Spirit of Vietnam (Superior)

Vietnam Discovery: Cities, Culture & Cruising

Overview

Uncover the rich history, culture, and flavours of Vietnam on a journey that takes you from the buzzing streets of Hanoi to the vibrant Mekong Delta. Explore ancient temples, cruise through the magical Halong and Lan Ha Bays, tour imperial cities, and walk the historic towns of Hue and Hoi An. A blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and moving history makes this tour a true Vietnamese experience.

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Hanoi

• Overnight direct flight from London (regional connections available) to Hanoi with Vietnam Airlines on a modern Dreamliner
  Meals: None

Day 2: Arrive in Hanoi

• Morning arrival and transfer to the Mövenpick Hotel for 2 nights
• Evening welcome dinner at a local restaurant
  Meals: Dinner

Day 3: Hanoi City Tour

• Guided tour includes:
  • Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum†
  • One Pillar Pagoda
  • Temple of Literature
  • Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple
• Lunch at KOTO Restaurant, supporting underprivileged youth
• Afternoon visit to the Museum of Ethnology (subject to local conditions)
• Optional water puppet show in the evening (payable locally)
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Cruise Lan Ha Bay

• Cruise through Lan Ha Bay, a tranquil alternative to Halong Bay
• Overnight on board the Indochine cruise vessel
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Lan Ha Bay • Fly to Hoi An

• Morning cruise in Halong Bay
• Transfer to Hanoi Airport and fly to Hoi An
• 3-night stay at Boutique Hoi An Resort
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: My Son Temples • Hoi An Walking Tour

• Morning visit to the ruined temples of My Son
• Lunch at Streets International Restaurant, a social enterprise
• Afternoon walking tour of Hoi An, featuring Chinese, Japanese, and European influences
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Hoi An at Leisure

• Free day to explore or join optional cooking classes at Red Bridge Cooking School (payable locally)
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Danang • Drive to Hue

• Scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting)
• Visit Cham Sculpture Museum in Danang
• Continue to Hue, stay 2 nights at Pilgrimage Village
  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Imperial Hue

• Visit:
  • Hue Citadel & Purple Forbidden City
  • Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Short Perfume River Cruise
  • Tombs of Emperors Tu Duc & Khai Dinh
• Evening dinner in a restored royal Nguyen Dynasty home
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

• Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
• 3-night stay at the Grand Hotel
  Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Explore the Mekong Delta

• Full-day tour:
  • Boat trip to Cai Be
  • Sampan ride through small canals
  • Countryside walk and local encounters
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12: Cu Chi Tunnels & City Tour

• Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, a vast underground network from the Vietnam War
• Afternoon tour of Ho Chi Minh City:
  • Reunification Palace
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • War Remnants Museum
  • Viet Cong safe house
• Evening farewell dinner
  Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Days 13–14: Departure

• Free time on Day 13
• Transfer to airport for direct flight to London
• Arrive the following day
  Meals: Breakfast (Day 13), None (Day 14)