A Taste of Vietnam - Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta

13 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
View all 22 photos
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

Cancellation Policy
Small Group Tour
Sample Vietnam's fresh flavours and colourful cuisine as you explore the iconic highlights of this vibrant country. Along the way you'll sail past the cliffs of Halong Bay and wander through bustling Ho Chi Minh City, all while enjoying some of the healthiest and tastiest food around. City life - Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Hanoi's Old Quarter a...
19%
$3,100
From$2,520
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Immerse yourself in Vietnam's superb cuisine and explore its iconic cultural highlights
    • A culinary and varied journey with foodie moments everyday that connect with the locals' passion for food
    • Enjoy Halong Bay cruise, bustling Hanoi and Saigon, charming Hoi An and ancient imperial Hue

What's this trip about?

    Sample Vietnam's fresh flavours and colourful cuisine as you explore the iconic highlights of this vibrant country. Along the way you'll sail past the cliffs of Halong Bay and wander through bustling Ho Chi Minh City, all while enjoying some of the healthiest and tastiest food around. City life - Take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Hanoi's Old Quarter and modern Saigon, with plenty of stops for street food Rural Vietnam - Immerse yourself in the daily life of local farmers, learning about the cultivation of fresh produce Historic experiences - Visit the Vinh Moc tunnels, an ancient imperial city, and the ancient merchant town of Hoi An

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityHanoi
End CityHo Chi Minh City

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • DMZ
  • Halong Bay
  • Hanoi
  • Ho Chi Minh
  • Hoi An
  • Hue
  • Mekong Delta
  • Ninh Binh
  • Saigon
  • Thien Mu Pagoda

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join Tour in Hanoi. Streetfood tour of the Old Quarter

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, which is famous for its rich culture, bustling life and colonial influences in their centuries-old architecture. Little lakes dotted around the city are encased by busy streets and secret alleyways, which are waiting to be explored. For...

Day 2 Breakfast Pho, explore Hanoi and take a cookery course in Duong Lam Ancient Village

We start this morning like the city's locals - with a steaming bowl of the ubiquitous Pho. Pronounced 'Fuh', this beef and noodle soup is Vietnam's national dish and each region has its own take - with the herbs, noodles and broth differing from north to south. In Han...

Day 3 Junk boat cruise through the limestone cliffs of Halong Bay with seafood lunch

One of South East Asia's most spectacular settings, where thousands of limestone islands rise from the jade green waters of the bay like the scales of some great submerged dragon, Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage site of natural majesty. Ha Long translates as the place...

Day 4 Experience rural village life in Ninh Binh; learn to farm and eat a home-cooked meal with family

This morning we head into the countryside to explore the more rural side of Vietnam, and to the source of some of the fantastic ingredients we are sampling. We start our day with a family learning how to cook the Ninh Binh dish of com chay, literally translated to 'bu...

Day 5 Explore the caves of Phong Nha with a seafood barbecue. Gentle kayak along the Tra Ang River

After freshening up and taking breakfast at a local hotel, we drive into the majestic Phong Nha National Park - a UNESCO-listed paradise made up of towering limestone karst landscapes, verdant jungle, vast, cavernous caves and a network of underground rivers. We'll bo...

Day 6 Visit the DMZ site and Vinh Moc Tunnels, then drive onto Hue. Evening Royal Banquet

We make our way this morning to the iconic 17th parallel, which formed the border between North and South Vietnam between 1954 after the First Indochina War, until 1976 after the reunification of Vietnam. The De-Militarised Zone formed an approximate 10 kilometre buff...

Day 7 Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Dinner with a local family

Once the capital of Vietnam and an inspiration for poets and artists alike for centuries, Hue is divided by the waters of the Perfume River, which separate the city's 19th-century citadel from the suburbs that radiate from the eastern shore. Even today, its easy air o...

Day 8 Scenic drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. Explore Tra Que Herb Village and try Banh Mi

We follow the coastal road this morning towards the Truong Son Mountains and the lofty heights of the Hai Van (Sea Cloud) Pass. This scenic region once marked the boundary between Vietnam and the Champa Kingdom to the south and as we reach the pass itself the views be...

