Treasures of Vietnam - 9 days
9 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Halong Bay, Hanoi
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Vietnam, exploring its rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll uncover hidden gems and visit the poignant War Remnants Museum. Cruise the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta on a traditional sampan, savoring a local lunch on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. In Hoi An, enjoy the charm of cobbled streets and the iconic Japanese Bridge, and engage in a hands-on farming and cooking experience in Tra Que Village. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay aboard a deluxe junk boat, weaving through limestone islets and exploring enchanting caves. Conclude your adventure in Hanoi, delving into the city's vibrant history with visits to the Old Quarter, the Hanoi Hilton, and the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This small group tour offers guided sightseeing, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable experiences in Vietnam's most iconic destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Vietnam. You will be met at Ho Chi Minh City airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the day at leisure until our welcome meeting at 5pm.
Day 2: The Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong Delta
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we drive to Cai Be (approx 2.5 hours) to explore the beautiful Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is famous for its abundant harvests of tropical fruits, flowers and rice, as well as its picturesque canals. Taking a sampan from Cai Be we cruise through the maze of waterways watching the hubbub of daily life on the river. Passing colourful trading boats, house boats and children swimming we stop to visit some of the local cottage industries that produce popcorn, coco candies and paper along the way. Lunch is served in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island and later this afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ho Chi Minh City - Hoi An. We start the day with a visit to the sobering War Remnants Museum, before getting off the beaten track to explore lesser visited parts of Ho Chi Minh City and gain an insight into local life. Heading to District 3 we visit the oldest cafe in town and stop for a refreshment, before taking a walk through a large street-market, easing our way through a sea of conical hats and mobile street food sellers. We stroll through the heart of city's working-class district, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s, then head into the Ho Thi Ky quarter with its spectacular flower market and maze of quiet narrow streets. This area is also famous for its Khmer delicacies and we sample some of these traditional snacks.
After our tour of the city we transfer to the airport and board a flight to Da Nang. From Da Nang its a 30-minute drive to Hoi An, where we'll spend the next three nights.
Day 4: Tra Que Farming Experience
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We take a leisurely bike ride through the countryside to Tra Que village this morning (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here, we learn about age old farming practices and traditional medicine. It’s a fun, hands-on experience where you can don a conical hat, assist with tending the fields and cooking a tasty lunch!
After lunch we cycle back to town for a walking tour of enchanting Hoi An, with its cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses. We visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.
Day 5: Hoi An Free Day
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure in heavenly Hoi An, relaxing by the hotel pool or taking a stroll around the town. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans, including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors, can all be found here.
Day 6: Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: deluxe junk boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hoi An - Halong Bay. It's an early start this morning to catch the first flight from Danang to Hanoi and transfer to beautiful Halong Bay. We then embark on a deluxe overnight cruise around the limestone peaks and emerald waters of Halong Bay.
Onboard the boat we're served a delicious seafood-based lunch, while the surrounding limestone outcrops make for a truly magical setting. This afternoon, we visit picturesque Cat Ba Island and take a leisurely bike ride to Viet Hai village - a small village nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. Returning to the cruise you can participate in a cooking or fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck. Then sit back, relax and watch an incredible sunset over enchanting Halong Bay before dinner is served.
Day 7: Halong Bay & Hanoi
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: luxury hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Halong Bay - Hanoi. Early birds can start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, while tea and coffee are served as the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding seascape. We then continue our exploration of the bay and end with a light brunch while cruising back to the pier, where we disembark and transfer to Hanoi.
Arriving into Hanoi mid-afternoon we take a stroll around 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. Then we check in to our luxury hotel and spend rest of day at leisure in Vietnam's charming capital.
Day 8: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore the capital. First stop is the infamous Hanoi Hilton (or Hoa Lo Prison as it is locally known). Here we have some time to explore this fascinating building, which was home to former US Senator and military officer John McCain, who was shot down over Hanoi in 1967 and held here during his five and half years as a prisoner of war. Then we visit Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first university.
In the afternoon we head to Huu Tiep lake and see the wreckage of a B52 bomber which was shot down in 1972. Then we stroll through the tiny alleys of Ngoc Ha Village, passing an ancient communal temple and typical Hanoi tube houses to reach the famous Ho Chi Minh complex. Here we visit Ho Chi Minh's house and learn all about the great man himself, who is regarded as the father of the nation. After a photo stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum we head to Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Weather permitting, we can enjoy a spectacular sunset at West Lake before returning to the hotel.
Day 9: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour comes to an end today, with an included transfer to Hanoi airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
5 star -
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
Enjoy daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner during your tour.
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7 nights 5-star hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
Stay in 5-star hotels for seven nights and enjoy one night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin.
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Guided sightseeing - Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Halong Bay and Hanoi
Experience guided sightseeing tours in Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Hoi An, Halong Bay, and Hanoi.
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Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Participate in a bicycle ride to Tra Que village and enjoy a cooking demonstration.
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Sampan boat trip in the Mekong Delta
Take a sampan boat trip through the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
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Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide
Be accompanied by an English-speaking Vietnamese tour guide throughout your journey.
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Halong Bay Junk boat cruise
Enjoy a cruise on a junk boat in the stunning Halong Bay.
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Economy class flights: Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and Danang to Hoi An
Travel with economy class flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and from Danang to Hoi An.
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Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 8
Benefit from airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 8.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
All necessary transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees, ranging from USD$15-20, are not included and should be paid in USD or VND.
Age Policy
18 or 15 accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with economy class flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and Danang to Hoi An, along with all relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in luxurious 5-star hotels and 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey in Vietnam.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 5-star hotels and 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking Vietnamese tour guide.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles. Additionally, there are economy class flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang and Danang to Hoi An.
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Is airport transfer included in the tour package?
Yes, airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 8 are included.
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What activities are included in the Mekong Delta visit?
In the Mekong Delta, you will cruise the waterways on a sampan, visit local cottage industries, and have lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
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What can I expect during the Halong Bay cruise?
During the Halong Bay cruise, you will enjoy a seafood-based lunch, visit Cat Ba Island, participate in a cooking or fruit carving demonstration, and watch the sunset over the bay.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The age policy for this tour is 18 or 15 if accompanied by an adult.
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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
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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.