Overview
Sail through limestone karsts aboard a traditional junk boat and walk the streets of imperial capitals. From vibrant Hanoi, the natural beauty of Halong Bay, the atmospheric imperial capital of Huế, and the charms of Hoi An to the modern day life of Saigon, experience the energy of Vietnam in 10 jam-packed days. An experienced Chief Experience Officer will lead you to must-see highlights with time in between to do your own thing.
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Our Price From
A$1,237 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $492 per person
Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Hanoi
Trip Ends
Ho Chi Minh City
Departures
4 Trip Reviews
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
12-99 Years
Max. Group Size
15
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
AVCH
Countries Visited:
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.
Please note, if you would like to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum it is only open from 7:30 - 10:30 AM and closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Accommodation:
Chalcedony Hotel
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Experiences
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum Visit: Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum built in the square where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Get in line to tour the grounds; queues of visitors come to pay their respects daily.
- Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit: Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located on the eastern shore of Tay Ho. Learn about Tran Quoc's history from the 17th-century stela found on site. View it later in the day, if you can – the tall structure is striking against the setting sun.
- Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance: Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show with beautiful live music and intricate puppets dancing in a water stage.
Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise on a junk boat with visits to a cave and an island lookout. Savour a seafood lunch and dinner. Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves. In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.
Accommodation:
Ha Long Bay Overnight Boat
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Shared Van: Climb aboard and make friends with your seatmate en route to the next stop.
- Junk Boat: Skim across the water aboard this iconic traditional Asian sailboat.
- Halong Bay Overnight Cruise: Board a traditional junk boat at Ha Long Bay harbour and cruise out onto serene waters. Marvel at massive limestone karst mountains jutting out of the water, creating unforgettable spectacular scenery. Swim, kayak or go cave exploring on one of the islands, if conditions are right. Indulge in fresh seafood meals with a variety of dishes to sample. Drift to sleep in a cozy cabin on board. On rare occasion Halong Bay is closed to tourist vessels by the government authorities due to extreme weather conditions. Should this occur, an alternate activity will be provided.
Optional Experiences
- Kayaking: Transfer from boat to kayak in this guided water tour, giving you the chance to get even closer to the stunning natural surroundings.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board before sailing back to the port and return to Hanoi. Enjoy some time in the city before an overnight train to Hue.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend a few hours exploring this beautiful capital city. Visit some shops, have a bia hoi on a street corner or grab a coffee in a lakeside café.
- Overnight Train (beds): Drive about 15 mins to the station and then board the southbound train for the overnight journey.
Optional Experiences
- Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour: Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee.
Pull into Hue early in the morning and dive right into the city, starting with a guided tour of the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tomb and Tien Mu Pagoda. The rest of the day, you are free to explore the city how you'd like.
Accommodation:
Asia Hotel
Included Experiences
- Thien Mu Pagoda Visit: Visit Tien Mu, one of the tallest and, perhaps, most elegant pagodas in Vietnam, at seven storeys high. Take a step back in time touring this historic temple - built more than 400 years ago along the north shore of the Perfume River, it has been the site of many political protests.
- Imperial Citadel Tour: Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.
- Royal Tombs Visit: Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River in Hue. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers.
Optional Experiences
- Hue Motorbike Tour: Grab a helmet, hop on a motorbike driven by your experienced local guide, and get ready for a crash course in authentic Viet culture. Spend the next four hours exploring the stalls of a local market, admiring the view of the Perfume River, learning to plough and make rice, creating your own incense sticks, and seeing the most iconic local sights. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Drive the Hai Van pass. Take advantage of Hoi An's many options over the 2.5 days in town. Opt for a cooking class, riverboat trip, bike ride, beach time, tailor visit or My Son ruins. Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon. With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.
Accommodation:
Uptown Hoi An Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Use free time in this quaint town to explore any way you like.
Explore all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.
Accommodation:
Uptown Hoi An Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Oodles of Noodles: Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in the city in this tasty cooking class. Run by our G for Good partners, STREETS International, this class was developed exclusively for G Adventures. Former street youth that are part of this hospitality training program, will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. This program helps these youth practice their English, increasing their skill-set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry. Enjoy your yummy creations while learning more about the local cuisine and this initiative which empowers street youth through skills and employment training.
