₹5,600 pp available
Small Group
Moderate Pace
Fully Escorted
7 Days
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with between 10-26 other guests depending on your selected tour. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Take advantage of our 7 day cooling-off period.
✓ Limited time only - Pay in full and save
✓ Authentic grassroots exploration of Vietnam with incredible sightseeing, including an overnight cruise on Halong Bay and guided tours of Sapa, Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
✓ Small group tour, maximum of 16 travellers
✓ 9 nights in 5-star hotels, 1 night on a traditional junk boat to cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay, 1 night at a resort & spa in Sapa and 1 night at a welcoming home stay experience in Sapa
✓ Flights from Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
✓ Cruise the serene waters of the Perfume River during a guided tour of Hue
✓ Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
✓ Follow a local guide on an exploration of the charming hamlets and hill stations of the mountainous region of Sapa
✓ Explore Hanoi, escorted by your expert local guide
✓ Follow your expert local guide on a walking tour through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✓ Take part in a cooking demonstration and learn to make Hanoi's specialty dish, white rose dumplings
✓ The services of a professional, English-speaking guide in each city
✓ In depth sightseeing including all entry fees
✓ Dedicated, air-conditioned transportation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world’s most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Chao mung! Welcome to Vietnam and its beautiful ancient capital, Hanoi. Take some time to relax and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at your leisure.
Arrival transfers: the easiest way to transfer between Hanoi airport and your hotel is by taxi. Noi Bai Airport is a trusted transfer provider and a ride to your hotel will cost approximately 400,000VND.
Alternatively, we can assist to pre-arrange a private departure transfer for you before your trip starts. Refer to "Extra Services" for rates.
Check-in: passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If you arrive prior to standard check-in time (generally 3pm), you're welcome to leave your luggage at reception and enjoy the hotel facilities or explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
We’ll be rising early today to board our coach and depart for the quiet mountainous town of Sapa. Located in northwestern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border, Sapa is home to a variety of different ethnic tribal groups. Upon arrival in Sapa in the early afternoon, you will transfer to a homestay run by a local family where you'll enjoy a refreshing change from the usual hotel scene. Here, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the local culture and assist your family in preparing this evening’s dinner.
Sapa is a very popular trekking base, due to its location nestled among the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The day will begin at 8.30am, we will enjoy some trekking around the village and experience some spectacular vistas overlooking the terraced rice paddies that line the surrounding steep valley walls. After lunch, you will transfer to a hotel where we will spend our second night in Sapa. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend at leisure.
Please note the walk is approximately 6-10km.
This morning we say farewell to Sapa and begin our return trip to Hanoi, firstly by road transfer southwards and up the Den Thang mountain. Here we leave the vehicle for an easy walk to explore the Hang Da village of the Black Hmong people. We then follow the large village path downhill along the stunning valley of Sa Seng, passing several small settlements along the way. We finish our walk after paying a visit to Sa Pa, another hamlet of the Hmong located near the former site of the Sapa traditional market. Here we will be picked up and transferred to Lao Cai, where we will check in for our bus journey back to Hanoi.
*To complete this walk, you will require to walk a staircase of approximately 400 steps.
This morning we will visit Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features astoundingly well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways.
Continue on and visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from the outside. The Mausoleum contains Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place.
Next, we’ll enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, highlighting more than 1,000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as 'The 36 Streets'. This is a wonderful place to soak up local life, and peruse market items from fabrics to crafts and exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialised trade of the merchants who had shops there, such as silk traders or jewellers.
Your expert local guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture including details on ingredients and historical backgrounds of popular northern dishes. You will eat as you go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty Frenchinspired snack from a street cart. Walking through the maze of bustling streets that make up Hanoi’s Old Quarter, we tempt our taste buds with the famed Hanoi dish Banh Cuon at a local eatery. Watch in awe as the skilled chefs demonstrate for you how this tasty dish is put together. Continuing into the atmospheric heart of the Old Quarter, you will wander past street stalls and quiet residential lanes where you can observe local life that has changed little since Hanoi was founded over 1000 years ago. Your next two snack stops are at outdoor barbeque stalls. You can sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable and bread specialties that are flame grilled over hot coals for extra flavour. It’s then time for dessert as you adventure down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk – this specialty is one not to be missed!
Starts: approx: 6pm
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our Halong Bay cruise. Onboard, you'll enjoy a complimentary drink and take a seat in the lounge before a short welcome briefing with fellow guests. Become acquainted with the junk boat's facilities, using the opportunity to ask any questions and getting to know the friendly staff. You’ll be shown to your room where you can unpackbefore freshening up just in time for lunch. As you indulge in an exquisite, freshly cooked meal, the boat will cruise passing the most beautiful and quiet areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Finger Islet.
Early in the afternoon we arrive at Surprise Cave - one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Halong Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
This evening, attend the Fruit and Vegetable Carving Lesson led by our Head Chef. During the lesson, the chef will conduct Fruit and Vegetable carving, showing the guests how we decorate and make some traditional Vietnamese food.
Evening activities such as board games like cards or Parcheesi are available throughout the evening as well as massage service. You can also try your luck at squid fishing on the boat with help from the crew.
Start your morning by enjoying sunrise Tai Chi class upon the sundeck as day breaks on the calm lagoon. You will be then transferred by tender to the Titov Island. Spend time on the island, allowing time to climb to the peak for a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Bay (there is also an expansive viewing deck half way up). After the climb, there is time left to relax on the beach and have a swim.
