Vietnam: 12-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with Ha Long Bay Cruise
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Vietnam: 12-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with Ha Long Bay Cruise
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Vietnam: 12-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with Ha Long Bay Cruise

Operated by: Luxury Escapes Tours
Overview
12 days
7 places
1 country
18+ yrs
This offer has sold out
About the Tour
Your tour takes you to:
Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
Hanoi
Hue
Ha Long Bay
Hue
Da Nang
Hoi An
Da Nang
Ho Chi Minh City
Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City

Discover Vietnam’s sublime emerald waters, ancient towns, flavoursome cuisine and diverse cultures during a 12-day luxury small-group tour (max. 16 travellers). Home to lush landscapes, labyrinthine towns and mouthwatering cuisine, Vietnam is a world of contrasts, exceptional experiences and sensory overload. Uncover it all while staying in five-star accommodation, sharing your experiences with a small group of like-minded travellers. Accompanied by English-speaking local guides, cruise peaceful rivers, traverse stunning scenery by coach, enjoy included domestic flights and visit Vietnam’s highlights, including UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, temples and attractions.

Be awe-struck by Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, explore the grand architecture of Vietnam’s most atmospheric town, Hoi An, learn of the country’s long and illustrious royal history in Hue and gaze over a surreal seascape dotted with limestone islands from the deck of a traditional junk boat on an overnight cruise of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.

Your journey takes you to: Hanoi — Hạ Long Bay — Hue — Da Nang — Hoi An — Ho Chi Minh City.

Overview
12 days
7 places
1 country
18+ yrs
This offer has sold out
Choose a tour option
Itinerary & map
What you’ll see

Today, you arrive in Hanoi, where you will be met on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and transferred to your accommodation, Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi — MGallery, located just a short stroll from the city’s grand opera house. Depending on your arrival time, the afternoon is at your leisure — why not take the opportunity to swim in the indoor pool or relax at the spa?

This evening, meet your tour leader and the rest of your group for a delicious dinner at a local favourite restaurant with an included drinks package.

Inclusions
Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi — MGallery (Deluxe Room)
Dinner

On a private excursion, discover the colourful history of Vietnam’s capital, rich with culture thanks to an eclectic mix of influences — including French, as is evident in the old colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards. You’ll also learn about the life and times of former Prime Minister Ho Chi Minh, who played a key role in the nation’s journey towards independence.

Meet your local guide in the morning and embark to sights including a walk around the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Hoa Lo Prison and the One Pillar Pagoda (note: some sights may be closed).

In the afternoon, explore a Ly Dynasty temple dedicated to the God of the North, and enjoy an in-depth experience of the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university, built in the 11th century) with an expert in Vietnamese culture, history and education. Finish the day with a ride on a three-wheeled cyclo through the network of narrow, 15th-century streets of the Old Quarter, and stroll beside Hoan Kiem lake.

Inclusions
Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi – MGallery (Deluxe Room)
Breakfast and Lunch

Today, leave the city behind to discover one of the wonders of Vietnam on an overnight cruise in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed waters of Hạ Long Bay. Be sure to have an overnight bag packed in anticipation (your remaining luggage will be kept at the Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery). Upon arrival to Hạ Long City (a two-and-a-half-hour drive with a break en route), meet the crew before boarding the beautifully crafted sailing vessel, styled after a traditional Vietnamese junk boat. After a quick safety briefing and refreshing welcome drink, enjoy lunch as the dramatic beauty of the bay unfolds around you, with hundreds of limestone karsts majestically rising out of the emerald waters.

In the afternoon, visit a floating pearl farming village and learn how pearls are harvested and processed here. Afterwards, choose to venture out on a kayak (at own expense) or stay on the boat for afternoon tea. Continue onwards to Sung Sot Cave to see this impressive cavern, before being invited to join a cooking demonstration with the onboard chef. This evening, enjoy dinner followed by an evening at leisure, where you can try your hand at squid fishing, watch a movie, stargaze or tuck in early.

Inclusions
Paradise Elegance (Deluxe Balcony)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wake to the peaceful sounds of the gentle breeze and water lapping against the boat before enjoying an optional tai chi session on the sundeck. Later, visit Ti Top Island, where you will be able to climb to the top of the hill for a spectacular view over the bay. Breakfast is served while cruising back to the pier.

