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Tour Overview

Vietnam, a land of countless adventures. If you’ve only got a week, this highlights-packed trip gets to the heart and soul of the country with authentic experiences chosen by our local experts. Under the guidance of our local tour leader, you’ll explore Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An, cruise among the incredible limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay, and, of course, tuck into the world-famous street food. Better yet, the itinerary normally connects with other Southeast Asia trips we run, allowing you to continue your adventure across the borders. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Capture the essence of Vietnam by visiting must-see sites and meeting the people.

  • Tour the highlights of Hanoi with an expert tour leader.

  • Stay on a traditional junk boat among the otherworldly peaks of Ha Long Bay.

  • Uncover the life of a Nguy?n ruler in Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.

  • Explore Hoi An, a living museum and the original European trading port in Vietnam.

  • Discover the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine in a locally led cooking class.

  • Visit the war caves in the Marble Mountain and enjoy stunning views over My Khe beach.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Start in buzzy Hanoi • Tuck into Vietnamese food for a welcome dinner

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation Name: Minasi Premium Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, where street food reigns supreme and the history of the city can be read in the architecture.



You’re met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. At 6pm, say xin chào to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.



Your tour leader then ensures a big Vietnamese welcome by arranging dinner at a great local restaurant.



Want to explore Hanoi further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.



Accommodation: Minasi Premium Hotel (or similar)
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Day 2 : Tour the historic highlights of Hanoi

Location: Hanoi, Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Old Quarter, Hanoi, Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi

Accommodation Name: Minasi Premium Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the best of Hanoi after breakfast, travelling by minibus with some walking involved.



Guided by our tour leader, we visit the Temple of Literature (built in 1070, it’s home to the first university in Vietnam) and walk around the atmospheric Old Quarter. We also visit the historic Long Bien Bridge and Station, where we enjoy a drink in a repurposed railway building as the trains roll just past us. The rest of the day is free to enjoy at leisure.



Accommodation: Minasi Premium Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 : To the mystical Ha Long Bay • Cruise and stay on an authentic junk boat

Location: Ha Long Bay

Accommodation Name: Overnight boat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit an icon of Vietnam today: Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage site where some 3,000 limestone peaks break through emerald waters to create a mystical landscape. To get there, we rise early for the approximately four-hour drive; upon arrival, board a traditional junk sailing boat, which is also our home for tonight.



After launching, we enjoy a seafood lunch on deck and drift among the forested pinnacles. We also stop at a beach where we can hike up to a viewpoint (it’s quite steep but the views are worth it), plus there’s time for a swim in a small sectioned-off area. Additionally, an optional kayaking trip (extra cost) may be available depending on weather conditions.



Back on board, pull up a chair on the top deck and watch the sunset together, perhaps with a cold drink from the bar. When it’s time for bed, we have the comforts of twin-share cabins with private bathrooms.



Accommodation: Overnight boat

Day 4 : Scenic cruise to Ha Long Bay port • Fly to historic Hue

Location: Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Hue

Accommodation Name: Cherish Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue to cruise around Ha Long Bay, admiring those limestone pinnacles, before returning to port mid-morning.



We then have a three to four-hour drive to Hanoi Airport, where we check in for our afternoon flight (approximately 1hr 15min) to Hue.



Upon arrival, we check into our centrally located hotel and have the evening free to relax or wander around Hue.



Accommodation: Cherish Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : Explore Hue's imperial monuments • Plant-based lunch at An Nhien Garden

Location: Hue, Imperial Citadel, Hue, Tomb of Tu Duc, Hue, An Nhien Garden, Hue, Perfume River, Hue

Accommodation Name: Cherish Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Imperial Citadel this morning, home to the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, plus the remains of the Forbidden Purple City. Then visit the tomb of Tu Duc, one of the most extravagant mausoleums of the great Nguyen emperors.



After the tour, we head to the historic An Nhien Garden, which has been owned by the same family for 22 generations, to enjoy a delicious plant-based lunch. The restaurant has a well-deserved reputation for creativity and excellent service, making it a highlight for many.



After, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may want to join an optional afternoon cruise along the Perfume River, admiring the historic sites of the city, as you listen to traditional Hue music.



Accommodation: Cherish Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 : To Hoi An, via the war caves in the Marble Mountain • Old Town exploration

Location: Lang Co Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountain, My Khe Beach, Hoi An, Ba Le Well

Accommodation Name: My Son Boutique Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Hue, our 81mi (130km) drive passes through the beautiful Lang Co peninsula, between a crystalline lagoon and the Eastern Sea, and then passes over the Hai Van pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds) where the views are stunning. We stop for a short climb at Marble Mountain to explore large caves used by the Viet Cong as a hospital base during the war. From the mountain peak, there are fantastic views over My Khe beach and the countryside leading to Hoi An, where we spend the final two nights of the tour.



Arriving in Hoi An, we enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town, the original European trading port in Vietnam. It’s now a living museum with wooden merchants’ houses and pagoda-style temples. It is also a marvellous place to wander and enjoy the thriving riverside market and great silk clothes shopping.



After, explore Hoi An at leisure or join an optional tour to the 10th-century Ba Le Well for lunch.



Accommodation: My Son Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day 7 : Cooking masterclass in Tra Que village • Free time and final evening

Location: Tra Que Village House

Accommodation Name: My Son Boutique Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Head to Tra Que after breakfast, an agricultural village on the outskirts of Hoi An. Here, the villagers adopted a community-based approach to tourism, in which visitors are invited to engage in hands-on activities.



