- Vietnam Escorted Tours
- Vietnam and Philippines Discovery
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Vietnam and Philippines Discovery
19 Day Escorted Tour
Vietnam, South East Asia
40 Meals Included
14 Excursions
Intermediate Pace
Combining Vietnam and the Philippines guarantees a journey full of contrasts, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Vietnam draws you in with its rich history, bustling cities, and iconic landscapes, from the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay. The Philippines provides a vibrant counterpoint, with charming colonial towns, dramatic mountain trails, and lively markets that immerse you in the local culture. Together, these destinations create a tour that blends history, traditions, and natural splendour, providing a rich and immersive insight into two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating countries.
Highlights
- Explore the vast underground network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War
- Embark on city tours of Saigon and Hanoi, including a walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter
- Take an overnight cruise through the towering limestone karsts of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay
- Visit Cai Rang Floating Market and delight in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration
- See the hanging coffins and burial caves in the limestone valley of Sagada
- Discover Manila on a guided tour and wander the cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Vigan
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Saigon
Depart on your overnight flight to Saigon International Airport.
Day 2
Saigon
Dinner
On arrival at Saigon Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel to relax after your flight. Enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 3
Saigon
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, discover the extraordinary underground Cu Chi tunnel network, spanning an astonishing 75 miles. Accommodating hospitals, living quarters, and weapons factories during the Vietnam War, these restricted passageways were used as the main base of operations by the Viet Cong. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to the War Remnants Museum, a collection of harrowing exhibits which highlight the grim realities of wartime life in Vietnam. Head towards the distinctive Notre Dame Cathedral and adjacent iconic Saigon Post Office before experiencing the hustle and bustle of the vibrant Ben Thanh Market.
Day 4
Saigon to Can Tho
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel south to the picturesque province of Ben Tre. Take a boat trip along the Hoa River, pausing en route to experience the unique traditional crafts of local residents: visit a coconut sweet workshop, thriving bee garden, and candy mill, sampling local products along the way. Following a short walk towards a local farmer’s house, journey along village paths and through verdant vegetable plains on a traditional tuktuk before continuing onwards to Can Tho.
Day 5
Can Tho to Saigon
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your morning in Can Tho begins with a gentle trip through picturesque canals and waterways in a small boat, taking in the rural scenery and daily activities of the floating market vendors who live along the Mekong canals. Stop at the spectacular Cai Rang floating market, the largest in the entire Mekong Delta. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, visit a noodle-making workshop, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's daily life and culture.
Day 6
Saigon to Manila
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Manila, capital of the Philippines. Check in to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 7
Manila
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, your day begins with a fascinating city tour, learning about the colonial history of old Manila. Visit the Walled City of Intramuros, a reminder of Spain's conquistadores, before stopping at Fort Santiago, an old Spanish fortress and the setting of many significant moments in Philippine history. Stroll around gardens set amidst the fort’s historic ruins and bulwarks, admiring the skyline of old Escolta and watching freight boats sail along the Pasig River. Travel through cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country's oldest stone church: admire its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments, and other religious articles. Enjoy a short walk to Casa Manila, an exquisite reproduction of a 19th-century house equipped with oriental and European decor, as well as Philippine antique furniture. Ater a delicious lunch, wander through Ayala Avenue, the financial and commercial centre of Makati and the city's own version of 'Wall Street'. Stop at the famous Ayala Triangle, a junction that connects the city's three main streets. Browse the Ayala Museum, with its exquisite collection of pre-colonial gold treasures, ethnological and archaeological artifacts, dioramas of Philippine history, and exhibitions of classical and contemporary artworks. Take a short walk along the Greenbelt Area before returning to Ayala Avenue for dinner, and then on to your hotel.
Day 8
Manila to Banaue
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, drive past the scenic fertile landscapes of the Central Plains of Luzon. Visit the haunting San Guillermo Church in Bacolor, which still stands half-buried in lava from Mount Pinatubo's 1991 eruption. Continue your journey past verdant rice fields being tended to by farmers, water buffalos immersed in mud pools, herons foraging for food, and fields of green and gold stretching into the horizon. Encounter townsfolk selling their wares from the native bamboo and nipa palm huts that line the streets of Nueva Ecija. Cross the southern gateway of Cagayan Valley, zigzagging across the Caraballo Mountains, before beginning the 1300 metre climb to the mountainous town of Banaue. Stop halfway in Lagawe, the capital of Ifugao and home of the 'People from the High Mountains', known for their woodcarving traditions, to admire local artisanry. Arrive at your hotel in Banaue in time for dinner.
Day 9
Banaue
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Board a local jeepney - the most popular and iconic form of public transport in the Philippines - to explore the breathtaking scenery and fascinating traditions of Banaue. Near the local church, a 10-story house built on the mountain slopes showcases the Ifugaos' engineering skills and adaptability to their surroundings. Several twists and turns along the main road lead you to picturesque rice terraces, with ample stops for photographs. Admire the magnificent Banaue Rice Terraces from the Barangay Viewpoint: the terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site and international historic civil engineering landmark. Descend into the village for lunch and time to explore and meet locals. Visit the village of Batad, where amphitheatre-like terraces sit amidst a majestic mountain valley. Return to Banaue to browse the lively local market before dinner at your hotel.
