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Hanoi & Sapa to Hoi An

New Tour

12 days

GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 49): Discover the best of north Vietnam on this 12-day group tour travelling from Hanoi to Hoi An. Take in the best of the Vietnamese capital city on a walking and rickshaw tour, trek amongst the verdant scenery of Sapa and spend a night cruising between the green karst islets of Halong Bay. Cycle, row and hike your way around Ninh Binh, stay in a comfortable homestay and end with three nights in the pretty riverside town of Hoi An, with included coconut boats, cooking class, lantern making and more!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

12 days

Starts

Hanoi

Ends

Hoi An

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Escorted by a tour leader with local guides for sightseeing

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 16

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

49

Departs

Year-round

Hotel Rating

4-5 star hotels, boat, homestays & overnight train

Countries

Vietnam

Physical Rating

Moderate

Tour Pace

Medium

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 5, Dinner: 2
Adults (18+)
Per Person From
AUD

$3,535.00

Deposit From
Final payment
AUD

$1,000.00

$6,070.00

Tour Highlights

Hanoi - Explore the Vietnamese capital by rickshaw and on foot, taking in the main highlights and sampling local street food
Sapa - Trek through picturesque countryside, passing rice paddies, water buffalo, mountains and rural villages
Halong Bay - Cruise on emerald green waters surrounded by limestone karsts and kayak through hidden caves to explore secluded coves
Ninh Binh - Cycle through picturesque rice paddies and take a local rowboat trip before climbing to Dragon Mountain Viewpoint for panoramic countryside views
Hoi An - Take a ride in a coconut boat, explore this ancient town and enjoy an included cooking class

Included

10 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners
10 nights accommodation (3 nights twin/double room in 4-star hotel in Hanoi, 1 night twin/double room at a homestay in Sapa, 1 night twin/double room in a 5-star hotel in Sapa, 1 night twin/double/triple room aboard Halong Bay boat, 1 night twin/double room in simple Ninh Binh homestay & 3 nights twin/double room in 4-star hotel in Hoi An)
1 overnight train from Ninh Binh - Hoi An
Escorted by a tour leader, with local guides for included sightseeing
All transportation in private and public vehicles, including taxi, minibus, bus & boats
1 economy class flight from Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Walking & rickshaw tour of Hanoi
Sapa trekking and homestay
Overnight boat trip on Halong Bay with kayaking
Ninh Binh bicycle tour, row boat & viewpoint hike
Cooking class in Hoi An
Hoi An coconut boats & crab fishing
Hoi An lantern making class
Your carbon emissions - offset! (Our partner accurately measures the CO2 emissions of your tour and 100% offset them through planting the required amount of trees)
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go

Not Included

International flights & visas
Airport departure transfer
Optional activities
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

We’ll greet you at the airport in Hanoi and transport you to your hotel. After your flight, you'll have ample time to rest before we get together with the group for a welcome dinner at around 19:00, so you can get to know everyone before our adventure begins tomorrow.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 25 - 35, and in most cases we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 49. We have lots of group tours across our destinations that are suitable for travellers of all ages, browse our website or get in touch to find the perfect trip!

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2 - Hanoi by Rickshaw

Uncover the unique charm of Vietnam's bustling capital with a walking and rickshaw tour of the city. Explore the lively streets, intriguing culture, and delectable street food, as well as city landmarks including the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and the Old Quarter. Afterwards, we'll enjoy dinner and delve into some of the best nightlife Hanoi has to offer!

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Sapa Trekking

Hanoi - Sapa. This morning, we'll board a VIP limousine bus and leave Hanoi, travelling to the scenic hills of Sapa. Our local guide will educate us on how various ethnic groups coexist peacefully while preserving their unique traditions. We'll then embark on a trek into the heart of the Muong Hoa Valley. As we journey past rice paddies, breathtaking mountain views, and grazing water buffalo, we might get a bit muddy, but that adds to the adventure! Upon reaching our homestay, we'll enjoy a well-earned rest, exchanging stories over dinner and some rice wine.   

Overnight: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Sapa Trekking

Today, we will continue exploring Sapa on foot. We hike through terraced hills and explore local villages, meeting the villagers and learning more about traditional life. In the afternoon, a short drive will return us to Sapa, where we will check in to our hotel set on the mountainside and enjoy the tranquility of the area. 

Overnight: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Sapa at Leisure & Back to Hanoi

Sapa - Hanoi. Discover Sapa town at your leisure, or opt for a cable car ride to Fan Si Pan peak, famously referred to as the roof of Indochina. This afternoon, we'll return to Hanoi in the VIP limousine bus. The evening is free for you to take in anything you may have missed first time around in the Vietnamese capital.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Hanoi to Halong Bay

Hanoi - Halong Bay. Leaving Hanoi, we head to Halong Bay this morning, where we will cruise through its emerald green waters, surrounded by towering limestone mountains adorned with lush rainforests. Enjoy kayaking through intriguing caves and savour drinks on board, as we spend a night aboard a traditional junk boat on the bay.

Overnight: Halong Bay (boat)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

Halong Bay - Ninh Binh. Today, we journey south to the stunning countryside of Ninh Binh, known for its vast rice fields and majestic limestone mountains. We'll check into a local homestay and enjoy a relaxing evening in our private riverside bungalows as we watch the sunset. Surrounded by lush forest and with the river gently lapping at our feet, it promises to be a peaceful night in this rural slice of north Vietnam.

