0Highlights of Vietnam 12 Days / 11 Nights
Get set for an exciting two-week journey through Vietnam! We’ll begin in the lively capital, Hanoi, where you’ll discover its fascinating history and delicious food. Then, we’ll cruise through the peaceful Lan Ha Bay on a traditional junk ship. Next, we’ll explore the ancient treasures of Hue and wander through the charming Old Town of Hoi An, lit up with lanterns. Finally, we’ll head south to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where we’ll explore its historical sites and vibrant street food scene.
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Highlights
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Itinerary idea in detail
Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
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On arrival in Vietnam, you’ll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel.
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Start the day away from the city centre bustle with a cycle ride around the perimeter of West Lake. Spend time in the shade of Tran Quoc pagoda’s elegant tower, and watch the world go by from a lakeside cafe. As the sun reaches its highest, continue your journey into Hanoi’s past with a visit to the atmospheric halls of the Temple of Literature on the site of Vietnam’s first university, and tuck into fast food, Vietnam-style, with lunch on the famous Trang Tien Street. Enjoy anything from pho to sweet treats sitting on a tiny plastic stool among the locals, with the grand Opera House just around the corner. Explore Hanoi’s contemporary culture with a Vietnamese coffee at Manzi Art Cafe, before heading back in time with a stroll past workshops and pagodas in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Enjoy a beer and keep exploring, or head back to your hotel for a little downtime.
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Local legend tells how the gods sent dragons to Halong to defend the country from invasion, and the dragons spat out gemstones that turned into islands, creating a wall against the enemy. The truth is almost as evocative as the legend, with the bay displaying one of the most beguiling natural scenes you will ever witness. Cruise at a gentle pace, disembark onto smaller boats to venture into grottos and caves, stop to explore floating fishing villages and picturesque lookout points, and dine on beautifully prepared fresh seafood. Each junk operates with a slightly different itinerary and on board facilities, so chat with us to choose the one that’s right for you.
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Wake early to the calls of Halong’s seabirds nesting around the limestone karsts, and begin the day with a Tai Chi or cooking class on deck as the sun rises. While you enjoy brunch, the junk will slowly turn back towards the mainland where you’ll be driven to Hanoi to catch your flight to Danang. You’ll meet your guide on arrival and driven straight to Hoi An to check into your hotel.
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5
The food in Hoi An is second to none, so where better to enjoy a food-focused experience? First thing in the morning, cycle to Hoi An’s central market to choose fresh produce, which you’ll cook later with your hosts. Your guide will help you find the best ingredients, and identify the less familiar items on sale! Cycle on to Tra Que village to learn about the traditional gardening methods, and get your hands dirty as you join the farmers to dig vegetables and herbs in the garden, then help prepare Tam Huu spring rolls, Banh Xeo pancakes, Tra Que steamed chicken, and clay pot fish to enjoy with your hosts. After lunch, relax with a traditional herbal footbath before heading back to Hoi An, where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
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Relax in Hoi An
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Relax in Hoi An
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Journey north from Hoi An to Hue over the stunning Hai Van Pass. There will be opportunities to stop en-route before arriving into Hue.
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Set out to the area formerly known as the ‘New City’, and cross the famous Truong Tien Bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel, over to the ‘Old City’. Visit the heavily bombed remains of the Imperial Citadel and wander along the banks of the Perfume River as far as Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s most famous religious site – via Kim Long village. Explore the pagoda’s landscaped gardens and seven-storey octagonal tower. There’ll be time for a detour to the hectic Dong Ba Market on your way back, if you wish, or you can head somewhere quieter for a bite to eat. In the afternoon, take a tour of the extravagant temples, pavilions and lotus-filled lakes that make up two of the Nguyen dynasty tombs – the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
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Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure until the evening when you’ll start a tour with a difference. Riding pillion on a Vespa, you’ll discover delicious Vietnamese specialities and hang out where the locals do. The evening culminates with a drink at the city’s leading live-music venue.
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Spend the day visiting some of Ho Chi Minh City’s key highlights, with your guide by your side to offer local insight, starting by exploring the back alleys and aromatic markets of of District 1. We’ll tailor your tour to suit you, but we particularly recommend visiting the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Basilica, and the pink neoclassic confection that is Saigon Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel). Stop to observe a Viet Cong secret weapons store, now recognised as a National Historical Site, and continue to Cho Lon (HCMC’s Chinatown) to taste the locals’ favourite noodle dish, and visit the ornate Quan Am Pagoda, before finishing in fine style with a sundowner at the top of the Bitexco Tower.
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Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation options
While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Booking Policy
- English speaking, local guide
- All accommodation listed
- Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
- Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
- All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals listed
- International flight reconfirmation.
- Entry visas
- International airport departure taxes
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks, other than water on activity days
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip…)
- Travel insurance
- All other services not listed in ‘inclusive’
We'll help plan your trip based on what you like and want to do. We know a lot about the place you're going, so we can give you good advice. Whether you're into history, food, or culture, we'll make sure your trip is just right for you. With us, your travel will be easy and fun!
We carefully choose our expert guides and travel concierges to make sure you have an authentic experience. They're passionate about their work and will bring your destination to life with care and enthusiasm.
We design our luxury trips with responsible travel principles in mind. This means we prioritize experiences that benefit both you and the planet.