Day 9 Free day to explore Hoi An; optional fishing by cast net or visit to My Lai

The historic, merchant town of Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia by the 17th and 18th centuries. First colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buil...

Day 10 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and cruise through the narrow waterways of the Mekong Delta. Overnight in a homestay

After a short drive to Danang Airport we fly to Ho Chi Minh City, from where we drive further south to Ben Tre in the Mekong Delta. Surrounded with lush and fertile land the area is home to a patchwork of cottage industries, with the villagers all plying their trade f...

Day 11 Visit a local market in the Mekong Delta. Drive to Ho Chi Minh City; street food tour and craft beer house

We spend a further morning exploring the delta by boat, visiting one of the bustling local markets where fish, vegetables, exotic fruits and drinks are sold. We'll also likely see an array of colourful exotic fruits not familiar to us, such as rambutan, mangosteen, dr...

Day 12 Morning at a barista school; afternoon exploration of Ho Chi Minh City

We set off this morning to the International Barista School, an institution providing local students with an international accreditation in the art of coffee making. We spend the morning here with one of the expert baristas, who will be explaining the importance of co...

Day 13 Trip ends in Ho Chi Minh City

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you wou...

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $2,520
Price per day$194
Last Updated: 5/30/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
04 Aug 2024
16 Aug 2024
$2,520
$330
10 Nov 2024
22 Nov 2024
$2,680
$330
24 Nov 2024
06 Dec 2024
$2,780
$330
15 Dec 2024
27 Dec 2024
$2,680
$330
19 Jan 2025
31 Jan 2025
$2,750
$340
26 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$2,750
$340
09 Feb 2025
21 Feb 2025
$2,750
$340
16 Feb 2025
28 Feb 2025
$2,750
$340
23 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
$2,750
$340
03 Aug 2025
15 Aug 2025
$2,750
$340

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
7,100
Great
2,373
Average
392
Disappointing
125
Terrible
59
J

Jacqueline

Mar 2024

Written on

A Taste of Vietnam - Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta

The tour was really well organized. I felt like we got to see and do a lot of things that we wouldn't have experienced if we'd planned the trip on our own. Our guide...

P

Philip

Mar 2024

Written on

A Taste of Vietnam - Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta

The tour was busy but thoughtfully designed and great...

A

Alison

Mar 2024

Written on

A Taste of Vietnam - Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta

Fantastic food(and drink) trip, highly recommended for its mix of food and culture

T

Trusted Customer

Feb 2024

Written on

A Taste of Vietnam - Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta

The guide, Bac, was knowledgeable, kind, and patient. The welfare of the group was his top priority. The only downside I encountered was at the Duy Tan 2 Hotel in Hu...

T

Trusted Customer

Nov 2023

Written on

A Taste of Vietnam - Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta

Dinner at the family house in Hue was brilliant, seei...

Write a Review

Other Explore! Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

Highlights of Morocco

Youseff our guide was excellent from start to finish and I felt safe on the roads with our driver. You see so much of the real Morocco BUT be prepared for long days...

H

Helen

May 2024

Written on

Cycle Portugal - Lisbon to Algarve

This cycling holiday exceeded my expectations.The majority of the route passed along quiet roads often by the sea passing through small ,postcard picture villages an...

T

Trusted Customer

May 2024

Written on

As a first time user of the site and new to Explore everybody was helpful.

Well informed, helpful, staff.

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Explore!

premier
View Profile

About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
What they’re known for
Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Bicycle, Boat, Train,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Bicycle, Boat, Train
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Vietnam: 'British Citizen' passport holders can visit Vietnam for up to 45 days without a visa. A visa will be required if you wish to re-enter within 30 days of your departure. Visas are required for citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and can be obtained in the form of an eVisas via: \ul \ulnone Please note that it is a pre-requisite for entry into Vietnam that your passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of entry All visa related issues including information for other nationalities should be confirmed with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See \ul www.travcour.com \ulnone to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on \ul 0208 5431846 \ulnone . It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on Malaria and Zika Virus. Although not compulsory travellers may also wish to immunise themselves against Japanese encephalitis. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 12
  • Dinner : 5
  • Lunch : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-XVN

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!