Full Moon Hoi An
FROM: NZD $2,785 pp
Full Moon Festival, Hoi An - 10 days map

Vietnam’s Full Moon Festival is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Join us to celebrate the Full Moon Festival in the charming riverside town of Hoi An, where thousands of locals release beautiful lanterns into the night sky or onto a river filled with their hopes and wishes for the future. There are tasty Mooncakes to be eaten too!

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Reviews

Trip Highlights

Full Moon Festival – Celebrate with the locals and watch as thousands of colourful lanterns are released on the river and into the night sky
Hoi An – Travel on the famous Hai Van Pass and explore highlights of the UNESCO-Listed city including the Japanese Bridge
Hanoi – Ride through the old French Quarter on cyclo rickshaws to visit Ly Thai To Park and the Opera House
Tra Que Village - Take a leisurely bike ride into the countryside, learn how to farm the land and enjoy a fun hands-on cooking lesson
Halong Bay – Cruise around limestone islets on a deluxe junk boat, kayak, swim and explore the remarkable caves
Ho Chi Minh City – Explore the city on a guided walking tour and visit the sobering War Remnants Museum
Hue - Discover the ancient walled Citadel, the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Mekong Delta - Cruise the maze of waterways on a sampan, visiting local cottage industries and Dong Hoa Hiep Island

Included

Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
Lantern making in the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An and releasing our lanterns onto the river
1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)
Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
7 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City
Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 10
Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide

Not Included

International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or VND
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$35-45pp, paid in USD or VND

Itinerary

Day 1

Lantern Makers of Hanoi

Tuesday 30th September 2025. Welcome to Hanoi, perhaps the most graceful, atmospheric and exotic capital city in Asia. Airport to hotel arrival transfer. This morning offers free time for you to explore the wide tree lined avenues, beautiful lakes and ancient pagoda’s and thriving old city.

Meeting our guide at 2pm we set of on foot to explore Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter known as the ‘36 streets of the old Hanoi’. There is Silver Street, Silk Street, Comb Street, Paper Street and importantly Hang Ma street where we’ll browse and learn about the history and traditions of Vietnam’s Full Moon Festival. There may even be deliciously sweet traditional Mooncakes to be shared.
Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2

Halong Bay

Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast this morning we leave Hanoi and transfer to the crown in Vietnam's scenic crown - the incredibly beautiful Halong Bay. We'll explore the jade waters studded with karst islands aboard a traditional wooden junk boat and after embarkation there's time for lunch soaking up the views.

This afternoon we will visit the spectacular Tien Ong Cave which was opened to the public in 2010, with its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Overnight: Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Floating villages and cyclo rides

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage - the perfect way to start the day. Before heading back to port we'll explore by kayak the Floating Village of Cua Van, which is home to generations of fishing families. Here we’ll see the traditional and colourful floating wooden houses and the locals going about their daily lives.

On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we’ll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter on our very only cyclo (rickshaws), taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To park. We then swap our wheels for a leisurely walk through ‘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.
Overnight: Sleeper train  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Imperial Hue

Upon arrival to Hue 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.
Overnight: Hue  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Delightful Hoi An

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, featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. Perhaps enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea before continuing our journey south along the coast 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.
Overnight: Hoi An  |  Breakfast

Day 6

Full Moon Festival

Today marks the height of the Full Moon Festival and we will be celebrating with the locals. This morning we ride by rickshaw to a local home on the outskirts of Hoi An where we will learn about the family’s long tradition of lantern-making and handcraft our own lanterns for tonight’s festivities. Heading into town we explore the local market stalls and authentic lantern shops before free time to visit one of the many great tailor shops, take a row boat down the river or spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel swimming pool.

Tonight we make our way to the water's edge with hundreds of locals to release our lanterns and enjoy the spellbinding spectacle of hundreds of sparkling lights sailing down river and lighting up the night sky.
Overnight: Hoi An  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Village Life

A leisurely bicycle ride into the countryside, leads us to Tra Que village this morning (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 test our farming skills in the fields. Then we watch an entertaining cooking demonstration and help to cook up a tasty lunch.
Overnight: Hoi An  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

Cruising the Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho. 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.
Overnight: Can Tho  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9

Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

Can Tho - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. Early today we visit the ever lively Cai Rang floating market. Watch as melons, pineapples, fresh greens, sacks of rice and children's toys get tossed from one sampan to another at great heights and speed 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 our walking tour of the city we see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City  |  Breakfast

Day 10

Ho Chi Minh City

Friday 20 September 2024. Today offers free time in Ho Chi Minh City till your departure transfer to the airport. Opt for a relaxing foot massage, shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath!

