Travel between two of Vietnam's most charming destinations from the fading colonial chic of Hanoi to the attractive riverside merchant town of Hoi An with a night spent cruising the jade waters of Halong Bay and time spent exploring the royal citadel of imperial Hue, all in just 8 days.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi
Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, one of the region's most charming cities where French colonial elegance meets Asian spirit with attractive lakes, colourful pagodas and atmospheric streets. On arrival you will be met by our local representative and transferred to our joining hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure for you to relax or head out and explore.
For those able to arrive very early today or the day prior, why not get off the beaten track and explore Hanoi with us on our optional Back Streets of Hanoi add-on, which explores the quaint districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc, and also includes an exhilarating local experience - riding pillion, on taxi-motorbikes through a maze of tiny streets and along the shore of beautiful Ho Tay Lake.
Overnight: Hanoi
UNESCO-listed Halong Bay
Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast this morning we leave Hanoi and transfer to the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown - the incredibly beautiful Halong Bay. Board a comfortable junk boat to explore the emerald waters of the bay, dotted with green islets, and enjoy lunch with a view onboard.
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.
Overnight: Deluxe Junk Boat | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Caves & Hanoi cyclo ride
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can enjoy a beautiful sunrise and test their Tai Chi skills on the sundeck or enjoy a traditional massage - the perfect way to start the day. 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. These spectacular chambers are spacious enough to hold thousands of people.
On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we’ll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter by cyclo (rickshaw), 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 overnight 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
Imperial citadel of Hue
Arriving into imperial Hue this morning, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century capital. Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda with its 21-metre-tall tower, and explore the walled fortress of the Imperial Purple Palace, ringed by a moat with elaborate arches and impressive ramparts, some of which lie in ruin.
Later we travel into the countryside to visit the ancient mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the wonderfully ornamental Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings. This evening there is an optional sunset cruise on the Perfume River. Travelling by longboat, it's the perfect way to enjoy the city skyline.
Overnight: Hue | Breakfast, Lunch
Charming Hoi An
Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Bidding farewell to Hue we take a scenic drive along the coast via the Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) to Hoi An. We stop en route for a stroll along My Khe beach, nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war. The beach is famous for being in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’.
We arrive into the charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An later this afternoon. A short walking tour will introduce you to the highlights of this enchanting and historical town with highlights including 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
Rural Life in Vietnam
Today will be spent out in the countryside learning all about the rural way of life in Vietnam. We'll reach Tra Que village by bicycle, a leisurely ride on flat roads that take us through rice paddies and farm land. The option of a taxi is available locally for those not keen on bike riding (payable locally). Once at the village we'll get our hands dirty learning about age-old farming practices and putting our knowledge to use by tending the fields and gardens. Lunch is a home-cooked affair with everyone mucking in. Later this afternoon return back to Hoi An on your bikes.
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast, Lunch
Hoi An - at leisure
Today is completely free for you to enjoy Hoi An as you wish. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets lined with boutique restaurants, hip cafes, delightful craft shops and some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price). If you prefer some R&R, lounge by the hotel pool or head to the beach. Alternatively you can opt for an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the popular 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).
Overnight: Hoi An | Breakfast
Hoi An
Saturday. Today marks the end of your time in Vietnam. A departure transfer will be provided to take you to Danang airport in time for your onward flight.
Breakfast
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.
Extra Prices
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The Saga Hotel, Hoi An
The Saga Hotel Hoi An offers a comfortable and modern stay in Hoi An. Guests can unwind in the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a workout at the fitness centre. The hotel features a garden, a bar, and a restaurant serving local cuisine. With amenities such as free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms, The Saga Hotel Hoi An ensures a convenient and pleasant experience. Additional services include a 24-hour front desk and a kids' club. A range of breakfast options—buffet, continental, or American—are available each morning.
ÊMM Hotel, Hoi An
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.
As a female solo traveller, I highly recommend this tour. Quin, our tour guide was so helpful and always looking out for me to make sure I was alright. The tour provides a really good balance of the safety of being in a group vs able to do your own thing. I thought the hotels were really luxurious, especially in Hue and Hanoi. There are some early morning starts but you get used to it pretty quick. I really enjoyed the Hoi An street eats add on, it was one of my favourite things to do on the trip. I thought the Hanoi to Hoi An tour was the right amount of time to see enough of the country. ”
Kien was a fantastic, very friendly guide. Really enjoyed the tour and learning about the history of sites etc we visited. All went to plan and not one hiccup. The people we meet on the tour were great.”
