Overview
10 Days
Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi
In-Depth Explorer
2.5 - 3.5 Star
Affordable
18-35 Years
30
Fully Guided
VIHI
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.
This morning we'll put on our discovery boots, hitting up the highlights of Ho Chi Minh on a city walking tour and then checking out the harrowing but important War Remnants Museum.
Later, we'll catch a flight to the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches and big night-time energy, that's Nha Trang. We'll roll into the hotel this evening, then it's straight out for a beachside dinner with the crew.
After that, the night's yours to turn up the fun on the dance floor (optional, of course. But strongly encouraged).
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 overnight train - where you'll wake up in our next destination and ready to explore it all.
Time to rise and shine. After travelling North overnight, we'll be waking up in Da Nang and driving on to Hoi An this morning. Join a guided bike tour with a local expert as you ride through the vibrant town, visiting the iconic Japanese Bridge, exploring a traditional ancient house and experiencing the sights and sounds of the central market.
Tonight you can opt into a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.
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.
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 airport… 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'll head straight to KOTO for a feel-good feast that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, then jump into culture mode at the Temple of Literature (Vietnam's first-ever university).
Next up: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a major landmark with big history behind it. Tonight's yours to do Hanoi your way, or level it up with an optional Hanoi After Dark Vespa ride for street-food stops and neon-lit city vibes.
Next up, we're heading to the epicentre of Vietnam's show-stopping natural beauty. Do you see them? Those lush landscapes are calling.
This afternoon, you can jump on an optional Bike & Boat adventure out in Van Long, cycling through local villages before cruising the rivers by sampan through “Ha Long Bay on land” scenery. Prefer to keep it chill? The rest of the day is yours to breathe in the fresh air, soak up the greenery, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the way.
Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We're climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave. (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 around 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.
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.
Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometime soon - Latin America perhaps?
Trip Inclusions
- Ho Chi Minh City: Tick off all of the landmarks on your bucket list – Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Presidential Palace.
- Ho Chi Minh City: A meaningful reminder of the atrocities of the Vietnam War and its impact on local people and wildlife.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Passports at the ready folks.
- Hoi An: This 15th century port and UNESCO site is best explored on two wheels with a local expert. Don't forget your Go-Pro!
- Da Nang: Next stop, Hanoi. But before we hit the streets, it's time to hit the sky one more time.
- Hanoi: Step inside KOTO Restaurant and enjoy a high-quality meal with a twist where you're helping young, at-risk Vietnamese trainees sharpen their hospitality skills. KOTO (AKA Know One, Teach One) is Vietnam's first social enterprise, offering a 24-month free training program for disadvantaged youth, with a special focus on empowering women. By eating here, you're supporting more than just a meal. KOTO equips trainees with hospitality, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, opening doors to long-term careers and breaking cycles of poverty. Each year, over 100 young people get a shot at realising their dreams—all while serving up delicious, expertly crafted dishes.
- Hanoi: Listen up culture-lovers. This shrine – dedicated to ancient philosopher Confucius – is known as ‘Vietnam's first university'.
- Hanoi: Take a look at the resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. This is where he, along with his party, declared the independence of Vietnam.
- Ninh Binh: Cool tropical breeze. Lush-green landscapes. And an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the shimmery silhouette.
- Halong Bay: Grab your new BFFs and hang out in this mini paradise. The powdery sand and turquoise waters will bless you with #islandvibes
- Halong Bay: The best way to drift off into dreamy sleep? Drifting along the Gulf of Tonkin in a traditional Chinese-style Junk Boat, of course!
- Halong Bay: Yet another work of art from Mother Nature. These huge underground caves are made for exploring. But can you spot the ‘mammoth'?
- 9 Breakfasts (B)
- 3 Lunches (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 7 nights in Hotels
- 1 night in Special Stay
- 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
Operator
For over 55 years we’ve been perfecting the secret formula to the perfect trip - we know you’re after unique experiences, local insight and accommodation that’s more than a place to sleep. We run over 350 trips across 6 continents, each one designed to get to the beating heart of a destination, understanding the local way of life, unearthing unforgettable experiences and creating lifelong memories. Real experiences, unique accommodation, local food, the best team and awesome people all deliver Contiki’s no regrets experience.
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