Introduction to Vietnam
Vietnam’s historical past reflects a complex interaction of styles and cultures, where its colonial heritage rubs shoulders with the glories of past
kingdoms. In Hoi An and My Son, its monuments span a vast chasm of traditions and centuries, whilst the network of waterways that make up the
landscapes of the Mekong Delta present a timeless tableau of Vietnam at work and play. Vietnam is a spectacular mix of elegant grandeur and Asian grace, a factor that is all too easy to appreciate in its staggering diversity of hotels
and resorts. From lavish style and colonial charm in the heart of its bustling cities, to award winning spas and magnificent beach resorts along its
idyllic coastline, this beautiful destination offers a range of superb properties and endless choice.
Instructions
Listed below are some of the options you can choose for a Tailor Made Holiday to Vietnam
To make an enquiry, select the options that interest you, and then click 'continue' to tell us more about what you would like to do
The following options are available as part of Bales Tailor made Holidays:
Places to see and things to do ― Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Vietnam
HANOI
HANOI
A city of tree-lined avenues and ornate
architecture, which holds more cultural
sites than any other city in the country,
the Vietnamese capital still exudes all the
colonial elegance of its French heritage.
Lying besides the Red River it has enjoyed
a prominent place in Vietnam’s turbulent
history for nearly 1,000 years, a factor
reflected in its wealth of pagodas and
temples and the myriad artisans trading
amongst its colourful and diverse network
of back streets.Select this tailor made option
HOI AN
HOI AN
One of Vietnam’s four UNESCO World
Heritage sites, Hoi An is a picturesque
town with a charmingly preserved
collection of temples, Chinese-style
wooden houses and a history that
reflects the central role it played in the
trade between Europe and Asia between
the 15th and 19th centuries. The streets
are perfect for exploring on foot or by
bicycle and with great beaches close
by, Hoi An is the ideal place to combine
culture and relaxationSelect this tailor made option
MEKONG DELTA
MEKONG DELTA
Essential to the very livelihoods of its people, the myriad network of channels and
tributaries that make up the Mekong Delta offer a spectacular window upon life
along the banks of this mighty river. Rich in cultural diversity and scenic splendour,
the lush landscapes present an ever-changing tableau of village life, offering a
stark contrast to the colonial grandeur and vibrancy of some other parts of the
region. Sightseeing is predominantly based on or along the river, visiting remote
fishing villages and traditional floating markets and exploring river islands and
remote pagodas, enjoying the serenity of the forested hills and rice paddies and the
spectacle of life amongst the tropical wetlands of south eastern Vietnam.Select this tailor made option
SAPA
SAPA
Picturesque Sapa lies amidst the
spectacular mountain scenery of
north west Vietnam, in the shadow of
Mount Fansipan. A glorious region of
indigenous hill tribes, rice terraces and
verdant hills, it is a timeless landscape
of water buffaloes and colourful
markets, where a walk through the local
villages reveals the true heart of this
stunning country. Reached by overnight
train from Hanoi, Sapa is one of the
highlights of a visit to Vietnam.Select this tailor made option
HALONG BAY
HALONG BAY
With more than 3,000 islands rising dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay is one of south-east Asia's most spectacular sights. As well as cruising in the bay, you can explore the extensive caves systems on some of the islands, with their impressive stalactites and stalagmites.Select this tailor made option
Places to stay ― Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Vietnam
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HALONG GINGER CRUISE HALONG BAY
HALONG GINGER CRUISE HALONG BAY
Exploring the unique delights of Halong Bay aboard
a traditional wooden Junk truly encapsulates the
magic and beauty of this spectacular region.
The Halong Ginger is a custom built vessel which
features classic design and modern convenience
with 10 well appointed en suite cabins and a
massage room. With ample space to relax, enjoy
a cocktail, and perhaps indulge in a little early
morning Tai Chi, it offers the platform to fully
appreciate this mesmerising region. This overnight
cruise operates daily and Halong is approximately 4
hours drive from Hanoi.Select this tailor made option
HOI AN RIVERSIDE HOTEL
HOI AN RIVERSIDE HOTEL
The Hoi An Riverside Hotel is in an idyllic location
on the banks of a river, located halfway
between town and the beach. The hotel is built
within mature gardens and the 60 rooms are
designed like a French style villa, each villa
comprising four rooms, two upper level and two
on the ground floor. All rooms have mini-bars,
24-hour room service, safe, hairdryers and airconditioning.
The picturesque port of Hoi An is a
UNESCO declared World Heritage Site and a
lovely place to explore on foot. In the 17th
Century, Hoi An was an important trading port,
and you get the feeling that little has changed
since then. The town centre is pedestrianised
and the narrow streets are great for exploring.
