Classic Vietnam

Maximise your time in Vietnam by flying overnight to Hanoi. We’ll meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

During your time in Hanoi you’ll stay at the French colonial-style Sofitel Metropole. Located right in the heart of the city, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hanoi’s energy, culture and attractions. Spend the day relaxing by the pool or head out to see the city.

Discover the tales of Hanoi's colourful history on a private excursion around the city. Visit the mausoleum where the former President's embalmed body is maintained and see his stilted house, which was built in 1958 to resemble a traditional ethnic village home. Next, visit Hoa Lo Prison, used to detain political prisoners of the French and later nicknamed 'Hanoi Hilton' by prisoners of the Vietnam.

Next stop, Halong Bay. Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters, limestone outcrops and echoing caves of this serene spot. You’ll board the beautiful Paradise Luxury Sails for your overnight cruise through the bay. In the evening, enjoy a freshly made seafood meal as you watch the sunset over the dramatic seascape.

Spend the morning exploring more of the uninhabited islands and craggy caves here. Then, after disembarking and driving back to Hanoi take a short flight south, you'll arrive in the imperial city of Hue. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is the ancient cultural capital of Vietnam.

Under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled between 1802 and 1945, Hue was the Imperial capital and you’ll spend the day discovering the glories of Hue's past. Head to the Imperial Citadel and admire the elaborate mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. You’ll also, pay a visit to the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest religious building in Vietnam.

Travel south to see more of rural Vietnam today. Stop at the scenic fishing village of Lang Co to watch the little boats bring in their catch. You’ll travel across the impressive Pass of Ocean Clouds, a 21 kilometre-long spur in the Annamite Range that juts into the South China Sea. Arrive at your sumptuous hotel in Hoi An. A sundowner cocktail overlooking the Thu Bon River is the perfect way to finish the day.

Hoi An is one of the best-preserved towns in Vietnam. Its jumble of teashops, Japanese merchant houses and Chinese temples feels like a step back in time. Equally intoxicating are its colourful markets, alive with traders touting their wares. Visit with a local guide, to pick up ingredients before starting a private cookery class to learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. Spend your second day in Hoi An getting lost in its cobbled streets and soaking up the unique atmosphere.

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest and most energetic metropolis. You’ll visit the History Museum, Reunification Hall and the War Remnants Museum. Make a stop at Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of the city before finishing at the Central Post Office, designed and constructed by Gustav Eiffel. Complete your day at 2 Lam Son, Park Hyatt Saigon’s ultra-stylish martini bar.

Today, together with your Abercrombie & Kent guide, you will explore Cholon, aka 'Chinatown', a prosperous bustling area which has been engaged in trading activities since the 17th century. Known for its Chinese delis, ancient quarters, old temples and pagodas, the area reflects original architecture and age-old rituals. Next discover the first traditional medicine museum in Vietnam which shows how traditional herbs and medicine have been developed in Vietnam throughout history.

After your late checkout, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast subterranean network was originally constructed by the Viet Minh in the 1940s. Used to great effect by the Viet Cong, it housed whole communities in its unbelievably narrow passages. Meet a veteran who lived in the tunnels to hear a fascinating personal account of the war. Next, you’ll head to the airport for your return flight home.