We have created our VIETNAM CLASSIC EXPLORATION independent journey for you to explore some of the highlights of Vietnam. Staying in carefully selected 4 star accommodation combined with especially crafted experiences, being immersed into the culture and enabling you to savour the delicious cuisine. Experience North, Central and Southern Vietnam for 14 nights.

(As this is a private Travellers Hut journey we can change hotels, durations and inclusions to suit your travel needs. Cost based on low season and on exchange rate as at 01 June).

2025 VIETNAM CLASSIC EXPLORATION – 14 Nights – 4 star accommodation

HANOI – HA LONG BAY – HUE – HOI AN- HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon)

La Sinfonia Del Rey (standard room upgrade available) – Hanoi – 3 nights

Mila Cruise (Deluxe Window Cabin) – Halong Bay – 1 night

Spatel d’Annam Hotel (Superior Balcony) – Hue – 3 nights

Silkotel Hoi An ( Premium Deluxe Balcony) – Hoi An – 4 nights

Silveland Ben Thanh Hotel (Sunshine Garden room) – Saigon – 3 nights with Day use until 5.00 pm

DAY 1 – HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon your arrival, your Northern Vietnam guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel for your check-in. Free time to settle into to your accommodation. (The check-in time is 14:00, early check-in is subject to the hotel’s availability).

DAY 2 – HANOI – Breakfast – Dinner

We will begin the tour at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument built with marble and granite, where the preserved body of ‘Uncle Ho’ rests (Please note that the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays). Next, we will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Then, we will head to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of mandarins, to gain insight into Hanoi’s culture and appreciate ancient Vietnamese architecture.

In the evening, the guide will meet you in the lobby for your dinner at Ngon. After that, move to Ba Dinh Square to watch the flag-lowering ceremony.

DAY 3 – HANOI – Breakfast – Snacks

From Hang Dau Street in the northern point of the Hoan Kiem Lake, where there’re tasting choices of Hanoi’s famous egg coffee, streamed sticky rice cake and a mixed broth soften water celery and brown flat noodles, we walk towards the northeast.

Traverse a narrow path, which is privately shared among a community within a block, then walk through another community’s “dark tunnel” to reach Nguyen Sieu Street. Therein comes chances to taste the Vietnamese baguettes and freshwater crab noodle soup. Visit a traditional Vietnamese house nested behind the busy shops on the main street and learn about the Old Quarter through the eyes of an 80-year-old Hanoian.

Stroll the Thanh Ha traditional street market to get a view of the most common foods and ingredients purchased by locals. Start heading south of the old town, passing through Dong Xuan wholesale market and its busy food alley with more tastings offered, then visit a state-owned shop on themedicinal Lan Ong Street and sample the traditional medicinal herbs rice liquor.

See how rice noodles are made with an exclusive visit to a place making fresh noodles for the whole area, here we may enjoy one of the most loved beef noodle soups in town (available for breakfast & dinner only). Pass through a hidden alley with a chance to sample grilled pork with home-mixed fish sauce, and chicken noodle soup at the corner of Chan Cam Street.

Walk through the yard of the National Library of Vietnam to get to the French Quarter, and on Hai Ba Trung Street, sample a rice field anabas soup prepared by sisters from the countryside. Take a backstreet towards the Opera House on the way to a specialty ice cream store on Trang Tien Street, then we end our circular walk where we started.

The remainder of the day in Hanoi is free to explore Hanoi at your leisure.

DAY 4 – HA LONG BAY– Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

In the morning, the driver will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to Tuan Chau Marina for your cruise check-in.

Welcome aboard your Halong Bay overnight cruise!

Take a journey through one of the most beautiful natural sites in the world. From towering limestone karsts to tranquil emerald waters, Halong Bay is home to a wide variety of natural splendors that are sure to create lasting memories. Our overnight cruise will provide guests with an immersive and thoughtfully crafted experience featuring a variety of activities and sights.

We offer full-board meals and the perfect selection of activities on board and ashore. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient caves, discovering exotic wildlife, sailing through turquoise waters or simply relaxing with a glass of wine, we have the perfect itinerary designed to cater to your needs and interests.

From sunrise to sunset, our overnight cruise is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. Take in the stunning views and captivating atmosphere as you enjoy exclusive access to this magical destination!

* The detailed itineraries may vary and change due by the cruise company.

DAY 5 – HA LONG to HUE – Breakfast

This morning you will bid farewell to the beauty of Halong Bay and your driver will take you back to Hanoi, where you will catch a flight to Hue in central Vietnam.

Upon your arrival in Hue, the Central Vietnam guide will transfer you to the hotel in Hue located in the Citadel precinct.

DAY 6 – HUE – Breakfast

Start your leisurely half-day tour of Hue with a serene stroll along the Perfume River. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, take in the scenic views, and perhaps indulge in some early morning photography. After soaking in the peaceful ambiance, head to the Imperial City, Hue’s most iconic landmark. Spend a relaxed time exploring the historic complex, wandering through the various gates, palaces, and gardens. Sit and rest in the peaceful courtyards, absorbing the rich history and stunning architecture.

Next, make your way to Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-story pagoda that is a symbol of Hue and offers a quiet, reflective atmosphere. Enjoy the serene surroundings, explore the pagoda and its gardens, and take in the views of the Perfume River. This relaxed itinerary allows you to experience the essence of Hue at a leisurely pace, perfect for those who prefer fewer attractions and a more laid-back experience.

