In Essence: Vietnam

Start/Finish

Ho Chi Minh City
Ha Noi (Vietnam)

Duration

7 days - 6 nights

Price from

US$3,315/person/twin share

Places visited

Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Noi (Vietnam)

Your journey map

Trip overview

This week-long trip touches on Vietnam’s highlights, including her dynamic cities and the more scenic, rural Central region. This is a perfect itinerary for those with limited time but want to experience the essence of the region.

Trip highlights

  • Explore Ho Chi Minh City
  • Old Town Hoi An & the market
  • Hands-on cooking class
  • Explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi
  • Art galleries and boutiques of Hanoi
  • and more…

Trip at a glance

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An
Day 4
Hoi An
Day 5
Hoi An/Da Nang/Ha Noi
Day 6
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo
Day 7
Ha Noi Departure
Depart for Home

Detailed itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city. Upon arrive you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred downtown. The first thing you’ll become aware of is the sheer number of motorcyclists in seemingly constant motion around town. About 92% of commuters travel by shared motorbike, sometimes carrying three of more people. Always keep your camera on hand as the traffic mayhem tends to offer fantastic photo opportunities!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City

This morning your guide will present the historic overview of the city as you take in the main points of interest. It’s an energetic city and the architectural disorder gives you some idea of the rapid growth over the past decade. The past and present may be found on the same block; French colonial heritage buildings flanked by a flashy Louis Vuitton boutique. Architectural highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. The stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Perhaps you would like to take an Art Tour. Join a passionate art specialist on a journey that takes a closer look at the major shifts in 20th and 21st century Vietnam through the eyes of artists. From the grand halls of the HCMC Fine Art Museum to the fresh white spaces of leading contemporary art galleries. The tour is based on the personal experiences of artists who studied, fought, witnessed and documented major changes in twentieth century Vietnam. This themed tour is not just for art lovers, but for all those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s modern and contemporary history.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An

We transfer back to the Saigon airport for your flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival it’s a short drive to the Cham Museum of Da Nang city for an introduction to the Classical Era of Southeast Asian art and history. The time span roughly corresponds to the medieval period in Europe. The Champa Kingdom was a maritime powerhouse, trading in spices and ivory. The culture was highly developed, leaving a legacy of refined artworks and architecture. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. We continue past the striking Marble Mountains for photo opportunities and on to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show, China Beach and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Our end destination is Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched. Wander the relatively traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport. It is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors; so, if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have traditional Vietnamese dresses tailored —this is the spot.

Day 4
Hoi An

Today your guide will lead you through Hoi An’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque riverside town was a major trading port between the 15th to 19th centuries. Mansions built by prosperous Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants characterize the enchanting Old Quarter. Appreciate the vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets visiting temples, houses, artisan workshops and the bustling fish market along the quay. Late morning, get involved in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. The chef offers us an introductory cooking class that leads into lunch together (don’t worry, you won’t be obliged to cook your own lunch). After your market visit this morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.

Day 5
Hoi An/Da Nang/Ha Noi

You will be collected from your hotel for a private transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel downtown. The afternoon is free for you to explore leisurely or consider booking a Spa treatment in your hotel.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 6
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo

(All museums in Ha Noi are closed on Monday & Friday) This morning, we travel by rickshaw cyclo (traditional bike-propelled cart) and by foot along tree-lined boulevards and through the 1000-year-old “Old Quarter”. Other stops on your visit include Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the hallowed “Temple of Literature”- Van Mieu as it is known in Vietnamese – the country’s most renowned temple complex. A Confucian sanctuary and academy, the center once housed the country’s first university, founded in 1076. Take time to wander through the stone tablets and soak up a thousand years of learning with your local guide. After lunch at another of our favorite local spots, we leave you to enjoy the afternoon as you see fit. Depending on your interests, your tour guide will be happy to lead you to some of the city’s more interesting art galleries or take you on a shopping tour for silks and linens (this is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to pick up gifts for people back home). There are numerous historic sites to recommend or even a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse culture. In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a performance of water puppetry, an art form that developed in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 7
Ha Noi Departure

This takes us to the end of your stay with us. You will have a private transfer with your guide to the airport for your flight home. Safe onward travels.

