The Best of Vietnam: A 12-Day Luxury Small-Group Tour with Return International Flights and Overnight Halong Bay Cruise
Discover the very best of Vietnam on a 12-day luxury small-group tour (max. 12 travellers) – including return international flights from Melbourne or Sydney. Lose yourself in the colourful and bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, step back in time in Hue and Hoi An and take in the natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay on a stunning overnight cruise.
Includes 11 nights luxury five-star accommodation, return international economy-class flights, all internal flights, daily breakfast and select meals, a traditional cooking class in a local village, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, private airport transfers and transportation throughout, expert local guides, insider experiences and much more.
Your Itinerary at a Glance:
- Overnight cruise onboard a luxury vessel on spectacular Halong Bay
- Traditional cooking class in Hoi An
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An Old Town
- Visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cyclo tour through Hue
- Cruise on the Perfume River
What You’ll Love…
The Accommodation – From colonial-style luxury in bustling cities to peaceful sanctuaries in old-world towns
You’ll relax in five-star luxury after your exciting days spent exploring Vietnam, with stays in a collection of the country’s finest hotels.
Just steps from the commercial heart of Ho Chi Minh City, ultra-modern The Myst Saigon sits on a tree-lined street close to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Independence Palace. With polished wooden floors, antiques and exquisite objects d’art, each room of this boutique property will transport you to a bygone era, with all the convenience of five-star facilities.
In Hue, Ideally located on the fabled Perfume River and facing the Citadel — once home to emperors and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Azerai La Residence offers an impressive display of art deco treasures and modern design. Here, you’ll enjoy five-star facilities and experience outstanding levels of service.
The Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa is a sanctuary of peace in Hoi An’s heart. This boutique gem offers a collection of exquisite suites and five-star facilities, including a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and fine-dining restaurant, where you can savour traditional dishes prepared by an expert culinary team – all just 200 metres from the city’s iconic Japanese Bridge.
With a prime location in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, Meliá Hanoi offers splendid accommodation, impeccable service and luxurious facilities. The beautifully designed rooms are stylish spaces to relax and unwind, with spectacular views over the city.
The Cruise – Set sail on the waters of breathtaking Halong Bay aboard a luxury cruise boat
Vietnam is renowned for its natural beauty – and some of its most spectacular views are best admired from the water. Make the most of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay with an incredible overnight cruise on the luxurious Paradise Elegance, during which you can take in stunning views from your private balcony. With a piano bar, day spa and wellness centre, this sleek, modern vessel fuses contemporary styling and Vietnamese design concepts, creating the perfect Halong Bay experience.
As you explore the unspoiled beauty of limestone islands and stunning surroundings, your onboard chef will prepare exquisite dishes for you to enjoy between activities. Try kayaking on the river, taking a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or visiting the impressive Sung Sot Cave, the bay’s largest.
The Experiences – Ancient sites, bustling cities and exquisite natural beauty
Discover the buzzing metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its French colonial landmarks and bustling streets lined with food stalls, this city is the perfect introduction to Vietnam. Wander through timeless alleys, visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, uncover incense-infused temples and indulge in authentic Vietnamese street food.
Visit the extraordinary Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive tunnel network – over 200km long and still containing trapdoors, living areas, kitchens and storage facilities – that became legendary during the Vietnam War. Used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding places during combat, the tunnels also served as communication and supply routes and now serve as a poignant reminder of those harrowing war years.
Embrace the delights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An, where you will explore pagodas, museums and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, an 18th-century landmark that still remains faithful to its original design. In Hoi An you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a local village where you’ll discover traditional farming methods still used today, pick vegetables and herbs and join a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn how to make tam huu spring rolls, the village specialty.
Stop in Hue, Vietnam’s last feudal capital, a quaint city widely known for its magnificent architecture and pagodas. Here you will enjoy an exciting cyclo city tour, visit Dong Ba market to shop for souvenirs and find out about the construction of Minh Mang Mausoleum, built by over 10,000 workers and artists.
Discover Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture, with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences, Hanoi will captivate you. Your local guide will take you to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and show you the mausoleum of the nation’s founder, before a trip to the remarkable Temple of Literature, the country’s first university.
Your Package Includes:
- Return international economy-class flights from Sydney or Melbourne (surcharges apply for other Australian cities) plus all internal flights in Vietnam
- 11 nights five-star accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoi An and Hanoi
- An overnight stay onboard a luxury vessel on spectacular Halong Bay
- Internal flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, and Danang and Hanoi
- Daily breakfast, nine lunches and four dinners, featuring authentic local cuisine
- Private airport transfers and air-conditioned transportation throughout
- The services of expert local English-speaking guides
- Sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
VIP Upgrade – Fly Business Class to Vietnam and stay in even greater luxury throughout your tour
For an added touch of luxury, upgrade to a VIP package. You’ll fly in Business Class comfort on Vietnam Airlines’ new Dreamliner 787, and skip the airport queues. Plus, end each day in superior comfort with an upgraded room at every hotel.