DAY 7 – HUE- Breakfast

Begin today’s morning Vespa Countryside tour at a local cafe, we then ride out to a communal house, where you get your first glimpse of age-old traditions and responsibilities synonymous with Vietnamese family culture. We then take a stroll down the street, taking in the contrast of French colonial architecture and the local stilted riverside homes. At a local bustling market, you will see the daily hustle of Vietnamese traders and the sale of ancient worshiping materials. After the market, we hop on a small ferry to cross the Perfume River and back on the Vespas to zoom along smaller countryside roads, venturing further into the rural areas. We first stop at a small workshop producing worship materials and then get a chance to make our own small folk-art print while sipping on green tea. We then make our way through vibrant rice paddies and ride to a local ancient bridge hangout where people of all ages go to relax and enjoy the cool river breeze.

DAY 8 – HUE to HOI AN – Breakfast

Start your journey from Hue in the morning. A private car will ensure a comfortable and flexible trip. On your way to Hoi An, make a stop at the Hai Van Pass, which is approximately halfway between Hue and Da Nang. Known as the “Ocean Cloud Pass,” Hai Van Pass offers breath taking panoramic views of the coastline, mountains, and lush forests. The winding road is one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes and a highlight of the journey. After soaking in the views at Hai Van Pass, continue your drive to Hoi An.

You’ll arrive in the afternoon, just in time to check into your accommodation and begin exploring the enchanting town of Hoi An.

DAY 9 – HOI AN – Breakfast

With a walk bypassing quaint, intricate buildings into the maze of tree lined streets you come upon the center of the Hoi An ancient town, where you will visit the majestic Kwan Temple, Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, Tan Ky Old House, Japanese Cover Bridge and the Historic and Cultural Museum. After witnessing the historic architectural structures, you will be entertained by a traditional music performance, and a visit to Hoi An’s handicraft workshop before returning to the hotel.

The afternoon is free to enable time to self explore the heritage listed town of Hoi An.

DAY 10 – HOI AN – Breakfast

Drive to the Tra Kieu Capital, enjoy the Cham traditional music. Discover the majestic ancient ruins in a valley roughly two kilometers wide, surrounded by two mountain ranges. The My Son temple complex is one of the foremost temple complexes of Hinduism in Southeast Asia and the foremost heritage site of this nature in Viet Nam. Back to hotel for another free afternoon.

DAY 11 – HOI AN – Breakfast

Free at leisure in Hoi An today, ask us about more morning tour options.

DAY 12 – HOI AN to SAIGON – Breakfast

Your driver will collect your from the hotel to Danang Airport for your flight to Saigon.

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, the guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in the city centre, next to the famous Ben Thanh Markets, easy walking to the “Walking street”, Saigon Opera House and Cathedral.

DAY 13 – SAIGON – Breakfast – Lunch

At 07:30 AM, the guide will start the tour with a transfer by car to Tan Dinh Market to meet the cooking class instructor to discover the most authentic market and purchase the ingredients. After visiting the market, the guide will lead you back to Hoa Tuc Restaurant for the cooking class.

After lunch, our guide and car will meet you at your hotel and start the tour to explore HCM city. The first place to visit on the tour will be the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of the war in April 1975. After Reunification Palace, you can walk to see some French colonial structures including Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Old Central Post Office then head to War Museum to know more about the Vietnam War.

Optional recommended evening experience – AO SHOW In the evening, the guide will meet you at the lobby for a walk to discover some hidden gems in the alleys and old apartment area of Saigon before enjoying A O Show. This show is the most extraordinary show where Tuan Le has captured the Vietnamese culture and brought the theatre-going experience to another level by taking the guests on a journey of beauty, love, and time with case performing acrobatics using bamboo props. Cost: From US$ 37 per person Ahh! ticket.

DAY 14 – SAIGON – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Cu Chi Tunnels morning by speed boat this morning. Upon arrival, visitors will watch a short documentary about the history and construction of the tunnels. A knowledgeable guide will then take the visitors on a walking tour of the tunnels, demonstrating how they were used during the Vietnam War. Visitors can crawl through some of the narrow passages and see the booby traps and other artifacts used by the Viet Cong.

Lunch is included before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by Speed boat in the early afternoon.

This evening you will be met at the hotel and taken to Cuc Gach Quan restaurant for an evening of Vietnamese Cuisine.

DAY 15 – SAIGON DEPARTURE – Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel with a free day in Saigon, (Ask about the cost for late check out).

The driver will transfer you to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight. Bid a farewell to Vietnam, and cheerio!

VIETNAM CLASSIC EXPLORATION 2025 COST

Package 15 day / 14 nights from $ 3715* per person twin share

*Based on exchange rate as at 01 May 2025

Single supplement on application

All costs subject to seasonality and exchange rates.

As this is an exclusive Travellers Hut Destination Journey of Vietnam all arrangements are totally flexible, You can change your hotels, inclusions and durations to suit your requirements, we will happy make any alteration for you and have your journey re-costed accordingly. It is your holiday and we want your arrangements tailored to your needs.

NOTE: Airfare are not included as airfares now are dynamic and change daily. You also have have options should you opt to fly with our recommended airline, Vietnam Airlines. You can fly entirely in economy class or mix and match with one or both international segments in Premium or Business class. You are able to fly one way on the international segment in one class and travel home on another. We find that most clients prefer to upgrade their flight from Saigon to Sydney as it is an overnight flight. Once we begin to put your Vietnam journey together we will check the availability and airfare cost for you.