Globe Travel Centre
Classic Vietnam Discovery, a tailor-made Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam · Discovery tour

Classic Vietnam Discovery

15 nights · 16 days*Indicative price £2,495 ppHa Noi - Mai Chau - Ha Long Bay - Hue - Da Lat - Hoi An

Enquire about this tour
Sample itinerary, we tailor it to you

About this Vietnam itinerary

As well as spending time in the two major cities of Ha Noi and HCM City (Saigon), you will also have the opportunity of visiting the smaller towns of Hue and Hoi An where you can learn about the historical links of these charming towns. Hoi An was once a significant port on the Silk Trade route linking East with West. Hue on the other hand was the home for generations of the emperors of Vietnam.

You also get to experience the varied energies and beauty of 4 more rural settings. Mai Chau in the Northern Highlands offers opportunities for trekking and meeting people from some of the Ethnic minority groups living in the country. Ninh BInh and especially the lovely village of Tam Coc shares its natural beauty of Limestone Karsts that you will see in the fields and rivers alike. Take a boat ride down the river on a rowing boat propelled by local ladies and visit the caves. Ha Long Bay gives that time on a boat cruising around a glorious Bay which we all love so much. You can choose from kayaking, swimming, caving or simply relaxing. The Central Highlands are quite different from the Northern ones, no less beautiful and far less visited. And finally you spend a day on the waters of the Mekong Delta exploring how the locals live their lives on and by this magnificent waterway.

Trip highlights

  • Visit the two largest cities, Ha Noi and HCM City. Very different in charactor but both vibrant.
  • Visit the lovely valley of Mai Chau snuggling in the northern highlands of Vietnam.
  • Delight in the historical and charming towns of Hue and Hoi An in the central area.
  • Complete the tour in the Mekong Delta, a rural area dominated by the river of the same name.
Route & map

Where the Classic Vietnam Discovery route takes you

  1. Ha Noi

    3 nights

  2. Mai Chau

    2 nights

  3. Ha Long Bay

    2 nights

  4. Hue

    2 nights

  5. Da Lat

    2 nights

  6. Hoi An

    2 nights

  7. HCM City

    2 nights

Where you'll visit

Vibrant and exciting Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a buzzing city that oozes self-assurance. Because it was bombed far less during the war, its Old Quarter remains intact - with each street devoted to different wares, from shoes to chicken's feet, conical hats and deities. Sit back in the elegant French quarter and observe the city on parade; watch traditional water puppetry, or join a public Tai Chi session on the shores of the Hoan Kiem Lake. In the centre of the lake is a beautiful Chinese temple, reached by crossing an ornate red bridge. You may also wish to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex and the Temple of Literature.

Day by day

Your itinerary, day by day

Arrival in Ha Noi You will be greeted at the airport by our Vietnam Travel Centre representative and taken directly to your hotel to rest or explore as you choose. Ha Noi is the capital city of Vietnam. It's a 1000 year old city that is packed full of diversity, character and vitality. The heart of the city is Hoan Kiem Lake where locals and tourists alike sit, walk or join in with daily Tai Chi and exercise groups. To the north of the Lake is the Old Quarter where an ancient style of living among the narrow streets and tiny buildings dominates. To the south of the Lake is the elegant French Quarter with its wide tree lined boulevards and Colonial style architecture. If flights allow, after a rest and lunch, you can enjoy a Cyclo ride around the central area to get a snap-shop of this vibrant and busy city centre. After the cyclo ride, you can enjoy the unique Water Puppet show accompanied by talented local musicians playing traditional instruments. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Where you'll stay

Choose your comfort level

The route stays exactly the same, you are only choosing the level of hotel. Prices vary by category and your expert confirms the exact quote for the level you pick. Any individual stay can also be swapped.

When to go

The best time to visit Vietnam

Jan

24°C

60mm

Feb

25°C

50mm

Mar

27°C

50mm

Apr

30°C

90mm

May

32°C

190mm

Jun

33°C

240mm

Jul

33°C

290mm

Aug

32°C

310mm

Sep

31°C

260mm

Oct

29°C

160mm

Nov

27°C

90mm

Dec

24°C

60mm

29°C

Avg temperature

154mm

Avg rainfall

  • Best
  • Good
  • Monsoon

October to April, the sweet spot

The north has a cool, damp winter and a hot, wet summer, so October to April is the pick for Ha Noi, Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay. The centre around Hue and Hoi An is driest from February to August. The south stays warm all year and is at its best from December to April.

Good to know

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis unless stated otherwise
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver throughout
  • English speaking local guides at each destination
  • All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Boat trips and train journeys shown in the day by day plan
  • 24 hour support from our own team in Vietnam

Not included

  • International flights (quoted separately)
  • International flights and visa costs
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners unless listed
  • Drinks, tips and items of a personal nature
  • Optional excursions and activities
Pricing

Indicative price

*Indicative price

£2,495

per person, twin share

Excluding international flights

Prices exclude international flights. Includes accommodation, private transport, sightseeing and activities as described. This is a private tour, fully customisable. Adjust hotels, add destinations, change the pace. Final price varies with group size, season and hotel choice. Share your preferred dates and we will send a personalised itinerary and an accurate quote.

Image gallery

A glimpse of the journey

A flower seller with a bicycle laden with blooms in the Hanoi Old Quarter
Ha Noi team member 1, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 2, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 3, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 4, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 5, Vietnam specialist

Make this trip yours

Our Vietnam team will reshape every day of this itinerary around you, then price it properly.

Start planning

Other journeys in Vietnam

Southern Highlights of Vietnam (includes Phu Quoc), a tailor-made Vietnam itinerary

Discovery · 9 nights

Southern Highlights of Vietnam (includes Phu Quoc)

Discover the south of Vietnam with this 9 night tour where you can explore historic HCM City and its famous underground network of war- time tunnels and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this large and busy city. Relax in the more rural setting of the Mekong Delta travelling around the region by small local boat and bicycle visiting the lush natural settings of area, seeing how locals live their lives on and by the River. Complete the tour with a few nights on the adorable island of Phu Quoc where the order of the day is beaches, a slow pace and relaxation.

*Indicative price £1,595 pp

15 nights · *Indicative price £2,495 pp

Enquire about this tour