After disembarkation, be transferred to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival, take a private transfer to the hotel with your local guide and check in to Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa.

Inclusions
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa (Superior Room)
Breakfast

After breakfast, visit The Imperial City, a walled palace and well-preserved remnant of the vast citadel and royal quarters that once existed on the site. In the early 19th century, Emperor Gia Long consulted geomancers to source the best location to build a new palace and citadel, and this site was chosen. Tens of thousands of labourers were recruited to dig the 10km moat and earthen walls that form the outer perimeter of the citadel. Then, visit the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, a museum dedicated to Vietnam’s imperial past and arts of the era. Next, take a short drive to visit the Tomb of Tu Duc — designed by the Emperor himself — as well as an incense-making village and the French-influenced tomb of the 12th Emperor Khai Dinh.

After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, before stopping at Dong Ba to discover a traditional Vietnamese market.

Inclusions
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa (Superior Room)
Breakfast and Lunch

Leave the charms of Hue behind as you embark on a scenic overland journey to Hội An. On the way, pass Lang Co Beach, drive to the top of Hai Van Pass and see My Khe Beach in Da Nang. After checking in, the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Inclusions
Le Pavillon Hội An (Deluxe Balcony Room)
Breakfast

Early this morning, head to a small farming village to meet a local vegetable farmer and learn about organic and traditional methods. After a refreshing welcome drink, experience a typical day on the farm and learn about various equipment and its uses. Then, join the farmers in the field, fertilising the soil for sowing or crop cultivation. Next, pick some vegetables and herbs and head to the kitchen to begin preparing a local specialty, before enjoying your self-made light snack.

Afterwards, explore the charms of Hội An by foot. Stroll through winding streets and past rows of traditional houses — including the Old House of Tan Ky and the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall. Cross the impressive 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and continue to a local studio that makes traditional lanterns to learn the centuries-old craft and make your very own.

Inclusions
Le Pavillon Hội An (Deluxe Balcony Room)
Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Sanctuary, one of the most significant examples of Hindu influence in Southeast Asia. Consisting of dozens of red brick towers and temples, this elaborate complex is the former capital and religious centre of the Champa kingdom, dating between the seventh and 13th centuries.

The rest of the day is enjoyed at leisure.

Inclusions
Le Pavillon Hội An (Deluxe Balcony Room)
Breakfast

This morning, transfer to Da Nang International Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and time at leisure.

Inclusions
New World Saigon Hotel (Premier Room)
Breakfast

Today, gain insight into Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic past on an excursion. Uncover stories at the Reunification Palace, the former palace of President Thieu and his predecessors. Today a museum and venue for official receptions, it features the private rooms of the president, the ‘War Room’ where the strategies of the South Vietnamese forces were organised, and the room where the North Vietnamese army finally took control in 1975. Then, visit your choice of the History Museum or the War Remnants Museum. Later, learn of Vietnam’s spiritual side at the Cao Dai Temple.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drop by Vietnam’s exciting Chinatown, known locally as Cho Lon. Explore a neighbourhood market and taste some of their traditional specialities before enjoying a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a charming local café. Continue further to discover an incense-filled temple built in 1809 and learn about Chinese religious rites and customs. Make an offering to the temple and light a spiral incense cone before continuing to a nearby district to meet artisans who create small Buddhist amulets and statues used for worship, making your way through a nearby street that houses over 180 Chinese medicine stores.

Inclusions
New World Saigon Hotel (Premier Room)
Breakfast and Lunch

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading one-and-a-half hours northwest to explore one of the region’s most well-known wartime landmarks – the Củ Chi tunnels. Located in an area known during the American War in Vietnam as the ‘Iron Triangle’, the intriguing network of underground tunnels — which are several stories deep in some areas — provided shelter and an effective source of infiltration for the Viet Cong.

On a private tour, hear fascinating personal stories before descending into one of the tunnels. Afterwards, visit a local terracotta factory before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. At night, come together for one final farewell dinner with an included drinks package.

