Woman preparing the water lily flowers for sale in Tinh Bien, An Giang, Vietnam

Highlights of Vietnam

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

14 Days

Prices Start from

£3,450pp(ex. flights)

This holiday to Vietnam is a great option for first-time visitors to the country. Take in classic highlights including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue but also experience rural life with an overnight Mekong cruise and a countryside cycle around Hoi An.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Russian Minsk motorbike driving through rural countryside. 1

Hanoi by Vintage Motorbike

Explore the quaint French quarter by Russian Minsk Motorbike.

Halong Bay 2

Halong Bay

Kayak through the spectacular limestone karst peaks and lagoons of Halong Bay.

Paddy Farmer, Vietnam 3

Overnight Mekong Cruise

Watch river life glide past, stopping to meet locals and wander among villages and rice fields.

Luu Khiem Lake, Hue, Vietnam 4

Colonial Hue

Step back to colonial times exploring the crumbling citadel walls of Hue with its picturesque riverside setting.

Why we like it

Vietnam is a country rich with history, wide smiles, delicious food and brimming with culture and spectacular scenery. Experiencing life as a local – on the back of a motorbike, a sampan cruising along hidden waterways of the Mekong or exploring the food scene and artisans of Hoi An, is what this iconic journey offers. The essential luxuries of travel have not been forgotten with our knowledgeable guides, who can open creaky wooden doors into elegant properties to relax in at the end of a busy day.

Explore our suggested itinerary

  • Day 1

    Hanoi

  • Day 2

    Hanoi

  • Day 3 - 4

    Hanoi - Halong Bay

  • Day 5

    Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

  • Day 6

    Hue

  • Day 7

    Hue - Hoi An

  • Day 8 - 9

    Hoi An

  • Day 10

    Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh

  • Day 11

    Ho Chi Minh

  • Day 12

    Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta

  • Day 13

    Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh

  • Day 14

    Ho Chi Minh

Day 1

Hanoi

Day 2

Hanoi

Russian Minsk motorbike driving through rural countryside.

Explore the quaint French quarter by Russian Minsk Motorbike.

Day 3 - 4

Hanoi - Halong Bay

Halong Bay

Kayak through the spectacular limestone karst peaks and lagoons of Halong Bay.

Day 5

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

Day 6

Hue

Luu Khiem Lake, Hue, Vietnam

Step back to colonial times exploring the crumbling citadel walls of Hue with its picturesque riverside setting.

Day 7

Hue - Hoi An

Day 8 - 9

Hoi An

Day 10

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh

Day 11

Ho Chi Minh

Day 12

Ho Chi Minh - Mekong Delta

Paddy Farmer, Vietnam

Overnight on the Mekong River and watch river life glide past, stopping to meet locals and wander among villages and rice fields.

Day 13

Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh

Day 14

Ho Chi Minh

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Tortoise Tower, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tortoise Tower, Hanoi

A Country Teeming with History

Vietnam is rich with history, from new and old, European to Indo Chinese. Hanoi, with its French influence, felt in both its food and architecture and Hue, with its 19th century Citadel, porcelain urns and curling roofs, home to heavy bombing during the TET offensive. Along the coast find the UNESCO town of Hoi An, a hybrid of styles with Japanese bridges, ancient garden houses and vibrant food scene. Just one hour from Ho Chi Minh City are the Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200 kilometre long tunnel complex – a clear reminder of difficulties faced during the war with the west.

Combined with this history is a colourful and enthusiastic vibrancy, making the past fuse with today’s modern culture.

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Greengrocer, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Floating greengrocer, Vietnam

Sample Vietnamese Cuisine

The food in Vietnam is just glorious with varying dishes, all emitting delicious aromas and colours as you wander the streets and markets. The Vietnamese love gathering to be served some Pho, a meat-based rice noodle broth, and the amount of fresh greens in the markets is staggering. One of the best ways to experience the local cuisine is to take a food tour, perhaps travelling like a local on the back of a vintage Vespa or motorbike, stopping to sample street food.

Alternatively, head to the home of a top Vietnamese chef, shopping for ingredients at the market before cooking and dining together.

