Highlights of Vietnam – Fully Guided Tour
Irish holidaymakers looking for a truly comprehensive adventure in Southeast Asia will find this 14-night escorted tour to be an ideal choice. Vietnam is a country where ancient traditions meet a rapidly evolving modern culture, and this itinerary is carefully designed to showcase all the major Vietnam highlights from the northern capital to the southern delta. This is a fully guided group holiday, providing the security and convenience of an organised programme while still allowing for those essential moments of personal discovery.
The journey begins in Hanoi, a city of wide boulevards and historic architecture. Guests will enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the bustling streets and attend a unique water puppet performance, which has its roots in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam. A full-day city tour covers the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the 11th-century Temple of Literature, offering a deep dive into the nation’s political and educational history. No visit to the north would be complete without witnessing Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its towering limestone islands and emerald waters, which Irish guests will explore on a leisurely boat cruise, visiting hidden caves and grottos.
Moving into central Vietnam, the tour visits Hoi An, a coastal town famous for its remarkably preserved Ancient Old Town and the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. This part of the trip is particularly popular for its hands-on experiences, including a countryside village visit to see local farming life and a professional cooking class where you will learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh local herbs. In the imperial city of Hue, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, you will walk through the walled fortress of the Citadel and take a peaceful evening cruise along the Perfume River.
The final leg of the tour focuses on the south, starting with the energetic Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The sightseeing here is comprehensive, covering the Reunification Palace, the French Colonial Post Office, and the vibrant Chinatown district of Cholon. A highlight for many is the excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. To finish the holiday, you will travel into the heart of the Mekong Delta to Cai Be and Can Tho, experiencing the famous Cai Rang floating market where vendors sell their wares from traditional sampan boats. This escorted tour is designed for those who want to see the real Vietnam in a straightforward and factual manner, ensuring a memorable and high-value holiday experience for every guest.
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Do I need a Visa for Vietnam?
Will I be met at the airport?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin to Vietnam
- 14 nights’ accommodation in high-quality 4-star hotels
- Daily breakfast, 9 lunches, and 6 evening meals
- Fully guided tours of Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City
- Scenic cruises on Ha Long Bay, the Perfume River, and the Mekong Delta
- Traditional Water Puppet show and cyclo taxi experience
- Visit to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels
- Excursion to the Cai Rang floating market and Khmer Temple
- Services of a professional local English-speaking guide
- All internal flights and airport transfers within Vietnam
Itinerary
1Depart for Vietnam+
Your journey begins with a flight from Dublin to Hanoi, with connections via major international hubs like Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha.
2Hanoi Arrival and Traditional Puppet Show+
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a traditional cyclo bicycle taxi ride through the streets to watch a famous Water Puppet show, followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
3Hanoi City and Vietnam highlights+
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the capital. Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex (outside), the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, and the former Hỏa Lò Prison. Conclude with a walk through the vibrant Old Quarter and Hoàn Kiếm Lake.
4Ha Long Bay UNESCO Cruise+
Travel to the magnificent Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional boat for a cruise through thousands of limestone islands and grottos. Lunch is included on board before checking into your hotel in the bay area.
5Fly to Danang and Hoi An+
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Danang, followed by a short coach journey to the coastal town of Hoi An, where you will spend the next three nights.
6Hoi An Ancient Old Town+
Explore the Thu Bồn River by boat to see local life. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An, featuring the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge and time to explore the colourful markets at your own pace.
7Countryside Visit and Cooking Class+
Visit a local village to see farmers working the fields. Later, join a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class where you will learn about regional flavours and enjoy the meal you have prepared for lunch.
8Imperial Hue and Perfume River Cruise+
Drive to Hue and visit the walled Imperial Citadel and the 19th-century Tomb of Tu Duc. End the day with a cruise along the Perfume River to the Thiên Mụ Pagoda before dinner.
9Fly to Ho Chi Minh City+
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). After check-in, enjoy an evening at leisure followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
10Saigon City Sightseeing+
Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the French Colonial Post Office. Later, explore Cholon (Chinatown), the Thien Hau Temple, and the authentic Binh Tay market.
11The Cu Chi Tunnels+
Embark on an excursion to the famous Cu Chi underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Learn about the daily life of the fighters and view the excavated areas before returning to the city.
12Leisure in Ho Chi Minh City+
A full day to explore independently. You may choose to visit the War Remnants Museum or enjoy some local shopping and watch city dwellers playing 'đá cầu' in the public parks.
13Mekong Delta and Can Tho+
Head to Cai Be for a sampan boat cruise on the Mekong Delta. Visit a farmer's home for lunch and seasonal fruit before transferring to Can Tho for an overnight stay.
14-15Floating Markets and Homeward Bound+
Uncover the bustling Cai Rang floating market by boat and visit the Khmer monastery of Kh'leng. Enjoy some final free time before your evening transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dublin, arriving the following day.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Feb 2027 | Twin | €4,099 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Feb 2027 | Twin | €4,099 | Enquire Now |
| 14 Mar 2027 | Twin | €4,199 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Mar 2027 | Twin | €4,199 | Enquire Now |
| 15 Apr 2027 | Twin | €4,099 | Enquire Now |
| 24 Apr 2027 | Twin | €3,899 | Enquire Now |
| 20 May 2027 | Twin | €3,649 | Enquire Now |
| 11 Sep 2027 | Twin | €3,859 Promo: €3,749 | Enquire Now |
| 23 Sep 2027 | Twin | €3,779 | Enquire Now |
| 01 Oct 2027 | Twin | €3,999 | Enquire Now |
| 10 Oct 2027 | Twin | €3,999 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Oct 2027 | Twin | €3,999 | Enquire Now |
| 06 Nov 2027 | Twin | €4,199 | Enquire Now |
| 11 Nov 2027 | Twin | €3,899 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: TD
