Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond - 13 days
Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond - 13 days
Hill Tribes, Halong Bay & Beyond - 13 days
13 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting: Hanoi, Mai Châu District, Hạ Long Bay, Thua Thien Hue, Hue, Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City, Cần Thơ
Tour operator:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sunway Hotel
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.
Day 2 : Mai Chau
Location: Mai Châu District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sol Bungalows
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 3 : Mai Chau
Location: Mai Châu District
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sol Bungalows
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 4 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sunway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 5 : Halong Bay
Location: Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Deluxe Junk Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi - Halong Bay. This morning we leave Hanoi and drive to the beautiful UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. The bay is dotted with around 2,000 limestone islets and some are home to flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. Board a deluxe Junk Boat and enjoy stunning views as we sail around the bay and discover the striking stalagmites and stalactites in Trinh Nu Cave. There's also the opportunity to swim and kayak. This evening enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and a delicious seafood dinner onboard, before we spend the night in the bay.
Day 6 : Halong Bay
Location: Thua Thien Hue, Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early risers can enjoy a sunrise Tai Chi class on deck or perhaps opt for 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. These spectacular chambers are spacious enough to hold thousands of people.
This afternoon we return to Hanoi and enjoy an exciting rickshaw ride around the city’s narrow streets. See highlights of the capital including the Opera House and Ly Thai To Park. We’ll then take a walk through the “36 Streets” of the Old Quarter. Tonight, we board the ‘Reunification Express’ night train to Hue (standard 4 berth sleeper cabin) or there is an option to fly to Hue if you prefer.
Day 7 : Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mondial Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 8 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: River Green Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 9 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: River Green Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride into the countryside this morning to visit a local farm in Tra Que village. 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.
Day 10 : Hoi An
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: River Green Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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).
Day 11 : Cruising The Mekong
Location: Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Victoria Hotel Can Tho
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Day 12 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Cần Thơ, Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Lotus Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 13 : Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 star
-
Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 1 dinner
-
Economy class flight: Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
-
10 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
-
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
What's 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
Age Policy
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4 star
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What is the maximum group size?
24
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 13
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025
Wednesday - Monday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Nov 20, 2024 - Dec 02, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Dec 04, 2024 - Dec 16, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Feb 19, 2025 - Mar 03, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Mar 26, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Apr 23, 2025 - May 05, 2025Wednesday - Monday
May 07, 2025 - May 19, 2025Wednesday - Monday
May 21, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Aug 20, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 15, 2025 - Oct 27, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Oct 29, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Nov 26, 2025 - Dec 08, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Dec 24, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.