m e n u

Subscribe to get great holidays, competitions, and exclusive sales straight to your inbox

By submitting the form below, you are providing your consent to receive marketing communications from the GoHop Group by email. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be used by the GoHop Group.

YOUR BOOKING

Call 01 241 2389 Irish Owned travel company

San Francisco holidays

Honeymoon Destinations

Honeymoon Destinations

Classic Vietnam Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Sail through limestone karsts aboard a traditional junk boat and walk the streets of imperial capitals. From vibrant Hanoi, the natural beauty of Halong Bay, the atmospheric imperial capital of Hue, and the charms of Hoi An to the modern day life of Saigon, experience the energy of Vietnam in 10 jam-packed days. An experienced Chief Experience Office will lead you to must-see highlights with time in between to do your own thing.

Travel Style: Classic
Service Level: Standard
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Trip Type: Small Group
Merchandising:Top Seller, Planeterra Project

Holiday Highlights

Experience bustling Hanoi
Sail on a junk boat through Halong Bay
Shop in romantic Hoi An
Squeeze through the Cu Chi tunnels
Sip Vietnamese iced coffee
People-watch in hectic Saigon

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Optional Activities

Hanoi
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum Visit
- Tran Quoc Pagoda Visit
- Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre Performance (6$ per person)

Ha Long Bay
- Kayaking (10$ per person)

Huế
- Hue Motorbike Tour

Hoi An
- Hoi An Cooking Class (30$ per person)
- Thu Bon River Boat Trip (12$ per person)
- Bike Rental
- Tailor Shops

Mỹ Sơn
- Mỹ Sơn Excursion (30$ per person)

Ho Chi Minh City
- Ben Thanh Market
- Cholon Visit
- Giac Vien Pagoda Visit
- Thien Hau Pagoda Visit
- War Remnants Museum Visit (2$ per person)
- Reunification Palace Entry (2$ per person)
- Dam Sen Water Park Visit (4$ per person)

Visas and Entry Requirements

Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with your travel agent as rules do change.

VIETNAM - If you require a visa for Vietnam, they need to be arranged ahead of time (BEFORE your trip) as the processing time varies and they are not available upon arrival.

As of March 2017, a select 40 nationalities are now eligible to enter Vietnam with an E-Visa. Please contact your Foreign Ministry or Vietnamese consulate to see if your nationality is eligible. Please note that you should ONLY apply for a Vietnam E-Visa if you are entering Vietnam by international airport - either Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) or Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City).

If you are entering Vietnam by land border, please apply for a regular visa for Vietnam. Many of the land borders we travel through do not accept the Vietnam E-Visa.

Please note that while MOST countries require a Visa ahead of time for Vietnam, certain countries may be allowed entrance for 15 days with proof of exit. As of July 1st, 2015 this will include citizens of Scandinavian countries, Japan, Russia, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. However, we STRONGLY recommend checking with your Embassy on the requirements as these change often. Please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements. Your sales agent can assist with departure documentation from Vietnam once we are within 30 days from departure.

Packing List

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Sleep Sheet and Pillow:
• Sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet
• Travel pillow

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Note: Please pack clothing for the season in which you will be travelling. From Nov-Feb weather can be cold, so please pack warm clothing. From May-Oct it is the wet season, so please bring waterproof clothing.

Important Notes

1. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the CEO and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been travelling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes.

2. HOTELS
In some major cities in Vietnam, hotel rooms may not have windows.

3. LUGGAGE
There may be a weight restriction on luggage for the internal flight on this tour. Each passenger is allowed to carry one checked bag with a maximum weight of 15 kg (33lbs). Additional bags or excess weight charges may apply. These charges are the responsibility of the passengers.

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. If your trip involves overnights in homestays, villages or camping then you usually have the opportunity to rent sleeping bags if need be instead of bringing them with you.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

A Word of Warning

As Vietnam embraces capitalism with open arms it is also falling victim to some of the problems of the West. Some parts of city centres are now a favourite hangout for pickpockets. If doing some exploring on your own carry only the necessary minimum with you and use a well-hidden money belt. Valuables, including your passport, should be left in the hotel safe - organize this at reception. There is no need to get paranoid, just be cautious.

Transport

Train, local bus, air-conditioned bus, boat, cyclo, plane.

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

About our Transportation

Train travel in Vietnam is very basic and train cleanliness is often not a priority for train staff. Sleeper trains normally have 4 seats per compartment, which convert into sleeping bunks (two upper and two lower). A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although many people prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. At times, passengers of different genders may be required to share a sleeper train berth and/or share a compartment with people not travelling in your group.

Simple food is available on the train but many people like to stock up on freshly baked bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure. Water should also be bought before the journey.

Train journeys in Vietnam are an experience and allow you to get a real taste of Vietnam.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Pricing Information

Total From €939
Nights 9

Flight prices are not included, prices are p.person.

CALL:

Similar Holidays

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

There are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.

Included Activities

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

Day 2 Hanoi/Ha Long

Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves.

In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.

Included Activities

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Transport

Shared Van (3.00 hour(s))
Junk

Included Meals

1B, 1L, 1D

Day 3 Ha Long/Huế

Enjoy breakfast on board before a morning sail back to the port. Drive back to Hanoi for a little more time to enjoy the city before boarding an overnight train.

Transport

Shared Van (4.00 hour(s))
Drive about 15 mins to the station and then board the southbound train for the overnight journey.
Basic overnight train (beds) (13.00-14.00 hours)

Included Meals

1B, 1L

Day 4 Huế

Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery.

While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.

Opt to experience the city from the back of a motorbike - like the locals do - when you pre-book the optional Hue Motorbike Tour ahead of time on the checkout page.

Included Activities

Tien Mu Pagoda Visit
Imperial Citadel Tour
Royal Tombs Visit

Day 5 Huế/Hoi An

Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon.

With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.

Transport

Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s))

Included Meals

Day 6 Hoi An

Explore all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.

Included Activities

Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch

Included Meals

1B, 1L

Day 7 Hoi An

Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.

Included Meals

Day 8 Hoi An/Ho Chi Minh City

Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.

Transport

Plane (1.00 hour(s))

Included Meals

Day 9 Ho Chi Minh City

With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.

Included Activities

Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour

Included Meals

Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Included Meals

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch, Hoi An
Your Discover Moment: Hoi An
Halong Bay caves entrance
Halong Bay boat cruise with seafood lunch and dinner
Imperial Citadel and Tomb entrance (Hue)
Cu Chi Tunnels entrance and tour
Internal flight
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), junk boat (1 nt).

My Own Room Exceptions

Night 2, Halong Bay boat; Night 3, Sleeper Train

Looking for something different?

Don’t worry. Just because it’s not here, doesn’t mean we can’t do it. Call us on +353 1 241 2389 or email info@gohop.ie and tell us what you’re looking for.

Book with confidence

GoHop are bonded by the Irish Commission for Aviation License Number TA0535. This bond means that, when you book a GoHop holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.