Vietnam Highlights | 2026-2027
Vietnam Highlights | 2026-2027
Vietnam Highlights | 2026-2027
10 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
VIHI26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam with the "Vietnam Highlights" tour for 2026-2027. Begin your adventure in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. From there, travel to the coastal paradise of Nha Trang, offering golden beaches and lively nightlife. Experience the charm of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its unique blend of cultural influences. Continue to the bustling capital of Hanoi, where you'll explore historical landmarks and enjoy a unique dining experience at KOTO restaurant. Discover the natural beauty of Ninh Binh and the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay, where you'll spend a night on a traditional junk boat. Conclude your journey back in Hanoi, cherishing the memories of Vietnam's rich culture, stunning scenery, and warm hospitality. This tour promises an in-depth exploration of Vietnam's most iconic destinations, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City
Location: 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. 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.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City To Nha Trang
Location: 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 3: Overnight Train To Hoi An
Location: Nha Trang
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 4: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (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 6: Hoi An To Hanoi Via Da Nang
Location: Hanoi
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 7: Hanoi To Ninh Binh
Location: 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 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.
Day 8: Ninh Binh To Halong Bay
Location: 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 9: Halong Bay To Hanoi
Location: 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 10: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometimes soon - Latin America perhaps?
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and special stays, including Vien Dong Hotel, Qualia De Hotel Hoi An, Hanoi Larosa Hotel, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort, and a Junk Boat in Halong Bay.
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Meals
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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Internal Flights
Internal flights are included from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang and from Da Nang to Hanoi.
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Overnight Train
An overnight train journey from Nha Trang to Hoi An is included.
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Included Experiences
Experiences include visiting landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring Hoi An on a bike, dining at KOTO restaurant in Hanoi, and a Junk Boat cruise in Halong Bay.
What's Not Included
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Visa Requirements
Visa requirements are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as mineral mud baths, hot thermal springs, and Vietnamese cooking classes are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is customary in Vietnam's tourism and hospitality sectors.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Vietnam with a mix of internal flights, an overnight train, and a traditional Junk Boat cruise in Halong Bay. Enjoy scenic drives and explore cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Hanoi.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Vien Dong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Qualia De Hotel Hoi An, and the Hanoi Larosa Hotel. Enjoy a unique stay on a Junk Boat in Halong Bay and an overnight train journey to Hoi An.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Danang: Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam? Your visa requirements can change according to your citizenship (and also according to the length and purpose of your visit). Generally, most of our travellers need to apply for an e-visa prior to arrival in Vietnam. But we always recommend that you check out our visa guide for accurate information.
- Danang: What is the best time to visit Vietnam? Vietnam is wonderful to visit year-round. But the best time to visit depends on what you wanna do, and where in Vietnam you wanna go.Generally, April & May are thought to be the best months to visit Vietnam because of the beautifully bright weather. Between December and March is a slightly cooler period. So if hiking, or city-dwelling is what you want, that’s the best time to visit. And if you wanna avoid the crowds, off-season tends to be between April and June or September to November.
- Danang: What is the currency used in Vietnam? The currency used in Vietnam (that can buy you a wholesome, delicious bowl of Pho) is the Vietnamese dong (?).
- Danang: What is the local food like in Vietnam? Planning to visit Vietnam to taste all the wholesome flavours? Aren’t we all?You’ll find plenty of street food stop-offs, serving up freshly made gems including rice, noodle and battered pancake-based dishes, plus the world-famous Pho. Pork is a common feature of Vietnamese cuisine. Generally, Vietnamese food isn’t too spicy (except if your dish has fresh chillies in it!) Oh, and the best thing about the food here? It’s very very cheap.
- Danang: How much money should I budget for on this trip? When you travel with Contiki, your accommodation, in-country transport and breakfasts are all included with the cost of your trip. So when it comes to budgeting, you only need to worry about your shopping! Luckily, Vietnam is heralded as an extremely affordable tourist destination too. As a rough guide, you should easily get by on US $50-80 a day.
