Location is an approximation

Vietnam

From Saigon palaces to ancient Hanoi culture
Overnight stay on a boat in Halong Bay
Excellent value including internal flights

 
 
 
 
 
 

Experience Vietnam’s highlights

Vietnam's verdant landscapes, striking history and delicate cuisine offer an exciting destination for an Oak Hall tour. Come and join us for a gripping journey through this South East Asian land by road, air and sea!

We start by exploring Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the south of the country. Internal flights help to reduce the amount of travelling. The first flight takes us to see the highlights of the central region around Hoian and Hue. A second flight takes us north to explore Hanoi and the remarkable Halong Bay before we return to Ho Chi Minh. 

We meet each evening during the tour to hear a helpful Bible talk.

 

Majestic Saigon

In Ho Chi Minh City, grand palaces contrast with humble markets and busy backstreets. We also head out of the city to the Mekong delta to explore this area, which is rich in agriculture and criss-crossed by sparkling waterways. At Cuchi we can explore the tunnels used during the Vietnam War, as well as learning more about this painful part of the country’s history at the War Remnants Museum.

Please note that due to the nature of the sites we are visiting, there is regular walking on the Vietnam tour. 


"The itinerary was well-paced, and the mix of activities and free time was perfect."
Barry
 

Beaches and rivers

At Hoian we learn how to cook some local cuisine in Tra Que village. We enjoy a free day on Hoian's beautiful beaches, or explore the atmospheric riverside town with its rich, cultural heritage.

The City of Hue radiates the glory of a traditional former capital with the “Perfume River” and Tombs of the Kings. Exploring the Forbidden City, we again breathe the atmosphere of an ancient land before enjoying dinner in a garden-house restaurant. 

 

The atmospheric capital city

The sights and sounds of Hanoi’s Old Quarter form the backdrop to the next stop on our expedition as we explore these historic streets. 

Viewing ancient Buddhist architecture, such as the Lotus-inspired “One Pillar Pagoda” or “The Temple of Literature” built in 1070, we glimpse something of Vietnam’s distant past. By way of contrast, we visit the Ba Dinh Complex associated with Ho Chi Minh and his declaration of independence. Hanoi is also famous for its attractive lakes.

 

Heading east to Halong Bay

From Hanoi we head out to the jewel in Vietnam's crown at Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road glides by the Red River Delta, passing green paddy fields and rural villages dotted with farmers using buffalo for ploughing.

Halong means “Descending Dragon”, an evocative name for this magnificent bay with its limestone rocks and grottoes. We stay overnight on a comfortable boat amidst the emerald waters. Dining on fresh seafood and stopping to swim or kayak, our cruise is a wonderful highlight of the tour.

 
 
 
 

Itinerary

Below is the provisional itinerary. The letters in brackets indicate B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
 
Day #1
Depart UK
Day #2
Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). (-/-/D)
Day #3
We travel out of the city to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remnant of the Vietnam War. We take a tour around the complex; you can even crawl a part of the tunnel if you'd like to. We then visit the moving War Remnants Museum. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/D)
Day #4
A relaxing day ahead as we travel to My Tho, gateway to the Mekong Delta. We board a boat to travel across the mighty Mekong River. We visit a local island and enjoy fresh tropical fruits accompanied by traditional music. Later, we transfer to local sampan boats to cruise along the beautiful canals, stopping to see how the local coconut sweets are made. We also visit Vinh Trang pagoda, with its architecture showcasing a combination of Chinese, Cambodian, and French cultures. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (B/-/D)
Day #5
We take a tour of Ho Chi Minh City including the Reunification Palace, the cathedral, the old post office, and the Thien Hau pagoda. Early afternoon we travel back to the airport to take our flight to Da Nang. On arrival at Da Nang, we are met by our guide and travel on to stay in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An (B/-/D)
Day #6
We embark on a walking exploration of Hoi An, a magical old world with its oriental feel and source of inspiration to market artists and folk musicians. We have some leisure time in the afternoon to relax or discover more of the town. Overnight in Hoi An (B/-/D)
Day #7
Free day. Hoi An is also known for its excellent beaches – you can spend the day enjoying these or you can continue to explore Hoi An itself. Early evening, we are entertained by the Memories Show. We return back to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Hoi An (B/-/D)
Day #8
Visit Tra Que village, where we will have the opportunity to try our hand at the organic vegetable garden production and learn how to cook some traditional, delicious dishes for our lunch together. The afternoon is free. Overnight in Hoi An (B/L/-)
Day #9
Free day in Hoian. You may like to visit the town by bike, a popular way to explore. There is an optional excursion on this day to the Ba Na Hills and the Golden Hand bridge (payable locally). (B/-/D)
Day #10
We head to Da Nang to see the cultural exhibits at the Cham Museum. We then continue over the spectacular Hai Van pass to reach the former capital city, Hue. Recognized by UNESCO, Hue is notable for its royal mausoleums, imperial citadel, and iconic pagodas. We dine out in a Hue garden-house style restaurant. Overnight in Hue (B/-/D)
Day #11
After breakfast, we embark on a full day’s tour of Hue to help us discover the charm of the Royal Citadel and Forbidden City. We continue to Thien Mu pagoda and visit the Tombs of King Minh Mang. Overnight in Hue (B/-/D)
Day #12
In the morning, visit Emperor Khai Dinh’s Tomb, a striking blend of Asian and European architecture known for its intricate design and elaborate details. Evening flight to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi (B/-/D)
Day #13
We tour Hanoi, which will include a visit to One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, a “green car” tour will take us around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. We will also enjoy the Water Puppetry show, a traditional stage art. Overnight in Hanoi (B/-/D)
Day #14
After breakfast, we head to Halong Bay, an UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Famous for its spectacular limestone karsts and islands, we cruise around these. We have the option of kayaking on Ha Long Bay (cost included) before returning to our boat for dinner and to watch a magnificent sunset. Overnight onboard (B/L/D)
Day #15
Enjoy breakfast whilst our boat continues between the Halong islets. Return to the Ha Long Wharf and reboard our coach for the journey back to our hotel in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi (B/Brunch/-)
Day #16
Depart Hanoi in the morning. Arrive in the UK early evening. (B/-/-)

Dates/Prices

The cost includes return flights from London Heathrow with Vietnam Airlines. It also includes airport taxes and charges, all transport within the country (including internal flights), three-star hotel accommodation in en-suite rooms for two, breakfast each day plus lunch or dinner, boat trip, entrance fees, and guide services. Tips of £40 are included for the guides and drivers. The leader will give guidance on additional tips for restaurant staff etc.

British Citizens currently do not require a visa to visit Vietnam. For up-to-date details of the visa requirements for different nationalities please visit the Vietnamese embassy website.

The deposit for this tour is £150 if booking more than two months in advance (plus single room supplement, if applicable).

For flight times, click 'View/Book'.

Availability Update:
VN40: 24.04.25 There is one place for a female in a twin room, plus one single room remaining
 
  TripDatesPrice
VN40 - £2398View/Book ->
VN41 - £2398View/Book ->
Availability Key:
Independent Travel Remaining
Full but waiting list available
Place may be available on request
Places still available
A few places still available
 

Independent Travel

We would not recommend independent travel for the Vietnam tour, as we book all the flights with the airline as a package, including the internal flights.