Vietnam Insight with Sapa
Small group tour
15 days -
From £1780*PP
Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam with a journey through its historic cities, provincial towns and glistening coastline. In Sapa, meet some of the ethnic minorities. Be enchanted by the smiling locals on the bustling streets of Hanoi and Saigon, or in the tranquil villages of the Mekong Delta. Explore the relics and living history in Vietnam’s ancient towns of Hoi An and Hue, and absorb the sparkling beauty of Halong Bay.
Inclusions
- 13 nights hotel accommodation
- 1 night cruise accommodation
- breakfast daily
- 1 brunch
- 3 lunches and 3 dinners
- 2 domestic flights
- 1 cruise
- 1 day train
- transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- small group touring
- entrance fees
- English-speaking Tour Leader
- all tipping
- return transfers
Prices and Departures
Select your start date
Start
AUGUST 14th
(Tuesday)
End
AUGUST 28th
(Tuesday)
Start
SEPTEMBER 4th
(Tuesday)
End
SEPTEMBER 18th
(Tuesday)
Start
SEPTEMBER 18th
(Tuesday)
End
OCTOBER 2nd
(Tuesday)
Start
OCTOBER 2nd
(Tuesday)
End
OCTOBER 16th
(Tuesday)
Start
OCTOBER 16th
(Tuesday)
End
OCTOBER 30th
(Tuesday)
Start
OCTOBER 30th
(Tuesday)
End
NOVEMBER 13th
(Tuesday)
Start
NOVEMBER 13th
(Tuesday)
End
NOVEMBER 27th
(Tuesday)
Start
NOVEMBER 27th
(Tuesday)
End
DECEMBER 11th
(Tuesday)
Start
DECEMBER 11th
(Tuesday)
End
DECEMBER 25th
(Tuesday)
Small Group Tour Itinerary
2018
DAY 1: HANOI
Immerse yourself in the energy of Vietnam after arriving in historic Hanoi, and meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader (or local guide).
Hotel: The Ann Hanoi (or similar)
DAY 2: HANOI TO SAPA
Visit the Ethnology Museum to learn about the 53 ethnic groups that live in Vietnam. Take the five hour drive up to Sapa, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery along the way.
Hotel: Sapa Highland Resort (or similar)
DAY 3: SAPA & VALLEY WALK
Enjoy a guided tour of Sapa town and visit the colourful local market. Embark on a light trek to Ta Van Hoa Valley, admiring the beautifully terraced rice paddy fields and meeting friendly Black H’mong villagers along the way.
Hotel: Sapa Highland Resort (or similar)
DAY 4: LECH VALLEY
Travel out of Sapa town and trek to Lech Village to meet the colourful Red Dzao hilltribe. Stay overnight at Topas Ecolodge, a unique property built and operated using sustainable principles, and employing local people. The magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and valley are a highlight.
Hotel: Topas Ecolodge (or similar)
DAY 5: SAPA TO HANOI
Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the return drive back to Hanoi and transfer to your city hotel.
Hotel: Tirant Hotel (or similar)
DAY 6: HANOI CITY TOUR
Discover Hanoi’s must-visit sites including the bustling Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Quarter, House on Stilts, Presidential Palace, the infamous Hanoi Hilton and Temple of Literature.
Hotel: Tirant Hotel (or similar)
DAY 7: HANOI TO HALONG BAY
See scenes of traditional rural life as you drive east to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, board your private junk boat. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as you begin your exploration of the magnificent bay which boasts over 3,000 islands that rise from the sea.
Cruise: Overnight boat (or similar)
DAY 8: HALONG BAY TO HANOI
Rise early to make the most of Halong Bay’s stunning scenery as you continue your exploration of the bay. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi and stroll through the backstreets of the Old Quarter sampling delicious local snacks and drinking beer local-style at a ‘Bia Hoi’ establishment.
Hotel: Tirant Hotel (or similar)
DAY 9: HANOI TO HUE
Fly to Hue, situated on the banks of the Perfume River and a former imperial capital during the Nguyen Dynasty. It’s also Vietnam’s centre of Mahayana Buddhism and scholarship. Visit the city’s must-see sites including Emperor Tu Duc’s elaborate tomb, Imperial Palace, Citadel, and Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s oldest and most revered religious monument.
Hotel: Moonlight Hotel (or similar)
DAY 10: HUE TO HOI AN
Take a scenic train ride from Hue to Hoi An. Enjoy a special food-focussed walking tour of Hoi An with students from Streets Cafe, who are keen to practise their English-speaking skills. In the afternoon, visit some of Hoi An’s main sites.
Hotel: Hoi An Trails Resort & Spa (or similar)
DAY 11: HOI AN
Enjoy a free day to do as much or as little as you like in Hoi An. Choose to explore the old town or cycle to An Bang Beach.
Hotel: Hoi An Trails Resort & Spa (or similar)
DAY 12: HOI AN TO SAIGON
Enjoy more free time in Hoi An before flying to Saigon, Vietnam’s commercial capital. Enjoy a sunset drink at a rooftop bar favoured by our guides.
Hotel: Norfolk Hotel Saigon (or similar)
DAY 13: CU CHI TUNNELS
Start the day with a steaming bowl of Pho for breakfast at a favourite local noodle shop. Travel out to Cu Chi to discover the incredible network of underground tunnels and learn about their role in the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, explore Saigon’s city centre on a walking tour taking in the city’s most impressive sites and landmarks.
Hotel: Norfolk Hotel Saigon (or similar)
DAY 14: MEKONG DELTA
Travel by speedboat to the Mekong Delta. Spend time exploring the palm-fringed canals and tributaries, and visit some local temples and markets. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring fresh local ingredients including Elephant ear fish.
Hotel: Norfolk Hotel Saigon (or similar)
DAY 15: SAIGON
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Hanoi Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) 15 Days
* From prices subject to availability and subject to change. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Airfares not included unless otherwise specified. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for credit card payments which vary. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. If you book with Insider Journeys an additional 2% fee applies to credit card or charge card payments (except in North America, where no fee is charged). Insider Journeys general booking conditions apply click here.
