Classic Vietnam
Hanoi + Ha Long Bay + Hoi An + Ho Chi Minh City · 12 nights — north to south, one unforgettable journey.
Vietnam is a country made for exploring. But with so many places worth seeing, organising your first trip can quickly become complicated. Classic Vietnam joins together four of its most memorable experiences.
- Hanoi gives you the history, food and character of the north.
- Ha Long Bay gives you one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary landscapes.
- Hoi An brings historic charm, fantastic food and a chance to slow the pace.
- Ho Chi Minh City gives you the energy, history and flavours of southern Vietnam.
North to south. City streets to limestone islands. Ancient Vietnam to modern Vietnam.
One carefully planned journey through an extraordinary country. Optional upgrades available.
Day by day
Hanoi
Start in the north
Your Vietnam journey begins in Hanoi, where tree-lined boulevards, peaceful lakes and historic temples meet the scooters, street-food stalls and constant activity of one of Southeast Asia's most fascinating capitals.
Three nights gives you time to get beneath the surface.
Wander through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, visit the Temple of Literature, stop beside Hoan Kiem Lake and discover why eating your way around Hanoi should be considered an essential part of the trip.
Pull up a tiny stool for a bowl of pho. Try a banh mi. Find a local café and order a Vietnamese coffee.
This is your introduction to Vietnam.
Why Hanoi?
Hanoi gives you something no other stop on this journey does.
There's history everywhere, but this isn't a city preserved for visitors. Temples, markets, cafés, families, food stalls and millions of motorbikes all occupy the same streets.
It can feel chaotic at first. Give it a day. You'll understand why that's part of its charm.
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Ha Long Bay
Wake up somewhere extraordinary
Leave Hanoi behind and travel to the coast for one of Vietnam's most famous natural experiences – Ha Long Bay.
Board your cruise and head out among the enormous limestone formations rising from the water.
Spend the afternoon watching the landscape change around you, with activities depending on your chosen cruise and itinerary.
Then stay overnight on the water. This isn't simply another hotel stop. The journey itself is the experience.
Why Ha Long Bay?
Because some places really do deserve their reputation.
The scale and scenery of Ha Long Bay are completely different from the cities, coast and countryside you'll experience elsewhere on this trip.
And staying overnight means you get more than a quick glimpse.
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Hoi An
Slow things down
After Ha Long Bay, continue south to central Vietnam and Hoi An. And the pace changes.
Hoi An's historic centre is made for wandering: old merchant houses, colourful buildings, cafés, restaurants, tailors and lanterns line its atmospheric streets.
But four nights means you don't have to spend every day sightseeing.
Explore the Ancient Town. Take a food or cooking experience. Head into the surrounding countryside. Visit the beach. Have clothes made by one of Hoi An's many tailors.
Or spend an afternoon doing very little at all.
Why Hoi An?
Because a multi-centre holiday shouldn't feel like a race.
Hoi An gives you somewhere beautiful to explore while also building some breathing space into the journey.
Historic town, countryside, food and coast are all within easy reach – which is exactly why we've given you four nights here.
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Ho Chi Minh City
Finish with some energy
Your final stop takes you south to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam's largest city feels very different from Hanoi.
Fast-moving, modern and endlessly energetic, it combines skyscrapers, cafés and rooftop bars with traditional markets, colonial-era architecture and reminders of a complicated past.
Explore Ben Thanh Market, discover the city's food scene, learn more about Vietnam's modern history or venture beyond the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta.
Four nights gives you time to explore the city – and use it as a base to discover more of southern Vietnam.
Why Ho Chi Minh City?
Starting in Hanoi and finishing here lets you experience two very different sides of urban Vietnam.
Hanoi introduces you to the north and its history. Ho Chi Minh City sends you home with the energy of the south.
And if you want to explore further, some of southern Vietnam's most interesting experiences are within reach.
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We book over the phone — no online checkout, no pressure.
Your escape includes
- Return economy flights from London, Birmingham or Manchester
- Internal flights required within the itinerary
- 3 nights' accommodation in Hanoi
- 1 night Ha Long Bay cruise accommodation
- 4 nights' accommodation in Hoi An
- 4 nights' accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
- Airport and hotel transfers
- [Ha Long Bay cruise meals / selected meal basis – TBC]
- [Breakfast / selected hotel meal basis – TBC]
- ATOL protected
Prices are per person based on two adults sharing. Subject to availability and applicable booking terms.
Optional experiences
Looking for even more from your escape? Here are a few experiences you might like to consider adding to your plans.
Hanoi Street Food Experience
Discover Hanoi through one of the things it does best – food. Explore local streets and neighbourhoods while trying some of the dishes and flavours that make northern Vietnamese food so distinctive.
Hanoi City Highlights
Discover some of the capital's best-known sights and learn more about the history and culture behind the city, with highlights such as the Temple of Literature and Hanoi's historic neighbourhoods.
Hoi An Ancient Town Experience
Discover the stories behind Hoi An's UNESCO-listed historic centre, its merchant houses, cultural influences and famous streets before seeing another side of the town from the Thu Bon River.
Vietnamese Cooking Experience – Hoi An
Go beyond simply eating Vietnamese food and learn how some of its best-known flavours and dishes come together, with a hands-on local cooking experience.
Hoi An Lantern Making Experience
Hoi An is famous for the colourful lanterns that illuminate its streets after dark. Learn more about this traditional craft and make one of your own to take home.
Cu Chi Tunnels Experience – Ho Chi Minh City
Travel outside the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the underground network and its role during the Vietnam War.
Mekong Delta Day Experience – from Ho Chi Minh City
Leave the city behind and experience another side of southern Vietnam among the waterways, villages and landscapes of the Mekong Delta.
These experiences are suggestions for inspiration only and are not included in your Eastbound Escapes package or currently available to book through us. Any prices shown are indicative only to help with holiday planning and budgeting. Prices, availability and inclusions may vary locally.
Optional experiences are not included in the advertised package price unless stated. Prices, availability, inclusions and transfers will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Upgrade your escape
Your itinerary is already planned, but optional upgrades are available while your trip stays just as easy.
Flights
Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class for a more comfortable journey.
Hotels
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Your room
Choose an upgraded room, suite, view or other available room category.
Ha Long Bay
Upgrade your cabin or cruise category, subject to local operator's offers and availability.
We'll show you the available options and additional cost when you book.