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Want to explore Vietnam's top sights at the most wonderful time of year? December is a perfect month to visit Vietnam, so why not enjoy a change of pace and celebrate Christmas there too? Begin your adventure in the historic city of Saigon before heading to the coast to see the charming towns of Hoi An and imperial Hue. From here, fly north to Vietnam's leafy capital, Hanoi. Come Christmas Eve, embark on an exciting two-night cruise into the waters of Halong Bay and its secret twin, the ethereally beautiful Lan Ha Bay, where you can swim, kayak and relax to your heart's content.
Our Christmas in Vietnam tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Experience the edgy and evocative blend of past and present in Vietnam's largest city
Delve into Vietnam's dynastic past in this imperial city
Soak up the charms of Vietnam's fast-paced yet graceful capital
Drift on emerald waters amongst the picturesque peaks of Vietnam's most famous bay
Take your seats for 'The Quintessence of Tonkin', an outdoor spectacular that perfectly showcases the rich culture and daily life of Vietnam's northern river delta through talented performers, water puppetry, and lights.
Try your hand at ancient cultivation techniques with members of the local farming community in Tra Que village and enjoy a cooking demonstration of a regional speciality.
Spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day soaking up the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. Cruise to lesser-known spots, watch the sun rise and set, and enjoy a drinks reception on board.
This tour is ideal for those with a short period of time who are looking for a comprehensive visit to the most famous and iconic cities and sights of Vietnam, from Saigon and the south to the glorious Halong Bay.
Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. This afternoon is at leisure before this evening's welcome dinner.
Spend the morning discovering the guerrilla warfare tactics of the Viet Cong at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Stop for lunch at an organic farm before returning to Saigon for an afternoon city tour. This fascinating city is a blend of colonial architecdture and modern innovation, wearing its history on its sleeve. Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum, along with the Reunification Palace, the French Colonial Central Post Office, and the 19th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral, decorated with festive lights.
Head southwest to Ben Tre for a boat trip on the Mekong Delta. Paddle through the palm-lined canals, stopping to visit a bee farm for a cup of honey tea. After lunch, visit the beautiful gardens of the Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.
Take a short flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This UNESCO-listed town is a delight to explore, with traditional silk lanterns lining the streets and gondolas bobbing on the river. Visit an old merchant family's house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market before dinner. Afterwards, why not visit one of the town's legendary late-night tailors? The clothes-makers here are famous for their ability to deliver high-quality, custom-fit clothing in just 24 hours.
Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a cooperative farming community that supplies many local restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Their secret: instead of traditional fertiliser or chemicals, they use an all-natural seaweed found in the village lagoon. Enjoy the lush green countryside, stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work and try your hand at their traditional techniques. This afternoon is at leisure.
Drive across the famously scenic Hai Van Pass to reach Hue. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.
Today, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's leafy, laid-back capital and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed at certain times of year) and the Stilt House set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
Board a traditional sailing ship on Halong Bay and cruise out into its tranquil waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it's easy to see why it is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations. Enjoy excursions such as kayaking or exploring island caves this afternoon. Tonight, relax and enjoy Christmas dinner - Vietnamese style! The festive meal is served on Christmas Eve in Vietnam thanks to French influences left over from the colonial period. Enjoy the celebrations with newfound friends and your National Ecort as the stars glimmer over the bay.
Begin a Christmas Day like no other – watching the sun rise over Halong Bay. Sail into Lan Ha Bay – Halong's equally beautiful but lesser-known twin! Far fewer cruise ships are permitted to operate in Lan Ha Bay, thanks to its protected status as part of Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy the Halong experience without the crowds. Today, choose from included activities such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake). Here, limestone tunnels connect three peaceful lakes within the bay – an extraordinary place where time seems to stand still. Alternatively, join a tour of Cua Van Fishing Village, a colourful floating village inhabited by multiple generations of fishermen and their families. Enjoy a Christmas drinks reception on deck this evening before a second night on board.
Rise early on Boxing Day for a beautiful sunrise over the bay. Begin the morning with a choice of activities – a revitalising Tai Chi session on deck at sunrise, or an early morning adventure to Sung Sot Cave! This vast grotto has two impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and is one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Return to the ship and enjoy brunch on board as you sail back to the embarkation point. Drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, experience the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
Transfer from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your onward flight. Any time before your flight is at leisure to enjoy the city.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Places Visited: Saigon (3N) - Hoi An (2N) - Hue (1N) - Hanoi (2N+1N) - Halong Bay (2N)
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
Choose from Partner Flies Free or a 50% flight discount for Solo Travellers. Save up to ￡400 per person
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected
dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free
airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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