Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days
Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days
Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days
8 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Hoi An
Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Floating villages and cyclo rides, Hue, Hoi An, Full Moon Festival, Tra Que farming experience, Hoi An
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Celebrate Vietnam's enchanting Full Moon Festival (aka the Mid-Autumn Festival) in the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An, on this special 8 day tour which also takes in the highlights of Hanoi, heavenly Halong Bay and imperial Hue. Festivities are at their best in Hoi An where we'll enjoy the wonderful spectacle of thousands of lanterns being released into the night sky or cast adrift down the river.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Wednesday 11th September 2024. Hello Hanoi! Arrival transfer from Hanoi airport to our hotel. This morning is free for you to relax or explore Vietnam's enchanting capital. At 2pm meet your guide and set of on foot to explore Hanoi’s captivating Old Quarter which is known as the ‘36 streets of the old Hanoi’. There is Silver Street, Silk Street, Comb Street, Paper Street and importantly Hang Ma street where we’ll learn about the history and traditions of Vietnam’s Full Moon Festival and perhaps sample some tasty traditional Mooncakes.
Day 2: Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi - Halong Bay. This morning we travel to heavenly Halong Bay - the jewel in Vietnam's crown. Here we board a comfortable junk boat to explore the emerald waters of the bay which is dotted with limestone peaks. Enjoy lunch with a view on board.
This afternoon we visit the spectacular Tien Ong Cave, which was opened to the public in 2010. Marvel at the stunning stalagmites and stalactites before we return to our junk boat for the evening. Watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Day 3: Floating Villages And Cyclo Rides
Location: Floating villages and cyclo rides
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage - the perfect way to start the day. Before heading back to port we'll explore by kayak the Floating Village of Cua Van, which is home to generations of fishing families. Here we’ll see the traditional and colourful floating wooden houses and the locals going about their daily lives.
On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we’ll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter on our very only cyclo (rickshaws), taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. We then swap our wheels for a leisurely walk through the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.
Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before we board the overnight train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Day 4: Hue
Location: Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we arrive into the imperial city of Hue and enjoy a guided tour of the 19th-century capital. Highlights of the tour include the city's oldest monastery, the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda with its 21-metre-tall tower and the walled fortress of the Imperial Purple Palace.
This afternoon we head out of the city to the incredible ornate Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, which lie in a valley surrounded by pine forest. Here we'll see the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. This evening there is the option to enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the Perfume River.
Day 5: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hue - Hoi An. We drive via the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) along the coast to Hoi An this morning. Stopping en route for a walk along My Khe beach, nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war, the beach featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘Apocalypse Now’.
This afternoon we arrive into the historic riverside town of Hoi An. Hoi An is best explored on foot and a short walking tour introduces us to this enchanting town with highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Day 6: Full Moon Festival
Location: Full Moon Festival
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the height of the Full Moon Festival and we will be celebrating with the locals. This morning we take rickshaws to a local home on the outskirts of Hoi An where we learn about the family’s long tradition of lantern-making and handcraft our own lanterns for tonight’s festivities. Heading back into town we explore the local market stalls and authentic lantern shops. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the town and its wonderful array of shops. Consider getting some clothes made at one of the many great tailor shops, take a row boat down the river or spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel swimming pool.
Tonight we make our way to the water's edge with hundreds of locals to release our lanterns and enjoy the spellbinding spectacle of hundreds of sparkling lights sailing down the river and lighting up the night sky.
Day 7: Tra Que Farming Experience
Location: Tra Que farming experience
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we take a scenic bike ride through the countryside to Tra Que village (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here we learn all about the age old farming techniques and assist with tending the fields. It's a hands on experience and after we've tested our farming skills we enjoy a fun and interactive cooking demonstration. Make sure you follow the chef's instructions carefully because you'll be eating the food that you prepare for lunch!
Day 8: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wednesday 18th September 2024. Today marks the end of your time in Vietnam. A departure transfer will be provided to take you to Danang airport in time for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
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5 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
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1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)
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Lantern making in the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An and releasing our lanterns onto the river
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Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An
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Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
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Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
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Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 8
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Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
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Entrance Fees: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or VND
Age Policy
18 or 15 accompanied by an adult
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 8
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What is the maximum group size?
24
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4 star
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.