Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Once you have completed immigration procedures at Noi Bai International Airport, say hello to the local guide and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Spend the day at leisure trying spa treatments, sipping Vietnamese coffee, and soaking up the charm of the banyan-tree lined crooked streets of the Old Quarter. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Nowhere in Southeast Asia exudes such an intoxicating atmosphere of tradition and modernity as in Hanoi. And what better way to experience this blend than with a full-day tour of the city’s most important sites? Begin with a visit to the famed Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1076, followed by a short drive to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The afternoon commences with a much-deserved, Hanoian-styled lunch served at a local restaurant before an exploration of the Old Quarter’s 36 famous labyrinth-like streets, by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Take a break at a typical Hanoian café trying Vietnamese coffee or traditional desserts (chè), before ending the tour in the heart of the city around Hoan Kiem Lake and its island temple, Ngoc Son. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

After such an eventful day yesterday, sit back and relax with an overnight cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage of Halong Bay, located 2-hours outside of Hanoi. Take in the mystical scenery of Halong Bay from the jetty and proceed with check-in formalities before sitting down for lunch as the ship begins to cruise through thousands of limestone islands jutting out of the emerald sea. 

In the afternoon, depending on the ship’s itinerary, you have the opportunity to join in with included activities or to simple just take in the sights from your cabin or the sundeck. Sightseeing usually includes kayaking or being rowed by bamboo boat through colorful floating villages as well as a cave visit, although all activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night, and dinner is served on board. 

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the calming waters of the bay or join a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Choose to join in on a final shore excursion or take the time to relax on board until breakfast is served as the vessel cruises back to the port. 

Disembark the cruise and return to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, boarding a short flight to Quang Binh province in Central Vietnam, home to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the park contains and protects over 254 km of caves and underground rivers, making it one of the most spectacular limestone karst ecosystems in the world. 

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

Fill up on breakfast before making a 70km journey into the heart of Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park, where you will find Paradise Cave, isolated and covered by the jungle, standing at 200 meters above sea level and 31.4 km long. 

After a 1km walk up to the cave entrance, squeeze through it one by one to access the large inner cavern, known to be nearly 150 meters wide with a height of 72 meters! Explore the first kilometer of the cave by walking across an illuminated walkway as your guide explains the area’s history and points out the impressive cave formations. 

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Phong Nha Cave –with a length of 7729 meters and a 13,969-meter-long underground river within its walls, it is also one of the longest water caves on Earth! You'll board a private longtail boat and leisurely travel upstream on the Son River to reach the cave entrance. Inside, the cave expands, and electric lights illuminate the stalactite-covered walls as your boat takes you in. Step out onto a subterranean beach, following a circular route within the cave and immersing yourself into the spectacular views of the rock formations.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

After breakfast, grab your things and transfer south by car to former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue. The 3.5 hour drive takes you through lush jungles, quaint villages, and mountain roads, arriving to Hue just in time for lunch at a local restaurant. Get a quick peek into Hue culture with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the oldest of its kind in the city, before checking into your hotel and enjoying the rest of the afternoon free at leisure. 

Overnight in Hue.

History comes alive today with an in-depth tour of Vietnam’s previous capital city during the Nguyen dynasty’s reign from 1802 – 1945. Much of Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why when visiting the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City in the city center. Modeled on Beijing’s Forbidden City, the 19^th century palace’s detailed stonework and pavilions still retain a feeling of regal grandeur, even as they are currently in the process of restoration due to heavy damage sustained in the 1960s.  

Follow the Perfume River’s winding trails to Thien Mu Pagoda, long regarded as the symbol of Hue since its foundation in 1601. The octagonal seven-tier stupa is still a site of Buddhist workshop to this day, with a huge bell heard every day from the city center. 

Sit down for a luscious Hue-styled lunch in a traditional garden house restaurant before ending the tour with visits to the impressive burial grounds of Emperor Minh Mang set amidst tranquil gardens and ponds and its polar opposite, Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb designed as an eclectic mix of Vietnamese and European motifs. 

Overnight in Hue.

Spend the morning at leisure in Hue before leaving for the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An. The 3.5-hour stunning drive offers you peeks of hidden beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, culminating with a ride on the Hai Van Pass, a legendary mountain road often surrounded by clouds just outside of Danang.   

