Trip Highlights

Vietnam is a land of challenging myths and stunning scenic beauty. It is also the land of smiles, warm hospitality and generosity. You'll get to sample that hospitality and the best food in South-east Asia on a truly immersive tour experience over 10 amazing days.

Trip highlights*:

• Cruise Halong Bay and stay overnight
• Visit the ancient town of Hoi An
• Explore the My Son, which was built in the 4th century
• See the modern yet historic Ho Chi Minh City with tours in the surrounding areas and free time for you to explore the wonders of the city for yourself
• Explore the Cu Chi tunnel
• See the floating markets at Cai Be in the Mekong Delta

* Package price varies according to season and departure city.

Package Pricing

FULL RETAIL VALUE $3,203pp SAVINGS APPLIED -$704 YOU PAY FROM* $2,499

SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 22%

	AUSTRALIAN ESCAPES FREE FLIGHT VOUCHER (FFV) PACKAGES USE YOUR FREE FLIGHT VOUCHERS TO SAVE AN EXTRA $100 PER PERSON (YOU PAY FROM $2,399)
	USE YOUR FREE FLIGHTS VOUCHERS TO GET THE LOWEST PRICE! REQUEST PRICING FOR YOUR TRAVEL DATES TODAY...

* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...

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Inclusions

If you've ever wanted to see the ancient and wonderful country of Vietnam, this is the best way to do so. With return flights and a professionally guided tour, this itinerary makes sure you see the best of the best in this country, mixing modern and ancient culture, and tourist focused activities with authentic experiences, all in truly beautiful scenery.

See ancient cities and palaces, awe-inspiring temples, astonishing natural sights and buzzing cities all whilst staying in top-quality accommodation including on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.

This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.

Completely different from anywhere else in Asia. A unique travel experience...

Click/tap to watch this short video and see some of the places you will visit.

Package inclusions:

• Return flights with checked-in luggage (provision)
• 8 nights' hotel accommodation, 1 night Halong Bay Cruise
• Overnight cruise on Halong Bay
• Flights Hanoi to Da Nang and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh city
• Daily breakfasts, 2 lunches and dinner on Halong Bay
• Airport transfers
• Guided tours to My Son, Mekong delta, Cu Chi Tunnel
• Lonely Planet guide for Vietnam
• No fees to alter the itinerary (you just pay for the adjusted itinerary)
• Visa processing service for Vietnam *
• Comprehensive, printed itinerary
• Personal travel consultant

* We include a full visa processing service as part of this package valued at $150 per person. Government charges are payable separately. Approx $40 per person.

Carefully selected accommodation:

Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.

Fully customisable:

This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.

Special value:

Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.

You will receive this guide to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guide with you in your luggage.

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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. High season surcharge: $100 per person. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)

Your Itinerary

This trip is perfect for your first visit to Vietnam, with a fully-planned tour itinerary and knowledgeable tour guides. You can relax and know you are in good hands with one of the country's best tour operators. See all the highlights including Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, My Son, Cu Chi tunnel and Mekong Delta.

"Two roads diverged in a wood and I I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference" - Robert Frost

DAY 1:  ARRIVE HANOI ( 1 NIGHT)

After flying into Hanoi take a private transfer to the hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, and after checking in you have free time to explore or relax before you tour starts in the morning.

DAY 2:  HALONG BAY CRUISE (1 NIGHT)

This morning enjoy a scenic journey to Halong Bay, and once you embark the cruise ship to enjoy lunch while admiring the beauty of the limestone islands. After lunch, explore the Surprising Cave – the most beautiful cave in Ha long Bay. It is one of the widest grottoes in Ha Long Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

Next, you'll cruise to Titop Island and enjoy the beach or hike to the top of the island for an extraordinary view. After this the group heads back to the ship to enjoy the sunset and dinner. This is where you stay the night.

DAY 3: HANOI (1 NIGHT)

Start your day with some Tai Chi exercises or a photo hunt before breakfast. Have breakfast on board while the boat starts cruising to the Natural Preservation Zone. Do some kayaking to explore around the area or visit a floating house and learn about the daily life of the local fishermen who live there. Watch a traditional Vietnamese cooking demonstration and enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch the cruise will be finished, so you'll back to Hanoi for the night.

DAY 4: FLIGHT TO HOI AN (3 NIGHTS)

Today, you will have free time till our driver comes to pick you up to the airport to take flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and dropped off at the hotel in Hoi An town.

DAY 5: FREE DAY

Today, you will have the whole day to explore Hoi An town on your own or spend your time on the most modern Cable Car in Southeast Asia, then take The Climbing Train to visit the top of the mountain and further, explore Le Jardin D’Amour (consists of 9 gardens), Debay Wine Cellar (old wineries) & Ling Ung Pagoda. Visit the French Village, Watch Carnival Performance Show, Join in Fantasy Park with Walking in Fairy Forest and much more on this optional tour. 

Optional tour: Ba Na Hill and Golden Bridge way to paradise ($120pp.)

DAY 6:  HOI AN AND MY SON

Today you will be travelling to the religious centre of My Son. This is a World Heritage Site built in the 4th century.

You will be taken on a guided tour. After My Son you'll take a boat trip down the Thu Bon with lunch, and a visit to the traditional Kim Bong Carpentry Village before returning to Hoai An for the night.

DAY 7:  FLIGHT TO HO CHI MIN CITY (3 NIGHTS)

Today you are free for most of the day to explore this beautiful, ancient city before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once you have checked out of the hotel you can leave your bags there to explore the city and enjoy some free time.

DAY 8: MEKONG DELTA TOUR

Today you will be heading out of Ho Chi Minh City to see the bustling area of the Mekong Delta. You will get the chance to see the rice fields the area is famous for, before visiting a real floating market.

Then continue to Vinh Long and experience the charm of the area. Enjoy a fresh local lunch and local music before relaxing in a bonsai garden. After this you will be heading back to Ho Chi Minh City.

DAY 9: CU CHI TUNNEL TOUR 

Today, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 40 kilometers northwest of the city. Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome and an introduction to the history and significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the tunnel complex, which is a vast network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Crawl through the narrow tunnels, marvel at the ingenious trap systems, and learn about the daily life of the soldiers who lived there.

DAY 10: RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

This day, you are free to visit Ho Chi Minh City and shopping for souvenirs until our driver transfers you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your flight back home.