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Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond

13 days

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, discover Vietnam’s remote ethnic minority villages and go trekking in the beautiful Mai Chau Valley, cruise around the limestone peaks of picturesque Halong Bay and the floating markets of the Mekong, explore imperial cities and more on this 13 day tour.

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

Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

13 days

Starts

Hanoi

Ends

Ho Chi Minh City

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Wednesdays

Hotel Rating

4 star

Countries

Vietnam

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 12, Lunch: 6, Dinner: 1
Per Person From
NZD$4,055.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$7,110.00

Tour Highlights

Halong Bay – Cruise around the picturesque bay in a deluxe Junk Boat, kayak, swim and explore the remarkable caves
Hanoi – Ride on a rickshaw around Vietnam’s capital and visit highlights including Ly Thai To Park, the Opera House and the "36 Streets"
Mekong Delta – Sail aboard a traditional sampan and explore the vibrant Cai Rang floating market
Hue – Take a guided tour of this imperial city, including the famous seven story Thien Mu Pagoda and the Purple Palace
Ho Chi Minh City – Discover the highlights of the city on our walking tour and learn about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum
Tra Que Farm Experience – Cycle through lush countryside and experience tending the fields like traditional Vietnamese farmers
Hoi An – Enjoy some R&R in this enchanting riverside town with its cobbled streets, lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge
Hai Van Pass – Admire the stunning scenery as we drive along the famous “Road of the Ocean Clouds”
Mai Chau Valley – Trek through picturesque countryside and enjoy lunch in a Vietnamese home

Included

Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 1 dinner
10 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
1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)
Guided sightseeing - Mai Chau Valley, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City
Trekking in Mai Chau
Halong Bay Junk boat cruise
Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or VND
Tipping Kitty: USD$40-50pp, paid in USD
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Wednesday. Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel, where the rest of the day is free to explore Hanoi at leisure. Perhaps visit the Presidential Palace or Ho Chi Minh’s famous House on Stilts.

For those arriving early or the day before the tour begins, consider our Backstreets of Hanoi add-on. Explore the lesser-visited districts of Cho Buoi, Hoang Hoa Tham and Vinh Phuc. You’ll also get to ride behind a driver on taxi motorbikes through the narrow streets of the city and along the shore of Ho Tay Lake.

Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2 - Mai Chau Valley

Hanoi - Mai Chau. Leaving bustling Hanoi behind we drive to the picturesque Mai Chau Valley this morning, which is home to the White Thai ethnic minority group. Lunch is served at a traditional family-run guesthouse on stilts in the charming village of Mai Hich and this afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk through the back roads and rice fields of the valley for our first encounter with the Thai people, going about their daily lives. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure. You can relax by the swimming pool at the lodge or there are bikes you can hire to explore more of the countryside.

Overnight: Mai Chau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 - Trek through H'mong ethnic lands

Today we drive to the H’mong ethnic lands in the mountainous province of Hoa Binh and the rocky plateau of Hang Kia. Meet the colourfully dressed locals and eat lunch in a traditional wooden home. This afternoon we enjoy an easy-paced trek downhill to Mai Chau Valley, admiring the picturesque scenery as we go. We'll then be transferred back to our lodge in the valley.

Please note: If you prefer not to trek, we can transfer you by road back to the lodge, where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Mai Chau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 - Muong Culture Museum

Mai Chau - Hanoi. There’s the opportunity to visit the local Mai Chau market this morning, before we continue to the town of Hoa Binh. Explore the charming Muong Culture Museum to see women in traditional dress and authentic Muong stilt houses, as well as a collection of fascinating artefacts. After our visit we enjoy a traditional Muong lunch, before returning to Hanoi.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Junk boat cruising in Halong Bay

Hanoi – Halong Bay. After breakfast we enjoy 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 transfer to heavenly Halong Bay, the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. We explore the pristine jade waters, studded with karst islands, aboard a traditional junk boat. Our cruise starts with a tasty lunch onboard, soaking up the 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.

Overnight: Deluxe Junk Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - 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.

Arriving back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we enjoy 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.

Overnight: Sleeper train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Imperial Hue

Arrive in Hue today and enjoy a guided tour of this former imperial capital of Vietnam. Discover the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue’s most famous landmark and home to the oldest monastery in the city. We’ll also explore the Imperial Purple Palace, heavily bombed during the 1968 TET Offensive. Later, visit the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. The Emperor spent much of his reign living at this lavish site but was actually buried elsewhere in the city. His final resting place remains undiscovered to this day. This evening, there’s an optional long boat excursion on the Perfume River. Marvel at the rugged mountain scenery as we cruise along.

