Northern Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi

When you arrive at Hanoi, a driver with a sign bearing your name will meet you at the airport. Your transfer from the airport to the hotel will take approximately one hour, during which time you’ll have lots of entertainment in the form of architecture, landscapes and the characteristic organised chaos of Hanoi’s traffic.

Day 2: Hanoi - City Tour

After breakfast, at 8am, you will be met at your hotel by your guide to begin your personal tour of Hanoi. Your firt stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can learn about the life of Vietnam’s most beloved leader, and why he continues to be a part of the life force of the nation. The tour then takes you to the beautiful Presidential Gardens and the tiny One Pillar Pagoda, where, according to legend, people can be granted their requests for sons and grandsons by Buddha. Depending on your interests, you may then choose between visiting the Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Military Museum or Hoa Lo prison.

Please note that visits to temples and places of worship require appropriate clothing which covers the shoulders and knees, for both men and women.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy the atmosphere of the Old Quarter before enjoying a Water Puppet show in the town’s central theatre. Breakfast is included.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay

You can pack light for your trip to Ha Long Bay. All you’ll need is a swimsuit, a change of clothing, your toiletries and a jacket for the winter months. Be sure to remember to pack your sunscreen and camera, too! The remainder of your luggage will be securely stored at the hotel until you return.

By 8am, you should be checked out of your hotel, paid your bills and had your luggage stored by hotel staff.

You will be collected by a bus from your hotel between 8am and 8:30am. The bus will be collecting guests from several hotels, and timing will depend on traffic.

Your scenic four-hour journey to Ha Long Bay will take you through quaint villages and lush farmlands. Once you arrive at the harbour, you’ll be welcomed onto the boat and settled in before being treated to a delicious seafood banquet as you cruise between the stunning limestone islets that jut astonishingly out of the water. Some notable karsts you’ll pass by include Finger Islet, Chicken Rock and Frog Islet.

During the afternoon, you’ll tour the Bright Lagoon and be able to explore the area by rowboat of kayak. Be on the lookout for the extremely rare white-headed langur that are found on Cat Ba Island. Make sure to book your kayak in advance at reception so you don’t miss out. You’ll then return to the boat, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming or treating yourself to a spa service. Alternatively, you can join in for a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck (weather permitting).

Sunset cocktails and a fantastic dinner will be served.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Your day starts bright and early with a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck, where coffee and tea are available. After enjoying a buffet breakfast, we’ll stop at Surprise Cave, where you can explore the enormous caverns with their ancient stalactites and stalagmites before returning to the boat for a leisurely lunch.

We return to the shore at midday, where it’s time to bid farewell to the crew and disembark ahead of your return journey to Hanoi. You’ll arrive back in Hanoi at approximately 4:30pm, and the evening is yours to relax or do some last minute shopping in the Old Quarter. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 5: Hanoi - Hoi an

A driver will collect you and transfer you to the airport for your one-hour flight to Da Nang. From there, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel via a 40 minute drive.

Hoi An is bursting with old world charm. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has been beautifully preserved and restored, and its atmosphere is captivating. There’s something for everyone in Hoi An. If you’re looking for some adrenaline, you can go scuba diving, abseiling or fishing. If you’re looking to explore, the city has amazing historical and cultural sites, and a plethora of authentic restaurants. If you just want to go shopping and relax, you’ll be in heaven; Hoi An is a shopping mecca, and spas where you can treat yourself to a massage. Breakfast is included.

Day 6,7: Hoi an

You have two full days to immerse yourself in the stunning city. With so many activities, and the resort pool at your disposal, you won’t experience a moment of boredom.

We can include a number of activities and tours in your itinerary by prior arrangement. These include abseiling, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and photography tours, or a half-day cycling tour. Cultural options to add to your itinerary include historical walking tours of Hoi An and Marble Mountain, a tour of the My Son ruins, and a Vietnamese cooking class. Breakfast is included.

Day 8: Depart

You will be transferred to the airport where you begin your journey home.

Add on optional beach stay:

From only £179 per person (based on two people sharing) -3 Nights

Day 8,9,10: Hoi an Beach

After breakfast you will be transferred to your luxury 4.5-Star resort on Cua Dai beach, Hoi An.  This is a perfect way to completely unwind and be pampered before your return journey. Breakfast is included.

Day 11: Depart

Today you will be transferred to the Da Nang airport for your return journey.

• English speaking local guides (one guide per location)
• Accommodation as listed above.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All airport transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles (except Ha Long Bay private transfer on request)
• Flight ticket Ha Noi – Da Nang

• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Visas – Visa on arrival can be pre-arranged through Wide Eyed Tours
• Spending money
• Tips/ gratuities
• Activities not mentioned
• Meals not specified
• All drinks
• International flights & departure taxes