Vietnamese Discovery
Vietnamese Discovery
Vietnamese Discovery
17 Days
Visiting: United Kingdom, Ho Chi Minh City, Cái Bè District, Da Nang, Hội An, Mỹ Sơn, Thua Thien Hue, Hanoi, Mai Châu District, Hạ Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cát Bà Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTVET
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Physical rating:
Moderate
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4164 (USD) including Flights from the UKTour Overview
Travelling from high-energy cities to sleepy backwaters, ancient citadels to karst-dotted bays, our small-group Vietnam tours showcase everything that we love about this country. You’ll explore Hanoi’s labyrinthine Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City’s Parisian-style boulevards. You’ll help out on a rural farm and enjoy lunch with locals. You’ll sip salt coffee and sample rice paper snacks. And you’ll sail the serene waters of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay on an unforgettable 2-night cruise. Welcome to Vietnam…
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: United Kingdom
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
While not the capital city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the pulsing economic heart of the southern region - and it acts like it. Vibrating with energy (and traffic) this city is chaotically charming. Nothing will wake you up after a long overnight flight like this freewheeling city.
Day 3
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
We leave the old capital behind, and drive through scenes of rice paddies and villagers drying noodles by the roadside as we head to the Cu Chi district. The famous Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible underground network, constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars to house troops, transport and supplies.
Our visit highlights what life was like as a communist guerrilla, seeing living quarters and typical meals, and rifles, booby traps and command centres.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll take an afternoon guided tour of the city formerly known as Saigon. We first head to the former Presidential Palace. This landmark is now a museum of meeting rooms and reception rooms, the president’s living quarters, and a fascinating war room and telecommunications centre. We then take a stroll to the major colonial sights of the city, including the Opera House and the Old Saigon Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
We wrap the afternoon up with a tasting at a local craft brewery. We’ll sip specially selected beers while expert brewers talk us through the flavours and unique brewing process.
This evening we take in views of the city as we enjoy a dinner cruise on a traditional junk boat on the Saigon River.
Day 4
Location: Cái Bè District
We depart for Cai Be, on the Mekong Delta. This town relies on the network of rivers and canals to produce rice, as well as using it as a highway for vessels distributing agricultural products. On our cruise, we’ll stop at Tan Phong Island, where we take a smaller rowing boat through the canals.
Our main boat trip continues, to visit a preserved ‘Mandarin’ house, built centuries ago and to see the local trading boats and home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy.
We continue along meandering tributaries to a colonial-style villa.
Day 5
Location: Da Nang
A quick flight up the coast takes us to Danang. From here, we’ll head to our hotel in Hoi An.
Little Hoi An leaves a big impression on the hearts of its visitors. The ancient old town centre is dominated by a colourful market with pretty lanterns, traditional Chinese shop fronts and a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge.
On our walking tour, we’ll visit former merchants’ houses, a Chinese communal hall, the market and the beautiful bridge. We’ll pause for a freshly brewed cuppa at Reaching Out, a traditional tea house in the heart of Hoi An that helps to provide opportunities for locals with speech and hearing impairments.
Day 6
Location: Hội An
This morning we’ll learn about rural life in the nearby village of Tra Que. We visit a farm and help the farmers prepare the land, fertilising it with seaweed, raking, sowing and picking greens. Afterwards, relax with a herbal foot bath and massage. Before we sit down for lunch, we’ll learn how to prepare tam huu - paperless spring rolls - with a local family, before sampling this irresistible delicacy. The afternoon is at leisure back in Hoi An.
Day 7
Location: Mỹ Sơn
This morning, we’ll venture to My Son, the former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom. My Son’s skyline is shaped by dozens of red-brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. We’ll tour the temples and get an insight into Cham culture.
Afterwards, we’ll stop by a rice paper workshop in a quiet rural setting. Rice paper is used to make delicious snacks like crisps and filled rolls - we’ll learn how to make some before sitting down with our friendly hosts to enjoy our creations, washed down with a cup of strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee.
On our way to Hue, we’ll drive via the Hai Van Pass (the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’), a spectacularly scenic mountain pass with views of forest-cloaked peaks and blue-green sea.
Day 8
Location: Thua Thien Hue
We’ll immerse ourselves into Hue’s hustle and bustle with a cyclo (three-wheeled bike taxi) ride through the city’s streets this morning, making our way to the Imperial Citadel. Taking a break, we’ll call in at a local coffee shop for a salt coffee (rich coffee with salty cream) - surprisingly delicious, it’s something of a speciality here in Hue.
After lunch, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. The tomb was used as a palace retreat before becoming the Emperors’ resting place. We also visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, a serene Buddhist haven which still shelters 70 monks, before calling in at Tha Om Garden House, an old royal residence, where owner Mr Vinh will share stories of his royal heritage.