Places of interest include the Old Merchant
House, The Hoi An Museum, Chinese Assembly
Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge. From
Hoi An you can also visit My Son, Vietnam’s
most important Cham site.Select this tailor made option
LA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA HUE
LA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA HUE
Elegantly situated on the banks of the Perfume
River, this lovely boutique hotel was once the former
governor’s residence and offers a quite charming
blend of opulence and sophistication. Filled with
distinctive Art Deco touches, its 122 rooms perfectly
fuse modern convenience with Asian style,
offering river views and private terraces. A superbly
designed pool, excellent restaurant and extensive
spa providing indulgent treatments complete this
splendid package making La Residence the ideal
base from which to explore the imperial tombs of
Vietnam’s ancient capital.Select this tailor made option
LIFE RESORT HOI AN
LIFE RESORT HOI AN
Situated on the Thu Bon River this French colonial
style resort offers 94 spacious rooms, amidst
beautiful landscaped gardens within walking distance
of the centre of ancient Hoi An. All the rooms offer
garden or river views, split level sleeping and living
areas and a full complement of modern amenities.
The resort’s interiors are a fusion of Oriental and
European influences and the property boasts an
exceptional range of wellness treatments, including
massage and Chinese medicine, making it a
perfect haven to rejuvenate body and soul.Select this tailor made option
PARK HYATT SAIGON
PARK HYATT SAIGON
Centrally located and grandiose, this opulent hotel
is located close to the Opera House in downtown
Saigon, offering 252 colonial style rooms with a
matchless array of modern amenities, large bathrooms
with white marble baths and walk-in rain
showers and stunning views across the city or the
gardens. A choice of superb dining options offer a
range of authentic Italian and Vietnamese cuisine,
whilst the hotel also features a pool, well-equipped
fitness centre and a range of massage treatments.Select this tailor made option
THE EMERAUDE HALONG BAY
THE EMERAUDE HALONG BAY
One of the great natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay in
northern Vietnam covers an area of 1,500 km over which are
scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising
from the clear, emerald waters. An overnight cruise around
Halong Bay on The Emeraude gives ample opportunity to enjoy
the scenery in comfort. The boat is a replica of one of the
classic steamships of the French colonial era.With 39 luxurious
air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, two bars and a sundeck,
this is the ultimate Halong Bay experience.Select this tailor made option
THE EVASON ANA MANDARA RESORT NHA TRANG
THE EVASON ANA MANDARA RESORT NHA TRANG
Located directly on the beach, this resort
offers stunning views of Nha Trang Bay and
the design and décor aims to reflect
Vietnam’s rich culture and traditions. There
are 16 villas with a total of 74 guest rooms,
each with its own private terrace and
equipped with all modern amenities. Room
categories comprise 35 garden view rooms,
11 sea view rooms, 24 deluxe rooms, and 4
suites. The main restaurant, The Pavilion, offers
both indoor and veranda dining and serves
Vietnamese and international choices. The
resort also has lobby and pool bars and a
beach bar and restaurant. Located on the
beach in a coconut plantation, the holistic Six
Senses Spa sets high standards and offers an
unrivalled range of treatment techniques
from East and West, including massage, face
and body care. In addition to the swimming
pool the beach offers water sports and
snorkelling. There are also tennis courts and a
diving centre.Select this tailor made option
THE SOFITEL METROPOLE HOTEL HANOI
THE SOFITEL METROPOLE HOTEL HANOI
The Metropole Hotel is the French equivalent
of Raffles, originally opened in 1901 and now
restored to its turn of the century elegance
and charm. It has a classical white façade,
green shutters and the original wrought iron
detail. The design of the hotel is such that
the garden area is totally enclosed in a
large courtyard with lush vegetation and a
relaxed atmosphere. The hotel has 210
rooms and suites, including several nonsmoking
floors. Excellent French cuisine can
be enjoyed at the Le Beaulieu restaurant
and refined Hanoi specialities at the Spices
Garden. There are 3 bars – the Bamboo Bar,
Le Club and the Met Bar - and 5 function
rooms, a business centre, swimming pool and
fitness centre.Select this tailor made option
VICTORIA CAN THO HOTEL & THE MEKONG DELTA
VICTORIA CAN THO HOTEL & THE MEKONG DELTA
The attractive colonial-style Victoria Can Tho
Hotel is set in lush gardens on the banks of the
Hau River, one of the Mekong Delta’s nine
estuaries. It has a total of 92 ensuite rooms,
including 84 spacious and beautifully decorated
single/twin rooms and 8 Victoria Suites with
spectacular views. Room facilities include airconditioning,
IDD telephone, satellite TV, minibar,
individual electronic safe, hairdryer and tea and
coffee-making facilities. The hotel has a restaurant
serving international and Vietnamese cuisine
and a bar. One of the highlights to a trip to the
Delta is a visit to the early morning floating
market. See the town come alive as produce is
brought in by an assortment of craft from
neighbouring communities and towns. By 7.00am
the floating market is bustling with local colour
and trade. Travel by sampan for a close look at
the traders selling their wares and journey up
one of the tributaries for a look at rural river life.Select this tailor made option
Majestic Hotel, Saigon
Majestic Hotel, Saigon
An original French colonial building, recently renovated, the Majestic is located in the heart of the city overlooking the Saigon River. There are several restaurants and bars to choose from, including a rooftop restaurant and bars with superb views. All rooms have electronic safes, IDD telephone, minibar, hairdryer and satellite TV. Other services include same day laundry, currency exchange, florist and gift shop.Select this tailor made option
R.V Mekong
R.V Mekong
Launched in 2003, the R.V. Mekong has 34 twin
cabins on 3 decks. All cabins have private facilities
including a shower room. Cabins on the main deck
have portholes, whereas the cabins on the middle
and upper decks have windows and an outside
seating area. There is a spacious dining room on
the middle deck that during the day is open to
the river breeze and at night can be closed and
air conditioned. The bar is on the upper deck.
