Christmas in Vietnam
Want to explore Vietnam's top sights at the most wonderful time of year? December is a perfect month to visit Vietnam, so why not enjoy a change of pace and celebrate Christmas there too? Begin your adventure in the historic city of Saigon before heading to the coast to see the charming towns of Hoi An and imperial Hue. From here, fly north to Vietnam's leafy capital, Hanoi. Come Christmas Eve, embark on an exciting two-night cruise into the waters of Halong Bay and its secret twin, the ethereally beautiful Lan Ha Bay, where you can swim, kayak and relax to your heart's content.
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.
Saigon (3N) - Hoi An (2N) - Hue (1N) - Hanoi (2N+1N) - Halong Bay (2N)
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 11 /Lunches: 10 /Dinners: 11
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4-star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
Day 1: Fly To Saigon
Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative and largest city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Discover Saigon
This morning, contemplate the struggles of guerrilla warfare at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. This exuberant city is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mekong Delta
Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes and make a stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Journey To Hoi An
Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This afternoon take a walking tour of this charming town – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit an old merchant's house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Tra Que Village
Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Later spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Imperial Hue
Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Fly To Hanoi
This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where the afternoon is at leisure.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Explore Hanoi
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Christmas Eve In Halong Bay
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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Christmas Day In Halong Bay And Lan Ha Bay
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. This evening, enjoy a drinks reception on deck, exclusively for Wendy Wu Tours travellers.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 11: Return To Hanoi
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, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, a famously artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12-13: Departure
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 16 Dec 2024 - 27 Dec 2024
from$6,980$6,730 pp twin share /$8,680/ $8,430 pp solo - 16 Dec 2025 - 27 Dec 2025
from$7,480$7,230 pp twin share /$9,280/ $9,030 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2022. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$80pp (AU$116pp) is paid locally in Vietnam.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.