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8 Day Central and South Vietnam Adventure

Highlights

  • Explore Hue by night on a guided motorbike tour
  • Stay in boutique hotels, perfectly situated for getting out and exploring
  • Traverse the spectacular Hai Van Pass in an open top war-era jeep
  • Get to know the locals as you eat with a local family in their home
From £1197 pp*
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7 Nights

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Room #
Adults
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Children
5 - 10
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What you'll do

Overview

Explore the incredible cities of Huế and Hội An, travel the stunning countryside in an open-top, war-era jeep, and immerse yourself in true Vietnamese culture and history in Ho Chi Minh City.

Summary:

Day 1: Arrival Hue city

Day 2: Hue imperial city & motorbike tour

Day 3: Open top War Era Jeep tour along Hai Van pass to Hoi An          

Day 4: Hoi An local house dinner

Day 5: Chien dan temple

Day 6: Free day – Travel To Sai Gon

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Exploring

Day 8: Departure

Your epic tour of central Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City begins in the ancient city of Hue, where you’ll be picked up and taken to your accommodation. From there, you’ll set out on a journey that will show you some of Vietnam’s highlights, twisting mountain passes, heart-stoppingly beautiful cities, vibrant markets and magnificent pagodas, as well as some of the spots most tourists miss altogether.

Spend the first part of your adventure exploring the Forbidden City and the incredible Royal Palace in the fortified Citadel, which once acted as the capital of Vietnam. You’ll explore the city from a unique perspective with the ‘Lady Bikers’, who will help you get under the skin of the city in a whirlwind rush of energy.

Traverse the world-renowned Hai Van Pass on an open-top army jeep, living the Vietnamese dream as you soak in incredible views of the mountains and coast, before exploring the beautiful, atmospheric Hội An.

Once a major trading port with the western world, Hội An is a beautiful collision of peeling colonial grandeur, ancient Chinese shophouses and beautiful Japanese covered bridges. Away from the crowds, there are countless nooks and crannies to wander through, and mazes of winding alleys and narrow streets that lead to steaming food markets and curious little buildings.

Get to know the locals and visit local families, learning about the culture and cuisine of Vietnam from the Vietnamese people themselves (it goes without saying that you’ll eat some of the best food you’ve ever tasted over the next eight days).

Explore ancient lost cities beyond the boundaries of the towns where the tourists gather, then dive down to Ho Chi Minh City to soak up the history and the relentless energy of a city in perpetual motion.

Discover the history of the Vietnam War, stumble across the best street food spots and the most atmospheric markets thanks to your local guides, and come away from the entire experience satisfied that you really have seen the best of this incredible stretch of land that runs from the imposing Hue to the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City.

*From per person price based on travel for 2 people in 2024. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Arrive in the Imperial City

Upon arrival in Hue, you’ll be greeted by your guide and taken directly to your accommodation.

The day is yours to either relax and recover from what may have been a long journey, or you can head out and explore the ancient city for yourself.

Meals : None

Explore Hue by Foot and Motorbike

Start your day by exploring the wide avenues and stunning architecture of the Forbidden City, a fortified Citadel that was once home to Vietnam’s royalty: the emperor, his family, court women, and few others lived within the structure protected by a moat and tall brick walls.

Expect opulent palaces and beautiful pagodas in the citadel, as your guide tells of stories of intrigue, plots and old tales that all took place, centrally, in this corner of Vietnam.

In the evening, jump on the back of a motorbike to explore the city by night. The experience is organised and run by the ‘lady bikers’, and is an evening where you’ll get to see the best of Hue’s buzzing atmosphere.

Fly along the Perfume River with the locals, explore Hue’s magical night market, taste incredible cuisine and take in live performances on the streets.

As well as being memorable, this evening presents a great chance to really get under the skin of the city and see what life in Hue is all about, as you experience it with the locals and really get to know it as they do.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Traverse the Hai Van Pass

After breakfast, you’ll jump into a war era, open-top jeep to start your journey to Hội An. A vintage vehicle that has been in use since the Vietnam War, this is a unique way of travelling to your next destination.

You’ll be driving over the Hai Van pass, an incredible stretch of road that leads climbs in tight bends up emerald green mountains that hug the coast. Head up the pass, admiring the incredible views en route, then you’ll stop at the top to take in the sweeping panoramas where the sea meets the mountains.

There’s an old ruin of a fort from the Vietnamese War to explore, before you descend down the other side of the pass, to find a spot to go for a refreshing swim.

Once we arrive in Hội An, check into your hotel and enjoy some time to chill. Then, you can choose to go and explore the World Heritage site that is Hội An’s ancient centre.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Explore Hoi An and a Traditional Meal with Locals

After breakfast in your accommodation, get your bearings in this town of fascinating nooks and crannies, grand old French colonial buildings peeling into graceful disrepair, old Chinese shophouses with beautifully ornate facades and the winding, silent Thu Bon River reflecting all the magic on its banks.

The city is famous for its incredibly talented tailors who craft beautiful fabrics for a seriously reasonable price, so why not head to one of the hundreds of talented craftsmen and get something fitted? Or, seek out some incredible street food and take a boat ride across the lantern-lit river.

In the evening, get to know the lively atmosphere that descends on the town as it gets dark, as you sample the real local life and cuisine of Hội An. Get to know your friendly local host for the evening as they welcome you into their home and prepare exquisite, traditional dishes for you.

