Vietnam Explorer
14 Days Starting in HANOI and ending in HO CHI MINH CITY
Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Đồng Hới, Phong Nha, National Park, National Park Phong Nha, Hue, Thua Thien Hue, Bach Ma National Park, Hội An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VIE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low / Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$3869 (USD)Tour Overview
Vietnam remains one of South-East Asia’s most diverse and intriguing destinations, and with its unique shape – stretching north to south over 1600kms and yet from east to west only 50kms in places – it offers incredible variety in its landscapes, food, architecture and culture.This trip balances visits to some of the country’s better known and much lauded sights – such as Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City – with some more off-beat places such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang with its stunning cave systems and Bach Ma with its faded French colonial mansions, stunning vistas and impressive wildlife. In addition, we’ll spend one night aboard a privately chartered boat so as to be able to access some quieter areas of Halong Bay, with its world-renowned limestone scenery and we’ll explore the less well-known Vinh Moc Tunnels of the DMZ rather than the more commonly visited Cu Chi Tunnels outside Saigon. We will also paddle the tranquil waterways of the Mekong Delta and discover the rural beauty of Vietnam’s rice paddies by bicycle and on foot.If you’ve always wanted to see and experience the Vietnam you may have only previously heard or dreamt about, then this trip is for you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Tour Starts In Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Acoustic or similar
Meals Included: No Meals
Accommodation will be available from early afternoon today even though the suggested group flight does not arrive until the evening.
Day 2 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Acoustic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With ochre-coloured colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes, Hanoi is full of charm. Today we’ll start our tour of the city by visiting Ho Chi Minh's House, Tran Quoc Pagoda (Hanoi’s oldest) and the tranquil Quan Thanh Temple. Later we’ll drop in on the Hoa Lo prison aka Hanoi Hilton and learn of its use as a place for holding both Vietnamese nationalists (during the days of the French) and later American POWs. At the end of the day we’ll watch a water- puppet show - a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life and famous local stories.
Day 3 : Hanoi – Halong Bay
Location: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Privately chartered boat – Bhaya or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading east, we’ll drive to Halong Bay, where we’ll board our privately chartered boat. Despite its undeniable and understandable popularity, it is still possible to find more secluded areas of the bay and during our time here our cruise will explore the striking limestone formations that give the bay such character and have contributed to its worldwide renown. Although there will be ample time for relaxing on the sundeck, kayaking or swimming (weather permitting) there will also be time to visit local fishermen in the nearby villages. In the evening, for those that wish, there will be the chance to take part in a pre-dinner Vietnamese cookery class on board the boat.
Day 4 : Halong Bay – Overnight Train – Dong Hoi
Location: Hạ Long Bay, Đồng Hới
Accommodation: Overnight train – 4-berth cabins
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After some time to explore this stunning destination (with perhaps the chance of an early morning Tai Chi class) we’ll return to the jetty and drive back to Hanoi in time to take our overnight train south aboard the Reunification Express towards Dong Hoi.
Day 5 : Dong Hoi – Phong Nha National Park
Location: Đồng Hới, Phong Nha, National Park
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Phong Nhan Lakehouse Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembarking from the train this morning, we’ll leave the coast and head inland up into the hills and the landscapes that make up the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. We’ll explore Paradise Cave, only open to the public since 2010 and said to be one of the longest dry caves in the world. We won’t be exploring its full extent (at over 30kms!) but we’ll have the chance to marvel at the breath-taking size of its cathedral-like interior replete with colossal stalagmites and stalactites. After a simple lunch at a local eatery, we continue exploring the surroundings on a half-day biking adventure around Bong Lai village and the peaceful countryside. We’ll cycle along quiet village paths and roads, passing picturesque rice paddy fields and small hamlets.There will be plenty of photo opportunities along the way so we can take our time to soak up this stunning area.
Day 6 : Phong Nha National Park - Dmz - Hue
Location: National Park Phong Nha, Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rosaleen or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s journey sees us heading south via the demilitarized zone (DMZ). The area south of the DMZ was the scene of some of the bloodiest battles during the war and the zone was established as the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. There are various places of military significance here including the Vinh Moc Tunnels and parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Today’s visit offers a sobering reminder of how recently Vietnam was involved in major conflict and how far it has come since then. Later this afternoon we’ll continue our journey, aiming to arrive in Hue late afternoon.
