Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

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13 Days From

$2345

$1642

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

13 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

1167/BOV

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:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2345 $1642 Operator discount: -$704 -30%

NB: Prices correct on 07-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Kicking off in Vietnam's capital Hanoi, embark on a breathtaking 13 day journey through imperial cities and rural villages, taking in beautiful Halong Bay and the lush Mekong Delta. Finish up in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and the fascinating Viet Cong tunnels of Cu-Chi!

Highlights

  • Hanoi – Ride pillion on taxi-motorbikes and discover the backstreets of the city including the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison

  • Cu Chi Tunnels – Discover the legendary tunnels which were used masterfully by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War

  • Ho Chi Minh City – Explore the sobering War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace and the fascinating FITO Museum

  • Halong Bay – Weave around beautiful limestone islets onboard a junk boat and explore inside the beautiful caves

  • Hue – See the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Purple Palace which is hidden behind the walls of the ancient Citadel

  • Tra Que village – Enjoy a bicycle ride in the countryside, learn how to tend the fields and enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson

  • Mekong Delta – Cruise the waterways on a traditional sampan, visit local cottage industries and enjoy lunch in a local home

  • Hoi An – Enjoy some R&R in this enchanting riverside town with its cobbled streets, lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi

Location: Hanoi

Friday. Welcome to Hanoi, perhaps the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remains of the day offers free time for you to explore the wide tree lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda’s and thriving, historic old city, all easily navigated on foot.

Day 2: Hanoi

Location: Hanoi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast we embark on an exciting back streets tour of Vietnam's capital. Our adventure starts with a taxi ride from the hotel to a well known street market northwest of the city which sells giant trees and plants. From here we stroll along the sidewalks, following an urban trail through the backstreets to the quaint district of Vinh Phuc. After exploring this wonderful neighbourhood we stop for refreshments at a unique coffee shop tucked away down a narrow alley. Then it's time for an exhilarating local experience, riding pillion on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake. After that, our guide will arrange lunch for you with one of Hanoi’s street food specialties.





In the afternoon we walk past Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (exterior only), where ‘Uncle Ho’ has laid since 1975 and learn all about the great man himself, who is regarded as the father of the nation. Continuing on we stroll down Hung Vuong Avenue to explore the complex of the beautiful Temple of Literature, which was Vietnam's first university. Then we board the local bus to the Hoa Lo prison, aka the Hanoi Hilton, named by US prisoners of war. We finish the day with a refreshing roadside bia hoi (beer). Return to the hotel by taxi for an evening at leisure.





Please note: If you would prefer not to travel by taxi-motorbike, please an air-conditioned car/ taxi will be provided at no extra cost.

Day 3: Halong Bay

Location: Halong Bay

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy an exhilarating cyclo (rickshaw) ride around the maze of streets in Hanoi's French Quarter, taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. After the cyclo ride we transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the views.





This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.

Day 4: Halong Bay

Location: Halong Bay

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. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers which are spectacular and spacious enough to hold thousands of people.





Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk 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.





Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before boarding the train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.

Day 5: Hue

Location: Hue

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we take in the highlights of Hue. Upon arrival we embark on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital. We visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, whose 21m high tower has become something of a symbol for Hue and the citadel. Within the citadel is the Imperial Purple Palace, an exact copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its impressive ramparts, formal moats and imperial palaces, some of which lay in ruin.





In the countryside lies the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, here we’ll view the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. As the sun sets there's an optional cruise in a long boat along the gentle Perfume River, beautifully illuminated at night.

Day 6: Hoi An

Location: Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), which offers magnificent views of beaches to one side and lush hills to the other. En route we stop for a walk along China beach. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south to Hoi An.





The charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An with it cobbled streets, traditional homes and tiny shop houses is a perfect place to lose yourself in a by gone era. Boutique restaurants, hip cafes along the waterfront, delightful craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price), all can be found here.





On a short walking tour of the enchanting historical town, we’ll 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.





During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional 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 7: Hoi An

Location: Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we set off on a leisurely 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 discover age old farming practices and learn about traditional medicine. It’s a fun, hands on experience today as we don conical hats and assist with tending the fields and gardens before watching an entertaining cooking demonstration and helping to cook a tasty lunch.

Day 8: Hoi An

Location: Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast

A free day for you relax or further sightsee. You may wish to take a relaxing rowboat journey along the river or spend the day lazing by the beach or hotel pool. Alternatively you can opt to take an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).

Day 9: Can Tho

Location: Can Tho

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Drive to the 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 it fantastic views while boating along the canals. Taking our 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 today in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. Once called the Pearl of the Orient, modern Ho Chi Minh City is a thriving metropolis on the move. Sleek sky scrapers, gourmet restaurants, designer malls and swanky bars and spas are scattered between ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and lively street markets. On a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City we'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet-Cong in their struggle to keep control of the region during the 1960’s. After a short video presentation we take an exciting walk around the many bush trails and see trapdoors, booby traps, living areas, weapon factories and kitchens that were used and lived in during the war. We can also safely crawl through sections of the tunnels, that have been widened for the tourists and stand in the middle of bomb craters that are still just as defined as the day they were created. At the end of the visit you can opt to fire weapons of the era (including the M16 ‘s and AK47) on the firing range.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head out to explore more of Ho Chi Minh City. Starting off with the Reunification Palace - former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the fall of Ho Chi Minh City on April 30th 1975. The building is now a museum and a popular wedding venue. We’ll take a look in the famous ‘War Room’ where the North Vietnamese army took control in 1975. Next we explore Giac Lam Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and one of its most beautiful temples.