Inclusions
New World Saigon Hotel (Premier Room)
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City this morning as your 12-day tour comes to an end with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

Inclusions
Breakfast
Highlights & inclusions
The following are included in your tour package:
Your tour inclusions:
  • 11 nights of luxury accommodation including Hotel de l’Opera Hanoi – MGallery, The Pilgrimage Village Hue, Le Pavillon Hoi An and New World Saigon Hotel
  • Daily breakfast and select dining experiences as specified in the itinerary
  • Domestic flights between Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City
  • An overnight stay onboard a traditional junk boat on the spectacular Ha Long Bay
  • A cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Visits to Vietnam’s top attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Sanctuary, Cu Chi tunnels, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Cao Dai Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Tomb of Tu Duc and much more
  • Complimentary bottled water, cold towels, hand sanitiser, face masks and wet wipes throughout
  • Private airport transfers and air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • The services of expert English-speaking local guides
  • Sightseeing and entrance fees
Dates & pricing
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on +61 3 7032 3381 for more tour options
No departures available
Sorry, this offer has sold out!
Give our team a call on +61 3 7032 3381 for more tour options
Things to know

Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your traveller information details in full.

  • Luxury Escapes asks that you please complete your Traveller Details form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge Team will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
  • Traveller Details are required in full to confirm all arrangements for your tour. Please complete the Traveller Details form as soon as possible in your ‘My Escapes’ account. Failure to complete the form within 30/60 days of departure may result in losing your spot on the tour.
  • If your booking is on a non-guaranteed departure, this initial email is not your tour confirmation. Tours often require a minimum number of travellers to go ahead, so your departure may not be guaranteed immediately.
  • Please note that for guaranteed departures, a minimum of two people are required to book. In the event that only one passenger has booked, you will be given the opportunity to move your departure to another date.
  • Once there is an update on the status of your tour, you will be contacted via email by the Luxury Escapes’ Tours Concierge Team, and they will advise if the tour has been confirmed. Please do not book flights or make any non-flexible arrangements until you receive this update.
  • Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com, who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey.
  • For tours that allow children, the child must be XX years or over and must share a room with an adult.
  • Children are the same price as adults.

Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.

Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours

  • All deposits, service fee, and payments are non-refundable.
  • Where Luxury Escapes Tours may allow a cancellation for credit due to exceptional circumstances (and at its sole discretion) and where a cancellation/credit is not otherwise permitted, an additional service fee above and beyond the existing fees in the agreed payment schedules applies for A$300 per person will apply.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.

Date Changes

  • Changes can be made on request by contacting the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
  • Tours pricing is dynamic and can change at any time.
  • Additional fees and fare difference may apply.
  • Changes are not permitted after your final payment date.
  • For Trusted Partner operated tours, additional fees may apply.
  • Date change conditions listed above do not apply to flights or pre- and post-tour accommodation booked with us. Flight fulfilment and changes are governed by the airline(s) selected at the time of booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s). For pre- and post-tour accommodation, these reservations are not directly linked to your tour and may require a separate cost to change, as stated in your ‘My Escapes.’

Itinerary Amendments & Changes

  • Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure. This may be to accommodate changes in weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances.
  • In the event of a change in itinerary (for safety reasons or due to events outside of our control) that results in cancellation or change fees toward flights (or other parts of your travel) we will notify you as soon as practicable.
  • You will be responsible for any associated costs or will otherwise have the right to a refund (less any costs incurred or paid to third parties).

Surcharges

  • After completing your booking, your tour cost may be subject to additional surcharges due to factors beyond the control of Luxury Escapes.
  • Where the cost of delivering your selected tour materially increases between the time of purchase and delivery, we reserve the right to increase the balance due. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, taxes, airfares, fuel surcharges, tour costs or government changes due to health and safety restrictions. A material increase will be considered one in excess of 10% of the package price.

Fine Print and package inclusions are accurate at the time of purchase and not subject to change, unless updates or corrections are specifically noted in the latest Fine Print with a timestamp. Please check the Fine Print prior to departure for any updates.

We reserve the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.

Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.

  • You can find relevant accommodation details for each day of the itinerary on the Tour offer page, or in your My Escapes.

Please note:

  • Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
  • Rooms will be made available after 3pm on the day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout may be available upon request. Subject to availability. Additional fees may apply.
  • Maximum room capacity (Twin Share) is two adults. Maximum room capacity (Solo) is one adult.

Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’

For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.

Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.

  • Return international flights
  • Visas
  • Single supplement
  • Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
  • Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.

Transfers

  • Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only, unless you have booked your pre- and post-tour accommodation through Luxury Escapes.
  • If you have booked pre- or post-tour accommodation outside of Luxury Escapes, you will forfeit your complimentary airport transfers.
  • Please note ‘Private Transfers’ refers to transfers that are exclusive for your tour group and may be shared amongst other members of your group if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 30-minute window.
  • Flight details can be added to your Traveller Forms via ‘My Escapes’ and will be required 30/60 days prior to travel to confirm your transfers.
  • Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of XXkg on tour.
  • Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller hand-piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 7kg on tour.

Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance is required on all our tours, which (at a minimum) covers medical expenses and repatriation. You may not be permitted to join the tour group if evidence of travel insurance is not provided prior to your trip. If you are unable to obtain travel insurance for whatever reason, you may be required to sign a waiver and/or provide a letter from a medical practitioner which confirms you are fit for travel. For any enquiries regarding travel insurance, please call 1300 88 99 00 or email sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Passports & Visas

  • A visa may be required. It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they’re holding a current visa for the countries they’re visiting. If the traveller is on a non-Australian passport, a valid re-entry visa may be required.
  • You are responsible for visas, entry, health and other requirements, and any documents required by laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited. Luxury Escapes and/or its servants and agents are not responsible for passport and visa requirements or for any loss you sustain for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
  • A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond your return travel date is required for all passengers (including children and infants).

Traveller Details

  • Traveller Details must be completed for each individual traveller. This information can be added directly to your ’My Escapes’ account.
  • Travellers must advise of any medical conditions or dietary requirements. Failure to provide such information in advance of your tour may result in an inability to cater to your requirements.
  • We work with exceptional local tour providers to present uniquely crafted packages that encompass sightseeing tours and excursions. Our tour provider partners are dedicated to making every effort to accommodate specific requirements. However, it should be noted that the extent to which they can address mobility and accessibility needs may vary, depending on the nature of the sightseeing tour and activities involved. Please contact tours@luxuryescapes.com so we can advise whether your specific needs can be accommodated.
  • Special dietary requirements can be catered for in most cases, however, on occasion this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of unique ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry any necessary supplies with you.
  • Passport details are required for all bookings. In some cases, a digital copy of your passport may be requested by Luxury Escapes to book certain elements of your trip.
  • If a photo of your passport is requested, failure to provide valid photo ID will result in your booking being cancelled and all monies paid remaining non-refundable. When requested, a digital copy of your passport must be provided for each guest at least 90 days prior to your tour departure.
  • Should you require any assistance with your Traveller Details, please contact our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.

Tour Pace

  • It’s important to note that specific activities and intensity levels may vary between different tour operators and destinations. When selecting a group tour, it’s advisable to carefully review the itinerary, activity descriptions and fitness requirements to ensure a suitable match for your preferences and physical capabilities.
    • Relaxed: Leisurely pace with limited walking or physical demands. Opportunity for ample free time and leisure activities. Suitable for individuals seeking a laidback experience.
    • Moderate: Usually more than one day in a location. Balanced mix of exploration and physical engagement. Suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness. Exploring cities on foot, visiting landmarks and guided excursions. Requires a moderate level of stamina and physical activity.
    • Active: Activities most days. Generally, not staying in a location for two days or more. Suitable for participants with high fitness levels and a sense of adventure.

Travel Styles

  • Fully Guided Tour:
    • You’ll have a tour guide with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
  • Partially Guided Tour:
    • You’ll have guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different guides for different regions.
  • Self-Guided Tour:
    • You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided with detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport pre booked for you.

Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:

  • Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour.
  • There are limitations to the degree of accommodations that can be made if travellers are unable to partake in the included activities on this tour. Please consider suitability as additional costs could apply.
  • Travellers also acknowledge and agree that neither we nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor are we liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
  • Please note: For complimentary transfers to be fulfilled outside of arrival and departure date, all pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings must be booked through Luxury Escapes no later than 60 days before departure. After this time, any pre- or post-tour accommodation bookings made will not be eligible for complimentary transfers.
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