Day 7 : Hue
Location: Thua Thien Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rosaleen or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hue served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty which reigned from the 17th to the 19th century and today retains much of its royal charm. We’ll have the day to explore some of the city’s fascinating sights including the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO listed site and the Thien Mu pagoda, which stands on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower. We’ll also visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb, whose architecture and atmosphere showcase elements of eastern art and western designs.
Day 8 : Hue – Bach Ma National Park - Hoi An
Location: Thua Thien Hue, Bach Ma National Park, Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cozy Savy Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we’ll head up into the Bach Ma National Park which is known as one of the most bio-diverse areas of South-East Asia. Within its steep mountains and dense forests, the area is home to a wide variety of animals and plants and was a popular weekend getaway during the days when Vietnam was a French Colony. With our local expert we plan to take a 3-hour walk (approx. 8kms) along trails through sub-tropical forest which will take us to the magnificent Ngu Ho Lake and Do Quyen waterfall. Late in the afternoon we continue to Hoi Ann where we will be staying for the next three nights.
Day 9 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cozy Savy Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After having a leisurely start this morning, we will embark on plan to take a walking tour of Hoi An. This once prosperous trading port has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is without doubt one of Vietnam's gems. These days it is a delightful small market town, known throughout the region for its beautiful silk paintings and boasting well-preserved buildings, pedestrianised streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. We will have time to stroll through the Old Town, and look at the many handicrafts, antique shops and galleries, strongly influenced by Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese culture.
Day 10 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Cozy Savy Boutique or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free for you to revisit Hoi An’s narrow lanes and old merchants’ houses at your own pace, or alternatively to relax on the white sandy beach.
Day 11 : Hoi An – Danong – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Location: Hội An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Mekong Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short drive will take us to Danang from where we’ll fly to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival we’ll have lunch at a local Pho restaurant then transfer to our bus and drive for about 90mins, partly through the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms towards Ben Tre, one of the country's southern provinces, situated in the Mekong River Delta. We’ll overnight in a charming converted villa by the water’s edge.
Day 12 : Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Mekong River Delta, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Majestic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we’ll board our privately chartered boat to cruise through the magnificent scenery of the Mekong Delta. As we go, we’ll stop at local houses to learn more about the use of coconuts in making household goods, as well as stopping at a small brick workshop where the community still uses centuries-old traditional methods to make the bricks by hand. We’ll also explore some of the quieter parts of the Delta by bicycle and on foot as well as taking to rowing sampans to discover the wonderful maze of small canals. We’ll return this afternoon to Ho Chi Minh City for our final two nights in the country.
Day 13 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Majestic or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The former city of Saigon is the country’s commercial centre and, with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, it’s a city that never sleeps. However despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past and today we’ll take a walking tour to admire some of the city’s historic landmarks. These include Rue Catinat, where we’ll discover some beautiful French colonial buildings; the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville; and the Notre Dame Cathedral, which was based on the original in Paris. We’ll also visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid glimpse of the war seen through local eyes. In the evening we’ll go out for a final sumptuous dinner in this mesmerising city.
Day 14 : Tour Ends In Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends with breakfast at the hotel.
What's Included
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MEALS
13 x Breakfasts, 11 x Lunches, 10 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses, an overnight train, a domestic flight and privately chartered boats in the Mekong Delta and Halong Bay. There will also be opportunity for gentle cycle-rides, some short walks and explorations of the canals of the Mekong Delta by sampan (flat-bottomed boats).
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com Before departure UK passport holders currently do not require visas for Vietnam for visits of up to 15 days. For visits up to 30 days, e-visas will be required. More details can be found here - https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vnNon-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please note that you should ideally be able to undertake some easy cycling on Day 6, and not have claustrophobia (when visiting the Vinh Moc Tunnels) on Day 7. None of the activities are obligatory, so alternative arrangements can be made for those not wishing to participate.
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Before departure UK passport holders currently do not require visas for Vietnam for visits of up to 15 days. For visits up to 30 days, e-visas will be required. More details can be found here - https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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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?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 23, 2025 - Dec 06, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.