Later on we take a journey through Vietnam’s medical history at the FITO Museum. This is Vietnam’s first traditional medicine museum with an amazing collection of over 3000 items. Our last stop of the day is Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop till you drop and master the art of haggling for just about anything!

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: Ho Chi Minh City

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wednesday. Today marks the end of our tour and after breakfast we will transfer you to the airport for your onward departure flight.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 star

  • Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner

  • 10 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)

  • 1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)

  • Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels and Ho Chi Minh City

  • Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves

  • Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta

  • Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration

  • Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide

  • Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

  • Entrance Fees: USD$50-60pp, paid in USD or VND

Age Policy

18 or 15 accompanied by an adult

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4 star

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13

  • What is the maximum group size?

    24

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Christa Lyons  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

27-Apr-2016

Amazing! His attention to detail was outstanding, he would make sure we were already checked in and air con's were on in our rooms on arrival. He would adjust the itinerary to give us time to refresh as it was so hot some days. He even walked me to a chemist in Hanoi when we had free time as I was feeling unwell.

Rose DiMartino  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

24-Mar-2019

The tour was excellent and the guide was spectacular. He was knowledgeable about the history and the culture. He was articulate and funny and had a great way with people. He know the back streets and the best coffee places. Just superlative in every way.

Julia and Mark Broadhurst  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

22-Jun-2015

The tour was excellent - well organised and a fantastic group of people. John, our tour guide was brilliant - he was very knowledge about Vietnam, and incredibly helpful and quick to respond in calling out a Dr when I was ill during the trip. We were lucky that we had a private tour of Hanoi with John on arrival as no one else in the group was doing our tour - it was a fun and informative day, and the trip overall was very enjoyable. The only observation we would make is that we were expecting 4* star hotels throughout our stay, but the final hotel (Ho Chi Minh City) was only a 3*.

Alyson Loughlin  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

08-May-2024

The tour was everything we hoped for made very special by our excellent guide Hung.

Rachael Page  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

15-Feb-2017

Awesome tour guide! So knowledgeable about Vietnam & willing to share his culture & experiences.

Nicola Robbie  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

12-Feb-2017

Excellent tour and guide, exceeded all expectations.

Karen Hind  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

28-Apr-2019

Tuan was a great guide. He gave heaps of information about Vietnam which you don’t get travelling on your own. The value of this Cant be underestimated in the enjoyment of the trip. Tuan worked tirelessly to ensure everything went smoothly working non stop while we enjoyed our trip and just relaxed and got to know each other. Thanks to a great guide I loved our trip to Vietnam. Thanks Tuan. Even met us for lunch after our trip was over.

Andrea Burnett  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

24-Dec-2018

Wow! Vietnam was so full of surprises. I loved everything about this tour. Our guide Hung was very knowledgeable with a wicked sense of humor which kept us on our toes. So much fun with a great group of people. I couldn't have asked for more.

Belinda Goodhand  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

12-Sep-2024

My sister & I did the Best of Vietnam 13 day tour and our guide Kien did an excellent job. Kien was informative, helpful and showed empathy to a traveller in time of need. If I did not do the trip through a tour based company I doubt very much that I would have done, seen or experienced what I did. Outside of Kien's role of guide he gave names of the best restaurants, cafes, & shops to experience the best of Vietnam. On The Go Tours is 'just that' you are always 'on the go'. It's fun, fast and exciting but if you want a more laid back trip On the Go may not be for you as there is very little down time. The accommodation was good and service impeccable. We had one hiccup with a hotel but Kien sorted immediately and we were transported to another hotel that was very satisfactory. Vietnam has a lot of history and it was great to delve into that with our guide's knowledge. Kien was always very keen to assist in any problem that may have arisen and kept everyone informed of the days activities. Our group consisted on 19 people which was ideal so that made the trip even better as we were able to mingle and get to know the other travellers and form nice friendships.

Anne Reaney  

Best of Vietnam - 13 Days

10-Sep-2023

Excellent tour, informative tour guide took good care of us and provided such insights to the culture of Vietnam. Very professional, good hotels and locations.

Read all 19 reviews

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Friday - Wednesday

Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 27, 2024
$2275 $1934

Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$341

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Operator discount: -$358

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Operator discount: -$358

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Operator discount: -$358

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Operator discount: -$358

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Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
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Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 07, 2025
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Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

May 09, 2025 - May 21, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

May 23, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

May 30, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$2345 $1642

Operator discount: -$704

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$2345 $1642

Operator discount: -$704

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$2345 $1642

Operator discount: -$704

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 22, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$2345 $1993

Operator discount: -$352

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 01, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 08, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 15, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 24, 2025 - Nov 05, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 12, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 19, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 26, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 21, 2025 - Dec 03, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Nov 28, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 17, 2025
$2385 $2027

Operator discount: -$358

Friday - Wednesday

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025
$2505 $2129

Operator discount: -$376

Friday - Wednesday

Dec 26, 2025 - Jan 07, 2026
$2505 $2129

Operator discount: -$376

Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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