Once back on board, enjoy a full breakfast and relax in the dining room and lounge or on the deck enjoying your last views of the bay before disembarking at midday. From here, we drive to Hanoi Airport (approximately 3.5 hrs drive) for our flight south to Hue and transfer to our resort for the next two nights.
Hue's accommodation is ideally located in the quiet countryside in a rustic village setting surrounded by lush tranquil gardens, yet near to famous historical landmarks and the city of Hue. The resort embodies the subtle and unique connection of treasured traditional style and Vietnamese modern art vibrancy. Enjoy the harmony of a soothing natural environment and local culture.
Once comfortably checked in, the Tour Leader will guide us on visit to the Citadel and the local market. Located near the North Central coast of Vietnam and by the banks of the Perfume River, the city of Hue is the cultural, religious and historical heart of Vietnam. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, The Imperial Citadel was erected as a ‘forbidden city’ whose inner enclosure was exclusive to the royal family.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before boarding a local dragon boat and cruising along the Perfumer River until reaching Dinh market. We then continue driving to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. The tour then takes us to visit to the nearby village of Thuy Bieu before returning to our resort for an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.
Enjoy breakfast at the resort before transferring by bus to the beautiful heritage town of Hoi An.
Check in, unwind and relax. Make the most of the hotel’s facilities (the pool is always a popular choice). This evening you will join a cooking demonstration and learn to make one of Hoi An's preferred dishes: The white rose dumpling. Finish off with a delicious dinner.
Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. In the morning we’ll stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. As the sun goes down the city lights up with a sea of colourful lanterns, giving Hoi An the moniker 'City of Lanterns' and making for a thoroughly photogenic and romantic atmosphere.
Experience the iconic Hoi An Memories show. The show features more than 500 performers in colorful costumes accompanied by music to create a high-tech show that explores the history of Hoi An. Round-trip transportation is provided from your hotel, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the evening’s activities.
Experience the iconic Hoi An Memories show. The show features more than 500 performers in colorful costumes accompanied by music to create a high-tech show that explores the history of Hoi An. Round-trip transportation is provided from your hotel, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the evening’s activities.
Following breakfast this morning we will fly to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. Our Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader will transfer us to the hotel for check in. We then continue on a guided visit of Ho Chi Minh City, including Dong Khoi Street, the heart of the city’s commercial life & the Post Office.
After a luxurious breakfast at the hotel, we depart Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre. Not many tourists venture to Ben Tre, but those that do are rewarded with a plethora of sensory experiences. On arrival, we board a boat and cruise along the mighty Mekong. The cruise will stop at the bricks factory and a coconut workshop before enjoying a tasty lunch at a local restaurant. We return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon at leisure.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your fantastic tour through Vietnam. At the appropriate time make your way to the airport to board your ongoing flight.
Alternatively, and if time permits, you may want to consider joining an optional tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This optional activity must be booked while on tour through your tour guide and it costs approximately $125
Optional Cu Chi Tunnels tour:
Early in the morning you will be transferred by car to Bach Dang pier and board a speedboat. Within 15 minutes of boat riding, the banks of the river change from city sprawl to lush jungle. A light breakfast of sandwiches or pastries, fresh tropical fruits and Vietnamese iced coffee (Ca phe sua da) is served, as your guide explains rural traditions and aspects of riverbank life.
Start an in depth exploration of the site, which includes weapon and booby trap exhibitions, navigating authentic Viet Cong tunnels and visiting different underground bunkers which served as kitchens, meeting rooms and ammunition storage.
Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river, consisting of authentic fried spring rolls, chicken and beef dishes before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.
You will arrive back at your hotel at approximately 1.30 - 2pm.
Check out & Transfers: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Check-out time is generally between 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.
Your Tour Leader or hotel staff can assist you arrange transportation to the airport as/if needed. A taxi to the airport costs approximately 250,000VND. Alternatively, we can assist you pre arrange a private departure transfer. before your trip starts. Refer to "Extra Services" for rates.
Inspiring Taste
Inspiring Sights
Inspiring Stay
We offer two payment options – the choice is yours. Our advertised price is based on our 'Pay in Full' option, which includes a discount by making full payment at the time of booking. Alternatively, choose our 'Installment Payment Plan' option for the flexibility of incremental payments, beginning with a low deposit.
Please click 'Book Now' and proceed to the payment page to select your preferred option under the heading ‘Choose how to pay’. The total due will be reflected accordingly.
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Booking Process
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for AUDD$12-22 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest AUD$7 per person, per day.
As this particular tour does not collect a ‘kitty’, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is ₹122,000.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam.
You will need to arrange your Visas for travel to Vietnam closer to departure. Please note, we don't recommend applying for the e-visa until around 30-45 days prior to your departure.
Visa's are easiest to complete online and take approximately 72 hours to confirm.
You will be able to obtain your e-visa when you have your flight documents indicating your date of entry into Vietnam. Remaining tour documentation, including hotel details, will be sent 4 weeks prior to departure.
Please note the e-visa is limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and is only valid for 3 months from date of issue.
You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online is used for entering into Vietnam.
Visit https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ to apply for an e-visa.
Information required:
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation as they are required to present to customs upon arrival into the country:
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.vfsglobal.com/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-16 people.
Trip Style - Escorted Small Group Tour
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
During this tour you will be escorted by a professional local guide in each city whilst you will be unaccompanied when travelling from city to city (by plane, train or bus)
Children
Children must be five years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
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