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Hanoi to Hoi An Youth Adventure

New Tour

9 days

GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 - 39): Discover the best of north Vietnam on this 9-day tour, exploring Hanoi’s vibrant streets with walking and rickshaw tours, cruising through Halong Bay’s emerald waters with kayaking and cave exploration, and discovering Ninh Binh’s stunning countryside with bike rides through rice paddies, rowboat journeys, and a climb to Dragon Mountain Viewpoint. Travel by overnight train to Hoi An to experience its ancient streets, join local fishermen for crab fishing, master traditional dishes in a cooking class, craft Vietnamese lanterns, and unwind at a beach club, embracing the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes throughout.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.

Download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

9 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 22

Minimum age

18

Maximum age

39

Departs

Year-round

Hotel Rating

Simple hotels & homestays

Countries

Vietnam

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Fast

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1
Adults (18+)
Per Person From

R 25,925.00

Deposit From
Final payment

R 10,000.00

R 41,850.00

Tour Highlights

Hanoi - Tour the city on foot and by rickshaw, exploring bustling streets and experiencing Hanoi's lively nightlife
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 - Explore the ancient streets and vibrant colours of the town while learning to prepare traditional dishes in a Vietnamese cooking class

Included

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 1 dinner
6 nights in simple hotels & guesthouses (2 Nights Hanoi -  Twin/Double Share Hotel, 1 Night Ninh Binh - Twin/Double, Triple Share Local Homestay, 3 Nights Hoi An - Twin/Double/Triple Share Hotel) 
1 night Halong Bay - Twin/Double/Triple Share Overnight Boat
1 overnight Train from Ninh Binh - Hoi An (Multi-Share Train Cabin)
All transport in minivans, buses, boats & trains
Escorted by a tour leader with local guides for sightseeing
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Walking & Rickshaw Tour of Hanoi
Night Out in Hanoi
Kayaking opportunities
Local Homestay Experience
Bicycle Tour of Ninh Binh
Rice Paddies visits
River Boat Cruise
Dragon Mountain Viewpoint
Cooking Class
Visit Local Markets
Basket Boat Crab Fishing
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 and visa
Tipping - An entirely personal gesture
Departure airport transfer
Optional activities

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You'll have some free time to relax, recuperate from your journey, and get to know the others in your group. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner at 7 PM.

Please note: This tour is designed for younger travellers looking for a backpacker-style experience and to meet like-minded people. The average age on this tour is around 21 - 35, and we are unfortunately unable to take any travellers over the age of 39. 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 walking & Rickshaw Tour

Today, we will begin our tour in the vibrant streets of Hanoi with a walking and rickshaw tour of the city. This will allow us to immerse ourselves in the bustling atmosphere and gain an insight into the local way of life while savouring spicy spring rolls and delicious street food. Later, we will experience Hanoi's lively nightlife, enjoying food and drinks.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Halong Bay Cruise

Hanoi - Halong Bay. Today, we will travel from Hanoi to uncover the breathtaking natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. As we cruise on the striking emerald green waters, we'll be surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush rainforests, creating a truly picturesque setting.

We’ll have the opportunity to kayak through hidden caves and explore secluded coves, immersing yourself in the serene landscape. Later, you can relax and savour refreshing drinks aboard your overnight boat, enjoying the tranquility of the bay as the sun sets over the horizon.

Overnight: Overnight Boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

Halong Bay - Ninh Binh. Today, we travel south to the stunning countryside of Ninh Binh, famous for its vast rice fields and dramatic limestone mountains. Upon arrival, we check into our charming local homestay, where you can unwind and take in the peaceful surroundings. As the sun sets, you can relax in your riverside bungalow, soaking up the tranquillity of this beautiful retreat.

Overnight: Local Homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Ninh Binh Bike Ride & Overnight train to Hoi An

We will venture into the enchanting region of Ninh Binh, starting with a leisurely bike ride through the picturesque rice paddies, where the vibrant green fields stretch out before us. Next, we’ll take a scenic local rowboat trip, gently navigating along rivers and through captivating caves, immersing ourselves in the serene beauty of the landscape.

Afterward, we’ll climb to the famous Dragon Mountain Viewpoint, where we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. As the day comes to an end, we’ll board the overnight train, making our way south towards the charming town of Hoi An.

Overnight: Overnight Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Exploring Hoi An

Ninh Binh - Hoi An. In the morning, we’ll arrive in Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most captivating and picturesque towns, known for its charming blend of ancient streets, vibrant colours, and rich history. As we step into the town, we’ll immediately be taken by its unique atmosphere, where every corner seems to tell a story.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace, whether it’s relaxing by the riverside, shopping for handcrafted treasures, or perhaps having some clothes tailored by one of the skilled local seamstresses, a tradition Hoi An is famous for.

Overnight: Hoi An

Day 7 - Vietnamese Cooking Class

Today, we’ll join local fishermen as they guide us through lush coconut groves, showing us the ancient art of crab fishing in the serene waters. Afterward, we’ll dive into the rich flavours of Vietnam, learning the secrets behind preparing traditional dishes in an authentic cooking class.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 - Lantern Making & Beach Time

Today, we’ll get creative and craft our very own Vietnamese lantern, embracing the art and tradition behind this colourful symbol. Afterward, we’ll take a short bike ride to unwind with a relaxing beach day, soaking up the sun and enjoying a delicious lunch at a trendy beach club, where the sound of the waves sets the perfect backdrop. The rest of the day will be at your leisure for you to relax or further explore.

Overnight: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - 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.

Post Tour Accommodation - Hoi Am

Double

R 625per passenger

Twin

R 625per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation Hanoi

Double

R 935per passenger

Twin

R 935per 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.

Bonjour D'An Nam Hotel
Hanoi

Located 24 km from Noi Bai International Airport, this property offers air-conditioned rooms and a range of amenities, including a garden, free WiFi, and a terrace. Guests can enjoy a wellness area, a bar, and a restaurant serving Asian cuisine. The property also provides room service, a 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange facilities. Each room is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a hairdryer, along with a private bathroom featuring a bidet and complimentary toiletries. Conveniently situated near Hanoi's Old City Gate, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, and Hoan Kiem Lake, this property offers comfort and accessibility for travellers.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 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 2 Hotel
Hoi An

Just 500m from Hoi An Ancient Town, offers free Wi-Fi and air-conditioned rooms with balconies and hardwood furnishings. Situated in the heart of Hoi An, it’s a 5-minute walk from Old Town and the War Remnants Museum, and a 40-minute drive from Danang Airport. The hotel provides self-service ironing facilities, laundry services, and an on-site restaurant serving Vietnamese and international dishes.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 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
26 Feb - 6 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
4 Mar - 12 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
6 Mar - 14 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
10 Mar - 18 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
12 Mar - 20 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
16 Mar - 24 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
18 Mar - 26 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
22 Mar - 30 Mar
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
2026
Double/Twin
Single
Shared
5 Jan - 13 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
7 Jan - 15 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
9 Jan - 17 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
13 Jan - 21 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
17 Jan - 25 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
21 Jan - 29 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
22 Jan - 30 Jan
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925
27 Jan - 4 Feb
R 25,925
R 31,695
R 25,925

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