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Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam
Beach in Hoi An

Beaches and Islands

The charming town of Hoi An is a perfect pit stop for a few days to relax on the beach and explore the rural landscape by bike. Other beach options can be found further south including the tropical islands of Con Dao or Phu Quoc. The weather in the south offers a pleasant year round climate.

Hilltribe Women, Sapa, Vietnam
Hilltribe women in Sapa, Vietnam

Rural Walking Extension

Why not extend your trip to Vietnam and spend some time exploring the valleys and mountains around Sapa; a hill station where rice terraces and hill tribe villages are the perfect location for some gentle walking.

Halong Bay & Red River Experience with Steppes Travel

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Anantara Hoi An Resort £££££

  • Vietnam

The Anantara Resort, found on the doorstep of Hoi An, is a smart, colonial style property. With 94 split level rooms, all with a balcony or terrace, a charming riverfront pool and a decor which is light and airy with a nod to the French colonial era. From the pretty shady pool, dining options which include a smart restaurant to relaxed poolside pizzas and an intimate spa, offer guests a comfortable and stylish option for Hoi An.

View Property

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi £££££

  • Vietnam
  • City

The Sofitel Metropole, a French colonial building, has stood proudly in the heart of Hanoi since 1901.

View Property

Park Hyatt Saigon £££££

  • Vietnam
  • City

The Park Hyatt’s 245 rooms and suites blend sophisticated design and decor with all the trimmings that one expects from a smart city hotel. It plays host to world-class restaurants and bars, from the Italian Restaurant Opera, a traditional Afternoon Tea to Square One – a vibrant and contemporary blend of French and Vietnamese. For sheer relaxation, Park Hyatt features Xuan Spa, a tranquil urban retreat offering private therapy rooms, a fitness centre and outdoor pool.

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Azerai La Residence, Hue £££££

  • Vietnam
  • City

Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, this well located and graceful art deco building was once the residence of the French governor of Central Vietnam. With 122 contemporary rooms and suites with trademark art deco touches incorporating Indo Chinese flair, large tropical gardens, a riverside swimming pool and stylish restaurants and bar, make La Residence the perfect choice for a stay in Hue.

View Property

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £3,450 Per person

When to travel

Vietnam in January

Dry and warm weather prevails throughout the majority of the country. The only exception is in the northern alpine regions, where it can be surprisingly chilly. Halong Bay can be quite hazy so you may not get the best views at this time.

Vietnam in February

Dry and warm weather continues across the majority of the country, but the alpine north remains much colder. Experience the Lunar New Year, the biggest festival of the year, with colourful red and yellow in the streets.

Vietnam in March

The busiest month, but for good reason. All regions experience good weather and the ideal time to see Halong Bay with clear skies.

Vietnam in April

Also peak season, as the great weather continues across the country, and the beaches warm up. The chilly mornings are gone in the alpine north but showers become a little more frequent.

Vietnam in May

Countrywide, temperatures are soaring, and the chances of a shower are increasing. A great time to explore the varied central region which remains hot and dry.

Vietnam in June

Central Vietnam is the place to be, as there is plenty of sunshine and warmth. Showers are possible in the south and north, but there will be fewer tourists in general.

Vietnam in July

The fine weather continues in central regions, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. The northern alpine regions are at their warmest, but there is a good chance of a shower.

Vietnam in August

Temperatures peak across the country, with central Vietnam continuing to enjoy the best weather. The most frequent showery month for many other regions.

Vietnam in September

The tables turn, with the central regions becoming wetter, whilst the other regions become drier. A good time to return to the alpine regions of the north, and Halong Bay.

Vietnam in October

A fantastic time to explore the alpine north. Trek in Sapa or get off the tourist trail in Ha Giang. It’s a quieter time in general as the central regions have their wettest months.

Vietnam in November

The start of the high season, with the northern alpine regions remaining good for hiking if a little cooler. The central region is still wet, but the rest of the country will generally be hot and dry.

Vietnam in December

The season gets into full swing, especially as Christmas approaches. Beaches open up as the central region starts to dry out, and the majority of the country is hot and dry.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

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