It is easy to customize your Highlights of Vietnam tours with us
What our clients say about us
Eriberto P
16 March 2024 ★★★★★We had an amazing time with Flipside! The easy riders were fantastic and made us feel so safe over the 3 days. The food and home stays were lovely over the trip and there were plenty of stops along the way. The evenings were so much fun with the group and easy riders! Everyone was so accommodating and friendly and made the experience unforgettable. We cannot wait to come again and highly recommend Flipside
Jeremy
28 April 2024 ★★★★★Flip side honestly exceeded my expectations! Of course the views of Ha Giang were amazing but the staff were absolutely incredible and the easy riders were amazing! I felt so safe on the back of Truong’s bike the whole time. We had a small group of 6 people, 4 of us with easy riders and my boyfriend and our friend drove themselves. The drivers were steady and kept a good, safe pace for the guys riding (we saw and heard how fast the other tour’s went and how many injuries they have). Every night was super fun and our riders had such a laugh with us. Flip side take you off the beaten track and we saw some amazing views and swam in some gorgeous waterfalls that we hiked down too, it was so special. The main highlight was day 4, where we met Thiên and Truong’s families. We had the best day wild swimming with them, swimming inside a hidden cave, and drinking too much happy water while teaching everyone Scottish country dancing. Special thanks to Duc Anh, Thiên and especially Truong. Amazing people that made the four days so special!!! Flip side really feels like a family and social enterprise and really supports the staff & the villages in the mountains, it was amazing to see and hear about from a tour company! 10/10
Steven
23 April 2024 ★★★★★I had a good time and I am Glad, that I decided me to book this tour I can recommed it, it was nice and uncomplicated to book We had a really good time
Naad
16 April 2024 ★★★★★We just returned from a 14 day trip to Vietnam with FLIPSIDE. The trip was perfect, thanks to Mr. Kevin and his team, who took care of every detail of the organization and were attentive throughout, ensuring that our experience was excellent. They even provided us with tips on some great hotels in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. During our trip, we visited Hanoi, Halong Bay (two night by boat, highly recommended for a full experience), did the Ha Giang Loop for 4 days, explored Hoi An and went on a 3-day bike tour in the Mekong Delta. The guides spoke good English and took excellent care of us in each city: Tony in Hanoi and Halong Bay, Nghia in Ha Giang and Tom in the Mekong Delta, all of whom helped us enjoy the journey more. Vietnam is a wonderful country with delicious food and the people are charming. I absolutely recommend it. Many thanks to Mr. Kevin and Flipside Adventure Travel for their excellent work.
Sures M
3 April 2024 ★★★★★The flipside Ha Giang loop tour was a absolutely incredible experience which left us both completely speechless until now! Diving into the heart of the loop and being given a real experience of the life in which the local people live here was truly amazing. The company puts real emphasis into helping local communities within the loop. You are able to make donations, if you wish, to local families in need and the experience visiting the family really does change your perspective on things. Furthermore, you are taken off the main tracks and see parts of the loop no one else does. However, you still see the incredible scenery and pass through the loops most popular tracks so don’t miss out in incredible views. The easy riders ensure you make plenty of stops for delicious coffee/drinks and have the chance to take plenty of photos and videos to capture the moment! Me & my girlfriend had Ǎn and Dukang (I hope I’ve spelt that correctly) as our easy riders and they were genuinely amazing people. You connect with them over the three/four days and make a real friendship with them! They’re fantastic drivers and go above & beyond to make sure you have a brilliant time. Food was delicious and we never felt hungry as there was so much! The homestays were great too, couples on our tour were given private rooms when possible (which was both nights for us). The flipside team do an amazing job and deserve the most recognition possible! I hope one day to return & do the loop again. It was truly amazing. Thank you to everyone at Flipside, with particular thanks to Ǎn & Dukang! Legends!!
Stolecki G
10 April 2024 ★★★★★We just completed a 26 day tour of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Giang Loop Tour by motorbike, Halong Bay cruise, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh, Cu Chi tunnels, Mekong cycle tour. We arrived by boat in the Cambodian capital and from there, we went to Siem Reap to visit the temples of Angkor. Finally, we traveled to Bangkok, visiting the city's temples, floating markets and parks. We were met for all the transfers, including 4 internal flights, a boat transfer and the cruise. Everything was perfectly organized by Kevin. All tour guides were excellent and very attentive, and the drivers and vehicles were also great. Despite choosing budget hotels, they were good quality. We felt safe and secure throughout the trip. The only accommodation that felt a bit out of place was the one in Bangkok. Flipside Adventure Travel is an agency we highly recommend as they organize tailored tours with half board, diverse activities and at a reasonable price. This experience was particularly special as it was our first trip to Asia.
Armer S
12 June 2024 ★★★★★Flipside Adventure Travel organized a fabulous 3-week trip for us to Vietnam and Cambodia. We visited Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, traveled by boat on the Mekong River with a bike tour and explored Saigon, Hoi An, Halong Bay and the Ha Giang Loop. A choice was perfectly offered in different hotels and accommodations, allowing everyone to manage their desires and budget. Our travel consultant, Stephen was always ready to answer us on WhatsApp when we needed it. We were really taken care of! Also, when bad weather made us cancel our scuba diving, Stephen quickly found us another plan. The guides were nice and spoke English well; the drivers were good and we loved our trip. Highly recommend Flipside Adventure Travel!
Vernola S
18 January 2024 ★★★★★Our trip to Vietnam was fantastic, one of the best I've ever had. Flipside Adventure Travel was very well organized throughout. We were fortunate to have a wonderful guide, Tony, who was incredibly helpful, kind and patient. The group of fellow travelers were also great. They ranged in age from about 30 to 50 years old and were easy to get along with and friendly. We always made stops at clean restrooms, dined at wonderful restaurants, and stayed in excellent hotels. The itinerary struck a good balance between sightseeing, shopping, downtime, group activities, communal meals, and individual dining choices. I particularly enjoyed visiting Halong Bay, Ha Giang Loop, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, trying Vietnamese cuisine, watching water puppetry and more. I would definitely travel with them again and highly recommend this company.
