Christmas in Vietnam

Day 1: Fly To Saigon

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. This afternoon is at leisure before this evening's welcome dinner.

Includes: Dinner

Day 2: Saigon & Cu Chi

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 architecture 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.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mekong Delta

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.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Charms Of Hoi An

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.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Tra Que Village

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.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Imperial Hue

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. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take 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. Enjoy a Christmas drinks reception on deck this evening before a second night on board.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11: Return To Hanoi

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.

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 2025 - 27 Dec 2025
  from $7,480 $7,180 pp twin share / $9,280 / $8,980 pp solo
• 16 Dec 2026 - 27 Dec 2026
  from $7,780 $7,480 pp twin share / $9,660 / $9,360 pp solo
• 16 Dec 2027 - 27 Dec 2027
  from $7,980 $7,680 pp twin share / $9,960 / $9,660 pp solo

Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.

Muong Thanh Saigon Centre - Saigon
Nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant District 1, Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel blends modern comfort with warm Vietnamese hospitality. Located just minutes from landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House and bustling Ben Thanh Market. Elegant rooms offer city views and thoughtful touches such as plush robes and slippers, while facilities include an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and indulgent spa treatments.

Little Residence Boutique Hotel & Spa - Hoi An
Located in the heart of Hoi An, and situated a few moments away from the Japanese Covered Bridge, the 4-star Little Residence offers a charming stay. The decor is inspired by the beauty of the ancient town, effortlessly blending neoclassical architecture with sophisticated furnishings. Each room is well equipped with full modern amenities including a flat screen TV and air-conditioning, while hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art gym.

Romance Hotel - Hue, Vietnam
The conveniently located 4-star Romance Hotel offers a clean and comfortable stay featuring an open-air pool boasting views over the city, along with a bar and restaurant. Each room has an airy feel with simple and neutral decor and room amenities include free WiFi, air-conditioning and a satellite TV.

Le Jardin Haute Couture, Hanoi - Hanoi, Vietnam
Combining Vietnamese elegance with contemporary style, Le Jardin Haute Couture is a light, airy oasis in the heart of Hanoi. Guests can take advantage of the the spa, swim in the rooftop pool, or enjoy a drink in the hotel's excellent 12th-floor sky bar.

Bhaya Classic - Halong
Aboard a traditional-style junk, refurbished in 2015, a Bhaya Classic cruise offers a convivial atmosphere and classic oriental style. There is a sundeck for admiring the scenery and a spa and jacuzzi for relaxing whilst the restaurant serves freshly prepared Vietnamese and international cuisine. Onboard activities as you cruise include Tai Chi and cooking classes. Cabins are cosy and comfortable with big windows for beautiful views, a fridge and a bathroom with walk in shower.