Compare Luxury tour of Vietnam by Audley Travel vs Essence of Vietnam by Odynovo
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 15 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 9,102 | $ 2,279 |
| Price Per Day | $ 607 | $ 163 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
13 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 10 lunches, 1 dinner |
| Description |
From the French-colonial architecture of Hanoi and the karst scenery of Halong Bay to the mercantile history of Hoi An, our Vietnam specialists will use their personal experience of the country to plan your holiday to Vietnam in detail. That might include arranging for you to view fast-paced Saigon from the back of a Vespa, or spend languid days cruising the Mekong Delta or by the beach in Ninh Van Bay. Travel in Vietnam is often based around a journey between Hanoi and Saigon, taking in the highlights of the central region between the two. Our Vietnam specialists can also suggest the country’s often overlooked, lesser-known sights and experiences, such as discovering brightly dressed hill-tribe communities in the Tonkinese Alps or the remote markets of Ha Giang — places and people we’ve come to know over 20 years of research |
Discover the essence of captivating Vietnam on this ten-day tour visiting sought-after destinations from north to south. This is an adventure full of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural delights that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation. |
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Hanoi.
Day 2 : Hanoi
On arrival in Hanoi you will be greeted by your private driver and guide, and transferred to your hotel. You will have some time free to rest and relax after your flight.
Day 3 : Hanoi
This morning you will join a local blogger for a fascinating street food tour of Hanoi's eateries. After enjoying a plentiful brunch you will continue your tour by taking in some of the city's major sites including Ho Chi Minh's former home, the Temple of Literature (the first university in Hanoi) and perhaps the Fine Arts Museum which has a wonderful collection of art and sculpture.
Day 4 : Halong City
Today you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your scenic transfer to Halong Bay. Your seaplane flight will take around 40 minutes and is a spectacular way to see the UNESCO site. Upon arrival in Halong you can relax by the marina with a Vietnamese coffee before boarding your junk. This afternoon will be spent cruising through the bay, admiring the limestone Karst scenery and enjoying the luxurious hospitality on-board.
Day 5 : Hoi An
A morning on board your boat today. Cruise back to port to disembark mid-morning. You will then be collected by your guide and driver and transferred overland to Hanoi for your afternoon flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang you will be greeted by an Audley representative and taken to the renowned Nam Hai Hotel.
Day 6 : Hoi An
After a leisurely breakfast you will meet your guide for an insightful tour around Hoi An's old town. Here you can explore the shop-houses, temples and charming Japanese covered bridge. You may wish to further explore the town on your own or return to your beachside hotel for some relaxation.
Day 7 : Hoi An
Today will start with a trip to Hoi An's bustling morning market where a local chef will introduce you to some of the key ingredients needed in order to create many of Vietnam's most admired dishes. After sourcing the ingredients you will accompany the chef back to the revered Red Bridge Cookery School. The afternoon will be spent cooking and sampling many Vietnamese favourites before returning to your hotel.
Day 8 : Saigon
Drive to Danang Airport today for the short flight to Saigon in southern Vietnam. On arrival transfer to Ben Tre in the Mekong where you will board your private sampan, to enjoy a cruise through the charming Mekong Delta.
Day 9 : Con Dao Islands
Continue cruising through the Delta this morning. Visit one of the wonderful floating markets, before disembarking and transferring to the airport for your flight to the Con Dao Archipelago. Upon arrival on Con Dao you will be greeted by a resort representative and taken to your hotel.The next few days will be spent enjoying the stunning location and the resort's abundant facilities.
Day 10 : Con Dao Islands
Perhaps you may wish to part-take in some of the hotel's activities today or alternatively you may just wish to relax on the beach or by the pool.
Day 11 : Con Dao Islands
Another day of relaxing and to spend as you wish.
Day 12 : Con Dao Islands
Another day of relaxing and to spend as you wish.
Day 13 : Saigon
This morning you will be taken back to the airport in time for your flight to Saigon. Upon arrival you will be greeted by an Audley representative and transferred to your city hotel via the Cu Chi tunnels. Here you will learn a little more about the Vietnam war and the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong.This evening will be free to enjoy at your own leisure.
Day 14 : Saigon
Today you will enjoy a full day city tour of Saigon with your guide on hand to offer their own insight into everyday life in Vietnam.This evening you will embark on a fascinating discovery through the streets of Saigon on the back of a Vespa. You will enjoy tasty street food, local music and a wonderful atmosphere. This will be a memorable evening and a real highlight before travelling home.
Day 15 : International return flight
After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
Overnight: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. You arrive in the country's charming capital city of Hanoi on an international flight and will be collected from the airport by your private guide. A private transfer afterwards will whisk you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around by yourself.