At The Myst Dong Khoi, stay in a Verdant Calm Room, featuring a private garden for moments of relaxation. Beyond the hanging garden, catch a glimpse of the Saigon River and let curiosity get the better of you as you seek out hidden artefacts in your room.
A Superior River View Room awaits at Azerai La Residence. Relax on your private balcony or terrace and take in stunning views of the Perfume River.
At Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa, stay in a Little Suite, offering more space and superior facilities. Feel transported to a bygone era with nostalgic heritage nuances and city or pool views.
Meliá Hanoi welcomes you with a Premium Room, a modern jewel amid the history of Hanoi. Enjoy state-of-the-art facilities including a hydro-massage bathtub, waiting to pamper you after days spent exploring.
Plus, you will be upgraded to an Executive Balcony stateroom during your Halong Bay cruise, allowing you to take in the spectacular river views in superior comfort.
Your tour begins in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and ends in Hanoi (HAN).
Return international full-service, economy-class flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Vietnam (Business Class for VIP Upgrades) are included in your package. Surcharges apply to departures from Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide – please see ‘Fine Print’ for details.
Arrival and departure transfers are included and will be arranged according to your flight times.
You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements you may wish to make, including assistance with international flights, with no booking fee to you.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor’s website Visa Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.
Day 1: Arrival into Ho Chi Minh City
Depart Australia and fly to Vietnam. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport (SGN), you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time before you meet your leader and the rest your group for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: The Myst Saigon
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, spend a full day enjoying the sights and sounds of Ho Chi Minh City, including some of the most important attractions in the city, beginning with the Reunification Palace, the residence of the Southern Vietnam President until the end of April 1975. Close to the palace you will find striking French colonial structures, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Saigon Post Office.
Afterwards, visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the best examples of Taoist temples in Vietnam, followed by a visit to the Museum of War Remnants, which provides a riveting perspective of the Vietnam war.
After lunch, end the day at Binh Tay market in Chinatown before an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: The Myst Saigon
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast we head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, located in an area known during the American War in Vietnam as the ‘Iron Triangle’, due to the strength of its Communist insurgency. Cu Chi was also the conclusion to many caravan paths that traced from the Chinese border across mountain borders with Laos and into the Mekong Delta, which later became known as the Ho Chi Minh City Trail. The network, which is several storeys deep in some parts, includes trapdoors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.
Transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City where the rest of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Accommodation: The Myst Saigon
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Danang – Hoi An
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Danang, where you will be greeted and driven to Hoi An, originally a Cham seaport but influenced over the centuries by myriad traders from various cultures. Stop to visit the Marble Mountains, the beautiful Non Nuoc Beach and the Cham Museum in Danang city before reaching Hoi An.
After checking in to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure before you enjoy dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Hoi An Allegro Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Tra Que Village & Cooking Class
After breakfast, we take a short drive through the local countryside to arrive at Tra Que Village, home of your local host. Enjoy a welcome drink made with freshly picked fruits before taking a walk around the village and learning about its history and customs. Visit the organic herb gardens, where hundreds of local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of generations gone by. Find out about these traditional farming methods before picking vegetables and herbs and learning how to wrap them to prevent damage. Many of the local herbs are used by the farmers for traditional village medicines.
Afterwards, join a hands-on cooking class making a village specialty: “Tam Huu” spring rolls. The local herbs and vegetables we picked earlier in the day will be turned into a lovely lunch.
The evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An - A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Hoi An
After breakfast, explore the ancient architecture of Hoi An, a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional buildings, Chinese and Japanese influences. There is plenty to see in this delightful town, including the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, Pottery Museum, 200-year-old Tan Ky House, Chua Ong Pagoda and vibrant market. Take a walking tour, passing the many traditional houses scattered along the small streets and past assembly halls, which reflect the town’s multicultural past. Many visitors cite the food as the highlight of their trip to Hoi An – ask your guide for a recommendation!
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An - A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Hoi An - Hue
Upon leaving Hoi An we will drive to Hue, Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This small, quiet city is widely known for its magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs. Take the scenic road, which hugs the coastline, before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes.
In the afternoon, take a short drive to explore the massive Hue citadel, built in 1832. Western architecture meets Eastern the citadel contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This Royal Residence was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive but with renovations by a great work of local artist have restored most of it to its former glory.
Enjoy a cyclo tour around Hue city before a visit to the Dong Ba market for some souvenir shopping before an evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Azerai La Residence
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: Hue
Your discoveries continue today with a trip to Minh Mang Mausoleum located on Cam Khe Mountain by the tip of the Perfume River. The construction took place over three years (1840–1843) with the help of approximately 10,000 workers and artists. Minh Mang emperor was the second King under Nguyen Dynasty, responsible for tightening country relations. He changed the country’s name to Dai Viet to give it more power and influence in the region and internationally.
