This classic trip captures the magic of Vietnam: the conservative north, imperial cities, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta, and the iconic Ha Long Bay, where we spend the night on a traditional junk sailboat. Guided by an expert local tour leader, we come face to face with an outgoing culture, where so much goes on in the streets: eating, washing, commerce and impromptu games. This intoxicating parade of Vietnamese life may be our strongest memories, as much as the mystical landscapes and world-renowned cuisine.

HIGHLIGHTS

– Immerse yourself in the best of Vietnam: grand landscapes, smiling locals and traditional culture
– Stay on a traditional junk boat among the otherworldly peaks of Ha Long Bay
– Navigate the Mekong Delta on a traditional wooden boat and stay in a welcoming homestay-style guesthouse
– Tour the two cultural powerhouses of Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
– Uncover the life of a Nguyễn ruler in Hue’s Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
– Explore Hoi An, a living museum and the original European trading port in Vietnam

Cycle from electric Ho Chi Minh City to the thrilling capital of Hanoi, going beyond the guidebook to experience the true Vietnam. On this immersive adventure, we ride through fishing villages, folding rice terraces and jungle-cloaked mountains, while also climbing the twisting coastal roads of the famed Hai Van Pass. Off-the-bike adventures include an overnight cruise among the spectacular limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, a two-night stay on the tropical Whale Island and countless interactions with smiling local people.

HIGHLIGHTS

– Discover the best of Vietnam by bike – the most immersive way to experience the country
– Cycle the famed Hai Van Pass, a challenging climb rewarded with incredible views on the way down
– Crawl underground through the Cu Chi war tunnels, a poignant reminder of the recent past
– Relax with two nights at a tropical beachside resort on Whale Island
– Cruise among the magnificent limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay – a spectacular end to the trip!

Immerse yourself in incredible experiences on this expertly led cultural adventure from Hanoi in northern Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Explore limestone cliffs and enjoy sundowners on deck as you cruise Ha Long Bay; discover culture and history in Hoi An; witness street life in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City; and slow down on the serene waterways of the Mekong Delta. Finally, we journey to Siem Reap, staying at the intimate Lynnaya Urban River Resort & Spa – the perfect base to visit one of the great surviving archaeological wonders, the iconic temple complex of Angkor.

HIGHLIGHTS

– Combine the wonders of Vietnam and Angkor, Cambodia, in one unforgettable adventure
– Cruise around Ha Long Bay on a small Premium cruise ship and enjoy sunset drinks on deck
– Explore Hoi An and pick up new culinary skills in a cooking class led by a Vietnamese chef
– Traverse the meandering waterways of the Mekong Delta by boat
– Discover the best of Angkor, Southeast Asia’s greatest ruins, plus the lesser-visited temples
– 13 nights in premium accommodation including one night aboard a traditionally handcrafted boat on Ha Long Bay
– Free arrival and departure transfers

Get to know the real Vietnam on this 13-day journey through the landscapes and cultures most tourists whizz straight past. Starting in the absorbing capital Hanoi, we head out of the city to meet and stay with families in the hill village of Ta Phin and enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the rural landscapes around Hoi An. We also trek through the rice fields of Sapa, cruise the secluded Lan Ha Bay – a less touristy (but no less beautiful) alternative to the ever-popular Ha Long Bay – and experience the spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. By the end, we will have experienced the full spectrum of life in Vietnam – a fascinating, rewarding adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS

– Stay overnight at a hill village and hike through Sapa's terraced rice fields
– Stay at an ecolodge on Cat Ba Island
– Kayak secluded Lan Ha Bay
– Discover underground rivers and caves at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
– Visit the historic trading town of Hoi An and explore on a leisurely bike ride
– Enjoy a cyclo adventure through the streets and markets of Ho Chi Minh City