Our guide Hung Do went above and beyond So efficient and always helpful he definitely made the tour had a really great experience thank you ”
Travelled with my mum, we had an excellent holiday. Vietnam is amazing, it is truly a beautiful country that I will return to many times in the future. This particular trip (Hanoi to Hoi An) was a great mix of busy city and relaxed country Vietnam, the transport used was excellent and the food 10/10 (included meals were absolutely amazing and catered for veg/vegan easily). Our guide Hung was great, he was funny and also very helpful. ”
This was our first ever group tour and due to the great variety of our tour and expert guide Hung Do made it an extremely memorable tour for the both of us. I thought the tour was well balanced with plenty of optional tours if one desired.
The history provided by Hung on Vietnam was outstanding and was provided in a timely but not overwhelming fashion.
Great memories On the Go Tours thankyou. Big thankyou to Hung and all the staff who helped out along the way.”
We had THE best time ever on our 8 day tour of Vietnam with On The Go Tours. Our Guide Kien was absolutely brilliant, so knowledgeable, professional, friendly and reliable! We did another short tour in Malaysia after Vietnam, and the guide we had for that made us appreciate Kien even more!! He was the glue for us all - you are very lucky to have him as part of your team!
This was our first experience doing a group tour and it went beautifully. We loved being the only folks from the US - it was a fantastic mix of old and young folks and from all different parts of the world.
Excellent job!!”
My travel party and I found the "La Casa" hotel somewhat out of the way as we had stayed in the old area for 2 nights prior to going on the tour. There weren't any/many places eat, and our guide had left quite quickly after our briefing, and we were unsure where to go to eat. Mr Chong didn't seem as knowledgeable as the other group's guide. The Ha long bay leg was excellent and even though the boat was older it was well appointed and my type of boat, the flight from Hanoi to Hue was standard (as they are), but the Hue accommodation was average compared to where we dropped off the other members of the second tour. The bath /shower was poor, and the water from the shower head hit the back wall and couldn't be adjusted. The trip from Hue to Da Nang then to Hoi Ahn was a standard bus trip. Accommodation at Hoi Ahn was really good and our trip to the rice farm was excellent, and I have no other issues only the guide left us on the Thursday which was a surprise but didn't make that much of a difference to the overall trip.
Really enjoyed the smaller group size
Overall, it was a great trip and thoroughly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to others. Best part - all of it. Worst part - accommodation in Hue”
What an amazing tour we got to see so much Vietnam 🥰 within just eight days and the food was incredible. Definitely want to go back.”
COENG was the tour guide and because he had been in the Vietnam war we found him very very interesting and showed us photos he had .
the tour and all the activities were excellent and i can now easily sell Vietnam.
i enjoyed all the activities like the boat trip , sleeping on the train the 2 cooking lessons, the canoeing going on the rickshaw rides
and scooters .
because i stayed 2nights at the beginning of the tour, i stayed in the old quarter 3mins from the lake and it was perfect.
the CASA hotel in Hanoi was awful...tired carpets and the position is horrible. none of us liked it on the trip.
no where to walk at night to eat . i suggest you move much closer into the old quarter
i would also add the train road as part of the trip as half our group didnt know about it and it was a very exciting experience.
the night market in Hanoi was fabulous . the hotel in Hoi an was fabulous and our best one onn the trip.
i really really loved this whole trip and the aussie and british on our trip were such fun and we all got on well. thank you”
What an amazing tour we got to see so much Vietnam 🥰 within just eight days and the food was incredible. Definitely want to go back.”
At a Glance
Tour Add-ons
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As a female solo traveller, I highly recommend this tour. Quin, our tour guide was so helpful and always looking out for me to make sure I was alright. The tour provides a really good balance of the safety of being in a group vs able to do your own thing. I thought the hotels were really luxurious, especially in Hue and Hanoi. There are some early morning starts but you get used to it pretty quick. I really enjoyed the Hoi An street eats add on, it was one of my favourite things to do on the trip. I thought the Hanoi to Hoi An tour was the right amount of time to see enough of the country. ”