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check-in to your hotel and relax at leisure for the rest of the day. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Feel like Indian Jones and Lara Croft with a journey through time to the UNESCO World Heritage temple complex of My Son Sanctuary. An hour’s drive away from Hoi An, this complex of Hindu temples from the 7^th – 13^th centuries are all that remains from the once grand Champa Kingdom. Venture around the paths, visiting the numerous ruins and soaking in the atmosphere of this historic site, heading back to Hoi An just in time for a lunch. 

Then, taken some time during an afternoon walking tour to explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town’s charming architecture and pagodas, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, open-air market, and eclectic array of colorful shops and galleries. As evening falls, stroll around town and relax along the enchanting riverside lit up by thousands of lanterns at night.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day without any scheduled activities. Try your hand at fashion designing with a local tailor within the city, or take the opportunity to visit An Bang and Cua Dai beach nearby. We recommend cycling through the peaceful countryside or trying a hands-on cooking class with a local chef in Hoi An. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for a one-hour flight to the southern region of the country and Vietnam’s largest city, the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. Once you’ve arrived, head to your hotel in the heart of the city and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Today’s all about modern history, and what better way to learn than with a half-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam American War. Hear the tales of how these tunnels were built and visit two sections of the tunnel where it is still possible to crawl inside to experience first-hand what life was like living underground. Afterwards, return to Ho Chi Minh City in time to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. 

After lunch, explore the old Saigon with a walking tour of its most iconic buildings, starting with the Reunification Hall, formally called the Presidential Palace. Then, take a stroll in Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way, admiring the beautiful architecture of the City Hall, Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Escape the bustling atmosphere of Saigon as you travel by van to the peaceful countryside and captivating waterways of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in Cai Be, take a short boat excursion to Tan Phong Island, where you can explore local villages by bicycle. Ride along scenic pathways and visit families crafting traditional products such as handicraft items made from water hyacinth, palm leaf roofs, and hammocks woven with coconut fibers.

Continue the boat journey along the Mekong Rivers to An Binh Island. Indulge in a lunch featuring Mekong Delta specialties in a typical orchard setting. Take a leisurely stroll through the orchard, sipping tea while enjoying traditional music (đờn ca tài tử) in a local house. Return to the boat and cruise along, observing everyday life in the region and sampling fresh local fruits. Make stops at family-run businesses producing rice wine, popped rice, coconut candy, and rice paper, with the final visit at a brick kiln to observe how bricks are made in a traditional style. Disembark in Vinh Long City and return to Ho Chi Minh City in the early evening.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Spend the day at leisure until it’s time to transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward booked transportation. If you’d like to extend your adventure in Vietnam, ask us about relaxing beach breaks on the tropical island paradise of Phu Quoc or the windswept coast of Ho Tram. 

SERVICES INCLUDED

+ 12-night hotel accommodation, twin share (see Accommodation section for details)

+ 01-night stay aboard Halong Bay cruise ship, twin share (see Accommodation section for details) 

+ 11 breakfasts at hotels’ restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary

+ 01 breakfast, 01 lunch, 01 dinner aboard the cruise ship in Halong Bay

+ 06 set lunches at local restaurants on day tours

+ Private guided day tours and activities as mentioned in the itinerary

+ Service of English, French or Chinese speaking local guide in each region (please enquire for other languages)

+ Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise

+ Entrance fees for all mentioned actitivies, visits, and tours 

+ Tax and service charges. 

SERVICES EXCLUDED

+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately)

+ Visa fees, travel insurance

+ Meals other than those mentioned in the program 

+ Early check-in or late check-out fees if applicable 

+ Camera/video entrance fees (if any)

+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone etc.)

+ Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion)

+ Additional transfers required due to emergency situation

+ Public holiday surcharges and compulsory gala dinners on 24^th Dec and 31^st Dec

+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.