- Danang: What should I wear in Vietnam? We’ll be visiting some traditional tourist hotspots - so don’t forget to keep your shoulders covered (it's customary in Vietnam, and will probably be insisted). For all that beach exploration, it’s generally acceptable for tourists to dress in the swimwear of their choice.Vietnam tends to get very hot & humid, so make sure you pack lots of loose-fitting clothes made from a lightweight and breathable material. Big up the baggy shirts!
- Danang: What is the etiquette for tipping in Vietnam? Tipping is pretty common in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Usually you’ll pay 10% of the total bill, which will amount to roughly $1-5.
- Danang: Where multiple optionals are offered in one day, can I do them all or do I have to pick just one? On some days, the Free Time Add-Ons will be during different times. So you’ll be able to do them all! But on some days, you might have to pick just one. Don’t worry, your Trip Manager will do their best to manage all of this for you, and will be able to give you all the details you might need.
- Danang: What are the luggage restrictions? You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) – plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights. Since our trips have included flights, your luggage needs to meet the weight & security restrictions imposed by airlines. On this trip, it’s necessary to use an overnight bag on the occasional nights when it’s not possible to access your luggage (overnight trips to Special Stays). It’s a good idea to bring an overnight bag, or hand luggage that’s big enough to double up as an overnighter when needed.
- Danang: Do we visit the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang? Currently, the Golden Hands Bridge isn’t included on our itinerary. But that means, you get a free day to explore Hoi An - which you REALLY don’t wanna miss out on.The Bridge is part of a theme park called ‘Sun World Ba Na Hills’ and is about a 2-hour drive away from where we stay in Hoi An (and tends to be incredibly crowded!). But if you really wanna visit the bridge, you can always ask your Trip Manager who’ll sort it out for you!
Included Experience
- Ho Chi Minh City: Tick off all of the landmarks on your bucket list – Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Presidential Palace.
- Ho Chi Minh City: A meaningful reminder of the atrocities of the Vietnam War and its impact on local people and wildlife.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Passports at the ready folks.
- Hoi An: This 15th century port and UNESCO site is best explored on two wheels with a local expert. Don’t forget your Go-Pro!
- Da Nang: Next stop, Hanoi. But before we hit the streets, it’s time to hit the sky one more time.
- Hanoi: 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.
- Hanoi: Listen up culture-lovers. This shrine – dedicated to ancient philosopher Confucius – is known as ‘Vietnam’s first university’.
- Hanoi: Take a look at the resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. This is where he, along with his party, declared the independence of Vietnam.
- Ninh Binh: Cool tropical breeze. Lush-green landscapes. And an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the shimmery silhouette.
- Halong Bay: Grab your new BFFs and hang out in this mini paradise. The powdery sand and turquoise waters will bless you with #islandvibes
- Halong Bay: The best way to drift off into dreamy sleep? Drifting along the Gulf of Tonkin in a traditional Chinese-style Junk Boat, of course!
- Halong Bay: Yet another work of art from Mother Nature. These huge underground caves are made for exploring. But can you spot the ‘mammoth’?
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in Hoi An?
In Hoi An, you can enjoy bike riding through the vibrant town, visit an ancient house, and order custom-made clothes at an artful tailor. You also have the option to participate in a Vietnamese cooking class, where you can learn to prepare up to four traditional dishes.
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What is the accommodation like during the overnight train journey?
During the overnight train journey from Nha Trang to Hoi An, you will stay on a comfortable overnight train, allowing you to rest and wake up ready to explore the next destination.
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What unique experiences are included in the Halong Bay visit?
In Halong Bay, you will board a Chinese-style junk boat and drift through the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. You'll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests, and dreamy grottos, and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner and sunset at your docking spot.
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What can I do during the free day in Hoi An?
During your free day in Hoi An, you can explore galleries and market stalls, enjoy shopping, and try delectable local treats. You can also ride on Vietnam's Bamboo Basket Boats and enjoy fresh coconut water straight from the tree.
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What is the itinerary for the last day in Hanoi?
On the last day in Hanoi, you will enjoy a final breakfast with your travel group before the tour concludes. It's a time to say goodbye and perhaps make plans to reunite in the future.
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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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