Vietnam Experience | 2026-2027
Vietnam Experience | 2026-2027
$1945
Vietnam Experience | 2026-2027
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:
VIEP26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam with the "Vietnam Experience | 2026-2027" tour. Starting in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, you'll explore the bustling streets and delve into the rich history of this iconic city. Venture into the serene Mekong Delta, where you'll experience traditional boat rides, floating markets, and a cozy homestay. Discover the historical Cu Chi Tunnels before heading to the coastal paradise of Nha Trang for relaxation and adventure. Travel north to the charming town of Hoi An, known for its unique blend of cultural influences and vibrant markets. Continue to Hanoi, where you'll explore the city's historical landmarks and enjoy a unique dining experience at KOTO restaurant. Experience the natural beauty of Ninh Binh and the breathtaking Halong Bay, where you'll spend a night on a traditional junk boat. Conclude your journey in Hanoi, cherishing the memories of Vietnam's diverse landscapes and rich culture.
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. You'll meet your travel comrades and have a free evening to explore. Oh yes, this is the right way to get your Vietnam trip started.
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 City, exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. 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 homestay.
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 City, 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: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (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 into a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.
Day 7: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation Name: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (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 and let’s get going. Spend the day cherishing the crisp air and greenery. 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. Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometimes soon - Latin America perhaps?
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels and special stays throughout the tour, including Vien Dong Hotel, Bay Thoi Homestay, Qualia De Hotel Hoi An, Hanoi Larosa Hotel, Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort, and a Junk Boat in Halong Bay.
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Meals
The tour includes 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Transportation
Transportation includes travel by traditional boat in the Mekong Delta, an overnight train to Hoi An, and internal flights within Vietnam.
What's Not Included
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Visa Requirements
Visa requirements are not included and must be arranged by the traveler prior to arrival in Vietnam.
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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 gratuities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Vietnam with a mix of traditional boats, internal flights, and an overnight train. Enjoy scenic drives and explore the Mekong Delta by boat, while experiencing the vibrant cities of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and more.Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations including the Vien Dong Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Bay Thoi Homestay in the Mekong Delta, and the Qualia De Hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy a unique stay on a Junk Boat in Halong Bay and an overnight train journey to Hoi An.Dining Summary
FAQs
Included Experience
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect during the tour in the Mekong Delta?
During the tour in the Mekong Delta, you will experience a journey in a traditional boat, see floating markets, visit a rice paper factory, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with local musicians. You will also have the opportunity to sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey and stay overnight at a local homestay.
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What is the significance of the Cu Chi Tunnels visit?
The visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels offers a glimpse into Vietnam's history, showcasing the traps, hidden doors, and some of the 250 kilometers of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand during the Vietnam War. You can even go down into the tunnels to experience them firsthand.
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What can I do in Hoi An during the tour?
In Hoi An, you can enjoy bike riding through the vibrant town, visit an ancient house, and order custom-made clothes at an artful tailor. You also have the option to participate in a Vietnamese cooking class, where you can learn to prepare up to four traditional dishes.
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What is the experience like on the overnight train to Hoi An?
The overnight train to Hoi An provides a comfortable travel experience where you can relax and wake up in your next destination, ready to explore. It allows you to make the most of your time by traveling overnight.
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What unique experiences are included in the Halong Bay visit?
In Halong Bay, you will stay overnight on a Chinese-style junk boat, drifting through the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. The experience includes passing hidden lagoons, thick forests, and dreamy grottos, as well as enjoying a fresh seafood dinner and sunset at your docking spot.
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What is the purpose of visiting the KOTO restaurant in Hanoi?
The visit to the KOTO restaurant in Hanoi offers a unique dining experience that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. The restaurant provides guidance, training, and career prospects to underprivileged young people, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while contributing to a good cause.
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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
Why book with Barrhead?
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Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
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Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
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Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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We look after you every step of the way.