SHORTLIST

Vietnam Experience

Looking for the full experience tour of Vietnam? This 12-day Vietnam itinerary takes you through Ho Chi Minh, Hoi An, Hanoi & Halong Bay with plenty of action and highlights to immerse yourself into this enchanting culture. Picture yourself relishing the rice region of Mekong Delta by taking a traditional boat through floating markets & local fruit farms, stopping in exciting & iconic hot spots & popular local foodie haunts for a true Vietnam travel experience.
Tour details
Tour Provider Contiki
Price From
$2,882
Number of Days
12
Start Location
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End Location
Hanoi, Vietnam
Age Range
18 to 35
Group Size
20 to 45
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Start Ho Chi Minh City
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.
This evening you'll meet your travel comrades and explore the Ben Thanh markets, offering the freshest traditional Bánh mì, Pho and Bia hơi. Oh yes, this is the right way to get the Vietnam trip started.
Ho Chi Minh City To Mekong Delta
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.
Mekong Delta To Ho Chi Minh City
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).
Ho Chi Minh City To Nha Trang
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.
Nha Trang
Good news - we're kicking it in Nha Trang for another night. Have a massage, sign up for the optional cruise, or just hang on the beach saving your energy for seaside bar fun as the sun sets.
Nha Trang To Hoi'An
We'll travel North and take a short coastal drive we find ourselves in a canal town overflowing with beauty and ancient history.
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.
Hoi An
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.
Hoi An to Hanoi via Da Nang
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 dsn’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.
Hanoi to Ninh Binh
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.
Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
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.
Halong Bay To Hanoi
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.
Depart Hanoi
Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out and make plans to reunite sometime soon - Latin America, perhaps?
Inclusions
  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
Departure dates
Start End Availability Price NZD
12 May 2024 23 May 2024 onRequest $3,677
26 May 2024 06 Jun 2024 onRequest $3,415
09 Jun 2024 20 Jun 2024 onRequest $3,415
23 Jun 2024 04 Jul 2024 Available $3,250
30 Jun 2024 11 Jul 2024 onRequest $3,677
07 Jul 2024 18 Jul 2024 onRequest $3,677
21 Jul 2024 01 Aug 2024 Available $3,415
28 Jul 2024 08 Aug 2024 Available $3,127
11 Aug 2024 22 Aug 2024 Available $2,882
25 Aug 2024 05 Sep 2024 Available $2,882
08 Sep 2024 19 Sep 2024 Available $3,127
15 Sep 2024 26 Sep 2024 Available $2,882
22 Sep 2024 03 Oct 2024 Available $3,127
06 Oct 2024 17 Oct 2024 Available $3,005
13 Oct 2024 24 Oct 2024 Available $2,882
20 Oct 2024 31 Oct 2024 Available $3,127
27 Oct 2024 07 Nov 2024 Available $2,882
03 Nov 2024 14 Nov 2024 Available $3,127
06 Nov 2024 17 Nov 2024 Available $3,250
13 Nov 2024 24 Nov 2024 Available $3,250
17 Nov 2024 28 Nov 2024 Available $3,677
20 Nov 2024 01 Dec 2024 Available $3,250
24 Nov 2024 05 Dec 2024 Available $2,882
27 Nov 2024 08 Dec 2024 Available $3,005
01 Dec 2024 12 Dec 2024 Available $2,882
08 Dec 2024 19 Dec 2024 Available $3,127
15 Dec 2024 26 Dec 2024 Available $2,882
18 Dec 2024 29 Dec 2024 Available $2,882
22 Dec 2024 02 Jan 2025 Available $2,882
29 Dec 2024 09 Jan 2025 Available $2,882
05 Jan 2025 16 Jan 2025 Available $3,048
08 Jan 2025 19 Jan 2025 Available $3,048
11 Jan 2025 22 Jan 2025 Available $3,048
19 Jan 2025 30 Jan 2025 Available $3,048
26 Jan 2025 06 Feb 2025 Available $3,048
02 Feb 2025 13 Feb 2025 Available $3,048
09 Feb 2025 20 Feb 2025 Available $3,048
16 Feb 2025 27 Feb 2025 Available $3,048
02 Mar 2025 13 Mar 2025 Available $3,048
09 Mar 2025 20 Mar 2025 Available $2,916
23 Mar 2025 03 Apr 2025 Available $2,916
30 Mar 2025 10 Apr 2025 Available $2,916
06 Apr 2025 17 Apr 2025 Available $2,916
13 Apr 2025 24 Apr 2025 Available $2,916
20 Apr 2025 01 May 2025 Available $3,252
23 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 Available $3,252
27 Apr 2025 08 May 2025 Available $3,252
04 May 2025 15 May 2025 Available $3,252
11 May 2025 22 May 2025 Available $3,252
25 May 2025 05 Jun 2025 Available $3,252
08 Jun 2025 19 Jun 2025 Available $3,252
15 Jun 2025 26 Jun 2025 Available $3,252
22 Jun 2025 03 Jul 2025 Available $3,252
29 Jun 2025 10 Jul 2025 Available $3,252
06 Jul 2025 17 Jul 2025 Available $3,252
13 Jul 2025 24 Jul 2025 Available $3,252
20 Jul 2025 31 Jul 2025 Available $3,252
27 Jul 2025 07 Aug 2025 Available $3,252
03 Aug 2025 14 Aug 2025 Available $3,252
10 Aug 2025 21 Aug 2025 Available $3,252
17 Aug 2025 28 Aug 2025 Available $3,252
24 Aug 2025 04 Sep 2025 Available $3,252
31 Aug 2025 11 Sep 2025 Available $3,252
07 Sep 2025 18 Sep 2025 Available $3,252
14 Sep 2025 25 Sep 2025 Available $3,252
21 Sep 2025 02 Oct 2025 Available $3,252
28 Sep 2025 09 Oct 2025 Available $3,252
05 Oct 2025 16 Oct 2025 Available $3,252
12 Oct 2025 23 Oct 2025 Available $3,252
19 Oct 2025 30 Oct 2025 Available $3,252
26 Oct 2025 06 Nov 2025 Available $3,252
02 Nov 2025 13 Nov 2025 Available $3,252
16 Nov 2025 27 Nov 2025 Available $3,252
19 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025 Available $3,252
23 Nov 2025 04 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
26 Nov 2025 07 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
30 Nov 2025 11 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
03 Dec 2025 14 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
07 Dec 2025 18 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
10 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
14 Dec 2025 25 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
17 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 Available $3,252
21 Dec 2025 01 Jan 2026 Available $3,252
24 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 Available $3,252
28 Dec 2025 08 Jan 2026 Available $3,252
31 Dec 2025 11 Jan 2026 Available $3,252
04 Jan 2026 15 Jan 2026 Available $3,004
07 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 Available $3,004
10 Jan 2026 21 Jan 2026 Available $3,004
14 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026 Available $3,141
18 Jan 2026 29 Jan 2026 Available $3,141
21 Jan 2026 01 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
25 Jan 2026 05 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
28 Jan 2026 08 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
01 Feb 2026 12 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
04 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
08 Feb 2026 19 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
11 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
15 Feb 2026 26 Feb 2026 Available $3,141
22 Feb 2026 05 Mar 2026 Available $3,141
01 Mar 2026 12 Mar 2026 Available $3,141
08 Mar 2026 19 Mar 2026 Available $3,141
15 Mar 2026 26 Mar 2026 Available $3,141
22 Mar 2026 02 Apr 2026 Available $3,141
29 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 Available $3,141
05 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 Available $3,141
12 Apr 2026 23 Apr 2026 Available $3,141