tour and explore the amazing diversity of Hanoi through the lens of your camera, discovering its charms and uncovering its secrets, on this exclusive private photography...
from VND 3,336,000₫ / GBP £115 Read More >Experience the outstanding natural beauty and iconic history of Ninh Binh in this full-day tour. After a pick-up from our hotel, we enjoy a scenic drive to an area of...
From VND 1,800,000₫ / GBP £62 Read More >Vietnamese cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors and freshness, and this half day tour begins with a visit to Chau Long Market, housing hundreds of stalls. Interact with vendors...
from VND 1,560,000₫ / GBP £54 Read More >This half-day tour to Thanh Dong organic farm brings you closer to the beauty of Hoi An’s countryside and its friendly people. You will join them in their daily work...
from VND 1,008,000₫ / GBP £35 Read More >For a real insight into local Vietnamese life, enjoy a visit to a local community farming project just outside of Hoi An. We start with an easy bicycle ride of...
from VND 1,138,841₫ / GBP £40 Read More >Between the 4th and 13th centuries a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Vietnam. The Cham people ruled central Vietnam...
from VND 936,000₫ / GBP £32 Read More >Bold, bright and beautiful, the iconic silk lanterns of Hoi An can be found on just about every street corner and have the unique ability to transport the onlooker back...
from VND 880,000₫ / GBP £31 Read More >Discover Hue Royal Dining Style with a sumptuous dinner experience. You will have the chance to sample the authentic cuisines of Hue’s royalty and enjoy a memorable time with ancient...
from VND 2,016,000₫ / GBP £69 Read More >This afternoon tour begins with a journey to Thanh Tien Village, well-known for over 300 years of crafting paper flowers, another of the traditional local crafts unique to this area....
from VND 1,224,000₫ / GBP £42 Read More >Truc Chi is a delicate art form based on traditional Vietnamese papercraft. ‘Truc’ in Vietnamese is a type of bamboo, which has long been part of Vietnamese culture. Travel to...
from VND 1,224,000₫ / GBP £42 Read More >Spend an enjoyable few hours cruising along the Saigon River as the sun sets, with a cocktail at a riverside restaurant included too. After departing from Tan Cang pier, we’ll...
From VND 1,800,000₫ / GBP £62 Read More >Step away from the busy city streets, close your eyes and embark on a sensory journey like no other. The experience begins in the pitch-black dining room at Noir, where...
from VND 1,008,000₫ / GBP £35 Read More >
When booking onto any of our Highlights of Vietnam tour departing from September 2022, save £150 per person by booking your place by 30th June 2022. Please call our team for more details.
Our Highlights of Vietnam tour is a new itinerary with departures in 2022. This page will be updated with reviews as soon as our returning customers are contacted by the independent reviews company Feefo. In the meantime, please feel free to look at the reviews for our other tours – we’re sure you will be impressed with the service our guests receive and the great reviews they kindly give us!
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Distant Journeys has won 10 awards in the last five years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.
Know you are paying the best price for your holiday with our Price Promise. We never offer last minute discounts and we guarantee the earlier you book the better the offer you’ll receive.
Book in the confidence your money is 100% safe. All Distant Journeys holidays are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10913) or ABTOT (number 5427).
For your peace of mind, if Distant Journeys is unable to operate your tour due to Covid-19, you will be given the choice of changing your tour or you may choose to receive a full refund.
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