Day 10
Banaue to Sagada
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Embark on a scenic drive inland on the mountain trails of Mt. Polis, snaking through a narrow highway bordered with moss-laden forest trees. Stop in Bay-yo to see the village’s picturesque mosaic of vegetable and rice terraces, built close to the crystalline waters of the Chico River, and small thatched-roof huts called ‘allang’. Visit the Bontoc Museum for an insight into the lifestyle of the Igorots, the native settlers of Bontoc and the fiercest head-hunters of all mountain tribes. Browse through pictures, old maps and artifacts of the region’s mountain tribes, including a replica of an ili-village: ili is the Igorot word for ‘home’, and these villages were traditionally the region’s economic, political, and religious centres. Continue onwards to the limestone valley of Sagada, best known for its people's unique burial practices, where the dead are placed in pine coffins and buried in caves or lodged between ridges of limestone cliffs. See the Lumiang Cave entrance, a sacred burial ground where ancient pinewood coffins can be observed. Stop at the Sagada Weaving House to learn about hand-loom weaving and admire the products made by local women.
Day 11
Sagada to Vigan
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, travel through high mountain passes, deep gorges, and canyons, to reach Cervantes, gateway to the Bessang Pass, site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. Witness the highland scenery transform into idyllic agricultural towns ringed by rice and corn fields and tobacco-curing barns, and see coastal settlements by the Luzon Sea, where grey-sand beaches are lined with coconut and mangrove trees. Before arriving in Vigan, enjoy a visit to the village of Santa Maria to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Church of the Assumption, a Baroque church sitting atop a hill that resembles a medieval fortress. Access to the church is via a wide stone stairway: view its heavily buttressed walls and admire the picturesque surrounding countryside. Travel to Vigan, a town famous for its cobbled streets, old colonial houses, and horse-drawn carriages called 'calesas'. Witness St. Paul's Cathedral, whose bell tower stands separately in Plaza Burgos. In the evening, visit the colonial city centre to watch an enchanting light and sound show.
Day 12
Vigan to Manila
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Travel north towards Paoay, stopping en-route at Saint William the Hermit Parish Church, also known as San Guillermo Hermitanio. Located between Vigan and Laoag is Magsingal: the Magsingal Church Complex was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2001, and includes the ruined walls and bell tower of the former Parish Church of San Guillermo de Aquitania, built in the 18th century under the Augustinians. The complex also includes a school, the present-day church, and the old convent. Proceed to San Augustin Church and Malacanang of the North, a former presidential residence overlooking Paoay Lake. Upon arrival in Laoag, explore the Museo Iloko, housed in the old Tabacalera where government-controlled tobacco was stored in colonial times, to view fascinating artifacts related to the province's history and culture. Pass by the Abolition of Tobacco Monopoly Monument at the town plaza and pause briefly at St. Williams Cathedral, one of the biggest cathedrals in the country, and its unusual Sinking Bell Tower. Proceed to Laoag Airport for your afternoon flight to Manila, where you will spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 13
Manila to Hanoi
Dinner
Take an early morning flight from Manila to Hanoi. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon to relax.
Day 14
Hanoi
Breakfast & Lunch
Your full-day tour of Hanoi begins with the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Visit the mustard-yellow Presidential Palace and famous One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple. After a short drive from the city centre, take part in a local Vietnamese cooking demonstration and enjoy the delicious results for lunch. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Vietnam History Museum and a photo opportunity at the Hanoi Opera House, a remarkable colonial landmark, before a walking tour of the bustling Old Quarter to experience the daily life of locals. In the evening, watch a charming Water Puppet Show, a thousand-year-old Vietnamese tradition.
Day 15
Hanoi to Halong Bay
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
An unforgettable journey awaits as you travel to the awe-inspiring Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore these tranquil islands on a luxury cruise boat, passing local towns and intricate limestone karsts. Sail to the narrow-arched Luon Cave and for a small charge take a kayak or bamboo boat to get closer to this impressive formation - depending on the tide! Enjoy some time to swim or unwind at Ti Top (Titov) Beach. Back on board, a pre-dinner cocktail party and a cooking demonstration awaits, before savouring a delicious set dinner. Evening activities such as night time squid fishing are available.
Please note: cruise itinerary may change depending on the boat used. Depending on the weather and which beaches can be accessed, there is an opportunity to climb up the side of Titov Mountain for impressive views over Ha Long Bay. There are roughly 450 steps to reach the top: this is optional and not a guaranteed activity, but if you do wish to do it, please pack suitable shoes. Please note there is a charge to hire kayaks.
Day 16
Halong Bay to Hanoi
Brunch & Dinner
Awake to the sunrise glistening over Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, and begin your day with some calming Tai Chi. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. Sail towards Tuan Chau Marina, where you will disembark and head back to Hanoi for a farewell dinner.
Please note: cruise itinerary may change depending on the boat used.
Day 17
Hanoi
Breakfast
Enjoy a day to explore Hanoi’s iconic sights and charming atmosphere at your own pace.