Overnight: Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Ninh Binh Cycling & Hoi An

Ninh Binh - Hoi An. Today, we explore the enchanting region of Ninh Binh by bike, pedalling through the picturesque rice paddies. Next, we embark on a scenic rowboat journey along a network of rivers and caves. Our action-packed day ends with a climb to the summit of the famous Dragon Mountain Viewpoint, where we can enjoy panoramic views over Ninh Binh and the surrounding area. It's then time to head to the train station as we board the overnight train to Hoi An - remember to stock up on snacks and water!

Overnight: Overnight train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Hoi An at Leisure

In the morning, we arrive in Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most beautiful and captivating towns. The rest of the day is at leisure - you could take a taxi to the beach, wander into town to explore the charming riverfront, or perhaps head to one of Hoi An's famous tailors to get yourself some custom-made garms.

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 10 - Coconut Boats, Crab Fishing & Cooking Class

Today we have a jam-packed day of activities. Begin by climbing aboard one of Hoi An's famous circular coconut boats with local fishermen. You will be led through coconut groves and given the chance to try crab fishing. Afterwards, take part in a traditional cooking class to learn the secrets of preparing delicious Vietnamese food, and tuck into your creations. The afternoon is yours to relax before we head out this evening to appreciate Hoi An's riverside from a lantern boat.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 - Lantern Making & Beach Time

This morning, we'll be learning how to make Vietnamese lanterns, using traditional methods. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a short bicycle ride to the beach, where we'll relax at a beach club for the day and enjoy lunch. We'll cap off our final day in Hoi An with dinner and drinks by the sea!

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 - Hoi An

Our tour comes to an end today. You can depart this morning, making your own way to the airport or your next destination. Although there is no departure transfer included, your tour leader will be available to help you plan your onward travel and is on hand to assist you. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accommodation Hanoi

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation - Hoi Am

Double

$95per passenger

Twin

$95per passenger

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa
Hanoi

Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa in Hanoi offers a sophisticated retreat in the heart of the city's vibrant Old Quarter. Just a short stroll from Hoan Kiem Lake, this boutique hotel features elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities, including neutral decor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding. Guests can unwind with a rejuvenating massage at the on-site spa or savour delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine at the restaurant. With its excellent location, personalised service, and tranquil ambiance, Emerald Waters Hotel & Spa is an ideal choice for both leisure and business travellers exploring Hanoi.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
ChaPa Ecolodge
Sapa

Located in Sa Pa with mountain views, offers a restaurant, bar, garden, and terrace, along with Wi-Fi. Each unit features a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, and slippers. An Asian breakfast is served daily. The accommodation is 8.8 km from Fansipan Legend Cable Car Station and 4.5 km from Sa Pa Lake. Room service is also available.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Pao's Sapa Leisure Hotel
Sapa

Perched on a hilltop with views over Muong Hoa Valley, this luxury hotel, housed in a curvaceous building, is just a 2-minute walk from the rice paddies and 3 km from Tien Sa Waterfall. The Sapa cable car station is 5 km away. The bright, airy rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and balconies or terraces with views of the valley or garden, along with sitting areas. Amenities include a rooftop bar, a restaurant, a lounge, an indoor pool with a bar, a spa, and a gym.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Overnight Train
Hoi An

Your night aboard a Vietnamese sleeper train won't be the most luxury night of your tour, and nor will you get the best night's sleep. But these trains are one of the best ways to get around this enormous country, and are a fun and unique experience. You will share a 4-berth cabin, usually with other members of the tour group, but not always. You will have your own bed (top or bottom bunk) and there are shared bathrooms and air-conditioning in the cabin. Large windows help you take in the view. Stock up on snacks, download a movie to watch and enjoy the experience!

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Thanh Binh Riverside Hotel
Hoi An

Boasting a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the Thanh Binh Riverside offers excellent accommodation in a great loacation. Guest rooms benefit from garden or river views and all come full air-conditioned, with stunning hardwood floors and all mod-cons. The onsite restaurant offers a great selection of Vietnamese and International dishes and the town centre is just a mere 200m walk away. Why not grab a cocktail and relax by the pool in the afternoon - a great way to refresh yourself from the Vietnam heat.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with other travellers. Please note that if paying the 'Shared' price, your accommodation will be in a mix of mostly Twin, as well as possibly some Triple, Quad and Dorm accommodation. Please see the rooming breakdown in the Inclusions for more information.

2025
Double/Twin
Single
Shared
6 Mar - 17 Mar
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
24 Mar - 4 Apr
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
5 Apr - 16 Apr
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
23 Apr - 4 May
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
5 May - 16 May
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
23 May - 3 Jun
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
10 Jun - 21 Jun
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
28 Jun - 9 Jul
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
2026
Double/Twin
Single
Shared
17 Jan - 28 Jan
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
23 Jan - 3 Feb
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
28 Feb - 11 Mar
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
24 Mar - 4 Apr
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
5 Apr - 16 Apr
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
23 Apr - 4 May
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
5 May - 16 May
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535
23 May - 3 Jun
$3,535
$4,465
$3,535

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