With the 2025 Vietnam Cultural and Heritage Tour, you’ll journey through historic cities, fertile farmlands, and glittering bays while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. Explore the rich history of Hanoi, feel the vibrant energy of Saigon, and step back in time at the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels - even crawling through a 20-meter stretch of the underground system.
Glide along the waterways of the Mekong Delta and take part in traditional daily life. Sail across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. Discover breathtaking landscapes, charming villages untouched by mass tourism, ancient customs, and bustling local markets. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque towns filled with temples, pagodas, and colonial-era houses, offering an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s culture, nature, and artistry.
At a glance
| Day 1 | Welcome to Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel |
| Day 2 | City tour of Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay |
| Day 4 | Cruise the Bay. Return to Hanoi for onward flight to Hue |
| Day 5 | Hue: City tour and dragon boat ride |
| Day 6 | Depart by road to Hoi An |
| Day 7 | Visit My Son santuary and a fishing village |
| Day 8 | Golden Bridge Bana Hills Tour |
| Day 9 | Board your flight to Saigon |
| Day 10 | Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour |
| Day 10 | Floating market tour. Overnight on Tan Phong Island |
| Day 11 | Tour ends with transfer to Saigon Airport. |
Highlights
Best tour of Vietnam for those with limited time
Private & daily departures
A memorable 2-day Ha Long Bay cruise and revelling in the most beautiful night sky
No tour in Saigon is complete unless you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and stop at Chinatown
Observe “real life” on the Mekong River, sail down small canals and through dense palm trees
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Hanoi Arrival
- Upon your arrival; you will be met by our representative who will assist you through immigration. Transfer to the hotel; and check-in
- Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi
City tour Hanoi (B)
- This morning we embark on a an exhilarating and unforgettable Xich Lo ride through the charming; yet bustling; 36 Street Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square where we disembark to explore Ho Chi Minh’’s Quarter.
- Hanoi is well known for its history; architecture; charm; tranquility and cuisine.
- Our first visit is to the most well respected site of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum which includes the Presidential Palace; One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Museum.
- We meet our bus for a short journey to visit the infamous Hanoi Hilton Prison and the 11th century Temple of Literature; Hanoi’’s first University.
- After our exciting adventures we have all worked up a hunger! We cross the street for lunch (pay yourself) at the famous Koto restaurant
- In the afternoon; we drive approximately 25 minutes to the Ethnology Museum.
- Here you will learn of the traditional cultures of 54 different ethnic minority groups in Vietnam through articles; stories; displays of traditional houses; costumes; hunting equipment and much more wares used in day to day life.
- Enjoy the famous traditional Water Puppets Show in the evening.
- Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.
Hanoi – Ha Long (B/L/D)
- Ha Long Bay is one of the most enchanting and memorable experiences in Vietnam. The postcard pictures you so often see of Ha Long Bay will become a memory to last a lifetime.
- We leave the city behind and drive to Ha Long Bay; taking around 3.5 hours.
- The beautiful countryside that awaits your imagination; takes us through local farming life and villages; providing us plenty of opportunities to stop and capture some spectacular photographs.
- Be sure to keep an eye out for the amazing things the locals load onto their motorbikes!!
- En-route; we make a stop at one of our favorite organizations in Vietnam; Hong Ngoc Humanities center in Sao Do Town. This wonderful establishment has been set up to provide skill and employment to people from small villages throughout the north of Vietnam; creating jobs and providing accommodation to disadvantaged people.
- You have the opportunity to purchase some exquisite local handicrafts and wares or just watch and admire the amazing and intricate workmanship involved in the production.
- Arriving in Ha Long Bay; we board our boat and enjoy a spectacular seafood lunch as we sail off into Dragon Bay; gazing at the breathtaking karst formations within the bay.
- After lunch have some free time to relax and admire the beauty of the Bay as we cruise through hundreds of formations.
- Throughout our cruise today; you will have the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore Sung Sot cave; where you will learn how karsts were formed in this area millions of years ago.
- For beach lovers and swimmers; we make a stop at one of the sandy beaches for swimming or just relaxing.
- We continue cruising the bay until the late afternoon; before setting anchor for the night.
- Once anchored; there’s plenty of time for swimming or just relaxing to admire the scenery before settling into another scrumptious meal.
- After dinner; why not head to the top deck and enjoy a relaxing drink whilst admiring the peaceful ambiance and gazing at the millions of stars.
- Overnight on board the cruise boat in Ha long bay.
Inclusions
- Return flights from Jo'burg with Qatar Airways (specific and limited seats)
- Airline levies (subject to change)
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer and intercity transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- Domestic Airfares (subject to conditions)
- 11 Nights’ Accommodation (4* Hotels) in a double room sharing
- Meals: as mentioned
- Local English Guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- Increases in airfares and Airline levies
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Travel insurance
- Vietnam Visa fee
- Tips
- Services not stated in the itinerary
Validity
- Rate valid for travel between 01 and 30 November 25
- Seasonal supplements may be applicable
Country information
Travel Tips
- Health & Safety: Stay vaccinated; insects (mosquitoes) can be a concern depending on region. Always carry water, wear sunscreen, protective clothing.
- Money: Local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cash is widely used; credit cards accepted in bigger cities, but carry some cash especially in rural areas.
- Language: Vietnamese is the official language. In tourist areas many people speak at least some English. Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases helps.
- Transport: Travel between cities can be by plane, train, or bus. Within cities motorbike taxis, cyclos, or ride-hail apps are common. Roads in remote regions may be rough.
- Culture & Customs: Be respectful at temples, pagodas; modest clothing required. Removing shoes when entering certain homes or religious sites. Negotiating is expected in markets but do so politely.