Private Tour Highlights
- Discover locations and stories from Vietnam’s colorful past
- Take a morning excursion outside of Hanoi to the surrounding countryside with a private guide
- Get familiar with Ho Chi Minh – Vietnam’s first president
- Experience the architectural history of Hue
- Peruse Saigon’s markets and the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Get lost in the vast rice paddies of the Mekong Delta
- Journey back in time to see how Ho Chi Minh’s national legacy
- Tour the historic and mesmerizing mausoleums of Hue
- Crawl through a vast network of tunnels used during the Vietnam War
- visit the impressive Thien Hau Temple dedicated to the goddess of the seas
Tour Overview
Let Yampu guide you through a classic excursion of Vietnam including its best sites from Hanoi in the north to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in the south. Discover the locations and stories from the past from Ho Chi Minh’s rule as Vietnam’s first president and ancient Cham empires, to old seaports and war grounds. Visit the Ho Chi Minh complex in Hanoi to learn about this iconic figure, tour the mesmerizing mausoleums and tombs of historical Hue, peruse Saigon’s markets and visit the amazing Cu Chi Tunnels.
Justifiably beginning in the nation’s capital, Hanoi is an old fashioned town with tree lined streets and classic French architecture. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex to learn about the life of the former ruler of the country and take time to walk around the Old Quarter to discover some of the age old customs still practiced here. Known to hold the largest collection of Cham artifacts in the world, Danang is the entry point into Central Vietnam. A quick walking tour of Hoi An will introduce you to this charming port before visiting the ancient Citadel, mausoleums and tombs of Hue, a World Heritage Site.
Ending in Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, will provide many opportunities to visit some must see locations. A tour through the Chinese community of Cholon will bring you through some fine markets. A quick trip through the city will introduce you to the Presidential Palace, the History Museum, the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and some other noteworthy attractions. Also visit the nearby Cu Chi region to visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the American War.
Inclusions
Domestic airfare from Hanoi to Danang and from Hue to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Meals where specified (food only), Bottled water and cool towels provided for transfers and sightseeing, Vietnam government tax and service charge, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)
Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply between 19 December – 8 January.
* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Package Price: From £$ 3573
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
International flight to Hanoi
Overnight international flight to Hanoi.
Overnight international flight to Hanoi.
Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, airport reception and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Tour of Ba Dinh Square & Museums
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Morning tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex with a private guide. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state. See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby Ho Chi Minh Museum - an extraordinary tribute to the life of the "father of the country." Carry on to the Governor's Residence, a fine example of Hanoi's French architecture, followed by a stop at the One Pillar Pagoda to hear the legend of its construction.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a private afternoon tour of the Hanoi City highlights. Marvel at the tree lined streets on the way to the Opera House and pass by Hoan Kiem Lake en route to one of the city's fascinating museums of choice: The Museum of History of Vietnamese Military, Vietnam History Museum, or Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, for a quick escape from the busy streets. Afterwards, enjoy a private guided walking tour of the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Streets District, where there are a nice mix of ancient homes, temples and small shops.
Note: The Ho Chi Minh Museum is closed for maintenance on Mondays and Fridays from September to November annually.
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Excursion to Pagodas
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Take a morning excursion outside of Hanoi to the surrounding countryside with a private guide. Rich in Buddhism, the north of Vietnam is home to the country's most colorful and revered pagodas and temples. The Thay Pagoda (Master's Pagoda) is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Hanoi. While a temple is a place to worship the dead, a pagoda is a place to worship the Lord Buddha. Thay Pagoda is widely known for its finely carved lacquer and gold statues of Buddha in his past and present form, as well as the colorful Buddhist ceremonies performed here during auspicious dates of the Lunar calendar.
Only 6 kilometers (4 miles) away lies Tay Phuong Pagoda, situated at the top of a small hillock. Built in 1794, the pagoda is famous for its vast display of finely carved wooden statues of former monks from the 18th Century. Afterwards, return to Hanoi to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Lunch is included today.
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Hanoi to Dananag
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Private morning transfer to the airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, airport reception and private transfer to the city for a visit to the Cham Museum. Then continue on to visit Hoi An. Close by Danang is My Khe Beach, immortalized for many by U.S. television shows, and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Also nearby are the Marble Mountains. A climb inside through the hundreds of natural caves and grottoes is a must.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included) in Hoi An before taking a walking tour with a private guide through this small town. Wander the completely traffic-free streets and discover the historic old town center before transferring to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
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Tour of the Imperial Citadel
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Morning transfer to Hue in a private vehicle. The overland journey heads through the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam while traversing the Hai Van or "Cloudy Pass." There will be plenty of photo opportunities and stops at beaches en route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (included).
This afternoon, take a private guided tour of the Imperial Citadel. In the early 19th century, when the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from Hue, the Emperor constructed a mighty citadel from where he could both live and rule. The resulting Imperial Citadel was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, but suffered much damage during years of war. Many of the pavilions, bridges, libraries and great halls are now being carefully restored with help from UNESCO. Marvel at the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years.
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Visit to Thein Mu Pagoda & Tomb of Minh Mang by boat
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This morning, visit the Thein Mu Pagoda with a private boat and guide. Built in 1601 between a river and a pine forest, the "Heavenly Lady Pagoda" is one of the oldest and most attractive religious buildings in the country. Among the many interesting artifacts housed at the complex is the car that transported the monk Thich Quag Duc to the site of his self-immolation in 1963 Saigon.