Dinner is another highlight today - we’ll feast on authentic dishes once enjoyed by Hue’s royalty.
Day 9 : Days 9-10
Location: Hanoi
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. On a city tour, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and learn more about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from France; see the One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the 11th century; and stop by the ancient Temple of Literature.
We’ll then take it easy at one of Hanoi’s best tea houses - the owner is a former winner of the Tea Master Cup competition and travels to plantations across the country to find the highest-quality tea (if we’re lucky, he’ll be there to talk us through his favourites in person). We’ll watch a traditional green tea preparation ceremony, and learn more about tea and tea-drinking habits in Vietnam.
The following day is at leisure to explore Hanoi under your own steam.
Day 11
Location: Mai Châu District
We drive deep into northern Vietnam today, where winding roads carve through lush foliage and hug forested hillsides. There’s time to relax at our ecolodge, with its views of patchwork rice paddies and moss-green mountains, before we enjoy dinner, rice wine and a traditional dance performance.
Day 12
Location: Mai Châu District
Dotted throughout the Mai Chau region are traditional Thai villages of stilted houses. Strolling through the tranquil countryside, we’ll chat with local families and hear about the life, culture and traditions of Vietnam’s White Thai ethnic minority (distantly related to tribes from Thailand, Laos and China).
You can also tour local rice fields, learning a little about the time-honoured methods still used to grow and harvest the rice today. Or, if you prefer, you can relax back at the lodge - take a dip in the palm-fringed pool or enjoy a drink with a view on the bar’s bamboo balcony.
Day 13
Location: Hanoi
We’ll head back to Hanoi today. An afternoon walking tour of the Old Quarter - a bustling area of narrow streets and alleys - takes us to Dong Xuan indoor market, where stalls are piled high with fresh produce, handmade souvenirs, clothes and accessories. We’ll finish the day at a water puppet show. This art form, unique to northern Vietnam, depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.
Day 14
Location: Hạ Long Bay
The next few days will put a big tick on your travel wishlist - holidays to Vietnam wouldn't be complete without a trip to Halong Bay. We make our way to Got Harbour, where we board a modern yet traditional ship for a 2-night cruise.
Once you’re settled on board, take a seat on the sun deck and take in the amazing views as we sail through Halong Bay and onto Lan Ha Bay, our small ship dwarfed by the forest-clad limestone karsts towering from the water.
We’ll stop to explore Light and Dark Water Cave, where you can paddle around by kayak or sit back on a bamboo boat and let someone else do the hard work.
Back on board, take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, watch sunset with a chilled drink or perhaps try your hand at squid fishing.
Day 15
Location: Lan Ha Bay
Set your alarm to enjoy sunrise over the bay and tai chi on the sun deck. Today we’ll take a smaller boat to explore Lan Ha Bay’s islets, hidden beaches and peaceful villages.
We’ll cycle 5km to a small village shrouded in verdant jungle and surrounded by the mountains of Cat Ba National Park. We’ll then enjoy lunch and kayaking in peaceful Van Boi, before swimming off beautiful Ba Trai Dao (‘Three Peaches’) Beach.
Back on the ship, enjoy another beautiful sunset and (if the skies are clear) a spot of stargazing.
Day 16
Location: Cát Bà Island
Today might be the last day of our tour of Vietnam, but it’s still packed full of incredible experiences. Savour the silence up on deck with an early morning coffee, before we arrive on Cat Ba Island to visit Army Hospital Cave, used as a secret hospital and army hideout during the American War.
We’ll tuck into lunch back on the boat, before disembarking and returning to Hanoi where we’ll spend the rest of the afternoon.
Day 17
Location: Hanoi
Early morning, we depart for the airport and your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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13 nights in hotels, 1 night cruise on Indochina Sails and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)
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International and internal flights as detailed. Prices are based on return flights with Vietnam Airlines from London Heathrow. Supplements may apply from other airports
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30 meals: 14 breakfasts (days 3-16) 10 lunches (days 3-4, 6-8 and 10-14) 6 dinners (days 3-4, 8, 10, 13 and 15) 15 excursions and visits
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City tours of Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi
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Saigon River dinner cruise
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Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
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Journey aboard the Reunification Express
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Mekong River cruise and Cai Be floating market
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Hoi An countryside tour
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Tour of My Son Temple complex
Check out our Q&As
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Monday - Wednesday
Sep 16, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Nov 04, 2024 - Nov 20, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Jan 13, 2025 - Jan 29, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Feb 10, 2025 - Feb 26, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Feb 17, 2025 - Mar 05, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Mar 03, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025Monday - Wednesday
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Sep 15, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025Monday - Wednesday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.