Vietnam Experience | 2025-2026
Vietnam Experience | 2025-2026
Vietnam Experience | 2025-2026
12 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi
Visiting: Vietnam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VIEP25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 24
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Looking for the full experience tour of Vietnam? This 12-day Vietnam itinerary takes you through Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hanoi & Halong Bay with plenty of action and highlights to immerse yourself into this enchanting culture. Picture yourself relishing the rice region of Mekong Delta by taking a traditional boat through floating markets & local fruit farms, stopping in exciting & iconic hot spots & popular local foodie haunts for a true Vietnam travel experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
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.
This evening you'll meet your travel comrades and explore the Ben Thanh markets, offering the freshest traditional Bánh mì, Pho and Bia hơi. Oh yes, this is the right way to get the Vietnam trip started.
Day 2 : Ho Chi Minh City To Mekong Delta
Accommodation Name: Bay Thoi Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we leave Ho Chi Minh exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam.
Though this isn't the first time we are seeing the Mekong Delta, our journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river's fringes can vary. We'll see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off our day as we settle in for a night at a local guesthouse.
Day 3 : Mekong Delta To Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past.
Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).
Day 4 : Ho Chi Minh City To Nha Trang
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Nha Trang
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good news - we're kicking it in Nha Trang for another night. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach saving your energy for seaside bar fun as the sun sets.
Day 6 : Nha Trang To Hoi'an
Accommodation Name: Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll travel North and take a short coastal drive we find ourselves in a canal town overflowing with beauty and ancient history.
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 onto a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.
Day 7 : Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 8 : Hoi An To Hanoi Via Da Nang
Accommodation Name: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 9 : Hanoi To Ninh Binh
Accommodation Name: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, or a vintage Vespa (if that’s your vibe) and let’s get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and clear blue water. And if you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times.
Day 10 : Ninh Binh To Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Junk Boat (Special Stay)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 11 : Halong Bay To Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 12 : Depart Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out and make plans to reunite sometime soon - Latin America, perhaps?
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in Hotels, 2 nights in Special Stays is included.
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Fully Guided
Expert Trip Manager + Local Guides is included.
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Meals
11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 2 Dinners is included.
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Transport
Private Coach, Internal Flights, Junk Boat is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Vietnam are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour price.
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Some Meals
While many meals are included, some will be at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore Vietnamese cuisine on your own.
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Optional Activities
Some activities, like the mineral mud bath in Nha Trang and the Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An, are optional and may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks outside of included meals are not covered.
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Visa Fees
Any visa fees required for entry into Vietnam are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Check out our Q&As
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What countries does the Vietnam Experience tour visit?
The Vietnam Experience tour visits Vietnam.
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What are some highlights of the Vietnam Experience tour?
Some highlights of the Vietnam Experience tour include exploring the Mekong River Delta, visiting the hand-dug tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, cycling around the 15th-century port of Hoi An, visiting the shrine dedicated to Confucius in Hanoi, and relaxing in Halong Bay.
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What is the target age group for the Vietnam Experience tour?
The target age group for the Vietnam Experience tour is 18-30 somethings.
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What type of accommodation is included in the Vietnam Experience tour?
The Vietnam Experience tour includes 9 nights in hotels and 2 nights in special stays.
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Are meals included in the Vietnam Experience tour?
Yes, the Vietnam Experience tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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What type of transport is used on the Vietnam Experience tour?
The transport on the Vietnam Experience tour includes a private coach, internal flights, and a junk boat.
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Are international flights included in the Vietnam Experience tour?
No, international flights to and from Vietnam are not included in the Vietnam Experience tour.
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Is travel insurance included in the Vietnam Experience tour?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the tour price.
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Are there any optional activities on the Vietnam Experience tour?
Yes, some optional activities on the Vietnam Experience tour include a mineral mud bath in Nha Trang and a Vietnamese cooking class in Hoi An, which may incur additional costs.
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What is the starting location of the Vietnam Experience tour?
The starting location of the Vietnam Experience tour is Ho Chi Minh City.
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What is the ending location of the Vietnam Experience tour?
The ending location of the Vietnam Experience tour is Hanoi.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 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 contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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