Continue by boat to the less visited, yet most majestic of all of Hue's tombs - the tomb of Minh Mang. Built around 1840, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and the natural landscape. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and the remainder of the day at leisure.
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Danang – Saigon
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Morning transfer to the Hue airport for a flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, enjoy an afternoon tour of China Town with a private guide. Cholon, which literally translates to "big market", is the focus of the Chinese community in Saigon. See the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Post Office. Continue on to visit the impressive Thien Hau Temple dedicated to the goddess of the seas, who is said to protect fishermen and sailors. Here, huge coils of incense hang from the ornate ceiling, and can burn for up to three months at a time. Visit Binh Tay Market and the surrounding area, which bustles with trading activity. Return to the hotel. ...read less
Exploring the Presidential Palace & History Museum
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Morning city tour with a private guide. In this essential highlight tour, visit the former Presidential Palace, which is now preserved as a museum, including the underground communications bunkers, headquarters for the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the History Museum, which houses an excellent display tracing the origins of the indigenous Vietnamese. Take the opportunity to see a delightful performance of water puppetry in the grounds. Then visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, an impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral in the center of city, the "wedding cake" styled Hotel De Ville, and Dong Khoi street, formerly the center of haute couture in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) when it was known as Rue Catinat.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant followed by a privately guided half day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground network of tunnels was first built as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the American War. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare. Marvel at their ingenuity and resilience while viewing secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.
The more adventurous travelers may explore the deeper second, and even third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. The guide will advise guests of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering. Some are easily accessed by stairs. It is recommended to bring good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advise that there is a lot of mud! Return to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in the late afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.
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International Flight Home
Transfer to the airport for a flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.
Transfer to the airport for a flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam
Saigon, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Places You'll See
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Hanoi
Meaning “embraced by the river”, Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam. Visit the many temples and parks of this beautiful city, such as the Temple of Literature or Hoan Kiem Lake Park. Visit the Army Museum and hear retellings of many battles fought throughout the country’s history. Take the little ones to the Ha Noi circus for some family fun.
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Danang
There is much to do in the busy city of Danang. View the artistic quality of the sandstone sculptures in the Cham Museum. Hike the trails of the Marble Mountains and explore the Buddhist temples built into the caves and grottoes. Take a Da Nang Food Tour and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city, then spend time relaxing on one of the beaches.
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Hoi An
Once a trading port in the 15th century, this beautifully preserved city is a prime example of Southeast Asian culture. The architecture showcases a fascinating blend of local and foreign influences. Enjoy exploring the old town by motorbike, kayak, motorboat, and more. Visit the Museum of Folk Culture and learn about traditional Vietnamese dress and culture.
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Hue
Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history and culture. During the Vietnam war, much of the city was destroyed, but the buildings and ruins that are left are worth visiting. Much of the Imperial Citadel still stands and houses interesting shops, museums, and galleries. See the Tombs of the Emperors along the pristine Perfume River.
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Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
The metropolitan Ho Chi Minh City is always bustling with activity, and full of historical attractions. Visit the beautiful French-built Catholic Notre Dame Cathedral in the city center. For a look at the Vietnam War through the eyes of the Vietnamese, take a tour of the War Remnants Museum. And for unbelievable views of the city, visit the Saigon Skydeck in the Bitexco Financial Tower.
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Testimonials
Eric and Karen W. Canada
Traveled March, 2013
Dealing with Yampu makes me feel like I’m dealing with friends and that’s special
I want to send the attached to you with our heartfelt thanks for all you both did to make our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia the incredible adventure that it was. We have dealt with Yampu (Kontiki) since 2005 and in three trips have not had a moment that has not been wonderful. Jose you have built a company that is second to none in travel and that now appears to be just about anywhere in the world. Your coordination and expertise is unrivaled. The letter I have attached is a quick overview of our thoughts on our Vietnam trip. Feel free to use any or all of it on your website. I have also included a few photos. You continue to amaze and please me. If we can swing anyone your way, we certainly will. Dealing with Yampu makes me feel like I’m dealing with friends and that’s special. Vermont is not that far from Ontario. Karen and I may take a road trip there sometime. If we do we’ll let you know. We’d love to visit you. Warmest Wishes
Traveled To
Jeff N.
Traveled June, 2014
Everything met, or exceeded our expectations!
We did not know what to expect with our trip to Vietnam, but everything met, or exceeded our expectations! The guides were both excellent, and added their own local perspective to the areas we explored. All of the included meals were excellent, and exceeded our expectations!
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Emily K.
Traveled January, 2015
I had such a great time with Yampu
I had such a great time with Yampu, and I would love to travel with them again. My boyfriend and I booked a customized private tour to Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai), Laos (Luang Prabang), Cambodia (Siem Reap and Phnom Penh), and Vietnam (Saigon, Hanoi, and Halong Bay.) We both enjoyed every minute of the trip. The guides were all friendly and knowledgeable, the drivers were always punctual, the accommodations were lovely, and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend Yampu to anyone who wants to have a good time on their vacation.
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