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Christmas in Vietnam
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: VNX_AU
Overview
Destination:
Vietnam,
Duration:13 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
December 2026 - December 2027
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.
Tour highlights:
- Halong Bay, Enjoy two nights drifting on the emerald waters amongst the picturesque peaks of Vietnam's most famous bay.
- Saigon, Experience the edgy and evocative blend of past and present in Vietnam's largest city
- Hue, Delve into Vietnam's dynastic past in this imperial city
- Hanoi, Soak up the charms of Vietnam's fast-paced yet graceful capital
Tour 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.
Places visited:
- Saigon (3N)
- Hoi An (2N)
- Hue (1N)
- Hanoi (2N+1N)
- Halong Bay (2N)
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately US$80pp (AU$123pp) 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.
- Price subject to change.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4-star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 12-13: Departure
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Day 12-13: Departure
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
Important Information
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