- Free Time: Explore this charming city.
Optional Experiences
- Bike Rental: Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.
- Tailor Shops: Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe.
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip: The Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city.
- Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour: Stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An’s old town to see Chinese assembly halls, ancestral homes, The Japanese Covered Bridge, and well-preserved pagodas on this self-guided tour. Opt to try local delicacies and fusion food at one of the restaurants for which Hoi An is becoming famous.
- Mỹ Sơn Excursion: Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Please note this optional activity is a half-day and includes a guide, transportation, and the entrance fee.
Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.
Accommodation:
Uptown Hoi An Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy free time in this charming town.
Optional Experiences
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip: The Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city.
- Mỹ Sơn Excursion: Travel approximately one hour from Hoi An to arrive at My Son. Tour these Hindu temples built between the fourth and 14th centuries; the site is widely accepted as one of the most important Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Learn about the architectural style and history of a site that’s often compared to Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Burma. Please note this optional activity is a half-day and includes a guide, transportation, and the entrance fee.
- Hoi An Cooking Class: Take a cooking class to learn more about Vietnamese food and its distinct flavours. Tour the local market to buy fresh ingredients before preparing some popular regional dishes. Enjoy your creations when you're done!
Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City with free time to explore this hectic and amazing city. Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.
Accommodation:
Amory Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn more about the Vietnam War. Use free time in the afternoon to explore sprawling Ho Chi Minh City. With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.
Accommodation:
Amory Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic). These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces.
- Free Time: Get out and explore this frenetic city.
Optional Experiences
- Cholon Visit: Take in the busy rhythm of daily life in Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. Tour the area full of teahouses, pagodas, and people, and learn a little more about the unique culture within the city.
- Thien Hau Pagoda Visit: Visit the Thien Hau Pagoda, a beautiful temple in the Chinatown district of Ho Chi Minh City. Learn more about the customs associated with this 19th-century monument – it is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau (the 'Lady of the Sea') who is worshipped in Chinese communities throughout Asia by those who depend on the sea for their livelihoods.
- Ben Thanh Market: Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859.
- Dam Sen Water Park Visit: Get away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City at this nearby water park. A lush setting and refreshing water make Dam Sen the perfect place for the whole family to cool off and have some fun—splash around or take a ride down one of the slides.
- Giac Vien Pagoda Visit: Find this hidden pagoda behind some small alleyways – it’s a rare treat of a monument that has been spared the over-restoration that has been done to so many temples. Tour the inside of this 18th-century pagoda to see nearly 100 carvings of divine beings.
- Reunification Palace Visit: Wander the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975.
- War Remnants Museum Visit: Visit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Trip Inclusions
- Experience bustling Hanoi.
- Sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay.
- Shop in romantic Hoi An.
- Squeeze through the Cu Chi tunnels.
- Sip Vietnamese iced coffee.
- People-watch in hectic Ho Chi Minh City.
- Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi An
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Hoi An
- Free time in Hanoi
- Halong Bay caves entrance
- Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
- Thien Mu Pagoda Visit
- Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs
- Free time in Hoi An
- Oodles of Noodles experience
- Cu Chi Tunnels guided tour
- Free time in Ho Chi Minh City
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Train, air-conditioned bus, boat, plane
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels (7 Nights), Sleeper Train (1 Night), Junk Boat (1 Night)
- 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, more giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Trip Reviews (4)
Extremely well organised, from booking process, ongoing communications through to the tour itself. Tour guide was first class, small group, good range of included and optional activities allowing for some flexibility. All travel and accommodation of good standard. We weren't sure what to expect as this was our first group tour. We were pleasantly surprised read more and will definitely be travelling this way again. Really felt like we got to experience Vietnam for our first trip to that country.
A Taste of Vietnam 0
Barry and Glenis, Auckland, New Zealand, Dec 2024
This was a well organised trip through Vietnam from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh city in the south. Our guide was very enthusiastic, the tour inclusions very interesting and great additional options - for example, our culinary tour in Hanoi introduced us to the different tastes of Vietnam. We had a motorcycle tour in Hue that took us out of our read more comfort zone but was well worth doing. We have travelled previously with G Adventures and would do so again. We especially like that the company supports disadvantaged or handicapped individuals in the country we visit.
