Summer Escape to Vietnam (14 days)
This leisurely two-week escape explores the north and central regions of Vietnam, which are favourable to visit in the summer months between April and September. Starting in the atmospheric capital of Hanoi you will discover wide boulevards, striking monuments, varied museums, and a thriving food scene in the old quarter’s maze of lanes. Then drive west to Lan Ha Bay on the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin to board a luxurious overnight cruise around strings of towering limestone islets emerging from deep emerald waters. Next fly to Central Vietnam to the historic port of Hoi An, a charming place, where you can relax on the beach or cycle in the countryside by day and sample fine cuisine in a restored shophouse by night. Continue south to Nha Trang and finish the trip in style with a four night stay at a luxurious beach resort in a quiet location overlooking the South China Sea.
Guide Price
From £3,325 per person based on a shared room for departures in May.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: VN56 London Heathrow - Hanoi 11.10 - 05.25 (overnight)
Private transfer to your hotel: Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your guide, and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car.
Afternoon cyclo tour of the Old Quarter: The best way to explore the picturesque area of the Old Quarter is by "cyclo" (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Also known as the "36 Streets District", it was once the thriving commercial centre of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialise in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds. This is still reflected in the names of certain streets: like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street. Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalising souvenir shops.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Premium Hang Be (Junior Suite)
Morning tour of Hanoi: After breakfast, your guide will take you to see some more sights in the capital. First you will head for the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation's independence in 1945, and which is now home to his mausoleum (entry is not included). After looking around the square you will be able to walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace before seeing Ho Chi Minh's house, the modest dwelling he built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house and where "Uncle Ho" lived for the last years of his life. You will also be shown the One Pillar Pagoda which is nearby, and Tran Quoc Pagoda. Finish the tour with a visit to the fascinating Museum of Women which will provide an insight into the role played by women throughout Vietnam’s history.
Afternoon / evening street food tour: Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Street food is for everyone – rich, poor, old, young, tourist and local alike. Start your street food tour with an overview of local ingredients by visiting a local food market with your expert guide. With some background knowledge, it’s time to hit the streets and start your food adventure. Most street restaurants only serve one or two dishes – and each is prepared right in front of you. Walk down some small alleys and bustling streets and savor some of Hanoi’s specialties which are recommended and explained by your gastronome. Finish the trip dining at Ngon (delicious) Restaurant which is set up like a local food market selling specialties from each region in Vietnam.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Premium Hang Be (Junior Suite)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Road journey to Lan Ha Bay: This morning, you will be met at your hotel and driven for approximately 2 hours through the Red River delta to the coast and the Gulf of Tonkin, where the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay are found.
Lan Ha Bay Cruise: On arrival at Dinh Vu Port in Haiphong, you will be transferred to the Orchid Cruise boat on a smaller boat up the Cai Trap Canal. On arrival, board the main boat and enjoy a welcome drink while a safety briefing is conducted on-board before settling into your cabins and being served lunch on-board. This afternoon the cruise will set off through Lan Ha Bay stopping at a number of interesting islands including Da Chong where you can see an old French colonial lighthouse. In the mid-afternoon, the boat will moor up at Ba Trai Dao beach in Lan Ha Bay and you will have time to kayak, swim in the ocean or just relax on the beach. Back on board this evening there is a happy hour at the bar, followed by a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Stay tonight onboard the Orchid Cruise (Suite Cabin with private balcony)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Lan Ha Bay Cruise: After further optional activities and brunch on-board, you will disembark back at Dinh Vu Port at around midday and meet up again with your driver and guide.
Private transfer to Haiphong Airport: On arrival at the quay, you will be met by your guide and transferred to nearby Haiphong Airport in time to catch your onward flight. This is a journey of around 40km and, depending on traffic and road conditions, the driving time should be around 1 hour.
Flight: VN1673 Haiphong - Danang 17.05 - 18.25
Road journey to Hoi An: Upon arrival at Danang Airport, you will be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An, a drive of around 45 minutes.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Resort & Spa (Deluxe Balcony Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Cycling trip to Thanh Dong Organic Farm: After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel, and will provide you with bicycles for an interesting visit to a local village. The cycle ride is a gentle 6km, and along the way you will stop at the water coconut forest, rice paddy fields, and a prawn and red snapper farm to learn more about farming activities in Hoi An. Continue cycling along the village lanes to Thanh Dong Organic Farm. At the Organic Farm you will spend some time learning about the farming activities, and how life here has changed for the locals after being introduced to new organic farming methods. Join in with some of the gardening and farming activities for a hands-on experience. Afterwards, enjoy a basket boat ride along the Do River towards the Field Restaurant. Here you can try your hand at a brief cooking lesson before a delicious Vietnamese family style lunch. Return to your hotel in Hoi An in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Resort & Spa (Deluxe Balcony Room)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Days at leisure: You have two days at leisure to relax or explore more of the area independently. There are opportunities to head to the beach, cycle in the countryside, visit the ruins at My Son, discover the artists of Hoi An or go to one of the town’s tailors to get some clothes made. Our recommended tailor is Yaly, 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street. Tel: 84- 235 391 0474.
Accommodation: Stay these nights at the La Siesta Resort & Spa (Deluxe Balcony Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer to the airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and transferred to Danang Airport in time for your onward flight. This is a journey of around 30km and, depending on traffic and road conditions, the driving time should be around 45 minutes.
Flight: VN1947 Danang - Nha Trang 19.05 - 20.20
Private transfer to your hotel: Upon arrival at Nha Trang Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur-driven car.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mia Resort Nha Trang (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Days at leisure in Nha Trang: You are free to relax by the pool or the beach, or explore Nha Trang on your own. Take advantage of the facilities on offer at your hotel, or ask your hotel to assist in arranging any excursions they may offer.
Accommodation: Stay these nights at the Mia Resort Nha Trang (Superior Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer to the airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and transferred to Nha Trang Airport in time for your onward flight.
Flight: VN1552 Nha Trang - Hanoi 11.55 - 13.55
Private transfer to your hotel: Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your guide, and transferred to your hotel in a private chauffeur driven car.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Premium Hang Be (Junior Suite)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer to the airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and transferred to Hanoi Airport in time for your onward flight.
Flight: VN55 Hanoi - London Heathrow 10.40 - 18.20