Explore the hectic and chaotic city of Ho Chi Minh. Start with the War Remnants Museum and learn about the Vietnam War from a different perspective. Try some traditional Vietnamese food at Bến Thành Market for dinner.
Discover the vast network of underground tunnels used by Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Learn about the ingenious techniques used to maintain communication, supply routes, hospitals, and living quarters inside the tunnels.
Cruise along the Mekong Delta and explore the floating markets and traditional villages. Take a boat ride on the canal network and experience the local way of life. Visit the Tra Su Cajuput Forrest, an eco-tourism destination home to diverse species of flora and fauna.
Escape the heat and enjoy the cooler climate in Da Lat, known as the "City of Eternal Spring." Take a walk in the Xuan Huong Lake and enjoy the scenery, visit local temples and drink coffee from local roasts renowned throughout Vietnam.
Step back in time and visit the ancient town of Hoi An. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this charming town has preserved its architecture, culture, and heritage. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House and Cau Chua Pagoda, and take a cooking class to learn Vietnamese cuisine.
Explore the imperial city of Hue, Vietnam's former capital. Visit the citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City, the royal tombs, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Take a dragon boat ride down the Perfume River and enjoy a sunset view.
Discover Vietnam's capital and visit iconic landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Walk through the Old Quarter and enjoy street food, shopping, and nightlife.
Experience the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Cruise through the bay, visit the Sung Sot cave, and take a swim in the emerald waters. Watch the sunset from the deck of the boat and taste fresh seafood.
Take a trek in the Hoang Lien Son Mountains and admire the terraced rice paddies and the friendly locals. Visit the market and purchase authentic handicrafts and souvenirs to wrap up your trip before returning to Hanoi for departure.
Transportation in Vietnam can be done by plane, train, bus or taxi. To save time, visitors can take domestic flights between major cities. Public buses and trains are cheaper options for the budget-conscious, although they often have limited schedules and long travel times. Taxis are widely available, but make sure to use official taxis and negotiate the price beforehand. Transportation costs vary depending on the mode of transport and distance traveled. The estimated total transportation cost of this itinerary is approximately £150.
For those with more time, consider adding a visit to the beaches in Nha Trang, exploring the mountainous regions of Sapa, or taking a trip to the remote and rugged north-western region of Ha Giang. For those with less time, consider removing the Mekong Delta or travelling directly to Da Nang and skipping Hue.
The main airports in Vietnam are Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, and Da Nang International Airport (DAD) in Da Nang. Lien Khuong Airport (DLI) in Da Lat, Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) in Hue, and Cat Bi International Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong are also significant.