You could also extend your stay and join us on a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels Here you can go underground to explore the vast network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, see booby traps, trap doors or test your skill with an AK 47 at the firing range.
Breakfast

Cu Chi Tunnels - go underground!

Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels - a vast underground network of tunnels and hideouts used by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters during the 1960s. Often lead by a relative of a Viet Cong fighter in green fatigues you’ll walk the bush trails discovering grass covered trapdoors, ingenious, yet gruesome booby traps and hidden underwater entrances in rivers. There is also an opportunity to go underground and pop off a few rounds at the firing range. Our Cu Chi Tunnels bolt-on includes return transportation to and from Cu Chi, guided tour and 1 night accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City.

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

Guaranteed Departure

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Mai Chau - 4 Days (Adult)
NZD $935
NZD $1,225
Mai Chau - 4 Days (Child)
NZD $935
NZD $1,225
Cu Chi Tunnels - 2 days (Adult)
NZD $215
NZD $305
Cu Chi Tunnels - 2 days (Child)
NZD $215
NZD $305

Hotels

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.

La Casa Hotel, Hanoi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Set in the tranquil French Quarter of Hanoi, La Casa Hotel offers a comfortable stay in Vietnam’s bustling capital. Each guestroom features free high-speed WiFi and individually controlled air conditioning, alongside the other amenities you’d expect of a modern hotel. Guests can enjoy Asian cuisine in the on-site restaurant as well as a range of beverages in the bar. The gym boasts fantastic views over the city, however, if you’re looking to unwind, you can take a dip in the fountain swimming pool or head to the hotel's spa center.

Sleeper train - 4 berth cabin, Hanoi

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Train

Cabins on board are comfortable though not comparable to European standards. Aboard each wagon are 9 compartments that comprise of 4 bunks per compartment shared by mixed sexes. A western-style toilet (with a varying degree of cleanliness) is located at either end of the wagon. Air-conditioning (not always operational in the summer) and lighting are controlled from inside the cabin, which is also lockable. Luggage can be stored in a compartment under the bottom bunk. Linen and a pillow are provided.

Sunway Hotel, Hanoi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

This ambient, boutique hotel combines traditional appeal with modern pleasures. Rooms are furnished in a contemporary fashion with an array of amenities for added comfort. Its restaurant provides a great variety of Vietnamese cuisine and you are welcome to enjoy cocktails and live music in the Jazz Bar or relax in the hotel's health spa.

Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat, Halong Bay

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Junk

This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.

Syrena Junk Boat, Halong Bay

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Junk

A tradition hand crafted boat, the Syrena Junk Boat offers superb en suite air conditioned cabins with comfortable interiors and balconies. The on board Lotus Restaurant serves up a delicious array of Vietnamese and International cuisine. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Swimming, kayaking and tai chi are all offered on board and movie nights are also very popular.

Mondial Hotel, Hue

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Just a 5 minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh museum, the Mondial Hotel is a contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms benefit from spacious interiors, comfortable beds and lots of mod-cons. There is complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, an outdoor pool and onsite spa - perfect for a re laxing massage. As well as the delicious Huong Xuan Restaurant there is also the Lobby Lounge - great for cocktails before dinner!

ÊMM Hotel, Hue

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated in the heart of the former imperial capital, ÊMM Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. Guestrooms are spacious and complete with modern amenities. The hotel's imperial jade and royal purple colour scheme was inspired by ancient Hue itself. Guests can take advantage of the mini-gym, pool-side bar and reading area. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in the onsite contemporary restaurant.

Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, Hoi An

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated right on the banks of the Thu Bon River, this upscale hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the ancient town of Hoi An. Combining Vietnamese tradition with modern facilities, its guestrooms are set in coconut tree-shaded gardens beside the water. They’re well-equipped, with free WiFi and air conditioning, as well as private balconies. The hotel also offers a riverside restaurant, serving local specialties and western dishes on the outdoor terrace. This hotel’s highlight, however, is its pool and fabulous swim up bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

ÊMM Hotel, Hoi An

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Ideally located less than 200 metres from Hoi An's Old Quarter, this beautiful hotel features a mix of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architecture. There's an outdoor swimming pool and a serene private garden to unwind in. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and other meals in the onsite restaurant and drinks at the bar. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Room are colourfully and tastefully decorated, with minibars, fridges, TV and ensuite bathrooms.

TTC Hotel Premium Can Tho, Can Tho

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated along the Hau River and just a short 2-minute stroll from the riverside, TTC Hotel - Can Tho boasts a central location in Can Tho. This 10-story hotel provides captivating panoramic views of both the city and the river and offers a wide range of facilities including an outdoor pool, spa, casino and nightclub. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious, well equipped rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout. You can savour delectable Asian and Western cuisine at the in-house TTC restaurant and enjoy scenic views of the river at The Alfresco Cafe.

Victoria Hotel Can Tho, Can Tho

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

This attractive, colonial-style resort is tastefully decorated with well-appointed rooms and a wide range of facilities including a spa, tennis courts, open-air bar, restaurant and a gym. The hotel also offers sunrise and sunset cruises to the floating markets aboard the Lady Hau junk.

Bay Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The 16-storey, Saigon River-facing Bay Hotel is located just a couple of streets away from the Notre Dame Basilica and Independence Palace in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Rooms offer a complimentary Wi-Fi connection and a complimentary minibar, which is replenished daily. Rooms are bright and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathroom, TV and safe. The hotel restaurant serves a variety of Asian cuisine and there is a daily buffet breakfast. The rooftop pool and bar offers incredible views over the city.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.67 out of 5 based on 3 recent reviews

Hung is an excellent guide very knowledgeable and a lovely person. The tour was fantastic but a few more down days would have been nice. Great mix of ages in our tour from 26 to 70. Lots of laughs and fun.

• Submitted 18 Sep 2019
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Have just returned from Full Moon Festival tour in Vietnam - 10 days and although was a little nervous being my 1st tour and travelling alone had no reason to worry. This was a fabulous tour showing a broad range of sites and experiences. Our guide Hung Do was extremely informative and looked after us like family. He was great and had a real feel for the country. Also felt very safe at all times. Was lucky enough to have a terrific group of people which made it even more enjoyable. Tour was at a cracking pace fitting so much in and I would recommend On the Go Tours to anyone.

• Submitted 01 Oct 2018
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The tour itself was fantastic. The planning of the journey, the time spent in each destination and the transport was great. Both my husband and myself loved every day on the tour and I as a travel agent will continue to sell the product to my clients. Our guide was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He was always on time, had a sense of urgency and helped all the clients whenever they required assistance.

• Submitted 06 Oct 2015
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At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Hanoi
Ends
Ho Chi Minh City
Departs
30 September 2025.
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 star
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 1
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
Click to play videoHawker selling wares on the streets of Hanoi
Click to play videoThe jade coloured waters of Halong Bay studded with karst islands
Click to play videoThe majestic palace of the Imperial Forbidden City of Hue
Click to play videoHoi An - Vietnam Highlight - On the Go Tours
Boat making its way along the Mekong Delta near Can Tho
Click to play videoSaigon City Hall in the early evening light

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Mai Chau Add On | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
NZD $ 935 / 4 Days
Vespa ride in Saigon | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
NZD $ 255 / half day
Cu Chi Tunnels | Saigon | Vietnam
NZD $ 215 / 2 days
Flight Upgrade
NZD $ 325

Extra Tour Info

Learn more about the Hoi An Lantern Festival with these FAQs answered
Hoi An Lantern Festival FAQ
Everything you need to know about this monthly celebration
Updated
12th September 2022

Hung is an excellent guide very knowledgeable and a lovely person. The tour was fantastic but a few more down days would have been nice. Great mix of ages in our tour from 26 to 70. Lots of laughs and fun.

Brenda Hill
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