From cultural discoveries to breathtaking natural wonders, this itinerary is designed to inspire every type of traveller. Each experience has been carefully selected to offer meaningful insight, memorable stories, and a deeper connection to the places you visit.
Depart the UK
Arrive Hanoi and use fast track service at the airport. Meet and greet then transfer to hotel.
Half Day guided tour of Hanoi’s Hidden Alleys of The Old Quarter, a densely populated area of the city known as ’36 Streets’, once an important centre of commerce where goods were sold on the street named for a particular guild thus; Sugar Street, Tin Street and Paper Street. This is ‘secret’ Hanoi, far from public view where perhaps a dark single file passage opens to a hidden Pagoda or a unique historical gem. Have a refreshing drink at a ‘locals only’ store. Photo opportunities are endless! Then return back to the hotel. Finally watch a Water Puppet Show at an Artists home and attempt to work the puppets!
Half Day Hanoi Cultural Tour by Jeep. See the Museum of Ethnology for an interactive experience to learn about the country’s rich tribal diversity and wander through its sprawling grounds. Relax over a delicious Vietnamese Lunch at Pho 24. Legendary chocolate buffet at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel. Having devoured every kind of cake, pastry and chocolate imaginable be picked up by cyclo (rickshaw) and go to a performance of a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. Cocktails with Suzanne Lecht, recognized as a leading authority on contemporary art in Vietnam. Visit her art studio home in an alley of Hanoi, to understand more about her art works promotion & exhibitions.
Early breakfast, then transfer to Noi Bai airport for scenic seaplane flight toward Halong. After meeting at Heritage Line’s welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina, take a quick speedboat transfer to the luxurious floating home Heritage Line Ginger before starting a unique journey exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main island of Cat Ba. The first highlight of the cruise is lunch, with live cooking in the open kitchen. In the early afternoon visit Cat Ba Island by bike (or e-cart) to peddle to the isolated Viet Hai village. Little has changed in Viet Hai over the centuries. The community is self-sufficient, and this is a unique opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their daily lifestyle life. Back on board, interactive cooking class in the restaurant’s open kitchen. Learn about local ingredients as well as the preparation of classic Vietnamese dishes.
Early Tai Chi session on deck. Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. Cruise to ‘Frog Lake’, for a refreshing swim in the bay or explore the captivating marine landscape via kayak through the jade-green water, rocks and vivid tree-topped islets. Cruise back for transfer to Noi Bai airport to Danang Airport then to Hoi An hotel.
Half Day Hoi An Walking Tour – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric Temples and lively market. Visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront. Time to explore the numerous boutiques and galleries lining the narrow streets, and taste the delicious local cakes such as Banh It la Gai or Banh Dau Xanh.
Evening Hoi An Food Tour by Vespa begins with a drink and a small selection of street food nibbles. Perched on the pillion, ride along the riverfront and through the backstreets of this ancient town, sampling scrumptious specialities from delicious sea food starters to a Vietnamese-style hotpot, BBQ specialities and rounded off with a delicious dessert of Banh Flan.
Choose a tour today:
Either:Â Half Day Exploration of Son Tra Wildlife with Conservation Expert. Early start.
The peninsula is best known for the world’s largest population of the endangered red-shanked douc langur. Only about 1300 of them are surviving in Son Tra. Observe their unique beauty and daily activities. The conservation expert will discuss the impact of human activity to this fragile ecosystem. Then, drive uphill to visit one of the war remnants on the island- the Helipad built from 1965 for US forces. Drive back Hoi An town.
Or:Â Half Day Hoi An Market Visit and cooking lesson at Vy’s Market Restaurant.
Begin with a visit to Hoi An’s colourful and bustling central market by boat. Learn the uses of different fresh noodles, how to recognise and buy fresh fish, fresh and dried spices etc. At Vy’s Market Restaurant be guided around the many live food counters in this unique first-of-its-kind interactive dining venue in Vietnam. Smell, hear, taste, touch and interact with the many different food making processes. See rice paper being made, and noodles rolled out by hand then cut in the traditional way with a long knife and steamed over an open fire. Teachers demonstrate dishes then guests prepare them. Dine on the end results!
Transfer from Hotel to Danang Train station for train journey to Dieu Tri. Then transfer to Zannier Resort.