Day 2: Hanoi, City Discovery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Get acquainted with the city on a morning excursion to some major historic sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison and Temple of Literature. This afternoon, browse informative exhibitions related to the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, before hopping aboard a cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw) to explore the maze-like streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. End today's trip at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can walk leisurely to explore its surroundings like Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a brilliant performance of traditional water puppetry.
Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: On Board
Depart from Hanoi in the morning and drive southward across some 90 km to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province. You will be rewarded with excellent views of atmospheric ruins surrounded by unspoiled scenery. Move forward to the magnificent Bai Dinh, the largest Buddhist pagoda in South-East Asia. Arguably today's highlight is the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, which promises the chance to cruise through many amazing caves aboard a traditional bamboo boat.
Day 4: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: On Board
After breakfast, travel onward by driving to the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, where over 1,600 largely uninhabited limestone islands rise out of crystal-blue waters. After boarding the cruise boat, you will sail through the bay enjoying the sights and activities: visit the Vung Vieng floating fishing village by kayaking, partake in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and join the others for squid fishing. For total relaxation, other options for you are to unwind in a sauna or simply sun yourself on the deck.
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Dong Hoi
Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight: Dong Hoi
Wake up in paradise and kick off the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise on the deck. After a light breakfast, venture out to explore the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave strewn with limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Once back on the boat, check out and enjoy the brunch. As your cruise boat arrives at the pier around 10:45 am, disembark and take a private transfer back to Hanoi airport for a brief flight to Dong Hoi. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you to your hotel for the night.
Day 6: Dong Hoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Dong Hoi
Today, embark on an excursion to the remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which protects a large number of karst caves and underground rivers. A scenic boat ride down the Son River will take you to first explore the mystical tunnels filled with mighty stalactites and stalagmites at Phong Nha Cave. You will then admire the magical beauty of sparkling Paradise Cave, dubbed as "Underground Royal Palace", which is believed to be the longest dry cave in Asia. After that, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 7: Dong Hoi - Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
After breakfast, continue your onward journey to the Imperial City of Hue in Central Vietnam, pausing on route to visit several historical relics left over from Vietnam War, like Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Hien Luong Bridge over the Ben Hai River. Once reaching there, settle into your Hue hotel, with the rest of the day to relax.
Day 8: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Today, delve deep into Hue's royal past as you explore the splendid Tomb of King Minh Mang, sail along the attractive Perfume River to the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda, and wander around the walled fortress and palace of Imperial Citadel. To close the day, take a relaxing stroll along the vibrant Dong Ba Market for a true insight into local life. After that, return to your hotel for a rest.
Day 9: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, set off on a 3.5-hour drive departing Hue for the charming ancient town of Hoi An. Along the way, you will pass by the Hai Van Pass, visit Cham Museum, and take a break at the Non Nuoc Beach. Check into your hotel on arrival, and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 10: Hoi An, My Son Sanctuary & Ancient Town Exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
After breakfast, set out to explore the ruined Hindu temples of My Son Sanctuary in a lush valley, about 1-hour drive from Hoi An. At the spiritual center of the once-mighty Cham
Empire, admire the crumbling ruins, hear about the Cham culture, and imagine what My Son was like in its heyday. Once back to Hoi An, take a walking tour of the ancient town center to fully absorb its old-world charms, from Vietnamese former merchant's house to the Japanese Covered Bridge, and wooden Chinese temples.
Day 11: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy this morning at leisure before taking a private transfer to Da Nang airport for a short flight southward to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and taken to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, drive out of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground stronghold once served as a hidden location and supply line of the Viet Cong. Crawling through the subterranean causeway, you will get to know the hardship of life in the complex and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. After that, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and take in major sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat).
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City, Day Excursion to Mekong Delta
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, head out on a day trip to explore Mekong Delta, a fertile agricultural area referred to as the country's rice bowl. A 1.5-hour scenic drive will take you through urbanized areas to My Tho, the main gateway to the Mekong Delta. You will first visit a local wholesale fruit market - Thanh Tri Market, before boarding a local ferry for a cruise on the Tien River dotted with lush islets and fishing villages. Disembark and take a short walk to Vuondau, with the chance to taste seasonal fruits and honey tea. Following this, a list of fun activities for you are drifting through the palm-shaded creek in a wooden canoe, visiting a coconut candy workshop and enjoying a horse-cart ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, hit the road for your return drive to Ho Chi Minh City, with an en-route visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda with an elegant blend of Asian and European styles.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Say goodbye to Vietnam and board your departure flight, either home or to your next destination.
