VIETNAM SOLO TRAVEL HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse in Ho Chi Minh City's energy with a warm welcome and group introduction on arrival
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic underground network pivotal to the Vietnam War
- Discover vibrant Saigon with its Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, and bustling Ben Thanh Market
- Cruise the Mekong Delta to witness local life, sample fresh fruits, and savour traditional Vietnamese flavours
- Stroll through Hoi An's lantern-lit streets and iconic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Bridge
- Learn traditional crafts with a lantern-making experience and pottery village visit in Hoi An
- Relax with a free day in Hoi An, perfect for soaking in the charm or exploring at leisure
- Walk through Mai Chau's villages, experiencing untouched rural life and breathtaking scenery
- Marvel at Ninh Binh’s limestone karsts, dubbed "Halong on Land," on a serene sampan ride through Tam Coc
- Cruise Halong Bay’s iconic waters, with stunning limestone cliffs and a night aboard a traditional junk boat
- Experience Hanoi’s rich heritage, including the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the Old Quarter by electric buggy
- Celebrate with a rooftop farewell dinner, enjoying panoramic views over Hanoi at sunset.
PRE TOUR STAY
Consider arriving a day before the solo Vietnam tour starting date, or enjoy a stopover. You can relax and refresh after your flight. The cost of the additional night/s of stay applies. Ask our travel team about this option, and the additional costs.
DAY 1
Ho Chi Minh Arrival
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (or fondly called ‘Saigon’), Vietnam. This evening, meet up with your tour guide and group for a welcome introduction. The rest of the evening is at leisure and your guide is on hand to make some suggestions for local dining.
Meals: n/a
SNAPSHOT – WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Arrival airport transfer
- Evening group meetup: Connect with your guide and fellow travelers for an introduction and briefing.
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh.
In the morning, transfer to Cu Chi tunnels. We're going underground - deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We'll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see.
In the afternoon, a half day Saigon city tour starts. Ever-vibrant, ever-changing - this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There's classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975. We'll visit all the main sights of the city and make time to browse the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Explore Cu Chi Tunnels
- Discover the hand-dug underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War.
- Learn about Vietcong life and see key features like command posts and hospitals.
- Experience the tunnels firsthand and witness bamboo-spiked booby traps.
- Saigon City Tour
- Visit iconic landmarks: Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, City Hall, and Post Office.
- Explore the historic Reunification Palace, a symbol of the end of the Vietnam War.
- Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market.
DAY 3
Ho Chi Minh City / Ben Tre /Saigon
Take a journey out of town to the Mekong Delta. Proceed to Ben Tre to take a boat trip on the Mekong River to Vam Xep canal where local handicrafts and coconut sweets are produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, a performance of traditional songs, and observe the local life. Take a short ride on motor cart to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Proceed by sampan through the small canals to observe the daily life of local people along the riverbanks with some stops for a leisurely stroll.
Transfer back to Saigon.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Mekong River Boat Trip to Vam Xep canal.
- Explore local handicrafts and coconut sweet production.
- Ride a motor cart to visit a local house and enjoy honey-tea.
- Sampan ride through serene canals, observing riverbank life.
DAY 4
Ho Chi Minh/Danang/Hoi An
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to a local restaurant for lunch followed by a transfer to our hotel in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Flight from Saigon to Danang
- Transfer from Danang to Hoi An
DAY 5
Hoi An Highlights
Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers' paradise. We'll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and learn how to make one yourself. One of the most iconic sights is the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream.
In the afternoon, we'll take a local boat along the river to traditional pottery villages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Hoi An Old Quarter
- River Cruise
- Cruise to traditional pottery villages.
DAY 6
Hoi An - free day
Free day at leisure. Enjoy Hoi An at your own pace! Relax at the Beach, explore the vibrant markets. Don’t miss the chance to sample local delicacies like Cao Lầu and Bánh Mì.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7
Hoi An - Danang - Mai Chau
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to our group hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Flight Danang to Hanoi
- Transfer to Mai Chau
DAY 8
Mai Chau
Begin your day with a scenic transfer to Mai Ha Village, where your adventure starts with a walk through the lush landscapes of Kha and Te Villages. As you wander along these paths, take in the natural beauty and experience the simplicity of local life. Midday brings you to Buoc Village, where you'll enjoy a traditional lunch. Afterward, continue your journey to Mai Hich Village and the Mai Chau Ecolodge. Here, indulge in the daily life of people there that remains unchanged through many generations. As the day winds down, we return to our eco lodge later in the afternoon for a relaxing evening soaking up the picturesque location.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer to Mai Ha Village for a scenic walk through Kha and Te Villages.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch in Buoc Village.
- Explore Mai Hich Village and the picturesque Mai Chau Ecolodge.
DAY 9
Mai Chau to Ninh Binh
We have a morning to enjoy an Sam Pa – Cha Long trek. Or, take the option for to relax this morning at our eco lodge.
Sam Pa – Cha Long Trek details
Duration: 2 – 3 hours | Distance: 10km | Walk Grade: Easy
There is a transfer up around 35 minutes to reach the trek starting location.
The walk is at an easy pace with a stop at 30 minutes into the trail, once we reach the terrace fields. The walk then continues to Cha long Village along a trail with forest shade. We reach Cha Long Village around midday and then return to Mai Chau by car. This afternoon, depart Mai Chau for Ninh Binh.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfer to trek starting point.
- Optional easy-paced walk through terrace fields and forest trails.
- Reach Cha Long Village by midday.
- Return to Mai Chau by car.
DAY 10
Ninh Binh
Start the day with the first sightseeing site, Hoa Lu, which was the initial capital of Vietnam. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometers.
After a visit to Hoa Lu, depart for Tam Coc town, along the tour stops wherever guests wish to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscape. On arrival in Tam Coc, board a sampan. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to its other name, 'Halong on Land'.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Visit Hoa Lu, explore the temples of Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh.
- Learn about Hoa Lu Citadel.
- Head to Tam Coc.
- Sampan ride
DAY 11
Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
After breakfast, transfer to Halong to embark on an overnight Halong Bay cruise. Cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay while enjoying lunch. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea.
Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner on board
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Drive from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.
- 2 days/1 night Halong Bay cruise
- Lunch and dinner included on board Halong Bay Cruise.
DAY 12
Halong Bay - Hanoi
Start off your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee being served. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movement of Tai Chi and enjoy the dawn on the bay. Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before preparing to check out. Disembark from the cruise and transfer to Hanoi.
Meals included: Breakfast on board
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck, with tea and coffee at dawn.
- Cruise through limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
- Prepare to check out and disembark the cruise.
DAY 13
Hanoi Highlights
There's no arguing - Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we're not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage - the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum. There's picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let's jump right in and experience it all. We'll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy.
Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your fellow travellers.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
SNAPSHOT - WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Visit the Temple of Literature.
- Explore Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
- Old Quarter tour by electric buggy.
- Farewell dinner
DAY 14
Hanoi / end
We have come to the final day of your tour! Touring services ended the evening prior. Make your own arrangements for transferring to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