Today at your own leisure to relax at the resort.
Another day to unwind at the resort.
Transfer from Zannier Resort to Phu Cat Airport. On the way to the airport, stop at the Banh It Champa tower; one of the most outstanding ruins of the ancient Kingdom of Champa. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
After breakfast Half Day Saigon City Landmarks and Local Tasting. Visit to the exhibition: From Norodom Palace to Independence Place, 1868 – 1966. Then stroll through a local park and HanThuyen street dotted with charming colonial villas toward shady Book Street. Next walk to the historic Saigon Old Post Office, designed by the architect Gustave Eiffel. See Notre Dame Cathedral, the religious centre for Vietnam’s 6.2 million Catholics. Then drive to a local home cum Coffee studio. Meet with the barista, sip coffee and learn about the history of Vietnamese coffee. Hands-on lesson on brewing techniques – roast coffee beans, pour-over, hand-drip, and Latte art design.
Evening Explore Vietnamese Traditional Instruments at Truc Mai House. Learn about traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, listen to some being played, and, hear stories of Vietnamese history and culture. Dinner with a Vietnamese set menu at a local restaurant.
Half Day Visit to Cu Chi Tunnels by speed boat along the Saigon River. Light breakfast served en-route. Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating excursion. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and include meeting areas, storerooms and living quarters. A visit can be made underground.
After breakfast drive from the port to Ben Tre. At Huu Dinh hamlet take a tri-motor cycle (xe loi) ride to explore the rice paddies and fruit farms. At the waterfront, board the Mango Cruise for a glimpse at the Delta scenery. First stop to see coconut processing. Next cruise to a brick making shop. Take a bicycle ride – roughly 4km – around Phong Nam village through gardens and stop at a coconut spirits factory. Continue to Mrs. Huong’s home. Sample home grown fruits and then embark on a sampan to explore the maze of canals. After lunch bike to another local house of Mr Sau Tuong, a former Vietcong soldier, who makes rice paper. Later drive to Can Tho.
This morning, from the jetty at Azerai Can Tho islet, embark on the Azerai wooden boat for a 45-minute river cruise along the Hau River, passing through fishing villages before reaching the Cai Rang floating market. Travelling the river allows a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of the villages. The market feels chaotic: but everything fits perfectly together. The colour, the cacophony, the heady scent… the teeming crowds! Interact with the sellers – determined to make a sale. Remain of the day to relax at the resort.
Today is at until check out. Then transferred to Saigon for your flight home
Our South East Asia itineraries combine iconic highlights with authentic, lesser-known experiences. Travel seamlessly between destinations, guided by local expertise and careful planning. From single-country journeys to multi-destination adventures, each holiday is designed to offer depth, comfort, and a genuine sense of place.
Planning a journey through South East Asia should feel simple and well-informed. The FAQs below provide practical travel guidance for UK travellers, covering visa requirements, passport validity, health considerations, and general entry advice to help you prepare with confidence.
Visa requirements vary by country. Many South East Asian destinations, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam, offer visa-free entry or visas on arrival for UK passport holders for short stays. Some countries require an e-visa arranged in advance.
Length of stay depends on the country visited, typically ranging from 14 to 90 days. Entry duration is confirmed on arrival by local immigration authorities.
Yes. South East Asia is very popular with first-time travellers due to its welcoming culture, excellent hospitality, well-developed tourist infrastructure, and good value for money.
Each country has its own currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is recommended for rural areas, markets, and smaller establishments.
South East Asia is generally considered safe for tourists. Normal travel precautions should be taken, particularly in busy urban areas and when travelling independently.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry to most countries. However, travellers are advised to be up to date with routine vaccinations and seek medical advice before travel, particularly for longer or multi-country trips.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the warm climate. Modest dress is advised when visiting temples and religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered.
The best time to visit varies by country but is generally during the dry season, typically between November and March. Some destinations are enjoyable year-round depending on travel style and region.
Yes. Travel between countries is well established, with frequent flights, ferries, and overland routes making multi-destination itineraries easy to arrange.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, covering medical treatment, activities, cancellations, and delays.
Yes. The region offers a wide range of experiences suitable for families, couples, and honeymooners, from cultural discovery and wildlife encounters to beach relaxation and luxury stays.
Our experts are ready to answer your specific questions about South East Asia
Contact
