Vietnam Explorer
Vietnam Explorer
Vietnam Explorer
Vietnam Explorer
Get to know the classic parts of Vietnam
Days: 11 | From: $3,025/per person
- Includes hand-picked accommodations at best in class luxury hotels
- Expert private guides make Vietnam's rich history and vibrant culture come alive
- Choose from a range of unique optional tours and local experiences
Start in sprawling Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly known as Saigon, to learn about Vietnam's fascinating and complicated history. Browse bustling local markets and bike along the river through scenic parks. From there, head to Hoi An and visit a local artists' colony. Here you can see how local residents raise silkworms and even have clothes tailor made for you. Travel along the coast to Hue to visit the Citadel and cruise on the Perfume River. Next it's on to Hanoi, the capital city, where you can cruise the alleyway markets on a Vespa and try a variety of delicious street foods. Finish your trip with an overnight cruise in scenic Halong Bay, an archipelago of over one thousand pinnacle-shaped islands.
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Talk to one of our Vaya Asia Specialists
We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.
We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.
At a glance
- Ho Chi Minh City
2 nights: Visit the bustling modern city formerly known as Saigon - Hoi An
2 nights: Meander through this delightful port town with art and architecture at every turn - Hue
2 nights: Explore the picturesque former Imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty - Hanoi
3 nights: Enjoy history and culture in Vietnam's capital city - Halong Bay
1 night: Cruise overnight through scenic Halong Bay
All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.
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Sample itinerary
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive to Ho Chi Minh City, still known by many as Saigon and often called “the Los Angeles of Vietnam.” A sprawling city of over 9 million residents, the city is home to Vietnam’s newest trends, many fine restaurants and shops, and lots of modern development.
Set out in the afternoon with your private guide and car to explore the city’s main landmarks, including the Museum of Vietnam History, the Reunification Palace, French colonial Notre Dame cathedral, and the Main Post Office.
Accommodations: Hotel Des Arts Saigon, 2 nights
Embark on a journey back in time to Vietnam in 1930s with Hôtel des Arts boutique lifestyle hotel in Saigon. Combining the classical charm of French Indochina with a sense of timeless chic, the hotel is as much an art museum as it is a 5-star hotel. The Social Club restaurant and rooftop bar on the 23rd floor pays homage to an era of speakeasy gatherings, while Saigon Kitchen offers a stylish and unique design inspired by classic Asian street food markets. The Café des Beaux Arts takes a detour from French elegance on its journey to old world glamour, with a light and airy interior where you can take your afternoon tea to the soft sounds of piano music while enjoying a book from our library.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Park Hyatt Saigon, The Reverie Saigon, Caravelle Hotel, and others
Cu Chi Tunnels & the War Remnants Museum
Head northwest through lush countryside to Cu Chi, where you will learn about the vast underground network of tunnels (250km total!) used during the war. These tunnels, which were once used by the Viet Cong as shelter to infiltrate the city during the Tet Offensive of 1968, are now maintained as a museum. After, return to Saigon and tour the War Remnants Museum, depicting the Vietnamese perspective of French occupation and the “American War”.
Travel to Hoi An
Fly to Danang and drive to Hoi An, famous for its classic immigrant architecture and thriving artist colony. Today a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Hoi An is filled with small streets, shops, markets and cafes. Explore the local market, Tan Ky House, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the 400-year old Japanese covered bridge. Here you can also see local residents raising silkworms to produce silk for Hoi An’s burgeoning textile industry. Local tailors abound, and you can have clothes tailor-made during your stay here.
Accommodations: Allegro Hoi An, 2 nights
Situated in the heart of town, Allegro Hoi An exemplifies the heart of Hoianese people: hospitable, honest, and welcoming. They love to share the hidden beauty of this ancient town while providing you with upscale comforts and the ideal ambience to unwind and absorb Hoi An’s peaceful pace of life.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Anantara Hoi An, Intercontinental Danang, TIA Wellness Resort, The Nam Hai, Hotel Royal Hoi An MGallery, and others
Explore Hoi An
Spend the day in lovely Hoi An exploring on your own. You may choose to take a bike ride through the countryside, visit the Cham Hindu temple ruins at My Son, participate in a cooking class, or relax with some beach or spa time.
