Vietnam Explorer

Tour Highlights

Halong Bay

Hoi An

Mekong Delta

Vietnam Cuisine

Halong Bay

Cruise into the still, green waters of Vietnam's most famous bay

Hoi An

Wander charming Hoi An

Mekong Delta

Discover Mekong on a river cruise

Vietnam Cuisine

Enjoy freedom and choose optional, cultural experiences

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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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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Additional Price Information

Based on London Heathrow departures

Flight upgrades available on request

Land only from ￡1,890 (Hanoi - Saigon)

Single room from ￡320

Tipping paid locally from US$72

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Vietnam Explorer - Tour Itinerary

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO HANOI

Fly overnight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s colonially influenced, atmospheric capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

DAY 3 DISCOVER HANOI

Start the day exploring the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Stilt House and the Temple of Literature. Next, take a thrilling cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, with a stop for local delicacy 'ca phe trung' (egg coffee) en route. This evening, enjoy a performance of a traditional water puppets show.

DAY 4 CRUISE HALONG BAY

Travel to Halong Bay. Board your vessel for a serene and unforgettable cruise on the glassy, limestone-studded waters. You'll pass by quaint fishing towns, taste freshly caught seafood and admire the ever-changing vistas of the bay. There are many activities to take part in while you're onboard - take a swim in the cool waters of the bay, explore stalagmite and stalactite-filled caves, and even squid fishing (in season).

DAY 5 TAI CHI

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the karst peaks of the bay and practice Tai Chi on deck. After brunch onboard, return to the dock and travel back to Hanoi. On arrival, enjoy free time or choose from two optional activities. 1) The Quintessence of Tonkin show followed by dinner, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam. Or 2) discover the varied and delicious flavours of Vietnamese street food on a tour of Hanoi's very best street eats.

DAY 6 IMPERIAL HUE

Fly to Hue, Vietnam's old imperial capital and a city considered the country's hub of culture. This afternoon, visit Minh Mang Tomb, set on peaceful spot outside the city, before exploring the decaying grandeur of Hue's Imperial Citadel. Admire the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise along the picturesque Perfume River. Later, you may choose an optional royal dining experience, where you will dine on authentic food and be entertained, all in the imperial style. Otherwise, the evening is free for your own explorations.

DAY 7 HUE EXPERIENCES

Today is a day at leisure for your own explorations, or you can choose between the following experiences. 1) Take a half day cycling tour of Hue and its beautiful rural surroundings, stopping for lunch with the nuns of a nearby pagoda, or 2) learn 'truc chi', creating art with bamboo paper, on a half day visit to a workshop.

DAY 8 TRAVEL TO HOI AN

Journey by road to the charming town of Hoi An, crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass. This afternoon, wander the old cobbled streets and soak up the delights of Hoi An, with visits to a pagoda, an old Chinese meeting house and the Reaching Out arts and crafts workshop.

DAY 9 HOI AN EXPERIENCES

Today is a day at leisure for your own explorations, or you can choose between the following experiences. 1) A cooking class, with a visit to the produce market to select fresh, local ingredients, where you'll learn the tricks and techniques of Vietnamese cuisine or 2) A full day farmer and fisherman experience, where you can try your hand at traditional farming techniques in the rural village of Tra Que, before learning to paddle round bamboo boats and cast fishing nets.

DAY 10 FLY TO SAIGON

Fly to Saigon and spend the afternoon at leisure.

DAY 11 MEKONG DELTA

Transfer to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you'll visit local cottage industries and taste the delicious produce of the region, before lunching on typically Mekong fare. This afternoon, take a boat trip through the palm-lined canals and waterways to visit small islands, a floating village and pagoda. Return to Saigon.

DAY 12 CU CHI TUNNELS

This morning, discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to Saigon and tour the city, visiting the Central Post Office as well as delving into Vietnam's recent history at the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner and a performance of the A O Show, a music, dance and acrobatic spectacular at the Saigon Opera House.

DAYS 13-14 FLY SAIGON TO UK

This morning is at leisure for your own explorations, or you can take an optional cyclo tour around Saigon's Chinatown. Later, transfer to the airport and fly to the UK, arriving home the following day.

Weather Information

Useful Information

Visas

UK citizens will not need a visa to enter Vietnam for a single entry stay of up to 15 days. Entry visas for Vietnam are required for stays longer than 15 days or for multiple entries into Vietnam within a 30 day period. To allow for unforeseen circumstances if your tour includes a stay of 15 days or more in Vietnam the standard visa processing service is included in your tour cost. Currently the visa exemption rule applies until 30th June 2018. Should the visa requirements for UK citizens travelling to Vietnam change after 30th June 2018 you will be contacted by Wendy Wu Tours regarding your visa requirements.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and Bhutan is no exception. We have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount is calculated for each tour. We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.

Communication

To call the UK the international access code is 0044 then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 44 207 403 7860. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 44 7984 041 625. Mobile Phones Mobile phones are growing in popularity and you will find high quality coverage. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave the UK.Some hotels may have Wi-Fi which usually comes at an additional cost.

Food

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost. Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste. Any food/diet requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/ Local Guides when you meet them – they will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.

Shopping

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Sample Tour Hotels

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.

• Emeraude Classic Cruises

  A replica paddle steamer that oozes a nostalgic charm of bygone Indochina, the Emeraude brings a timeless elegance to the waters of Halong Bay. With classical brass fixtures and warm, characterful cabins, the ship serves up fusion cuisine in its restaurant, a range of drinks at the bar and offers relaxation on the sun deck. There is also a spa, Tai Chi and cooking classes and Wi-Fi. Whilst some cabins have a private balcony, all have air-conditioning and an en suite bathroom with shower.

• Muong Thanh Saigon Centre

  Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel is situated in District 1. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and have a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, indoor swimming pool and free WiFi.

• Muong Thanh Hanoi Centre

  In the atmospheric area around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Muong Thanh offers stylish and comfortable accommodation in a great location. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and street food, the hotel has free Wi-Fi, a spa, bar and restaurant serving local dishes. Bright and spacious rooms come with city views, an en suite bathroom with bath or shower, plus air-conditioning, safe, television, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

• Emm Hoi An

  This light, bright and stylish hotel, perfectly located for all of Hoi An’s attractions, perfectly combines French colonial and Vietnamese architectural elements. 92 innovatively-designed guest rooms are spacious and have views over the pool, gardens or street – little pops of colour make each room bright and airy. The ensuite bathroom has a shower, and there are little extra touches such as bathrobes to enjoy. The hotel’s facilities include a contemporary bar and restaurant, while there is a large swimming pool and lush, tropical gardens to explore.