We enjoy one of those today, taking part in a cooking class led by a local chef in the village’s extensive herb gardens. After, we eat our creations for lunch!



The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, before you tour leader organises our final meal of the trip, a chance to relive our favourite moments together.



Accommodation: My Son Boutique Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Day 8 : End the adventure in Hoi An

Location: Hội An

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends today after breakfast and there’s a free transfer for you to the airport. If you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about booking additional hotel nights in Hoi An or joining one of our other adventures in Southeast Asia, perhaps Discover Laos in Comfort or Treasures of Northern Thailand.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners

    The tour includes all breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation during the tour is included.

  • All transport and listed activities

    All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.

  • Tour leader throughout

    A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the tour.

  • Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone

    Free transfers are provided for arrival and departure for all participants.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional cost.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.

Accommodation

Experience locally owned accommodations offering comfort and value, including an overnight stay on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay with twin-share cabins, air conditioning, and a rooftop deck for stunning views.

Food

Thanks to the tropical climate, the long coast and mountain ranges, Vietnam is blessed with a variety of culinary offerings and maintains a reputation as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world that still packs a punch.



Vietnamese food relies on fresh fish, vegetables, rice and a myriad of verdant herbs and spices. Also seek out the national drinks: Vietnamese coffee is served iced and sweet with condensed milk, and beer hoi (local beer, brewed daily) is served on most street corners in the north out of large plastic jugs that are perfect for sharing.



Food is cheap in Vietnam, and you can generally avoid the spicier food if you wish. Western food is readily available almost everywhere.



Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering is fairly similar in most places. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
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Mode of Transport

Travel by minibus and enjoy free arrival and departure transfers, with a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay and a domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue, ensuring a seamless journey through Vietnam's highlights.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the Vietnam Highlights tour?

    The tour aims to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. In Ha Long Bay, you will stay overnight on a traditional junk boat with twin-share cabins that have air conditioning and sea views. The boat also features a rooftop deck and a dining room with glass windows. ...more ...less

  • Is there an option for solo travelers to have a private room?

    Yes, solo travelers are typically roomed together, but it is possible to have a private room for a supplement. You would need to speak to your sales representative to book this option.

  • What meals are included in the Vietnam Highlights tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts, three lunches, and two dinners. Meals are a mix of local cuisine, and there is a cooking class where you can enjoy the food you prepare.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a kayaking trip in Ha Long Bay, an afternoon cruise along the Perfume River in Hue, and a tour to the 10th-century Ba Le Well for lunch in Hoi An.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    The tour includes all transport and listed activities. You will travel by minibus, traditional junk boat, and there is a domestic flight from Hanoi to Hue.

  • Is there a cooking class included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a cooking class in Tra Que village, where you will learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine in the village's extensive herb gardens, led by a local chef.

  • What is the policy on arrival and departure transfers?

    The tour includes free arrival and departure transfers for everyone.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Jane Holdaway (Google Reviewer)  

Had an exceptional holiday with...

24-Mar-2025

Had an exceptional holiday with Exodus during which we travelled extensively around Sri Lanka and got a real taste of the country and the people who live there. The itinerary was packed with interesting trips and activities and all of the hotels were very comfortable. We had an excellent local guide who looked after our group brilliantly and became a friend by the end of the tour. This was not the cheapest tour we looked at but we don't regret a penny spent on it because of the quality and attention to detail. Would thoroughly recommend Exodus! ...more ...less

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.! ...more ...less

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained! ...more ...less

Roger Wells (Google Reviewer)  

We have just returned from...

12-Feb-2025

We have just returned from a 2 week Exodus trip to Egypt, Alexandria to Aswan. We had a great time, enjoyable company, with an excellent guide, Sayed. All worked out as described. The 3 day Red Sea extension was relaxing. Even the train journey, Cairo to Aswan, was a great part of the experience ...more ...less

Damian Cannon (Google Reviewer)  

We've been on several group...

21-Mar-2025

We've been on several group trips with Exodus to destinations such as India and Jordan where we'd rather let some one else do the organising. In all cases these trips have been excellent with wonderful guides and well designed itineraries. We have always returned with happy memories. In cases where things have gone wrong Exodus have never disappointed us with their service. During one case our plane was diverted at the start and we joined the tour 3 days late. But despite this Exodus organised everything, including a driver, required to let us catch up. Equally during the pandemic our trip was cancelled twice and in the end we decided to take a full refund which Exodus handled properly. Having just returned from our latest trip we're already considering where we can go next. It's possible that we wouldn't bother to use Exodus in Europe because we can organise everything ourselves but further afield we'll definitely be travelling with Exodus again. ...more ...less

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip! ...more ...less

Trustpilot
Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer. ...more ...less

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 11, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026
$1650 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026
$1650 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

Vietnam Highlights

8 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Hoi An, Vietnam

Visiting: Hanoi, Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Old Quarter, Hanoi, Long Bien Bridge, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Imperial Citadel, Hue, Tomb of Tu Duc, Hue, An Nhien Garden, Hue, Perfume River, Hue, Lang Co Peninsula, Hai Van Pass, Marble Mountain, My Khe Beach, Hoi An, Ba Le Well, Tra Que Village House, Hội An ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

AOY

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 16

Physical rating:

Easy & Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1650 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 05-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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