Awesome time spent in Vietnam on Classic Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City tour 28 Aug to 6 Sep 2024 0
Martha and Katrina, Christchurch, New Zealand, Aug 2024
This G Adventure trip booked through Global Journeys was great. Well put together, great hotels, fabulous food, awesome guided tours, with plenty of great optional activities with ample spare time to do whatever we wanted to do. The cost of the tour was very good too as were the optional activities. Communication was key throughout from start of booking read more to end of tour, we were always kept in the loop.
Highlights of the tour were Halong Bay, kayaking, Train Street, Hoi An sights and shopping, motorbike tour to interesting places, noodle making, Cu Chi Tunnels and so many more and all the guides along the way were fantastic, knowledgeable and funny too which made the trip memorable. We had an awesome CEO, Nak, who made us feel very welcome and treated us like family which was very special. He was so much fun, lots of jokes and laughter and fun photos/videos to capture our memories. We loved his enthusiasm and passion for Vietnam which was evident in every story and explanation he gave, and he showed his love of the company, G Adventures. I would definitely book a G Adventures trip again when travelling in the future. Thank you Nak, G Adventures and the Global Journeys team!
Highlights of the tour were Halong Bay, kayaking, Train Street, Hoi An sights and shopping, motorbike tour to interesting places, noodle making, Cu Chi Tunnels and so many more and all the guides along the way were fantastic, knowledgeable and funny too which made the trip memorable. We had an awesome CEO, Nak, who made us feel very welcome and treated us like family which was very special. He was so much fun, lots of jokes and laughter and fun photos/videos to capture our memories. We loved his enthusiasm and passion for Vietnam which was evident in every story and explanation he gave, and he showed his love of the company, G Adventures. I would definitely book a G Adventures trip again when travelling in the future. Thank you Nak, G Adventures and the Global Journeys team!
Excellent trip to a fantastic destination. 0
Melieta , WA, Australia, Jun 2024
Excellent trip organised by Global Journeys. Georgie our travel consultant was very prompt and friendly in all correspondence! Excellent value for money. G adventures tour operator are very organised and efficient. Accommodation was 4 star, travel group was small and felt like family. Overall tour was a good mix of travel by boat, train, flight and read more luxury bus. Enjoyed every moment of the trip. Our CEO Dominic Cao was very friendly and knowledgeable during the entire trip! Highly recommend Global Journeys and G adventures to all out there.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Saturday
15 Aug 2026
15 Aug 26
Hanoi
Monday
24 Aug 2026
24 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,959
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
16 Aug 2026
16 Aug 26
Hanoi
Tuesday
25 Aug 2026
25 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,599
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
17 Aug 2026
17 Aug 26
Hanoi
Wednesday
26 Aug 2026
26 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
19 Aug 2026
19 Aug 26
Hanoi
Friday
28 Aug 2026
28 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
20 Aug 2026
20 Aug 26
Hanoi
Saturday
29 Aug 2026
29 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
21 Aug 2026
21 Aug 26
Hanoi
Sunday
30 Aug 2026
30 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
22 Aug 2026
22 Aug 26
Hanoi
Monday
31 Aug 2026
31 Aug 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
23 Aug 2026
23 Aug 26
Hanoi
Tuesday
01 Sep 2026
01 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
24 Aug 2026
24 Aug 26
Hanoi
Wednesday
02 Sep 2026
02 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Wednesday
26 Aug 2026
26 Aug 26
Hanoi
Friday
04 Sep 2026
04 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Thursday
27 Aug 2026
27 Aug 26
Hanoi
Saturday
05 Sep 2026
05 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,729
A$1,694
Save $35
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
29 Aug 2026
29 Aug 26
Hanoi
Monday
07 Sep 2026
07 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,729
A$1,237
Save $492
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday
30 Aug 2026
30 Aug 26
Hanoi
Tuesday
08 Sep 2026
08 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$1,729
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Monday
31 Aug 2026
31 Aug 26
Hanoi
Wednesday
09 Sep 2026
09 Sep 26
Ho Chi Minh City
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $1,729
A$1,271
Save $458
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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