For a group of 8 people

Superior: from $2,080 (2026), $2,160 (2027)

Deluxe: from $2,370 (2026), $2,490 (2027)

Premium: from $2,730 (2026), $2,890 (2027)

For a group of 6 people

Superior: from $2,240 (2026), $2,370 (2027)

Deluxe: from $2,560 (2026), $2,720 (2027)

Premium: from $2,940 (2026), $3,110 (2027)

For a group of 4 people

Superior: from $2,490 (2026), $2,660 (2027)

Deluxe: from $2,820 (2026), $2,990 (2027)

Premium: from $3,190 (2026), $3,380 (2027)

For a group of 2 people

Superior: from $3,320 (2026), $3,520 (2027)

Deluxe: from $3,630 (2026), $3,850 (2027)

Premium: from $3,990 (2026), $4,230 (2027)

Tour prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD) per person, based on twin share, and apply to bookings made at least 120 days in advance. This is a private tour, available throughout the year, and can commence on dates that suit you. Should you wish to make any adjustments or tailor the itinerary to your preferences, we would be delighted to assist. Please note that prices may change without prior notice. For groups of 10 or more, kindly contact us for a special group rate.

SUPERIOR  

Hanoi: Rey Hanoi Hotel, Superior 28m2 (4 star)

Halong: Peony Cruise, Deluxe Balcony 28m2 (4 star) 

Hoi An: Laluna Hoi An Riverside Hotel & Spa, Deluxe 30m2 (4 star)

Hue: Senna Hue Hotel, Premium Senna 40m2 (4+ star)

Dong Hoi: Poisedo Hotel Quang Binh, Deluxe 35m2 (4 star)

Saigon: Silverland Mây Hotel, Cassia 28m2 (4 star) 

DELUXE 

Hanoi: Grand Mercure Hanoi Hotel, Deluxe 30m2 (5 star)

Halong: Mon Cheri Cruise, Ocean Suite Balcony 35m2 (5 star) 

Hoi An: Rivertown Hoi An Resort & Spa, Grand Deluxe 36m2 (5 star)

Hue: Meliá Vinpearl Hue Hotel, Deluxe 36m2 (5 star)

Dong Hoi: Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh Hotel, Deluxe 36m2 (5 star)

Saigon: New World Saigon Hotel, Deluxe 30m2 (5 star) 

PREMIUM

Hanoi: Movenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre, Classic 33m2 (5 star)

Halong: Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise, Delta Suite 33m2 (5 star) 

Hoi An: Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery, Grand Deluxe 33m2 (5 star)

Hue: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa, Premium Classic 30m2 (5 star)

Dong Hoi: Meliá Vinpearl Quang Binh Hotel, Deluxe River View 42m2 (5 star)

Saigon: Caravelle Saigon Hotel, Deluxe 34m2 (5 star)

All hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. If any hotel is not available, we will recommend you another hotel of the same standard.

PAYMENT 

A non-refundable deposit of 10% of the total booking is required within three (3) days from the date of confirmation. The balance payment is due 45 days prior to the tour commencement date. For bookings made less than 45 days, full payment is required. Bookings will be cancelled if payments are not received by the due date(s).

Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit cards.

CANCELLATION

Confirmed bookings must be cancelled by the party leader in writing (by email) and this will only be effective once the written cancellation is confirmed by ATA Holidays. Cancellation will be subject to the following cancellation fees from the date the written cancellation is received:

• more than 45 days prior to the tour commencement date - 10% of total cost

• between 31 and 45 days prior to the tour commencement date - 25% of total cost

• between 16 and 30 days prior to the tour commencement date - 50% of total cost

• within 15 days prior to the tour commencement date or “no show” - 100% of total cost.

AMENDMENT

Requests for amendments to confirmed bookings must be submitted in writing via email by the party leader. While ATA Holidays will endeavor to accommodate all reasonable amendment requests, we cannot guarantee that such requests can always be fulfilled. If the requested amendments are possible, a revised quotation will be provided, which may include additional charges arising from the amendment itself, fees imposed by Third-Party Travel Providers, or administrative fees applied by ATA Holiday. In all cases, the following amendment fees shall apply:

• For amendments made more than 45 days prior to the tour commencement date: a charge of $100 per amendment for itineraries of less than seven (7) nights, or $200 per amendment for itineraries of seven (7) nights or longer.

• For amendments made within 45 days of the tour commencement date: the standard cancellation fees outlined above shall apply, and new arrangements will be charged at the prevailing rates.

No cancellation or amendment fees shall be applied in cases where changes arise due to a breach of contractual obligations or an error on the part of ATA Holidays, or when such changes are made by a Third-Party Travel Provider through no fault of the customer.