Journey along the coast to Hue
Travel along Vietnam’s scenic coast to Hue, following precipitous Highway 1 through the Hai Van “Sea of Clouds” Pass. The journey officially takes you from south to north Vietnam. On your way out of Danang, stop for a brief visit at the lovely Cham Museum, displaying sculptures and stone carvings from the temple ruins left by the now extinct civilization that once dominated this region.
Accommodations: Azerai La Residence, 2 nights
Set on a two and a half-hectare site with 200 m of frontage on the fabled Perfume River, Azerai La Residence, Hue, has 122 rooms & suites. The colonial mansion at the heart of the resort was built in the 1930s. Its two complementary wings surround an expansive tropical garden and salt-water swimming pool.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Pilgrimage Village, and others
Explore Hue
Explore the bustling ancient city of Hue. Enjoy a full day of touring in the picturesque former Imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty featuring the Citadel, part fortress and part palace. At the center stands Vietnam’s “Forbidden City,” which was reserved for royalty. Take a boat cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, a center of Buddhist activism, followed by a visit to the tomb complex of Emperor Minh Mang.
Hue's Imperial Tombs
Venture out into Hue’s surrounding countryside to visit the colorful tombs of the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh emperors. Late this afternoon you fly onward to Hanoi.
Accommodations: La Siesta Premium, 3 nights
The La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel in Hanoi is a true gem nestled in the heart of the city. This boutique hotel exudes elegance and sophistication, offering a luxurious retreat for travelers seeking a perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional charm. With its prime location, guests can easily explore the vibrant Old Quarter and immerse themselves in the rich culture and history of Hanoi. The hotel's rooms are tastefully designed, providing a tranquil oasis after a day of exploration. Moreover, the warm and attentive staff ensure a personalized experience, making guests feel right at home. Whether indulging in exquisite Vietnamese cuisine at the on-site restaurant or relaxing by the rooftop pool overlooking the bustling streets, La Siesta Premium Hang Be Hotel promises an unforgettable stay in this enchanting city.
*Includes: BreakfastUpgrades and alternatives: Capella Hotel Hanoi, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, Silk Path Hotel, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi, and others
Discover Hanoi
Begin your exploration of Vietnam’s capital with a visit to Ba Dinh Square, site of Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and his nearby spartan wartime residence. Continue to the unique One Pillar Pagoda, then on to the Confucian academy known as the Temple of Literature, considered Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, enjoy optional excursions such as a street food walking tour, Hanoi alleyway tour by Vespa, a visit to Hanoi’s Fine Art Museum, the Ethnology Museum, or a traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet show.
Alleys of Hanoi
Embark on a cyclo tour of Hanoi’s Guild District, where each of 37 small streets and alleyways feature one traditional craft or profession and its wares. This excursion concludes at the city’s traditional center, Restored Sword Lake, with a tour of Ngoc Son Temple.
Cruise Halong Bay
Journey by car to Halong Bay to board your cruise and set sail into the beautiful scenery. Here, limestone “karst” formations create an archipelago of over one thousand pinnacle-shaped islands dotting the sea. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and an overnight onboard your ship.
Accommodations: Paradise Elegance Cruise
A sleek, modern vessel that fuses contemporary styling with Vietnamese design concepts, the Paradise Elegance is a meticulously designed steel boat that has reimagined luxury cruising on Halong Bay. Boasting a piano bar, day spa and wellness center, butler service, and the full range of dining options, the Elegance is fully equipped for your Halong Bay adventure.
*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerUpgrades and alternatives: Orchid Premium Cruise, Violet Cruise Heritage, Emperor Cruises Legacy
Finish Exploring Halong Bay
Cruise through Halong Bay and enjoy swimming, kayaking, or exploring the local caves. Around midday, you will disembark and travel back to Hanoi Airport for your evening flight home.
Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary
Choose from a selection of carefully curated, best in class hotels to fit your individual travel style.
Add a cooking class or street food walking tour to better understand Vietnam’s culinary landscape.
Consult with your Vaya Specialist and expand your trip to combine with another destination on the continent for a deeper look at Asia.
Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
Why Travel with Vaya?
We're TRUE specialists
We’ve not only traveled there, we’ve lived there. Our smart and engaging specialists are all current or former expatriates with years of experience in the region.
Uplifting service
From the first phone call to after you get back, we're here for you every step of the way. We listen, create, customize and advocate for you, and design experiences that go beyond the expected.
Thoughtful travel
Our discerning sensibility and good taste go beyond just choices in hotels and top guides; we have a walk the walk commitment to the environment and are genuine leaders in conservation efforts.