Christmas in Vietnam
Christmas in Vietnam
$4197
Christmas in Vietnam
13 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Hội An, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2261
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Festive and New Year, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Christmas in Vietnam with a cultural journey that takes you from the bustling streets of Saigon to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay. Begin your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the vibrant cityscape. Cruise the palm-lined canals of the Mekong Delta, and wander the charming streets of UNESCO-listed Hoi An. Discover the imperial history of Hue and the serene beauty of Hanoi. Celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner on a traditional sailing ship in Halong Bay, and enjoy Christmas Day exploring the stunning Lan Ha Bay. This unforgettable tour combines history, culture, and festive cheer, offering a unique way to celebrate the holiday season.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2 Fly To Saigon
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. This afternoon is at leisure before this evening's welcome dinner.
Day 3 Saigon & Cu Chi
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning discovering the guerrilla warfare tactics of the Viet Cong at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Stop for lunch at an organic farm before returning to Saigon for an afternoon city tour. This fascinating city is a blend of colonial architecdture and modern innovation, wearing its history on its sleeve. Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum, along with the Reunification Palace, the French Colonial Central Post Office, and the 19th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral, decorated with festive lights.
Day 4 Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong Delta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head southwest to Ben Tre for a boat trip on the Mekong Delta. Paddle through the palm-lined canals, stopping to visit a bee farm for a cup of honey tea. After lunch, visit the beautiful gardens of the Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.
Day 5 Charms Of Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a short flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This UNESCO-listed town is a delight to explore, with traditional silk lanterns lining the streets and gondolas bobbing on the river. Visit an old merchant family's house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market before dinner. Afterwards, why not visit one of the town's legendary late-night tailors? The clothes-makers here are famous for their ability to deliver high-quality, custom-fit clothing in just 24 hours.
Day 6 Tra Que Village
Location: Hội An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a cooperative farming community that supplies many local restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Their secret: instead of traditional fertiliser or chemicals, they use an all-natural seaweed found in the village lagoon. Enjoy the lush green countryside, stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work and try your hand at their traditional techniques. This afternoon is at leisure.
Day 7 Imperial Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive across the famously scenic Hai Van Pass to reach Hue. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 8 Fly To Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's leafy, laid-back capital and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Day 9 Explore Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed at certain times of year) and the Stilt House set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 10 Christmas Eve In Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: sailing ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board a traditional sailing ship on Halong Bay and cruise out into its tranquil waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it's easy to see why it is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations. Enjoy excursions such as kayaking or exploring island caves this afternoon.
Tonight, relax and enjoy Christmas dinner - Vietnamese style! The festive meal is served on Christmas Eve in Vietnam thanks to French influences left over from the colonial period. Enjoy the celebrations with newfound friends and your National Ecort as the stars glimmer over the bay.
Day 11 Christmas Day In Lan Ha Bay
Location: Lan Ha Bay
Accommodation Name: sailing ship
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin a Christmas Day like no other – watching the sun rise over Halong Bay.
Sail into Lan Ha Bay – Halong's equally beautiful but lesser-known twin! Far fewer cruise ships are permitted to operate in Lan Ha Bay, thanks to its protected status as part of Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy the Halong experience without the crowds.
Today, choose from included activities such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake). Here, limestone tunnels connect three peaceful lakes within the bay – an extraordinary place where time seems to stand still. Alternatively, join a tour of Cua Van Fishing Village, a colourful floating village inhabited by multiple generations of fishermen and their families.
Enjoy a Christmas drinks reception on deck this evening before a second night on board.
Day 12 Return To Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early on Boxing Day for a beautiful sunrise over the bay. Begin the morning with a choice of activities – a revitalising Tai Chi session on deck at sunrise, or an early morning adventure to Sung Sot Cave! This vast grotto has two impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and is one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
Return to the ship and enjoy brunch on board as you sail back to the embarkation point. Drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is at leisure. This evening, experience the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
Day 13 Departure
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your onward flight. Any time before your flight is at leisure to enjoy the city.
What's Included
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Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first evening in Saigon.
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Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Discover the guerrilla warfare tactics of the Viet Cong at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.
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Mekong Delta Boat Trip
Experience a boat trip on the Mekong Delta, including a visit to a bee farm.
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Hoi An City Tour
Explore the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, including visits to a merchant's house, Quan Cong Temple, and the Japanese Bridge.
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Tra Que Village Visit
Visit Tra Que, a cooperative farming community, and try traditional farming techniques.
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Imperial Hue Tour
Visit the Imperial Citadel, Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang in Hue.
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Hanoi Sightseeing
Explore Hanoi, including the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature.
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Halong Bay Cruise
Board a traditional sailing ship for a cruise on Halong Bay, with activities like kayaking and cave exploration.
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Lan Ha Bay Activities
Enjoy activities in Lan Ha Bay, such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham or visiting Cua Van Fishing Village.
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Quintessence of Tonkin Show
Experience the Quintessence of Tonkin show, an open-air performance celebrating northern Vietnam's history.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Vietnam are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights to various destinations within Vietnam, including Saigon, Danang, and Hanoi, as well as a traditional sailing ship cruise on Halong Bay.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Experiences
Quintessence of Tonkin
Take your seats for 'The Quintessence of Tonkin', an outdoor spectacular that perfectly showcases the rich culture and daily life of Vietnam's northern river delta through talented performers, water puppetry, and lights.
Tra Que Traditional Village
Try your hand at ancient cultivation techniques with members of the local farming community in Tra Que village and enjoy a cooking demonstration of a regional speciality.
Christmas in Halong Bay
Spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day soaking up the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay. Cruise to lesser-known spots, watch the sun rise and set, and enjoy a drinks reception on board.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect during the visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels?
During the visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you will learn about the guerrilla warfare tactics used by the Viet Cong. This historical site offers a glimpse into the underground life during the Vietnam War.
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What activities are included in the Mekong Delta tour?
In the Mekong Delta tour, you will enjoy a boat trip through palm-lined canals, visit a bee farm for honey tea, and explore the beautiful gardens of the Vinh Trang Pagoda.
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What is special about the visit to Hoi An?
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed town known for its traditional silk lanterns, gondolas on the river, and historical sites like an old merchant family's house, Quan Cong Temple, the Japanese Bridge, and a bustling market. You can also visit the town's legendary tailors for custom-fit clothing.
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What unique farming techniques can be observed at Tra Que Village?
At Tra Que Village, you can observe the use of all-natural seaweed as fertilizer instead of traditional chemicals. You can also try your hand at traditional farming techniques in this cooperative farming community.
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What historical sites are visited in Hue?
In Hue, you will visit the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City, the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, and the Thien Mu Pagoda. You will also enjoy a cruise on the Perfume River.
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What can I do during the Halong Bay cruise on Christmas Eve?
On Christmas Eve in Halong Bay, you can enjoy excursions such as kayaking or exploring island caves. The evening includes a festive Vietnamese-style Christmas dinner on board.
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What activities are available on Christmas Day in Lan Ha Bay?
On Christmas Day in Lan Ha Bay, you can choose from activities like kayaking at Ho Ba Ham or touring the Cua Van Fishing Village. The day ends with a Christmas drinks reception on deck.
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What can I experience during the return to Hanoi on Boxing Day?
On Boxing Day, you can start with a Tai Chi session on deck or explore Sung Sot Cave. After brunch on board, you will return to Hanoi and have the opportunity to watch the Quintessence of Tonkin show.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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