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)
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. To get preppin' for our adventure tomorrow, you have the chance to join us for dinner before heading onto Ta Hien to dance the night away. (B/L) Stay: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Wakey wakey! You've got some free time in Hanoi before we hop onto our overnight bus. Look at you, travelling like a local! Tuck into your beds for the night, tomorrow's lined up with even more epic adventures. Stay: Overnight Bus
Morning! The sun's yet to rise, so you've some time to catch some more sleep at our local homestay, and grab breakfast too. This morning, we'll hit the road en route to Dong Van. We've got plenty of picturesque viewpoints on the way, so keep your cameras at the ready! Prepare to be amazed. This world-famous route is packed with incredible views. On our drive, you'll see the Heaven Gate, Twin Mountain, Tham Ma slope and even visit an ancient palace - all while being surrounded by lush green valleys all the way through.
It's been a looong day! What better way to end it than by devouring delicious local food with your crew. Then, it's off to your cosy, cosy beds for the night. (B/L/D) Stay: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you'll join a local guide for an exhilarating trek to the Ma Pi Leng peak. It's trek time! Today, we'll hike along the Sky Path, enjoying views of the cascading limestone cliffs, Hmong villages and cornfields along the way. And after a delicious lunch, we'll take a boat cruise to our campsite. But not before checking out the magnificent Tu San Abyss Alley, ofc.
Riverside camping anyone? We'll check into our overnight tents (that open up to breathtaking views of the Nho Que river). Enjoy dinner and music with your crew before resting your trek-tired limbs for the day. (B/L/D) Stay: Nho Que River Camping (or similar)
It's not every day that you get to kayak along a beautiful turquoise river. But today's the day. You'll paddle across the river (with sprawling terrace fields on the banks) before enjoying a lunch by the river with your crew. Then, we'll make our way through Dong Van Geopark where you'll visit a local H'mong man who'll charm you with the sweet tunes of a traditional Qeej flute. Wanna catch 360° panorama views of Dong Van Town? You can choose to join us for a challenging but short trek up to a French fortress.
Tonight, we'll head out to explore this quaint town even further. (B/L) Stay: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
It's the final day. But we ain't done just yet. This morning, we'll head back to Ha Giang (with even better views this time!). Today, we'll stop by for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience and meet the wonderful women who create intricate traditional linen fabrics that help support their community. And with that, it's time for the final leg of the journey. So, get comfy in your reclining seats as we head back to where it all began. After 5 incredible days, it's time to say goodbye. Don't forget to exchange socials with your crew! We just have a hunch that you'll be planning your next trip soon… (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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'?
- See the Heaven Gate - Check out the incredible views from Heaven Gate - a popular stop off on the Ha Giang loop.
- Check out the Tham Ma Slope - Stop by to get a view of the winding roads that resemble a massive snake making its way down the slope!
- Visit the H'mong King Palace - Walk like a royal around this ancient palace that's made with green pebbles, pine woods, terra-cotta tiles and even sugarcane! (Seriously.)
- Take a Incredible Trek through the Sky Path - Lace up your boots! You'll take a challenging but short trek towards the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing by H'mong villages on the way.
- Grab a Scenic Lunch - Feast on a delicious lunch with incredible views of the Nho Que river. It's a photo ops hotspot!
- Cruise through the Tu San Abyss Alley - Go with the flow on a local boat cruise as you check out one of South Asia's largest canyons.
- Kayak along the Nho Que River - Paddle through the turquoise waters of this beautiful river with views of scenic rice fields and mountains along the way.
- Tune into the Sweet Melodies of Traditional Vietnamese Flute MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Ever heard of a Qeej? It's a sacred instrument that was used to call the spirits (or at least that's what the legends say!). Today's your chance to witness a local man playing it.
- Hike up to the Dong Van French Fortress - Ready? We'll trek all the way up to ruins of the Dong Can fortress - a beautiful stone structure built during the French colonisation. It's the perfect spot for epic 360° views of Dong Van town.
- Help Support Local Communities & Learn about H'mong Linen Weaving MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience - Meet the incredible women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative who are working to preserve the craft of H'mong linen weaving. You'll see all the complicated stages of weaving, learn how they make high-quality fabric here and support local communities too.
- 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- 7 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Homestay, 1 night in Overnight Train, 1 night in Special Stay, 1 night in Overnight Bus, 1 night in Twin Share Tent
- Expert Trip Manager, Local Guides, Driver
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
Contiki Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
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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 Contiki. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Contiki. These 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.