Your host will give you a guide of the countryside, of the shimmering rice fields and delicate bridges that cross the streams that weave through the lush green fields.

In an iconic Hội An home, where you’ll see three generations living under the same roof, feel free to relax with a few cold beers, listen to the stories about the house, and socialise with the kids as you soak up the warm, open atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Lost Temples at Chien Dan

The most famous temples near Hội An belong to the Son Sanctuary, but these have recently become a little overcrowded and touristy, so you’re going to be taken off the beaten track to another complex of temples that tourists simply don’t know about.

Overgrown and swallowed up by nature, Chien Dan feels almost like an ancient, forgotten city. This is for good reason, as that’s exactly what it is. Once part of the great Champa, a region ruled by the Cham ethnic group throughout what is now Central and Southern Vietnam, the towers on the North and South sides have lost their roofs over the last 900 years of exposure to the elements.

The Cham people used no mortar in their building, employing an interlocking dovetail method instead to create the beautiful, ancient structures you can explore today.

Meals: Breakfast

A Free Day to Travel

Enjoy a final morning in Hội An relaxing or exploring, then check out of your hotel and and hop on a private van to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

The cost of your flight to Ho Chi Minh City is not included in the price of the tour – this can be booked for you at extra cost. 

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Saigon for check-in. Have the rest of the evening to relax or explore the surrounding area of this bustling city.

Meals: Breakfast

Welcome to Saigon

Today, you’ll be diving into the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, discovering the fascinating history, timeless traditions and richly diverse culture that pervades the ancient winding alleyways, the vibrant markets, the beautiful pagodas and the slick city streets.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the beautiful Jade Emporer Pagoda, which hides some interesting tales, then you will head to the War Remnants Museum.

Here, appreciate the wide collection of images dedicated to American and Vietnamese photographers and journalists from the French and American conflicts. You can’t visit Vietnam without acknowledging and respecting the conflict which ended less than 50 years ago..

Then, take a step back in time, heading to the war period on a trip to the Reunification Palace, before visiting some outstanding examples of French colonial architecture at Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Finally, you’ll be taken back to your accommodation where you can spend the time at your leisure, relax at the hotel or head out for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Departure Day

Today, we will transfer you to the airport for your homeward journey taking home fond memories of your time here.

Hen gap lai!

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Airport Transfers and all transport throughout
  • 2 nights Hue
  • 3 nights Hoi An
  • 2 Nights Ho Chi Minh City
  • English speaking local guides throughout
  • Guided tour of the forbidden city, Hue
  • Evening passenger scooter ride of Hue by night
  • War era jeep journey via the Hai Van Pass
  • Traditional meal hosted by a local in Hoi An
  • Guided tour of Hoi An off the beaten track
  • Guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City

Accommodation

Alba Spa Hotel (or similar)

The 58 fully-furnished rooms at Alba Spa Hotel are equipped with modern facilities and amenities to provide guests with the most comfortable stay. Each floor is decorated with a different theme and each room bears its own name, creating a unique and personalised experience.

Located in the heart of the historic city of Hue, Alba Spa Hotel is a tranquil sanctuary for the mind, body and soul. The property is nestled in a quiet area, just a stone's throw away from Hue's main attractions including Trang Tien Bridge, Huong River and the famous Hue Imperial City.

La Siesta Resort (or similar)

La Siesta in located in central Hoi An and has 3 swimming pools, well appointed guest rooms and a restaurant serving Asian and International cuisine. Guests can pamper themselves at the spa, or relax in the garden. Feel free to use the free bicycles which are available. Each room has either a terrace or balcony overlooking the lovely gardens, rice fields or pool.

Fusion Suites (or similar)

Centrally located, the Fusion Suites offer contemporary accommodation with a fitness centre and on-site restaurant serving a range of delectable Vietnamese delights and international dishes at indoor and outdoor seating areas. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows and a kitchenette. The en suite bathroom has either a bath or shower, slippers, bathrobes and free toiletries.

Your local host

Thao

I'm Thao, a seasoned travel specialist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I am passionate about helping clients plan and book the perfect vacation, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a group adventure. My extensive knowledge of destinations and travel options allows me to provide personalized recommendations and find the best deals for you. I am well-versed in various destinations and stays up-to-date on the latest industry trends and promotions.

In addition to my planning and booking expertise, I am an excellent communicator and problem-solver. I always try my best to ensure that my clients' trips run smoothly, and is always available to assist with any issues that may arise during your travels. I spend the time to understand your preferences and needs, and goes above and beyond to ensure that your vacation is everything beyond your expectations.

I'm Thao, a seasoned travel specialist with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I am passionate about helping clients plan and book the perfect vacation, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a group adventure. My extensive knowledge of destinations and travel options allows me to provide personalized recommendations and find the best deals for you. I am well-versed in various destinations and stays up-to-date on the latest industry trends and promotions.

In addition to my planning and booking expertise, I am an excellent communicator and problem-solver. I always try my best to ensure that my clients' trips run smoothly, and is always available to assist with any issues that may arise during your travels. I spend the time to understand your preferences and needs, and goes above and beyond to ensure that your vacation is everything beyond your expectations.

Thao image

Location

The tour begins in Hue, where we will pick you up from the airport, and taken you directly to your hotel. Your local guide will take you on a motorbike tour of Hue and then you’ll head over te ai Van pass to hoi an where you will meet the locals and see the sights before flying to Saigon (  Ho Chi Minh City) to finish the tour on day 8.

 

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