There is a large sun deck area above, half covered
by an awning. The cuisine is a mixture of Asian
or European.Select this tailor made option
Suggested itineraries ― Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Vietnam
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Suggested Itinerary - Vietnam Discovery
Suggested Itinerary - Vietnam Discovery
VIETNAM DISCOVERY
Journey through the wonderfully scenic country of Vietnam with time to explore the elegant boulevards of French-colonial Hanoi, enjoy a picturesque overnight cruise on Halong Bay, a World Heritage site, and the peaceful coastal port of Hoi An. Continue to Saigon and journey by road and river through the lower reaches of the Mekong River to visit the colourful floating markets and catch a glimpse of the rural lifestyle along the river.
All flights as shown in economy class
First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room
Meals as per below day to day itinerary
Private car & driver on all road transfers shown
Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking Guides including entrance fees (group basis on Halong Bay cruise)
Airport taxes
Departures throughout the year daily except Friday and Sunday
Regional departures from Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin also available
Day 1
Morning departure by Vietnam Airlines/Air France via Paris from London Heathrow to Hanoi.
Day 2
Arrive Hanoi and transfer to the to the Sofitel Metropole Hotel for 2 nights.
Day 3
Morning city tour to include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kime lake, the old part of the city often referred to as “36 Streets” and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton”, Hanoi’s former central prison and now partly a museum. The afternoon is at leisure
Day 4
In the morning you will be transferred to Halong Bay to board the Emeraude for your overnight cruise in Halong Bay. Halong means “where the dragon descends into the sea” and legend has it that the 3,000 islands rising from the clear waters of Halong Bay were created by a great dragon who formed the visible rock outcrops with its flailing tail. The one night cruise provides views of stunning mountain scenery and floating villages as well as opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the bay such as Surprise Cave and Titop Island. The cruise departs Halong Bay around midday.
Day 5
There is the option of joining a sunrise Tai Chi class on the deck before breakfast. After breakfast disembark and return by road to Hanoi. After lunch at a local restaurant you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Danang. Transfer to nearby Hoi An for 2 nights at the Hoi An Riverside Hotel.
Day 6
Day at leisure to explore this picturesque port. Places of interest include the Old Merchant House, The Hoi An Museum, Chinese Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 7
Leave Hoi An for the scenic drive north to Hue via the Hai Van Pass. The journey time is approximately 6 hours with a stop en-route at the Marble Mountains and China Beach. Stay at the Morin Hotel for 2 nights. Later this afternoon you will visit the Imperial Citadel, located close to your hotel.
Day 8
A full day tour of Hue has been arranged for you. This will include a cruise on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most famous structures and the Tomb of Minh Mang. In the afternoon visit some of the Royal Tombs including the majestic and serene tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
Day 9
Morning flight from Hue to Saigon. On arrival you will be transferred to the riverside township of Cai Be (approximately 2½ hours drive). Journey by small motorised craft through the daily floating market and homes to the lower reaches of the Mekong River (Tien Giang). Cross the waters to a group of lush islands and explore the tributaries that lead to fruit plantations and isolated village communities. Visit a local fruit orchard and try honey wine and an array of tropical fruit (depending on season). Mid afternoon continue by boat to the town of Vinh Long. Rejoin the vehicle for the continued drive and ferry crossing to Can Tho (45 minutes). Overnight at the Victoria Hotel Can Tho.
Day 10
Early morning rise for the drive to the riverine township of Cai Rang. See the town come alive as produce is carted in by an assortment of craft from neighbouring communities and towns (the town is at a conflux of a series of rivers and tributaries that feed in from the Mekong). By 7.00am the floating market is bustling with local colour and trade. Board a small sampan for a close look at the traders selling their wares and journey up one of the tributaries for a look at rural river life. Return to Can Tho by boat through backwater tributaries for a stroll along the colourful esplanade and a visit to the interesting Mekong Delta Museum. After lunch (at your own expense), return to Saigon by road (approximately 4 hours) and transfer to the Majestic Hotel for 2 nights.
Day 11
Sightseeing this morning will cover the Presidential Palace, the History Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and a look at the interesting waterfront. Afternoon free – you may wish to take an optional excursion to the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels.
Day 12
Day at leisure before the early evening transfer to the airport for the Vietnam Airlines/Air France overnight flight via Paris to London Heathrow. (Please note on Sunday this is a day time flight).
Day 13
Arrive in the early morning at London Heathrow.Select this tailor made option