11 days / 10 nights

• A perfect introduction to Vietnam
• Spectacular scenery and friendly locals
• French colonial influences
• World Heritage listed Hoi An
• Imperial Citadel of Hue
• Choice of accommodation

A & K Insider Access

Meet American Suzanne Lecht, a specialist in Vietnamese art who has lived in Hanoi for more than 10 years and has become the leading foreign authority on contemporary Vietnamese painting. Visit her in her gallery, Art Vietnam, where she gives an overview on recent Vietnamese art history before guiding you through the works of local artists.

Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive to your private A&K welcome and settle into your luxury hotel.
Ho Chi Minh City

Day 02 Design Your Day Ho Chi Minh City
This dynamic city formerly known as Saigon has much to see plus restaurants, bars and shops aplenty. Start by visiting the Cu Chi tunnels, an extensive network dug by the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces during the war. Downtown you can choose to visit the Reunification Palace with a photostop outside the Cathedral or travel out of the city to Tay Ninh and see the massive 9-storey Cao Dai Holy See Temple (B,L).
Ho Chi Minh City

Day 03 Ho Chi Minh City-Hoi An
A morning to wander the streets of China Town and visit the Thien Hau Pagoda before a flight north to Danang before you journey overland (3 hours) to the World Heritage listed town of Hoi An. Explore the charming streets and this exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries (B).
Hoi An

Days 04-05 Design Your Days Hoi An
Two days to enjoy this delightful town with its strong Chinese and Japanese trading influences. Cruise the Thu Bon River and see the Japanese Covered Bridge and museum or choose a half day trip to the important early Cham temples at My Son or Marble Mountain and the Cham Museum (B).
Hoi An

Day 06 Hoi An-Hue
A 3 hour drive north to Hue, the 19th century capital of Vietnam. After lunch cross the Perfume River to visit the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex encompassing three walled enclosures and home to the emperor. Spend time with your guide in the Hue Museum as well (B,L).
Hue

Day 07 Hue
The morning visit the Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the afternoon is at leisure (B).
Hue

Day 08 Hue-Hanoi
An early morning flight north to the capital Hanoi and after settling into your hotel there is a choice of cultural visits: the ancient pottery village of Bat Trang on the outskirts of the city or a traditional handicraft village. You are also invited to join gallery owner Suzanne Lecht, a contemporary Vietnamese art specialist, for a tour around her current exhibition (B,L).
Hanoi

Days 09-10 Design Your Days Hanoi
Two days to explore this refined old city set around Hoan Kiem Lake, its tree-lined avenues are lined with grand French colonial buildings, colourful Chinese temples and houses. A&K includes all this city has to offer starting with a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s house, the One Pillared Pagoda and the Fine Arts Museum. Also, the serene Temple of Literature which dates to 1070 and a cyclo ride through the atmospheric Old Quarter. An evening water puppet show is a highlight. To complete the Vietnam experience A&K recommends a day trip north to Halong Bay which has some of the country’s most dramatic scenery with countless limestone islands best explored by private boat. Easier to access is Ninh Binh, south-west of the capital, a region of limestone mountains, pinnacles and ricefields where a scenic sampan ride takes you into the famous Tam Coc caves (B,L).
Hanoi

Day 11 Depart Hanoi
Say farewell to Vietnam before your final airport transfer (B).

Note: Rates for Design your Day excursions available on request.

Sapa Extensions

To round off your holiday in Vietnam, A&K recommends extending to the delightful north-western mountain region of Sapa for rugged scenery and traditional hilltribe culture or the Mekong Delta out of Ho Chi Minh for floating markets, ancient pagodas and riverside villages.

Departure Dates & Prices – Highlights of Vietnam

Tour Departs:

Daily

Sapa Extensions

Tour Departs:

Daily

Note: Itinerary departs: Daily (except Saturdays)