Day 18
Hanoi to UK
Breakfast
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or onwards to your chosen extension.
Day 19
Arrive in the UK
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
40 Meals
14 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Your tour of Vietnam is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 0800 408 0506
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Royal Hotel Saigon
2 nights
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Muong Thanh Luxury Can Tho Hotel
1 nights
Can Tho, Vietnam
Extend Your Tour
Important Information
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £390.14pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Vietnam Entry Requirements
A visa is not required for stays up to 45 days for British Passport holders travelling to Vietnam. All customers are required to fill out a digital arrival card when arriving at Saigon airport. The card must be filled out before arrival on the Vietnamese Government’s website https://prearrival.immigration.gov.vn/. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Philippines Entry Requirements
A valid passport is required for all visitors. Generally, visitors may stay without a visa for up to 30 days, provided they have an onward or return journey ticket. There are however certain nationalities who are required to apply for a visa when travelling to the Philippines.
You must also register with the ‘e-travel’ system, https://etravel.gov.ph/, 72 hours or less prior to your arrival.
It is advisable to check with the Philippine Embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from infected areas. This does not apply to children under one year of age, although isolation may be required.
Malaria is present in some provincial regions but does not affect Manila. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne diseases occur throughout the country, particularly during the rainy season from June to November. Travellers should take precautions against insect bites, including using repellent and wearing long, light-coloured clothing.
Medical care is adequate in major cities but limited in provincial areas and remote islands. Private hospitals in Metro Manila are well equipped and internationally accredited. Upfront payment or proof of payment is usually required, and treatment can be expensive. Comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation, is recommended. While medications are widely available in major cities, travellers should bring any regularly used medicines with them.
This information is provided as general guidance only, and it is your responsibility to check applicable health and vaccination requirements and seek medical advice before travel. Health risks and hygiene standards vary by country, and travellers should seek personalised medical advice well in advance of travel.
Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace is rated as Intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, getting on and off coaches, boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, known as VND. You can exchange your currency in Vietnam, however, US Dollars are widely accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency. Money can be exchanged at the airport or branches of government banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants.
The currency in the Philippines is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Banknotes are available in denominations of ₱20, ₱50, ₱100, ₱200, ₱500, and ₱1,000, with coins used for smaller amounts. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, but access may be limited in rural locations.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, large hotels, and some shopping centres. You may be asked to show your passport when exchanging money. Major credit cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. In remote areas, cash is often preferred.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £300-£400 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
Tipping is not compulsory in Vietnam and is at your discretion. However, should you wish to tip we recommend you tip your guide approx. USD $4 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $2 per person per day. Please note tips on the cruise ships are not included either and would recommend USD $2 per person per day. Additionally, if you want to tip your bell boy, porter, boat crew etc this is at your discretion.
Tipping is not compulsory in Philippines and is at your discretion to tip both your driver and guide. We would recommend to tip approximately $2 USD per person per day. Tips are accepted in the local currency.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10 and the maximum will be 25. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Boats
During this tour you will be boarding various vessels. Cabins come with en suite facilities and air conditioning. However room size can be restrictive, If you would like to take a smaller overnight bag on to the ships this can be arranged by leaving your larger luggage on your tour bus overnight at your own risk.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK, Vietnam and the Philippines. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian meal options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. A bottle of water will be supplied daily on this tour
If you are travelling within the below Vietnamese Public Holidays, please note that celebrations can last several days and during these times some businesses will be closed. Coach, air, and train travel may also be affected. Tourist attractions will generally remain open but may be crowded. In Vietnam, key holidays include Tet Holiday (between January and February), International Labour Day (1st May), Reunification Day (30th April), and National Independence Day (2nd September). During these times, the atmosphere can be lively with various cultural celebrations taking place across both countries.
Semana Santa is the most important event in the Philippine calendar as many Filipino people celebrate the Catholic religion. It is a time for people to be with their loved ones and celebrate. During this week many shops and business close for the celebrations and tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded.
During visits to churches and/or temples, both men and women must wear long trousers or skirts that cover the knees, and tops with sleeves to ensure shoulders are covered.
On your arrival in Vietnam, you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Lac Viet (LV) Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury holidays”. The Mercury holidays/Vietnam Travel Service representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
On your arrival in Manila you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Blue Horizons Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Blue Horizons Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries.
Vietnam:
Please find below the emergency contact details for LV Travel head office, Hanoi.
Contact Telephone number:
Anna Hanh Office: 0084 865 016 939,
Mr Len Office: 0084 989 200 116,
Emergency cases: 0084 888713289
24 hour e-mail: operation@lvtravel.vn or len@lvtravel.vn
Phillipines:
Your national guide will be on hand 24 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:
Blue Horizons Travel
Contact number: +639178840563
- Insect repellent and sun cream
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket
- Sunglasses and hat
- Binoculars
- Camera and charger
- Loo paper for public WCs
- Long sleeve shirt and long trousers
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
- Personal toiletries
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
- Travel plug adapter – Vietnam operates on 220–240 V and uses two-round-pin or two-flat-pin plugs. The Philippines operates at up to 220 V and requires a flat-prong plug adapter.
