Imagine Vietnam
Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An & SaigonThis classic itinerary encapsulates the historic and scenic highlights of Vietnam. Gaze up at the other- worldly limestone peaks of Halong Bay. Trek through the phenomenal, mist encased mountain peaks of Sapa. Listen in awe as your private guide educates you on the notorious Cu Chi Tunnels. This trip is all about the details of the more renowned areas of this enchanting country, with a few lesser known experiences for you to uncover as well.
At a glance
This trip offers just the right balance of exploration, tranquillity and culture
Trekking in the striking peaks of rural Sapa with a stay at a certified National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World to top it off
Explore the ruins of My Son, an ancient cluster of Hindu temples in lush surroundings, just outside of Hanoi
Journey highlights
-
This trip offers just the right balance of exploration, tranquillity and culture
-
Trekking in the striking peaks of rural Sapa with a stay at a certified National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World to top it off
-
Explore the ruins of My Son, an ancient cluster of Hindu temples in lush surroundings, just outside of Hanoi
- Imagine itinerary:Rooted in the culture, history and people of a destination, our Imagine Journeys offer premium hotels and experiences with an emphasis on discovering the best the locals can offer
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Given that Vietnam is a long country, the weather patterns can vary greatly. In general, the best months to go if you are visiting north, central and south Vietnam are from January/February to March/April. In winter, northern Vietnam can get quite cold, and mountainous areas such as Sapa can experience regular mists, although it is usually fairly dry. In June and July this region can get very hot. Central Vietnam is at its best from January to April, and although there is a higher chance of rain from April to September, this is still a good time to travel. The central coast experiences heavy rain from September to November/December. Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, is always hot and humid, with the best weather between November to March. This area can get very wet in summer months, with regular flooding.
Price Guide: (Per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | GBP £4,300 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| July | GBP £4,300 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| August | GBP £4,300 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| September | GBP £4,000 | GBP £600 | plan your trip |
| October | GBP £4,300 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| November | GBP £4,300 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| December | GBP £4,500 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| January | GBP £4,700 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| February | GBP £4,700 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| March | GBP £4,700 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| April | GBP £4,700 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
| May | GBP £4,300 | GBP £700 | plan your trip |
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,300
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,300
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,300
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,000
Deposit from*GBP £600
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,300
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,300
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,500
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,700
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,700
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,700
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,700
Deposit from*GBP £700
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £4,300
Deposit from*GBP £700
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Hanoi
Hanoi
Your journey takes off in the bustling capital of Hanoi. Once you have settled into the Silk Path Boutique Hotel, spend the afternoon weaving your way through the labyrinth of sites in the Old Quarter, accompanied by your private guide who with his niche knowledge, will pick out the top sites for you. Your senses will guide you through the countless sizzling street food vendors as you sample local delicacies such as pho and bun aha, which is a delicious dish of grilled pork with noodles. The following day your guide will show you Hanoi’s most culturally significant sites. Meander through the pristine courtyards of the Temple of Literature. Wander through the Ho Chi Minh Complex, comprised of vibrant botanical gardens, monuments and memorials with a real highlight being The One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple surrounded by vibrant gardens.
Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel ( 2 nights )
Sapa, The Far North, Vietnam
Leaving Hanoi, you’ll drive through one of the most mountainous regions in the country to the town of Sapa in the north. Your next two nights here will be spent learning about the hilltribes and meeting some of Vietnams ethnic minorities, all within this astonishingly beautiful setting. Aside from this, you will trek through mist-clad peaks and cascading tea plantations. Your base for these two nights is Topas Ecolodge, certified as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World.
Accommodation: Topas Ecolodge ( 2 nights )
Hanoi
This morning after an unrushed breakfast on the terrace, your driver will take you back to Hanoi for the night. Stretch your legs after the long journey with a stroll around the lush gardens of Hoan Kiem, the most outstanding freshwater lake in Hanoi. This is a wonderful place to people watch and you’ll often see people perfecting the martial art of Tai Chi.
Accommodation: Silk Path Boutique Hotel ( 1 night )
Halong Bay
Feel your excitement build as you take the four-hour road trip to the scenic highlight of Vietnam, Halong Bay. This land of formidable limestone formations rising out of the ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kayak out to the hidden caves or climb to the top of an island with panoramic views of this unearthly beautiful landscape. Spend the night aboard the Bhaya Classic, an elegant traditional junk boat and enjoy dinner with a view of the golden light settling on the bay as the sun sets for the night.
