Vietnam: Historic Cities & Halong Bay Cruising

5.0Based on
12 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Highlights

Explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

relax on golden beaches.

shop in quaint Hoi An.

discover Hue's citadels and pagodas.

float through magical Halong Bay.

explore the magnificent caves of Phong Nha

Itinerary

Vietnam’s vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes come alive with the "Vietnam: Historic Cities & Halong Bay Cruising" wildlife tour. Spanning 12 days from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, this adventure is crafted for travelers eager to balance guided highlights with personal exploration.

Dive into the street food scene of Nha Trang, cruise the iconic turquoise waters of Ha Long Bay, and gather stories to share in the bustling alleys of Hanoi. Throughout your journey, you’ll experience a blend of group excursions and free time, allowing for both connection and independence. The tour is perfect for those who want to savor Vietnam’s diversity on their own terms.

The unique selling point? An affordable, flexible introduction to Southeast Asia’s wonders, offering both structure and the freedom to create your own unforgettable moments.

day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive at any time and welcome to the pulsing Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

For your first night out, wander with your CEO and group through Pham Ngu Lao Street that’s popping with many bars and backpackers. Pick the best looking spot to get to know your fellow travellers and cheers to new adventures!

Accomodation:Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel (or similar)
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends

day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang

Feel the pulse of Vietnam’s biggest city on a CEO-led orientation walk, with free time after to double back to your favourite spots. Shop 'til your heart's content, immerse yourself in local culture, or just wander the streets to take in the city's unique vibe. Tonight, catch up on sleep on an overnight train to Nha Trang.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 10.0 hr - 11.0 hr
Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Ben Thanh Market Wander this bustling market for more insight into Ho Chi Minh City. Pick up souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and experience local living. Learn a little history along the way; Ben Thanh started as a cluster of street vendors selling wares by the Saigon River, and was formalized into a true market in 1859., Cholon Visit Take in the busy rhythm of daily life in Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. Tour the area full of teahouses, pagodas, and people, and learn a little more about the unique culture within the city. , Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour Take a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex network of tunnels that the Viet Cong lived in to protect themselves from opposing forces during the Vietnam War. Try crawling through some of the tunnels (if you’re not claustrophobic). These tunnels stored ammunition, had underground hospitals, and served as a hidden base for attacking allied forces. , Dam Sen Water Park Visit Get away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City at this nearby water park. A lush setting and refreshing water make Dam Sen the perfect place for the whole family to cool off and have some fun—splash around or take a ride down one of the slides., Ho Chi Minh City Cyclo Tour , Reunification Palace Visit Wander the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975. , War Remnants Museum Visit Visit the War Remnants Museum, a gut-wrenching but worthwhile experience that includes three storeys of exhibits and military hardware. Learn about the devastation that occurred in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a period that greatly contrasts the joy and liveliness of the Vietnamese people today.

day 3 - Nha Trang

You’ve arrived! Welcome to the eastern sea. Take this morning to explore local shops and markets, rejuvenate in a therapeutic mud bath, relax on the beach, or visit nearby historical sites before an evening street food crawl.

Accomodation:Bondi Backpackers Nha Trang (or similar)
Included Activity:Nha Trang Street Food Crawl Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr
Optional Activities:Snorkelling Book a snorkelling day trip near one of the local tropical islands. Grab a snorkel and explore Nha Trang Bay's underwater world., Nha Trang Boat Tour and Snorkelling Duration - Full day., Mud Bath Visit

day 4 - Nha Trang/Da Nang

It’s not over yet. There’s more free time to explore Nha Trang today, so soak it all in. Then, hop on an overnight train to continue to Hoi An, stopping first in Da Nang for a short transfer.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 9.0 hr - 10.0 hr
Optional Activities:Snorkelling Book a snorkelling day trip near one of the local tropical islands. Grab a snorkel and explore Nha Trang Bay's underwater world., Nha Trang Boat Tour and Snorkelling Duration - Full day.

day 5 - Da Nang/Hoi An

Hoi An’s excited to meet you. See why on an orientation walk of the city before spending free time in the afternoon. Dig even deeper and choose between a cooking class, cycling to the beach, visiting a tailor, or exploring old town. Tonight's the night for your big night out, to reminisce about your favourite adventures so far. Then dance the night away!
From Danang, it is only a short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An. Once known as Faifo, it was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections.

