Vietnam Experience Reunion | Summer | 2025
Vietnam Experience Reunion | Summer | 2025
Vietnam Experience Reunion | Summer | 2025
12 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong River Delta, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay
Tour operator:
Tour code:
OVVIEP25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Vietnam Experience Reunion, a 12-day summer adventure in 2025 that takes you through the heart of Vietnam. Begin in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, explore the serene Mekong Delta, and delve into the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Relax on the golden beaches of Nha Trang, and immerse yourself in the cultural charm of Hoi An. Discover the vibrant capital of Hanoi, and marvel at the natural beauty of Ninh Binh. Conclude your journey with a tranquil cruise on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. This is one of Asia's most exhilarating cities, steeped in grand history and post-Vietnam war memories. Your big Contiki reunion will kick off this evening, when you'll meet your travel crew of delighted 35-45s and explore the Ben Thanh markets (which offer the freshest traditional Bánh mì, Pho and Bia hơi.) Is this the right way to get the perfect Vietnam trip started? Oh yes it is!
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City To Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong River Delta
Accommodation Name: Bay Thoi Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we leave Ho Chi Minh exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. Though this isn't the first time we are seeing the Mekong Delta, our journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river's fringes can vary. We'll see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off our day as we settle in for a night at a local guesthouse.
Day 3: Mekong Delta To Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past. Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City To Nha Trang
Location: Nha Trang
Accommodation Name: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
With some traditional R'n'R on our afternoon agenda, the morning can be used to put on our discovering boots. We'll dabble in history and religion before taking flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea. Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters and a bustling night life - this is Nha Trang. This afternoon why not book in for a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience before heading out to dinner with your crew. Ah, the good life.
Day 5: Overnight Train To Hoi An
Location: Nha Trang
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good news - we have a whole full day to soak up Nha Trang before heading to Hoi An. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach before returning to our hotel to freshen up for our overnight train experience. Tonight, we'll head north via our comfy overnight train - where you'll wake up in our next destination and ready to explore it all.
Day 6: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time to rise and shine. After travelling North overnight, you'll be waking up in stunning Hoi An.With Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, Hoi An has no shortage of charm and architectural interest. Bike riding through the vibrant town, visiting an ancient house & ordering custom-made clothes at an artful tailor are just some of the activities that will colour our day. Tonight you can opt onto a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.
Day 7: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning travellers! The day is all yours. Poke around in galleries & market stalls (the best shopping spots in Vietnam in our opinion) and devour all of the delectable treats on offer. And for a dose of culture, you could ride on one of Vietnam’s very own Bamboo Basket Boats (Yes, the ones that you’ve probably seen on Instagram). And to top it all off, we’ll grab some fresh coconut water straight from the tree to your tummy.
Day 8: Hoi An To Hanoi Via Da Nang
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Leaving Hoi An will be sad. But we’re heading to Hanoi, so there’s hardly an excuse to not be excited. We’ll grab a quick breakfast and head to Da Nang… Fasten your seatbelts, folks. We’ll catch our internal flight to Hanoi from this quaint coastal town. Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens! We bet you’re starving from all that travel. That’s why we’ll head straight to the KOTO restaurant - a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. And with our tummies happy and full, we’ll visit the Temple of Literature (AKA Vietnam’s first-ever university.) But the sight-seeing doesn’t end there. It’s time to make our way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to a Vietnamese revolutionary leader. In the evening, you’re free to explore the capital however you like.
Day 9: Hanoi To Ninh Binh
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodation Name: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Next up, we’re heading to the epicentre of Vietnam's show-stopping natural beauty. Do you see them? Those lovely landscapes are all yours to admire and explore today. Get inside Vietnam’s legendary army jeep, or a vintage Vespa (if that’s your vibe) and let’s get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and clear blue water. And if you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times.
Day 10: Ninh Binh To Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Junk Boat (Special Stay)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We’re climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave to witness an incredible sunrise over the valley. (You certainly don’t wanna forget your camera for this one). A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of 'oh wow's', but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We’ll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences.
Day 11: Halong Bay To Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat - the views don't get much better than this. After heading back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow - this evening is all about making the most of your free time and staying positive so why not join us for one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away.
Day 12: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up (unless exploring the Ha Giang Loop with Contiki catches your fancy?) Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometimes soon - Latin America perhaps?
What's Included
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Meals
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels, a local guesthouse, and a traditional Chinese-style Junk Boat.
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Transport
In-country transport including flights and an overnight train are included.
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Activities
Activities such as visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, a traditional boat journey in the Mekong Delta, and exploring Halong Bay on a Junk Boat are included.
What's Not Included
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Visa
Visa requirements and fees are not included and must be arranged by the traveler.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a mineral mud bath, hot thermal spring experience, and Vietnamese cooking class are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and tips are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged by the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Vietnam using a mix of transportation including internal flights, traditional boats, an overnight train, and a Chinese-style Junk Boat, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Vien Dong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Bay Thoi Homestay in the Mekong Delta, Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa in Hoi An, Hanoi Larosa Hotel in Hanoi, and a special stay on a traditional Junk Boat in Halong Bay.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the Mekong Delta visit?
During the Mekong Delta visit, you will journey in a traditional boat, see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory, and sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey. The day will end with a home-cooked meal and local musicians at a local guesthouse.
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Will I have the opportunity to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels?
Yes, you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on Day 3. You will see traps, hidden doors, and some of the 250 kilometers of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand. You can even go down into the tunnels to experience them firsthand.
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What can I do in Nha Trang?
In Nha Trang, you can enjoy golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a bustling nightlife. You can also book a mineral mud bath and hot thermal spring experience or simply relax on the beach.
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What is the overnight train experience like?
The overnight train experience will take you from Nha Trang to Hoi An. You will have a full day to enjoy Nha Trang before boarding the train in the evening. The train is described as comfy, and you will wake up in your next destination, ready to explore.
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What activities are available in Hoi An?
In Hoi An, you can go bike riding through the vibrant town, visit an ancient house, and order custom-made clothes at an artful tailor. You can also opt for a Vietnamese cooking class to learn how to make traditional dishes.
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What can I expect during the visit to Halong Bay?
In Halong Bay, you will board a Chinese-style junk boat and drift through the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. You will pass hidden lagoons, thick forests, and dreamy grottos. The day will include a fresh seafood dinner and a sunset at your docking spot.
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What is the significance of the KOTO restaurant in Hanoi?
The KOTO restaurant in Hanoi is a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. It provides guidance, training, and career prospects to underprivileged young people.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes a variety of accommodations such as the Vien Dong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Bay Thoi Homestay in the Mekong Delta, Le Pavillon Paradise Hoi An Hotel & Spa in Hoi An, Hanoi Larosa Hotel in Hanoi, and a special stay on a junk boat in Halong Bay.
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What is the best way to explore Ninh Binh?
In Ninh Binh, you can explore the stunning landscapes by getting inside Vietnam's legendary army jeep or a vintage Vespa. The day will be spent cherishing the crisp air, clear blue water, and bird-watching.
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What is the final activity of the tour?
The final activity of the tour is a leisurely breakfast in Hanoi, where you can enjoy one last meal with your travel group before the tour wraps up.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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