Our Vietnam Adventure tour is, quite rightly, one of our most popular tours. It starts in the relatively cooler north of the country in Hanoi and weaves its way south to conclude in the tropical climate of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), taking in some of the most beautiful parts of the country on the way.

Spend a total of 11 nights in Vietnam exploring Hanoi; embark on a Halong Bay cruise; discover Hoi An’s vibrant markets and food stalls; visit the Cu Chi Tunnels; take a Mekong River cruise; spend a few days unwinding on the island of Phu Quoc; and finally wander around Ho Chi Minh City before returning home.

Our top picks:

HANOI has lots of little food stalls where you could enjoy a bowl of Pho for breakfast. Pho is a traditional noodle soup that is very popular with the locals. During the day, wander the Old Quarter discovering traditional medicine shops, and age-old temples hidden in the busy market streets, before stopping for lunch at Koto Restaurant – an excellent new lunch option located close to the Temple of Literature. The local and international dishes on offer are delicious, with a superb choice of cakes and desserts.  In addition, if you eat here you are eating for a good cause as Koto is a non-profit restaurant that helps street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. In the evening relax in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of a jazz bar beside the central Hoan Kiem Lake.

HOI AN is the perfect place to watch Vietnamese folk games being played in the pedestrian-only streets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during times of traditional festivals. Mango Rooms is a great little Vietnamese-fusion restaurant which is highly recommended for its mango rolls, tempura prawns and homemade ice cream. For shopping, we rate Sun Tailors, a family-run business, as well as the Thang Loi Handicrafts shop where good quality merchandise and hassle-free service are assured.

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is jam packed with superb architecture reflecting an era of trade and empire, with the old Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace competing with brand new skyscrapers and offices. The choice of restaurants is outstanding here and this is a great shopping destination with boutiques selling lacquerware, silk and modern art. The Mandarin Restaurant is arguably one of the city’s best restaurants in lovely surroundings with superb food. If you like your food with views then ascend to the Alto Bar atop the highest tower in the city. To shop like a local, head to Ben Thanh market where anything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the city’s residents is available here.

To discover the full itinerary and read more about our Vietnam Adventure Tour click here.