Accomodation:Dolphin Hostel Hoi An (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 28 km
Included Activities:Hoi An Orientation Walk, Reminisce Riverside
Optional Activities:Tailor Shops Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe. , Cua Dai Beach Play in the surf at Cua Dai beach about 4km (2.5 mi) away from the Old Town. Make your own picnic of local food and rest under one of the palm trees lining the shore.

day 6 - Hoi An

Noodles might be fun to eat, but they’re even more fun to make. Find out how during a visit to G Adventures-supported Oodles of Noodles. The rest of the Day is yours, so see what you can discover. Choose to visit the ancient ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or cruise down the Thu Bon River.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Dolphin Hostel Hoi An (or similar)
Optional Activities:Hoi An Old Town Walking Tour , Tailor Shops Go home with some new (handmade!) clothes from one of Hoi An’s famous tailor shops. Walk the streets lined with hundreds of local shops that turn out gorgeous suits, dresses, winter coats, shoes, purses – almost anything – in a day's time to create next season's wardrobe. , Cua Dai Beach Play in the surf at Cua Dai beach about 4km (2.5 mi) away from the Old Town. Make your own picnic of local food and rest under one of the palm trees lining the shore. , Hoi An Bike and Boat Tour Total duration - Half Day, Thu Bon River Boat Trip The Thu Bon River plays an important part in Hoi An's history and culture. Take a trip down the Thu Bon by river boat for an alternative tour of the city., Mỹ Sơn Excursion , Hoi An Cooking Class

day 7 - Hoi An/Huế

Head north to the Imperial City of Huế. There’s lots to do here, with options to visit the indestructible Royal Citadel and tombs, cruise along Perfume River, or jump on a motorbike and ride around like the local people.
Pre-book the "Hue Motorbike Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time to include this speedy activity on your tour.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:DMZ Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 137 km
Optional Activities:Imperial Citadel Tour Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War., Thien Mu Pagoda Visit Visit Tien Mu, one of the tallest and, perhaps, most elegant pagodas in Vietnam, at seven storeys high. Take a step back in time touring this historic temple - built more than 400 years ago along the north shore of the Perfume River, it has been the site of many political protests., Perfume River Cruise Enjoy this scenic evening cruise down the Perfume River. Shoot some memorable photographs and, perhaps, enjoy a nice cool breeze off the water., Royal Tombs Entry Visit the Royal Tombs along the Perfume River in Hue. Embracing the concept of Feng Shui, these tombs are extremely ornate and provide fantastic insight into the lives of the former rulers., Cycling Take to two wheels to see a true highlight of Hue – the countryside. See rural Vietnam, its villages, and cottage industries too., Hue Motorbike Tour None

day 8 - Huế/Phong Nha

Your second Day in Huế comes with more free time to enjoy the city. In the afternoon, travel through Vietnam's stunning countryside to the green rocky mountains of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Sai Gon Phong Nha Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 215 km
Optional Activities:Hue City Tour Take a tour of this imperial city to see the Thiên Mụ Buddhist pagoda, the tallest religious building in the country, the Japanese bridge, and the tombs of the emperors. Visit the Dong Ba Markets for local specialties such as banh khoai (savoury pancakes) and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). , Thien Mu Pagoda Visit Visit Tien Mu, one of the tallest and, perhaps, most elegant pagodas in Vietnam, at seven storeys high. Take a step back in time touring this historic temple - built more than 400 years ago along the north shore of the Perfume River, it has been the site of many political protests., Cycling Take to two wheels to see a true highlight of Hue – the countryside. See rural Vietnam, its villages, and cottage industries too., Perfume River Cruise Enjoy this scenic evening cruise down the Perfume River. Shoot some memorable photographs and, perhaps, enjoy a nice cool breeze off the water., Imperial Citadel Tour Tour this one-time capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. See the walled fortress and former palace, which has many palaces, gateways, courtyards, and gardens to explore. The Forbidden Purple City (modelled on China's Forbidden City) inside the citadel was once home to the imperial family and was significantly damaged during the Vietnam War.

day 9 - Phong Nha/Hanoi

Today, opt to head underground to explore the awe-inspiring caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, where the oldest karst mountains and longest cave in Asia are found. Then it’s an overnight train to Hanoi.