Next you will enjoy a boat cruise downstream to visit the charming pagoda of Thien Mu, built in 1601 on Ha Khe Hill and hidden behind seven layers of Phuoc Duyen tower.
The evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An - A Little Luxury Hotel & Spa
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Hue - Hanoi
Today we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. Hanoi is a charming and richly historic city of lakes, shaded boulevards and verdant public parks, with a population of about four million. The city centre is like an architectural museum, with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a provincial French town from the 1930s.
The rest of the day is at leisure, followed by dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Meliá Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Hanoi
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring the city starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder, Ho Chi Minh, and the Presidential Palace.
Your tour of Hanoi continues with a trip to the remarkable Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university. After lunch, enjoy the always impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
The evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Meliá Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: Hanoi – Halong Bay
After an early breakfast we drive to Halong City (approx. four-hour drive), stopping off for a refreshment break en route. On arrival we check in at the Paradise Lounge – Tuan Chau Island, where you have a chance to refresh before boarding Paradise Elegance, your home on Halong Bay. After a short briefing about your cruise over a welcome drink. enjoy lunch on board while you sail through the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.
The first stop includes a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area in Halong Bay dedicated to growing pearls and practising a handmade technique based on Vietnamese tradition and Japanese technology. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking. Alternatively, stay on board and treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea.
Later in the day you can visit Sung Sot Cave, offering breathtaking panoramic view across the bay. This is the largest cave in Halong Bay, and the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years have taken on fascinating shapes.
Back on board, enjoy pre-dinner sunset cocktails as the boat anchors at Coconut Tree Island. Foodies can partake in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before dinner, guaranteed to whet the appetite. This evening enjoy a Royal Bao Dai Dinner.
Accommodation: Halong Bay Paradise Elegance
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
** Please note you can take an overnight bag and leave the rest of your luggage at Meliá Hanoi to be collected tomorrow on the way to the airport.
Day 12: Halong – Depart Hanoi
Early risers can enjoy Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises. Afterwards, visit Titov Island for stunning panoramic views of the bay. After your hike, go for a refreshing swim in Halong Bay’s emerald waters or sip from a coconut in the shade.
Back on board enjoy breakfast at the restaurant as you sail past Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet before arriving back at Tuan Chau Island, where you will disembark.
Return to Hanoi, where you will enjoy lunch and some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping before you collect your luggage and head to Hanoi airport (HAN) for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
The ’7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
After you have made your booking, please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 48 hours.
Valid for the following departure dates:
31 January 2020*
21 February 2020
20 March 2020
17 April 2020*
15 May 2020
12 June 2020
24 July 2020
12 August 2020
11 September 2020
9 October 2020
6 November 2020
*Note: $350 Surcharge applies for this date
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Twin-Share Package: The package is valid for ONE PERSON aged 18 years or older (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional solo traveller surcharge will apply. Solo travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Guests must be aged 18 years or older.
Private departures available: If you wish to travel with children under the age of 18 years, on your own private tour, or together with friends, please enquire for further information (minimum two travellers – surcharges apply).
Flights: Return international full-service, economy-class flights on Vietnam Airlines from Sydney or Melbourne to Vietnam are included in your package. Flights departing Brisbane and Adelaide will incur a surcharge of A$300 per person. Flights departing Perth will incur a surcharge of A$500 per person. Date changes before or after scheduled tour dates will incur a A$250 change fee per person.
Baggage: One bag at a maximum of 20kg per passenger is included on all economy travel.
Tour includes Economy flights and accommodation at the following hotels:
The Myst Saigon – Dong Khoi Room
Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa – Junior Suite
Azerai La Residence – Superior Room
Meliá Hanoi – Deluxe Room
Halong Bay Paradise Elegance Cruise – Deluxe Balcony
VIP Package includes Business Class flights and accommodation at the following hotels in upgraded rooms:
The Myst Saigon – Verdant Calm Room
Allegro Hoi An Little Luxury Hotel & Spa – Little Suite
Azerai La Residence – Superior River View Room
Meliá Hanoi – Premium Room
Halong Bay Paradise Elegance Cruise – Executive Balcony
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two people.
Bedding Configuration: Double or twin beds (subject to availability).
Maximum tour capacity is 12 people, minimum tour capacity is two people.
Please note, disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this when making your booking.
Packages do not include visa fees, travel insurance, additional activities and upgrades and anything else not listed in the itinerary.
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$10–15 per person, per day is the industry standard).
Arrival and departure transfers are included and will be arranged according to your flight times.
Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and board boats.
Travellers are advised to check with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective. Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated) and menu options are subject to change.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or on existing reservations.
Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
Additional expenses such as (but not limited to) flights are not included with this package.
Package cannot be split.
Offer only available for consecutive nightly stays.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.
A visa may be required to the countries you are visiting and transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you are holding a current visa.
The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.