Depart for Home

Accommodations

Pricing notes

Prices are in USD, per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.
At Ansova Travel, we carefully select all hotels to ensure that your accommodations match our standards of trip and service excellence.

Prices include the following:

  • All hotel accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
  • Internal economy flights with airport taxes
  • All transfers & sightseeing transportation in private vehicle
  • Private services of local guides
  • All special events & private tours, guest experts
  • All entrance fees into historical sights & museums
  • Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
  • 24/7 support from the Ansova Team

Notes:

  • Peak Season supplements may be applied at some hotels (typically over the Christmas and New Year period).
  • There are a number of factors which will influence the price; these include the standard of accommodation, the season, the class of flights, the airline used and the level of private guiding versus shared excursions.
  • A single supplement may apply.

This tour was carefully designed by our Trip-Planner. However, a designated Trip Planner can assist you with identifying your travel needs so as to match and hopefully exceed your expectations. Our Trip Planner will review your inquiry and respond via email within 24 business hours, with an itinerary proposal aligned to your requirements and budget.

Travel reviews

Hi Vic.

I just wanted to let you know we had an amazing holiday in Vietnam. Cam and Tuan were excellent guides, very helpful, considerate, informative, and prompt. We were treated like royalty the entire time and loved your country [so] much we will probably come back and visit again…

Natalie, Neil and family

In Essence: Vietnam

Overview

This week-long trip touches on Vietnam’s highlights, including her dynamic cities and the more scenic, rural Central region. This is a perfect itinerary for those with limited time but want to experience the essence of the region.

Trip highlights

  • Explore Ho Chi Minh City
  • Old Town Hoi An & the market
  • Hands-on cooking class
  • Explore the Old Quarter in Hanoi
  • Art galleries and boutiques of Hanoi
  • and more…

Trip at a glance

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An
Day 4
Hoi An
Day 5
Hoi An/Da Nang/Ha Noi
Day 6
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo
Day 7
Ha Noi Departure
Depart for Home

Detailed itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city. Upon arrive you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred downtown. The first thing you’ll become aware of is the sheer number of motorcyclists in seemingly constant motion around town. About 92% of commuters travel by shared motorbike, sometimes carrying three of more people. Always keep your camera on hand as the traffic mayhem tends to offer fantastic photo opportunities!

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 2
Ho Chi Minh City

This morning your guide will present the historic overview of the city as you take in the main points of interest. It’s an energetic city and the architectural disorder gives you some idea of the rapid growth over the past decade. The past and present may be found on the same block; French colonial heritage buildings flanked by a flashy Louis Vuitton boutique. Architectural highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. The stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Perhaps you would like to take an Art Tour. Join a passionate art specialist on a journey that takes a closer look at the major shifts in 20th and 21st century Vietnam through the eyes of artists. From the grand halls of the HCMC Fine Art Museum to the fresh white spaces of leading contemporary art galleries. The tour is based on the personal experiences of artists who studied, fought, witnessed and documented major changes in twentieth century Vietnam. This themed tour is not just for art lovers, but for all those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s modern and contemporary history.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3
Ho Chi Minh City/Da Nang/Hoi An

We transfer back to the Saigon airport for your flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival it’s a short drive to the Cham Museum of Da Nang city for an introduction to the Classical Era of Southeast Asian art and history. The time span roughly corresponds to the medieval period in Europe. The Champa Kingdom was a maritime powerhouse, trading in spices and ivory. The culture was highly developed, leaving a legacy of refined artworks and architecture. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. We continue past the striking Marble Mountains for photo opportunities and on to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show, China Beach and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Our end destination is Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched. Wander the relatively traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport. It is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors; so, if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have traditional Vietnamese dresses tailored —this is the spot.

Day 4
Hoi An

Today your guide will lead you through Hoi An’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque riverside town was a major trading port between the 15th to 19th centuries. Mansions built by prosperous Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants characterize the enchanting Old Quarter. Appreciate the vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets visiting temples, houses, artisan workshops and the bustling fish market along the quay. Late morning, get involved in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. The chef offers us an introductory cooking class that leads into lunch together (don’t worry, you won’t be obliged to cook your own lunch). After your market visit this morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.