Meal:Breakfast
Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Optional Activities:Caving in Phong Nha Explore the longest cave in all of Asia - Paradise Cave - by walking the boardwalks and awe at the massive white crystal stalactites. After an authentic Vietnamese lunch, board a dragon boat which will take you to the turquoise waters in Phong Nha Cave where you'll disembark on the caves beach and wander freely throughout the natural wonder.

day 10 - Hanoi/Ha Long

After arriving in Hanoi, the bustling capital of Vietnam, take a private bus to the iconic Halong Bay for a seafood lunch cruise and cave exploring. Be sure to charge your camera so you can grab a shot truly worth sharing!

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Halong Centrica Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr
Included Activity:Hạ Long Bay Junk Boat Trip
Optional Activities:Kayaking Transfer from boat to kayak in this guided water tour, giving you the chance to get even closer to the stunning natural surroundings.

day 11 - Ha Long/Hanoi

Feel like you've gone back in time with an orientation walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Then stop for a drink at Bia Hoi Corner, a spot that serves bia hoi, a local beer made of rice and wheat — and costs a mere $0.25USD per glass!
Interested in local cuisine? Opt to pre-book the "Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Anise Hotel Hanoi (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr
Included Activity:Old Quarter Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:Hoan Kiem Lake Walk Take a break from city strolling and wander down by Hoan Kiem Lake. Walk along the water’s vibrant shoreline for some prime people watching. See if you can spot one of the famous 100-year-old turtles, which may still live in the popular lake., Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit Visit one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam located on the eastern shore of Tay Ho. Learn about Tran Quoc's history from the 17th-century stela found on site. View it later in the day, if you can – the tall structure is striking against the setting sun., Hanoi Foodie Culture Tour Indulge your inner foodie with a street food tour through bustling Hanoi. Follow your guide through the back streets and markets of the city’s old quarter, sampling local fare along the way. Mingle with city natives and experienced street food artists alike, as you taste a variety of Hanoi faves like “nem ran” and “banh goi.” Stop at a streetside bar to savour a draught beer like Hanoians do. Cap off the tour at the Hanoi Food Culture restaurant, a G Values Fund Project, and try the city’s signature specialty coffee., Army Museum Visit Vietnam's famous Army Museum to learn more about the nation's struggle for independence. With exhibits featuring artifacts from China, France and the United States, this museum has a treasure trove of information to illustrate the country's spirit and determination., Vietnamese Women's Museum The Vietnamese Women's Museum highlights the significant contributions made by women in Vietnam. Take in an independent tour of the museum to gain an in-depth knowledge of women's role in Vietnamese culture, with a key focus on family, history and fashion., Hoa Lo Prison Entry Independently tour the museum of Hoa Lo Prison, referred to as Hanoi Hilton by American prisoners, to learn more about the Vietnam War., Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) Visit Visit this sprawling temple built to honour Confucius, sages, and scholars. Dedicated to learning, it housed the country’s first university in 1076. Explore its five courtyards, containing various gates, altars, sanctuaries, shrines, the stelae of doctors, and the Well of Heavenly Clarity., Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance , Fine Arts Museum , Museum of Ethnology Visit

day 12 - Hanoi

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to your group of newfound friends. Be sure to sneak in some last-minute photos and exchange social medias before you head on your way.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Departure Day
Vietnam: Historic Cities & Halong Bay Cruising

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotel (twin-share) (2 nts), hostels (multi-share) (6 nts), sleeper trains (3 nts).
Meals
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Note: Allow USD125-165 for meals not included.
Transport
Train, air-conditioned bus, walking, junk boat.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles, Hoi AnYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Discover Moment: Ho Chi Minh CityYour Foodie Moment: Nha Trang Street Food Crawl, Nha TrangYour Big Night Out Moment: Reminisce Riverside, Hoi AnStreet food crawl (Nha Trang)Halong Bay boat trip with lunchOrientation walks in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Hanoi

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Vietnam: Historic Cities & Halong Bay Cruising

5.0

based on 8 reviews
8
0
0
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D
Danielle SVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

I had an enjoyable trip and got to experience Vietnam in a short period of time.

H
Hannah LVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Amazing - loved the trip so much due to the semi-structured style of it and the amount of free time provided. I was able to do everything I wanted to do on the trip and more. Lu, our CEO, was brilliant! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to go to Vietnam.

A
Agnes SVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Loved the tour, but for me there were too many big cities, I would have liked to see more rural places.

R
Rebecca EVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

The trip to Vietnam was amazing! The best way to spend Christmas and new year.

E
EmmaVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

Unforgettable experience and was made perfect thanks to our CEO Cheak

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