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Chasing the Past in Vietnam’s Cultural Heartland

15 days from £7,700 for 2025 per person

This itinerary is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Cultural Holidays.

Probably best known for her beaches and 20th Century history, Vietnam’s centuries of rich imperial history and many diverse inland hill tribes, who have largely managed to avoid the sprint towards modernity, are often overlooked. With the recent openings of a handful of hotels in the northern cultural heartland, it has now become possible to get off the beaten track without having to slum it.

Start your trip with a blast of the organised chaos that comprises Hanoi. A walk through the night market will give you a taste of Vietnamese cuisine with its countless street food stalls. Take in the city’s highlights on a whistle stop day tour, including the Confucian Temple of Literature and the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh.

From Hanoi, set off on a road-trip loop of the inland north; an area of outstanding natural beauty with the cultural artery of the Red River running through it’s centre. The scenery during the drives are as much a part of the experience as any of the specific destinations. First stop is the hamlet of Ky Son, where traditional rural architecture is beautifully displayed in a clutch of 200-year-old houses. Known as Vietnam’s ‘Home Counties’ it is considered the homeland of the nation’s culture and has been continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years. Next stop is Mai Chau, where hiking and biking is on offer to explore the lush surrounding area. Drive on to Ninh Binh, which is often described as Halong Bay on land owing to the towering limestone karst mountains, and visit the first royal Vietnamese capital at Hoa Lu before taking a leisurely boat journey through the UNESCO listed Trang An Grottoes.

Board the ‘Reunification Express’ train from Ninh Binh which whisks you down to the coastal city of Dong Hoi.  In nearby Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to the world’s largest cave system, explore the network of towering stalactites and stalagmites.  On the drive to Hue - the last and most elaborate imperial capital of Vietnam – stop at the old DMZ and the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an untouched underground network of tunnels built to escape bombardment during the American War. The tour ends with a drive up and over the Hai Van Pass and a descent down to Hoi An for a couple of days unwinding on the beach.

This tour is purely a suggested itinerary; it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made holiday to VietnamIf you'd like to see similar tours, take a look at our favourite Epic Journeys, as well as our Beach HolidaysActive Holidays and Spa & Wellness collections.


Itinerary details

15 days from £7,700 for 2025 per person

Ninh Binh Vietnam 2 Ninh Binh Vietnam 2
VIETNAM Local Man Cycling VIETNAM Local Man Cycling
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam 1  (1) Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam 1  (1)
Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam 3 Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Vietnam 3
Moon Garden House Ky Son Vietnam Moon Garden House Ky Son Vietnam
Moon Garden House Ky Son Vietnam 1 Moon Garden House Ky Son Vietnam 1
Emerelda Resort Ninh Binh Vietnam Emerelda Resort Ninh Binh Vietnam
Emerelda Resort Ninh Binh Vietnam 1 Emerelda Resort Ninh Binh Vietnam 1
Sun Spa Resort Dong Hoi Vietnam Sun Spa Resort Dong Hoi Vietnam
Sun Spa Resort Dong Hoi Vietnam 3 Sun Spa Resort Dong Hoi Vietnam 3
VIETNAM FAM Trip Ampersand Travel 62 1 VIETNAM FAM Trip Ampersand Travel 62 1
VIETNAM Locals VIETNAM Locals
My favourite thing is to go where I've never been.
Diane Arbus

Client Testimonials

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

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