Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days

Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days

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8 Days From

$945

Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days

8 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Hoi An, Vietnam

Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Tra Que

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing, Special Events

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $945

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Vietnam with the Full Moon Festival Express tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture as you celebrate the Full Moon Festival, crafting and releasing lanterns into the night sky alongside locals. Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat, exploring its stunning caves. Discover the bustling streets of Hanoi by rickshaw and wander through the historic Old Quarter. In Hoi An, stroll along My Khe Beach and marvel at the iconic Japanese Bridge. Experience rural life with a hands-on farming and cooking lesson in Tra Que Village. Explore the ancient city of Hue, visiting the majestic Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and authentic cultural experiences, this small group tour offers a rich tapestry of Vietnam's heritage and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Full Moon Festival – Celebrate with locals and release lanterns into the night sky

  • Cruise around Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat and explore remarkable caves

  • Ride rickshaws in Hanoi and stroll through the '36 Streets' of the Old Quarter

  • Explore Hoi An, including the famous Japanese Bridge and My Khe Beach

  • Cycle to Tra Que Village for a hands-on farming experience and cooking lesson

  • Discover Hue's ancient walled Citadel, Purple Palace, and Thien Mu Pagoda

  • Visit the Floating Village of Cua Van and see traditional floating wooden houses

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Hanoi

Location: Hanoi

Friday 25th September 2020. Arrival in Hanoi, included transfer to hotel. Free morning. Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Day 2 : Halong Bay

Savoir Aimer (Admin)

Location: Halong Bay

Accommodation Name: Deluxe Junk Boat

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hanoi – Halong Bay. This morning drive to beautiful Halong Bay. Boarding junk boat we cruise the emerald waters. Later we visit spectacular Tien Ong Cave. Tonight, there's a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and seafood dinner.

Day 3 : Floating Villages And Cyclo Rides

Md. Parvej Chowdhury

Location: Halong Bay

Accommodation Name: Sleeper train

Meals Included: Breakfast

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck before exploring the Floating village of Cua Van. On arrival to Hanoi embark on a guided cyclo tour of the French Quarter, followed by a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Later, board overnight sleeper train to Hue.

Day 4 : Hue

DEUK YOUNG CHOI

Location: Hue

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast onboard the train. After arrival and hotel check in at Hue, we tour the city's Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Purple Palace, and countryside Royal Tombs. As the sun sets, cruise along the Perfume River, or enjoy some retail therapy at the Dong Ba Market.

Day 5 : Hoi An

Location: Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. We take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) to the port of Hoi An, stopping for a stroll along China Beach. Enjoy a short afternoon walking tour of the historic old town.

Day 6 : Full Moon Festival

Location: Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today marks the height of the Full Moon Festival and we will celebrate with the locals. In the morning we handcraft our own lanterns at a local home, before heading back into town for a free afternoon. Tonight we release our lanterns at the water's edge with hundreds of locals and enjoy the spellbinding spectacle.

Day 7 : Tra Que Farming Experience

Location: Tra Que

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning bicycle ride to the rural village of Tra Que, where we assist with tending the fields and cooking lunch.

Day 8 : Hoi An

Location: Hoi An

Meals Included: Breakfast

Friday 2nd October 2020. Final day in Vietnam, included departure transfer to Danang airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 star

  • Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner

    Enjoy daily breakfast, along with 3 lunches and 1 dinner during the tour.

  • 5 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat

    Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 5 nights and spend 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin.

  • 1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin

    Experience an overnight sleeper train journey from Hanoi to Hue in a basic 4-berth cabin.

  • Lantern making in the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An

    Participate in a lantern-making activity at the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An and release your lanterns onto the river.

  • Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An

    Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An.

  • Halong Bay Junk boat cruise

    Cruise around Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat, with options to swim, kayak, and explore caves.

  • Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration

    Take a bicycle ride to Tra Que village and participate in a cooking demonstration.

  • Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 8

    Receive airport transfers on arrival on day 1 and departure on day 8.

  • Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide

    Be accompanied by an English-speaking Vietnamese tour guide throughout the tour.

  • 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

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.

  • 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 amounting to USD$30-40 per person, payable in USD or VND, are not included.

Age Policy

18 or 15 accompanied by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with airport transfers on arrival and departure days. Experience a Halong Bay cruise on a traditional junk boat and an overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue, with an option to fly.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin, and 1 overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue in a basic 4-berth cabin.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experience is included in the Full Moon Festival Express tour?

    The tour includes celebrating the Full Moon Festival with the locals, where you will handcraft your own lanterns and release them onto the river, creating a beautiful spectacle of lights.

  • What activities are available during the Halong Bay cruise?

    During the Halong Bay cruise, you can enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, explore the Tien Ong Cave, and have the option to swim, kayak, and explore caves.

  • What is the accommodation arrangement for the overnight journey from Hanoi to Hue?

    The overnight journey from Hanoi to Hue is on a sleeper train in a basic 4 berth cabin, with an option to fly instead.

  • What can participants expect during the visit to Tra Que Village?

    In Tra Que Village, participants will engage in a hands-on farming experience, learn about traditional farming techniques, and participate in a cooking demonstration where they will prepare their own lunch.

  • Is there an option for those who do not wish to cycle to Tra Que Village?

    Yes, alternative transportation can be arranged at no extra cost for those who do not wish to cycle to Tra Que Village.

  • What is included in the guided sightseeing tours?

    The guided sightseeing tours include visits to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An, with highlights such as the Imperial Purple Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

  • 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 of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

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10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

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05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025
$945
Prices last published on 22-Dec-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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