Accommodation: Bhaya Legend Premium Sharing ( 1 night )
Hue
Return to Hanoi and take a domestic flight down to the cultural and historic haven of Hue, which was once the capital city of Vietnam and delve into the culture of this fascinating place. Although the city was badly damaged during the America-Vietnam war, it is still teeming with exquisite temples, elegant palaces and ancient tombs. On your full day, your private guide will show you Hue’s most intriguing sites. You will board an extravagant dragon boat down the Perfume River and your senses will be tantalised as you float past aromatic flowers and foliage. Your base for three nights will be the Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort and Spa. This is an authentic Vietnamese retreat located in rural Hue, away from the bustle of the city with a serene lakeside setting. From here you can spend your afternoon sinking into tranquillity in the pool or cycling around the rural villages.
Accommodation: Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa ( 3 nights )
Hoi An
Continue by road to Hoi An, passing rolling hills and a patchwork of vibrant green rice paddies along the way. Your base for the next two nights will be the Anantara Hoi An Resort. Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage site and this wonderfully authentic city should be explored on foot. Amble down silk lantern draped streets, lined with traditional Japanese houses and Chinese teahouses. Along with your private guide, spend a day exploring the extensive ruins of My Son. Meander through this cluster of abandoned Hindu temples and stop and take in the sheer beauty of the area, encased by lush foliage and rolling hills.
Accommodation: Anantara Hoi An Resort ( 2 nights )
Saigon
Leaving Hoi An, it’s a short drive to Danang where you will catch a flight down to Ho Chi Minh City. This could not be more of a contrast from Hoi An. Chi Minh is an energetic modern metropolis, yet as you traverse the streets you will see a scattering of colonial buildings and ancient temples. You will be based at the Silverland Charner, just moments from the buzzing food scene of Hoi Chi Minh. You will have a memorable night out here as you sip a cocktail on a trendy rooftop bar or skyscraper, overlooking the dazzling lights of the city, or enjoy a sophisticated jazz bar. Ho Chi Minh is the gateway into further afield exploration. Your guide will enlighten you on the tactics used during the America-Vietnam war in the notorious Cu Chui Tunnels, and you’ll have the opportunity to delve into this network of underground tunnels.
Accommodation: Silverland Yen Hotel ( 3 nights )
Fly home from Saigon
Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
-
![River Life - Mekong Tour from Cai Be]()
Read moreA Day in Cai Be
Cai Be is one of the busiest hubs in the Mekong Delta, home to many local industries and surrounded by scenic countryside lined with waterways and orchards. Explore the area on land and water, stopping for a delicious lunch at a traditional house.
-
![Hanoi Old Quarter - Hanoi by Cyclo]()
Read moreHanoi by Cyclo
This fun but fascinating half day tour takes in some of the key historical sites of Hanoi, as well as the city's famous Old Quarter. Travelling by cyclo allows you to experience the hustle and bustle up close and soak up the city's wonderful atmosphere.
-
![Street Food Experience & Hanoi Highlights Tour]()
Read moreHanoi Street Food Experience
Eating on the street is a very typical activity for Hanoians and makes up an important part of the city’s unique culture. Enjoy strolling the bustling alleys and streets and savour regional specialties in favourite local spots.
-
![Fishing - Hoi An Countyside & Islands Experience on Vintage Vespas]()
Read moreHoi An Countryside & Islands Experience on Vintage Vespas
Head out of Hoi An on the back of Vintage Vespas and explore the surrounding countryside of Hoi An.
-
![Hoi An Walking Tour]()
Read moreHoi An Evening Foodie Walking Tour
A fantastic way to see and experience this beguiling and enchanting destination. With an emphasis on food you'll explore the backstreets and markets, learning about the city's history and famous cuisine. End with a tantalising authentic meal.
-
![Terraced rice field in rice season Sapa Vietnam]()
Read moreSapa Trekking to Ta Van
Drive to the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley, home to the largest terraced rice fields in Sapa. Hike to the Black Hmong village and the Ta Van Village to learn about these ethnic groups and their traditions.
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Given that Vietnam is a long country, the weather patterns can vary greatly. In general, the best months to go if you are visiting north, central and south Vietnam are from January/February to March/April. In winter, northern Vietnam can get quite cold, and mountainous areas such as Sapa can experience regular mists, although it is usually fairly dry. In June and July this region can get very hot. Central Vietnam is at its best from January to April, and although there is a higher chance of rain from April to September, this is still a good time to travel. The central coast experiences heavy rain from September to November/December. Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, is always hot and humid, with the best weather between November to March. This area can get very wet in summer months, with regular flooding.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 3993 8476 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind