Highlights of Vietnam

Duration
11 days
Price from
$1,859 pp.
Location
Vietnam, Southeast Asia
Temple in Hue Vietnam unsplash

Trip Highlights

  • Halong Bay cruise
  • Lantern-lit Hoi An
  • City to coast contrasts

What's Included

  • 10 nights in boutique hotels
  • Halong Bay cruise experience
  • All private transfers included

Highlights of Vietnam

Cruise Halong Bay, explore Hanoi, Hue’s heritage, and Hoi An charm.

This Vietnam journey is crafted for travellers eager to dive deeper than the usual highlights. If you want a trip that combines iconic sights, authentic culture, and moments of calm, this is the one.

From the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the serene waters of Halong Bay, the imperial heritage of Hue, and the charming lanes of Hoi An, this itinerary offers a rich and varied taste of northern and central Vietnam. You’ll explore historic sites, savour authentic local flavours, and enjoy time to soak in each destination at your own pace.

Our Vietnam specialist, Nia, says:

“I love this trip because it balances Vietnam’s must-see highlights with slower, more thoughtful experiences. Cruising Halong Bay onboard a traditional junk is unforgettable, and Hue’s ancient citadel offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Ending in Hoi An’s peaceful streets is the perfect way to relax and reflect.”

We’ve included experiences that connect you deeply with Vietnam’s culture and landscapes, from wandering vibrant markets and tasting street food, to cruising emerald bays and strolling atmospheric old towns. It’s a carefully curated itinerary that offers insight, comfort, and just the right touch of adventure.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi

Hanoi skyline at night Vietnam

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met outside the arrivals hall by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city. If you’d like to skip the queues, we can also arrange a FastTrack arrival service. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the charming Old Quarter on foot. You’ll be staying at La Siesta Hang Thung for two nights in a Junior Suite, with breakfast included.

Day 2 Free Day in Hanoi

Hanoi temple Vietnam unsplash

Today is yours to enjoy Hanoi as you wish. Wander the city’s tree-lined boulevards, explore local markets, or delve into its layered history and culture. We can also arrange a guided city tour if you’d like deeper insight.

Day 3 Hanoi to Halong Bay

Day 4 From Sea to Imperial City

Day 5 Imperial Sights and Local Life

Day 6 The Scenic Coastal Drive

Day 7 Culture, Cuisine and Coastline

Day 8 Free Day in Hoi An

Day 9 Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10 From Past to Present

Day 11 Farewell Vietnam

Speak to a Vietnam expert today

and start planning your tailor-made vacation

Call 888 445-2912
or
Nia pictures

Nia

Vietnam Expert

When to go to Vietnam

A month-by-month guide of when to visit Vietnam

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

Northern Vietnam experiences cool and dry weather, making it ideal for exploring Hanoi and Halong Bay. The southern regions are warm and pleasant.

February

Weather in the north remains cool, while central and southern areas enjoy warm, dry conditions. Lunar New Year, Tet, is a festive highlight.

March

Spring arrives in the north, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The south remains warm and dry. Ideal for beach destinations like Nha Trang.

April

The entire country experiences pleasant weather. Consider traveling for Tet if you want to immerse in cultural celebrations.

May

May marks the start of the wet season in the north, but central and southern Vietnam remain hot. Be prepared for occasional heavy rains, especially in central and northern Vietnam. Consider coastal areas for water-based adventures. Temperature: North and Central: 30-38°C

June

The entire country experiences its hot and humid season. The mountainous areas like Sapa are a good alternative for cooler temperatures and adventures. Temperature: North and Central: 30-38°C

July

Be prepared for occasional heavy rains, especially in central and northern Vietnam. Consider coastal areas for water-based adventures. Temperature: North and Central: 30-38°C

August

Central Vietnam is a good choice during these months, with great beach weather. Northern Vietnam experiences rainy and humid conditions.

September

The north begins to cool down, and central Vietnam is pleasant. This is an excellent time for outdoor adventures. Temperature: North: 27-33°C, Central: 25-32°C.

October

Most of Vietnam experiences great weather in October. Ideal for trekking in the north and exploring the south Temperature: North: 24-30°C (75-86°F), Central and South: 25-32°C.

November

Northern Vietnam sees pleasant weather with autumn foliage. Central regions continue to be good for beach vacations. Southern Vietnam is warm and dry.

December

Northern Vietnam experiences cool temperatures, perfect for exploring cities. Southern Vietnam remains warm and dry, making it ideal for beach holidays.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

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April, 2024
Stodge

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March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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