Simply Vietnam
Explore breathtaking and captivating Vietnam, from dramatic and beautiful coastline to colourful and bustling cities.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Hanoi.
On arrival in Hanoi you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
DAY 3: Hanoi.
Vietnam's capital is an attractive, laid back city with charming French-Colonial style buildings, spacious boulevards and cheerful, bustling markets. Today's included sightseeing tour takes in many of the city's highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda - designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, Hoan Kiem Lake, the History Museum and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses which make up the Old Quarter. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Hanoi.
Today's exciting full day excursion begins with a drive amidst tranquil countryside to Chua Thay Pagoda. Beautifully ornate and serene, Chua Thay is home to an ancient stage where it is believed the first water puppet show was performed. Next, head to Tay Phuong Pagoda, one of Vietnam's first pagodas, to admire the carved wooden roof, elaborate colourful sculptures, and its unique architectural shape, said to resemble a buffalo. (B, L)
DAY 5: Hanoi - Halong.
Drive through picturesque Hai Hung Province to Halong for a stay on board a Halong cruise boat. After a delicious lunch, your boat sets sail to wind between dramatic lime stone islands. Explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) grotto, before visiting Luon Cave by rowing boat. Note: An overnight bag is recommended for your Halong Bay cruise. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Halong - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An.
Continue cruising on Halong Bay this morning. Visit Titov, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Bay where you can climb 400 steps to be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view. Disembark your cruise boat in the late morning and journey back to Hanoi to board your flight to Danang, Vietnam's fourth largest city. Pass tranquil rural scenery and traditional villages en route to the charming town of Hoi An, where you'll stay for three nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Hoi An.
Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a vibrant yet traditional town brimming with wooden houses, colourful temples, ornate architecture and a vast selection of bespoke tailoring shops. Today, explore the town on a leisurely walking tour taking in sights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Sa Huynh Museum with its early Hoi An history, and a family chapel. In the afternoon, board a local boat for a cruise down the Thu Bon River. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Hoi An.
Today is free to further explore Hoi An. You may wish to take a cooking class or take a day trip by local ferry to the beautiful Cham Island. (B)
DAY 9: Hoi An - Danang - Hue.
Today journey back towards Danang, stopping just outside the city at the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five hills, each said to represent one of the five elements of the universe before continuing on to Non Nuoc Beach (China Beach). Next you travel back into Danang where you will visit the Cham Museum. Afterwards, journey past the pretty, island-like stretch of palm-shaded sand at Lang Co, and through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, to the imperial walled city of Hue. Your included sightseeing tour takes in the Forbidden Purple City, modelled on Beijing's famed Forbidden City; and includes visits to Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, the Halls of the Mandarins and the Nine Dynastic Urns. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Hue - Saigon.
Begin today with an included boat trip on the Perfume River to the pretty Thien Mu Pagoda, made up of seven tiers, each of which is dedicated to a form or step assumed by Buddha to reach enlightenment. Preserved within the Pagoda's sanctuary is the Austin motorcar used to transport monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolation. Continue up the river to the Imperial Tomb of Minh Mang, a majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions and temples in a beautiful setting. Later, head to the airport for your flight to Saigon. (B, L)
DAY 11: Saigon.
Also known as Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon is Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city, packed with timeless traditions, the beauty of an ancient culture, fantastic architecture, bustling markets and a modern business district. Today's included sightseeing tour takes in Dong Khoi Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Afterwards visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, as well as Cholon, the Chinese district. (B, L)
DAY 12: Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels.
An exciting day lies ahead on the included full day excursion to Cu Chi, an important base during the Vietnamese War due to its strategic location. Learn about the impressive 200km tunnel network constructed by the Viet Cong to connect command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. Later, visit the impressive Caodai Great Temple in Tay Ninh. (B)
DAY 13: Saigon - Can Tho.
Today you will journey south of Ho Ch Minh City to Cai Be. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this bustling town is known for its large floating market, where traditional food produce is displayed on bamboo poles. Board a motorised sampan for an introduction to life on the river and cruise to Vinh Long, from here you will journey by road to Can Tho, Mekong Delta's economic hub, for your overnight stay. (B, L)
DAY 14: Can Tho - Saigon.
Join an early morning cruise to the vibrant town of Cai Rang and board a sampan to sail through the colourful floating market. Next, visit the remote Khmer monastery, a temple inhabited by young Buddhist monks. Return to Can Tho to enjoy lunch before driving back to Saigon. (B, L)
DAY 15: Saigon - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your holiday in Phu Quoc. (B)
DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.
Accommodation on Tour
Hanoi: MGallery Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi; Halong Bay: Halong cruise boat; Hoi An: Boutique Hotel; Hue: Celadon Hotel; Saigon: Equatorial Hotel; Can Tho: Victoria Can Tho.
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The awe-inspiring Halong Bay
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Halong Bay
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Hanoi locals
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Hawker in Hanoi
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Bustling streets of Hanoi
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Why not take an optional excursion to see Hoi An's floating market?
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A fruit and flower market, Saigon
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Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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A pedicab ride in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for entry into Vietnam which must be obtained prior to departure.
Simply Vietnam 13 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Simply Vietnam
Price from £2229 £2099
Just the tour £1689
Prices are per person
What's Included
- Start & Style door to door local pick up service to and from the airport (within 50 miles of the airport)
- Flights: UK - Hanoi - Danang; Hue - Saigon - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 13 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
- Travel on Tour by private car, minibus or coach
- Local guide will accompany the tour at each centre
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes excluding your Visa which must be obtained prior to departure.
All this included
- Hanoi City sightseeing, excursion to Chua Thay, Chua Tay Phuong Pagoda and Water Puppet Show
- Halong Bay Overnight boat trip and visit to caves
- Danang Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc Beach
- Hue City sightseeing, boat trip to the Thien Mu Pagoda
Departures from
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
- Newcastle
Departures on:
- Fridays - 2013
- Saturdays - 2013
- Fridays - 2014
Departures between
13 Sep 2013 to 28 Mar 2014


