Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. This is one of Asia's most exhilarating cities, steeped in grand history and post-Vietnam war memories. You'll meet your travel comrades and have a free evening to explore. Oh yes, this is the right way to get your Vietnam trip started. Stay: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Today we leave Ho Chi Minh City, exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. Our journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river's fringes can vary. We'll see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off our day as we settle in for a night at a local homestay. (B/L/D) Stay: Bay Thoi Homestay (or similar)
After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City, detouring past Viet Cong's Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past. Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think). (B) Stay: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
With some traditional R'n'R on our afternoon agenda, the morning can be used to put on our discovering boots. We'll dabble in history and religion before taking flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea. Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters and a bustling night life - this is Nha Trang.
This afternoon why not book in for a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience before heading out to dinner with your crew. Ah, the good life. (B)
Good news - we have a whole full day to soak up Nha Trang before heading to Hoi An. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach before returning to our hotel to freshen up for our overnight train experience.
Tonight, we'll head north via our comfy overnight train - where you'll wake up in our next destination and ready to explore it all. (B) Stay: Overnight Train
Time to rise and shine. After travelling North overnight, you'll be waking up in stunning Hoi An. With Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, Hoi An has no shortage of charm and architectural interest. Bike riding through the vibrant town, visiting an ancient house & ordering custom-made clothes at an artful tailor are just some of the activities that will colour our day.
Tonight you can opt into a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes. (B) Stay: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (or similar)
Morning travellers! The day is all yours. Poke around in galleries & market stalls (the best shopping spots in Vietnam in our opinion) and devour all of the delectable treats on offer. And for a dose of culture, you could ride on one of Vietnam's very own Bamboo Basket Boats (Yes, the ones that you've probably seen on Instagram). And to top it all off, we'll grab some fresh coconut water straight from the tree to your tummy. (B)
Leaving Hoi An will be sad. But we're heading to Hanoi, so there's hardly an excuse to not be excited. We'll grab a quick breakfast and head to Da Nang… Fasten your seatbelts, folks. We'll catch our internal flight to Hanoi from this quaint coastal town.
Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens! We bet you're starving from all that travel. That's why we'll head straight to the KOTO restaurant - a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. And with our tummies happy and full, we'll visit the Temple of Literature (AKA Vietnam's first-ever university.) But the sight-seeing doesn't end there. It's time to make our way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to a Vietnamese revolutionary leader.
In the evening, you're free to explore the capital however you like. (B/L) Stay: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Next up, we're heading to the epicentre of Vietnam's show-stopping natural beauty. Do you see them? Those lovely landscapes are all yours to admire and explore today. Get inside Vietnam's legendary army jeep and let's get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and greenery. And if you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times. (B) Stay: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We're climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave to witness an incredible sunrise over the valley. (You certainly don't wanna forget your camera for this one). A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of 'oh wow's', but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We'll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island.
A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences. (B/L/D) Stay: Junk Boat (Special Stay)
Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat - the views don't get much better than this. After heading back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow - this evening is all about making the most of your free time and staying positive so why not join us for one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away. (B/L) Stay: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometimes soon - Latin America perhaps? (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Catch Your Own Dinner - Grab your buddies and take a shot at catching an elephant ear fish for dinner. FYI: it tastes better than it looks.
- See artisans at work - Watch and learn as local craftspeople make rice wine, tea, sweets and more local delicacies.
- Crawl through Củ Chi Tunnels - Brave this subterranean world. The hand-dug tunnels were built by the Viet Cong to hide out during the war.
- Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing Highlights - Tick off all of the landmarks on your bucket list – Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Presidential Palace.
- Pay Respects at the War Remnants Museum - A meaningful reminder of the atrocities of the Vietnam War and its impact on local people and wildlife.
- Fly to Nha Trang - Passports at the ready folks.
- Guided Cycling: Hoi An Ancient Town - This 15th century port and UNESCO site is best explored on two wheels with a local expert. Don't forget your Go-Pro!
- Included Flight Da Nang to Hanoi - Next stop, Hanoi. But before we hit the streets, it's time to hit the sky one more time.
- Get a Unique Dining Experience at KOTO Restaurant MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Gorge on a delicious, high-quality meal crafted by trainees looking to fine-tune their hospitality skills. The KOTO Community provides guidance, training and career prospects to the underprivileged young people of Vietnam.
- Learn at the Temple of Literature - Listen up culture-lovers. This shrine – dedicated to ancient philosopher Confucius – is known as ‘Vietnam's first university'.
- Catch a Serene Sunrise at the Mua Cave - Cool tropical breeze. Lush-green landscapes. And an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the shimmery silhouette.
- Chill at Ti Top Island - Grab your new BFFs and hang out in this mini paradise. The powdery sand and turquoise waters will bless you with #islandvibes
- Stay on a Junk Boat - The best way to drift off into dreamy sleep? Drifting along the Gulf of Tonkin in a traditional Chinese-style Junk Boat, of course!
- Stroll around the Sung Sot Caves - Yet another work of art from Mother Nature. These huge underground caves are made for exploring. But can you spot the ‘mammoth'?
- 11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners
- 8 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stays, 1 night in Overnight Train
- Expert Trip Manager, Local Guides
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Contiki Worldwide (2025)
Dates & Pricing
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