Day 5
Hoi An/Da Nang/Ha Noi

You will be collected from your hotel for a private transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel downtown. The afternoon is free for you to explore leisurely or consider booking a Spa treatment in your hotel.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 6
Ha Noi by foot and cyclo

(All museums in Ha Noi are closed on Monday & Friday) This morning, we travel by rickshaw cyclo (traditional bike-propelled cart) and by foot along tree-lined boulevards and through the 1000-year-old “Old Quarter”. Other stops on your visit include Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the hallowed “Temple of Literature”- Van Mieu as it is known in Vietnamese – the country’s most renowned temple complex. A Confucian sanctuary and academy, the center once housed the country’s first university, founded in 1076. Take time to wander through the stone tablets and soak up a thousand years of learning with your local guide. After lunch at another of our favorite local spots, we leave you to enjoy the afternoon as you see fit. Depending on your interests, your tour guide will be happy to lead you to some of the city’s more interesting art galleries or take you on a shopping tour for silks and linens (this is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to pick up gifts for people back home). There are numerous historic sites to recommend or even a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse culture. In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a performance of water puppetry, an art form that developed in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Ha Noi
Day 7
Ha Noi Departure

This takes us to the end of your stay with us. You will have a private transfer with your guide to the airport for your flight home. Safe onward travels.

Depart for Home

Pricing notes

Prices are in USD, per person, based on two people traveling together and sharing a room.
At Ansova Travel, we carefully select all hotels to ensure that your accommodations match our standards of trip and service excellence.

Prices include the following:

  • All hotel accommodation including all taxes and breakfast
  • Internal economy flights with airport taxes
  • All transfers & sightseeing transportation in private vehicle
  • Private services of local guides
  • All special events & private tours, guest experts
  • All entrance fees into historical sights & museums
  • Drinking water and refreshing towels for touring
  • 24/7 support from the Ansova Team

Notes:

  • Peak Season supplements may be applied at some hotels (typically over the Christmas and New Year period).
  • There are a number of factors which will influence the price; these include the standard of accommodation, the season, the class of flights, the airline used and the level of private guiding versus shared excursions.
  • A single supplement may apply.

This tour was carefully designed by our Trip-Planner. However, a designated Trip Planner can assist you with identifying your travel needs so as to match and hopefully exceed your expectations. Our Trip Planner will review your inquiry and respond via email within 24 business hours, with an itinerary proposal aligned to your requirements and budget.

Start/Finish

Ho Chi Minh City
Ha Noi (Vietnam)

Duration

7 days - 6 nights

Price from

US$3,315/person/twin share

Places visited

Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ha Noi (Vietnam)

Travel reviews

Hi Vic.

I just wanted to let you know we had an amazing holiday in Vietnam. Cam and Tuan were excellent guides, very helpful, considerate, informative, and prompt. We were treated like royalty the entire time and loved your country [so] much we will probably come back and visit again…

Natalie, Neil and family

Your tour map

Accommodations

FAQs

We provide you with 24-hour on-the-ground support. Our regional managers are on call and may check in with you when you are in their hometown.

Upon your arrival or the morning after we will give you a call to ensure everything about your trip thus far has gone off without a hitch. We will keep in touch with your guides to ensure everything is going smoothly, always.

You can get in touch with our team at hello@ansovatravel.com

It is in our touch; we are all about fine-details and personalized touch. We don’t strive to be the biggest in luxury travel, we strive to offer you the absolute very best. We curate an authentic travel experience, unique to your travel wants and needs, through a thoughtful and personalized interaction with each guest.

None of our journeys conclude without you receiving an additional, unexpected “and” that makes your trip a truly unforgettable experience.

Our director, a veteran tour guide, personally selects regional experts and local guides. We select the best in their field of expertise who all share a common quality, passion for their job, craft or hobby.

Our local guides and tour directors bring you more than just fact-based journeys. Their extensive knowledge combined with vibrant story-telling skills, provide you with immersive and authentic cultural experience.

The Ansova Difference

We are local

We are driven by detail

We are always at your service

We provide the best tour guides

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