Overnight: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - The Hai Van Pass to Hoi An

Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. Today we drive along the famous Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds), one of the most beautiful coast roads in the world. Enjoy the striking views before we stop for a walk and a quick swim at My Khe beach - famous for appearing in the blockbuster film ‘Apocalypse Now’. Continue to the charming port city of Hoi An for a guided walking tour. Explore highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda and the iconic Japanese Bridge. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the cobbled streets and bustling waterfront of the city. You may also wish to consider our Hoi An Street Eats add-on. Hop on a vintage Vespa motorcycle and ride with a driver to several local restaurants. Try delicious all-you-can eat local cuisine and enjoy free-flowing drinks.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tra Que farm experience & bike ride

Enjoy a leisurely bike ride into the countryside this morning to visit a local farm in Tra Que village (we can arrange alternative transportation at no extra cost for those who don't wish to cycle). Here we learn about traditional farming methods and medicine, don conical hats and have a go at farming the fields ourselves. We’ll then enjoy a tasty lunch, but not before we cook it ourselves during a fun and interactive cooking demonstration.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 - Free time in Hoi An

Today is free to enjoy in Hoi An at leisure. Consider taking a rowboat along the river, relax on the beach or do some shopping. 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
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Cruising the Mekong

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. This morning we fly to Ho Chi Minh City (included) and drive to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional sampan at Cai Be and cruise down the canals, enjoying the stunning scenery as we sail. Watch the locals go about their daily lives and stop at some of the home factories where local people produce popcorn and sweets. We’ll enjoy lunch in a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.

Overnight: Can Tho
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 - Mekong & Ho Chi Minh City

Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early this morning we visit the Cai Rang floating market before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a walking tour of the former capital of South Vietnam and take in highlights of the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the sobering War Remnants Museum.

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 - Ho Chi Minh City

Monday. This morning is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City as you please, before our tour ends with a departure transfer to the airport.

If you wish, extend your tour with a day trip to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, vital to the Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. Crawl through a section of the tunnels and fire assault weapons at the firing range.

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

Single

$205per passenger

Post Tour Accommodation Saigon

Double

$105per passenger

Twin

$105per passenger

Single

$195per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Vespa ride in Saigon | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
Hoi An Street Eats

The streets of Hoi An are jam packed with scooters, so if you want to experience Hoi An's nightlife the way locals do, then jump on a vintage Vespa to explore some of the city’s popular local haunts and tuck into lots of tasty Vietnamese cuisine.

$265

per passenger
Flight Upgrade
Fly Hanoi to Hue

Opt to fly between Hanoi and Hue on any of our group tours, in lieu of the Reunification Express overnight train journey. After exploring the 36 streets of the old quarter by rickshaw, it's a one hour flight to Hue, where you'll enjoy a comfy bed for the night. The following morning enjoy a lie in and a leisurely breakfast before rendezvousing with your tour group mid-morning.

$335

per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Cu Chi Tunnels | Saigon | Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels

This add-on is a 2-day tour that includes the Cu Chi Tunnels that can be booked in conjunction with Southeast Asia Signature group tours ending in Ho Chi Minh City.

Double

$205per passenger

Twin

$205per passenger

Single

$295per passenger

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.

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

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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sol Bungalows
Mai Chau

Surrounded by emerald mountains and bamboo gardens, Sol Bungalows is set in the very heart of the Mai Chau valley. Its guestrooms are elegantly decorated and equipped with modern amenities including complimentary WiFi access. This secluded resort is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the dramatic scenery, with fantastic views over the surrounding lush rice paddies. An onsite restaurant offers delicious regional fare and guests can enjoy a host of other activities including a weaving class, traditional dance class, massage treatments, mountain biking and much more.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Superior Lodge
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Mid Range Junk
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
Mid Range Junk
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!

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Victoria Hotel Can Tho
Can Tho

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.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Iris Hotel
Can Tho

This elegant hotel is housed within a modern building in the city of Can Tho. Each guest room comes equipped with plush furnishings to ensure a good night's sleep and is decorated with a neutral palate and calming tones. Rooms look over the city and boast a range of modern amenities such as air conditioning and stylish ensuite facilities. Magnificent views of the city can be had from the hotel's skybar while a range of gourmet local and international dishes can be sampled at the onsite restaurant.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Bay Hotel
Ho Chi Minh City

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.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

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.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
18 Dec - 30 Dec
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
19 Feb - 3 Mar
$4,105
$5,795
12 Mar - 24 Mar
$4,105
$5,795
26 Mar - 7 Apr
$4,105
$5,795
9 Apr - 21 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
23 Apr - 5 May
$4,105
$5,795
7 May - 19 May
$4,055
$5,695
21 May - 2 Jun
$4,055
$5,695
4 Jun - 16 Jun
$4,055
$5,695

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