Vietnam PanoramaEscorted Tour, Vietnam

This unforgettable holiday offers a fully inclusive 18-day journey through the very best of Vietnam, showcasing the country’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the striking limestone karsts of Halong Bay to the peaceful waterways of the Mekong Delta, and from the imperial treasures of Hue to the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, this expertly guided tour provides a comprehensive and immersive introduction to Vietnam from north to south.

You’ll stay in quality, well-located hotels throughout, with all meals included as part of your package, and travel comfortably by air, road and water. Along the way, you’ll cruise amongst the towering islets of Halong Bay, explore ancient temples and historic streets in Hoi An, uncover wartime history in the Cu Chi Tunnels, and witness daily life along the Mekong’s palm-lined canals. You’ll also enjoy cultural experiences such as a traditional water puppet show, a Vietnamese cooking class, and coffee in a local Hanoi café.

From the historic grandeur of Hue and the timeless charm of Hoi An, to the dramatic scenery of Nha Trang Bay and the vibrant street life of Hanoi, this carefully crafted itinerary offers the perfect blend of iconic sights and authentic experiences – the ideal way to discover the essence of Vietnam.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Cruise the palm-lined Mekong Delta, famously known as Vietnam’s ‘Rice Basket’

Venture into the Cu Chi Tunnels, the former Viet Cong network, for a gripping insight into wartime history .

Visit the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers in Qui Nhon, rising dramatically above the coastal city.

Drift among the spectacular limestone karsts of Halong Bay on an unforgettable cruise.

Sail through Nha Trang Bay, past island fishing villages, and take a refreshing dip if you wish.

Be enthralled by the Quintessence of Tonkin show – an open-air spectacle of water puppetry, music and dance.

Savor Vietnamese coffee like a local in a traditional Hanoi café.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Touring with guides and entrance fees

Breakfasts: 16, Lunches: 15, Dinners: 16

International flights and current taxes

16 nights in 3+/4-star accommodation

Max Group Size: 28

Halong Bay Cruise

Physical Rating 1 - Walking, some steps and time on your feet

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Cruise on the Mekong Delta

A peaceful boat journey through palm-lined canals, visiting riverside villages and enjoying a traditional lunch on board.

Cu Chi Tunnels exploration

Step into an underground world and discover the ingenuity of the Viet Cong’s wartime tunnel network.

Cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter

A leisurely ride through Hanoi’s bustling historic lanes, followed by a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee.

Nha Trang Bay cruise

Sail across turquoise waters, visiting island fishing communities with time to swim and relax.

Quintessence of Tonkin show

An open-air cultural spectacle featuring traditional music, water puppetry, dance, and folklore from northern Vietnam.

Visit to Po Nagar Cham Towers

Explore ancient red-brick towers set above the sea, a legacy of the once-mighty Cham civilisation.

ITINERARY

Day One/Two - Fly overnight to Saigon

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative and largest city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day Three - Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels, bunkers and field hospitals used in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing lunch at an organic farm. the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. This afternoon, return to Saigon to explore its seamless blend of past and present. See Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, dramatic legacies of a colonial past. Spend time at the Reunification Palace and the emotive War Remnants Museum.

Day Four - Cruise the Mekong Delta

Head west to Ben Tre to take a cruise through the Mekong Delta. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam'. Paddle through the palm-lined canals and enjoy a typical Mekong lunch before continuing to Can Tho, where we spend the night.

Day Five - Explore Floating Markets

Visit the Cai Rang floating market to see the goods on sale and learn how vermicelli rice noodles are made. Return to Saigon.

Day Six - Travel to Dalat

Head up into the highlands to reach the hill town of Dalat, a former colonial retreat beloved for its cooler climate and picturesque scenery. En route, stop at a tea plantation to hear about tea cultivation in Bao Loc.

Day Seven - The City of Flowers

Visit the Domaine de Marie Church, the Flower Gardens and an embroidery workshop. Later, board a vintage open-air train for a journey to the countryside hamlet of Trai Mat. End the day with a local coffee by Xuan Huong lake.

Day Eight - Travel to Nha Trang

Today, take the winding road down from the highlands and along the coast to Nha Trang, Vietnam's beach capital. Take to the turquoise waters for a cruise around the bay's many islands, and stop off to enjoy a swim in the balmy waters.

Day Nine - Visit the Cham Towers

Wander Dam market before and visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Continue on to the seaside city of Qui Nhon, where we spend the night.

Day Ten - Visit Son My

The Son My area saw one of the most horrific crimes of the Vietnam War – the My Lai massacre. Pay respects at the memorial placed in honour of these unarmed civilian victims and hear their story before continuing to Hoi An.

Day Eleven - Explore Hoi An on foot

Take a morning walking tour of charming Hoi An – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional town that has managed to retain the charms of a bygone era. Visit a historic family home, the Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the market before an afternoon at leisure.

Day Twelve - See the Royal Tomb

Take the scenic route to Hue over the Hai Van Pass. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, this scholarly city retains the majesty of its imperial past. Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of over 40 monuments surrounded by pools and gardens.

Day Thirteen - Hue's Imperial Citadel

Explore the imposing Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City within. Cruise along the Perfume River to visit the charming An Hien House and the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day Fourteen - Old Quarter Cyclo Tour

Take a quick flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital. Enjoy a cyclo tour of the atmospheric Old Quarter. Try a Hanoi speciality - egg coffee - before visiting the Ethnology Museum and exploring its life-size tribal longhouses.

Day Fifteen - Discover Hanoi

Explore the story of Ho Chi Minh on today's walking tour. See his Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, and visit the Humble House on Stilts he called home. Later, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the beautiful Temple of Literature.

Day Sixteen/Seventeen - Halong Bay

Spend the day aboard your comfortable cruise ship sailing through the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay. Swim, kayak or visit one of the bay's many caves before spending a night onboard. Return to Hanoi the next day. On your final evening in Hanoi, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Day Eighteen - Fly Hanoi to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Vietnam Panorama is located in Escorted Tour, Vietnam. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 15/07/2025