Best of Vietnam (Partially Guided) - 13 days Tour by On The Go Tours

13 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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

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

Experience Vietnam from north to south on this 13-day partially guided journey, crafted for seasoned explorers and seniors who appreciate a mix of history, culture, and coastal beauty. Start in Hanoi, step back in time amidst imperial Hue, and sail through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay.

The adventure continues through rural villages and thriving cities, culminating in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll visit the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels. With comfortable accommodations, carefully arranged transport, and select guided sightseeing, you’ll enjoy Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and flavors at a relaxed pace.

The standout feature of this trip is its seamless combination of iconic sites and authentic local encounters, ensuring a well-rounded, memorable journey.

day 1 - Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remains of the day offers free time for you to explore Vietnam's charming capital with its wide tree lined avenues, beautiful lakes, ancient pagoda’s and thriving, historic old city, all easily navigated on foot.

Please note: Unlike our Best of Vietnam Signature tour this tour is not fully escorted by a tour guide. You will meet local guides for included sightseeing.

OverNight:Hanoi

day 2 - Backstreets of Hanoi tour

After breakfast embark on an exciting backstreets tour of Hanoi. 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, your guide will arrange lunch for you with one of Hanoi’s street food specialties.

In the afternoon we see 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. At 5pm today there will be a welcome meeting at the hotel.

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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Hanoi

day 3 - Junk boat cruising, Halong Bay

Hanoi – Halong Bay. Transfer to heavenly Halong Bay this morning and board a traditional junk boat for an overnight cruise around the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands.

The cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, as you soak up the incredible 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.

Please note: the itinerary in Halong Bay can vary dependent upon the cruise we use and weather conditions. The transfer to/from Halong Bay is with a driver, not a guide.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat

day 4 - Hanoi Old Quarter

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.

From Halong Bay, transfer back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. In Hanoi meet our local guide for 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 take 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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Sleeper train

day 5 - Imperial Hue

Arriving into Hue you will be met off the train and transferred to our hotel. We take in the highlights of Hue on a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century Nguyen empire capital with a local guide. Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city, 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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Hue

day 6 - Delightful Hoi An

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. This morning we transfer to Hoi An, taking 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 a stop is made at China beach, which featured in Francis Ford Coppola's 'Apocalypse Now'. There's time for you to to take a stroll along this beautiful beach and perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing the journey south to Hoi An, where the rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.

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.

During your stay in Hoi An, we offer an 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.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Hoi An

day 7 - Tra Que village

This morning we meet a local guide and 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. After lunch we bid farewell to our hosts at Tra Que and cycle back to Hoi An.

Later this afternoon we take in the highlights of Hoi an on a short walking tour, visiting the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Hoi An

day 8 - Hoi An - at leisure

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).

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Hoi An

day 9 - Cruising the Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to Danang Airport for an early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where we meet a local guide and travel on 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 a 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.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Can Tho

day 10 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

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 see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Ho Chi Minh City

day 11 - Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi. This morning 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. After the tour transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Ho Chi Minh City

day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Head out to explore more of Ho Chi Minh City today. 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 learn about 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!

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Ho Chi Minh City

day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City

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

Meals:1 Breakfast

Best of Vietnam (Partially Guided) - 13 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 1 dinner

Transport

Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Guide

Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations. If you would prefer to be fully escorted by a single tour guide throughout your trip, please book our fully guided Best of Vietnam tour

Others

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 CityHalong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore cavesSampan boat trips in the Mekong DeltaBicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstrationLocal English speaking specialist guides for all sightseeingEconomy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City

What's Excluded

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