Vietnam Odyssey

This comprehensive Vietnam journey from North to South covers the best of Vietnam in a busy and varied 3-week trip.

Begin in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam with its fascinating Old Quarter, attractive lakes and lively temples.

From Hanoi head to Ha Giang in the far north of Vietnam along the border with China, a spectacular mountainous region of rice terraces and colourful hilltribe communities.

Return to Hanoi and take an overnight cruise on a traditional Vietnamese Junk, sailing through the magnificent seascape of Halong Bay, one of the most scenic journeys in Vietnam.

Fly to Hue, the old Imperial capital of Vietnam and enjoy a full day tour to discover the history of Hue, which is now a vibrant and youthful city.

Drive to Hoi An, an old riverside trading town with a nearby beach.

The old streets of Hoi An are lined with boutique shops, restaurants and ancient temples, great for wandering around and exploring on foot.

Enjoy a morning walking tour to discover a taste of local life in Hoi An.

From Hoi An make a journey through Vietnam's little-visited Central Highlands.

Visit Buon Ma Thuot, Dalat and Lak Lake and discover something of the lifestyles of the different mountain peoples here before heading back down to the coast and Nha Tang and Phan Thiet.

Finally, reach Saigon and enjoy a half-day excursion visiting the markets, Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.

Enjoy a full day tour from Saigon to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels and the exotic Cao Dai Temple.

Finish this comprehensive Vietnam journey with a day-trip to the beautiful Mekong Delta.

As with all of our Vietnam holidays, this one can be tailored to fit your interests, time and budget, so just let us know your preferences and we can adjust things as you wish.

Day 1: Fly UK to Hanoi

Overnight flight UK to Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi

On arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel by private car with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi

Enjoy a full day city tour of Hanoi. Visit the Temple of Literature, one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the site of Vietnam’s first University.

Continue to One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex.

Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, see Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and visit the excellent Museum of Ethnology.

In the afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, and en-route pass colonial landmarks such as the Opera House and St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Overnight Hanoi. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Hanoi - Ha Giang

Transfer by car to the mountains of northern Vietnam.

Located 5 km from Ha Giang, Ban Me is a well-preserved village, with a clean and well-run homestay.

This afternoon, enjoy some trekking - about 6 km in total.

Overnight Ha Giang. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Ha Giang - Dong Van

Travel north to Quan Ba to visit a local market (On Saturday's only).

This is a market by the road with H'mong, Dzao ethnic minority.

As in other ethnic markets, this is a place where young people wear their Sunday best as it's a place to meet and mingle as much as to buy things.

Drive to Pho Cao village (a H'mong village), a stunning village set amongst corn fields.

Visit Pho Bang (a Chinese minority village) where the houses are built from clay and have colourful Chinese scrolls above every door.

Visit Lung Cu Flag Pole, situated atop Dragon Mountain and marking the border with China.

There are panoramic views here of terraced fields, the Nho Que river and of the mountain ranges stretching into the distance.

Travel to Dong Van Rocky Plateau and Dong Van for your overnight stay in this small town.

Overnight in Dong Van. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 6: Dong Van - Ha Giang

Visit Dong Van market (Sundays only) which is a colourful weekly occasion.

Travel to Meo Vac with a photo stop at the Ma Pi Leng Pass over some of the most amazing scenery in Vietnam.

The pass descends into a pretty valley where a colourful bustling market and little town of Meo Vac are situated.

Meo Vac is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful hill villages remaining unchanged for centuries.

The Meo Vac market (Sunday only) attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups who walk here all the way from their mountain villages.

Markets in the northern mountainous areas are often called the Love Markets as young people come here on parade in search of prospective husbands or wives.

Overnight in Ha Giang. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 7: Ha Giang - Hanoi

Today return by private vehicle back to Hanoi with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 8: Halong Bay

After breakfast transfer to Halong Bay and check-in for your overnight cruise of Halong Bay.

Lunch will be served after departure. Today the boat visits Cua Van fishing village, a typical floating village on Halong bay.

Afterwards cruise to Tung Sau, a Pearl Farm area where there is a chance to enjoy swimming or kayaking.

Back on board, a cooking demonstration will reveal some of the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. As the sun goes down, cocktails are served on deck before dinner.

Note: Itinerary applies to Paradise Cruise. Other cruise operators’ itineraries differ slightly.

Overnight on-board. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 9: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

Enjoy a relaxing morning with an early morning Tai Chi session on deck, or enjoy swimming or kayaking.

The cruise continues around the most beautiful parts of the bay with breakfast served on board.

A visit is made to spectacular Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay’s most famous grottoes before returning to disembark shortly before 11 am.

Transfer to the airport in Hanoi, Haiphong or Van Dong for your flight to Hue where you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.

Overnight Hue. Breakfast included.

Day 10: Hue

Enjoy a full day excursion in Hue. Visit the Old Imperial City, a vast complex built in the early 19th century where the remaining monuments provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

After the Palace, visit the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc, located a short distance outside Hue.

Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, wandering amongst the graceful pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds.

Afterwards visit the Imperial Tomb of Khai Dinh, dramatically located on a hillside.

Lastly, visit Vinh Tu Garden House with an introduction to its history by the house owner, before transferring back to your hotel.

Overnight Hue. Breakfast included.

Day 11: Hue – Hoi An

You will be collected from your hotel for the scenic journey across the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An.

Check in to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure in Hoi An.

Overnight Hoi An. Breakfast included.

Day 12: Hoi An

Enjoy a half day walking tour of Hoi An, one of the most interesting and picturesque towns in Vietnam.

See the highlights of Hoi An in a morning tour, visiting the most interesting temples and sights.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

As this is a private tour, there are no set departure dates.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific would be airlines we most often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

Vietnam Airlines fly directly to both Hanoi and Saigon from the UK.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Indochina from our office in Vietnam and regularly inspect the hotels we use.

Bear in mind on this Vietnam Odyssey tour, some of the accommodation is fairly basic in the mountain regions (Ha Giang, Dong Van and Kon Tum) due to limited choice.