This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised for its customer response during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and well-being of our customers has always been our highest concern and, with 7 day expert support, flexible terms and low deposits, you can be certain that your next adventure is booked with confidence.
✓ Includes Return International Airfares
✓ Authentic grassroots exploration of Vietnam with incredible sightseeing, including an overnight cruise on Halong Bay and guided tours of Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta
✓ Small group tour, maximum of 16 travellers
✓ 8 nights in 5-star hotels
✓ 1 night on a traditional junk boat to cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay
✓ Flights from Hanoi to Hue and Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City
✓ Breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 2 dinners
✓ Cruise the serene waters of the Perfume River during a guided tour of Hue
✓ Board the Reunification Express from Hue to Danang, a 103-km journey through some of the most spectacular, diverse scenery in Vietnam
✓ Explore Hanoi, escorted by your expert local guide
✓ Follow your expert local guide on a walking tour through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
✓ Take part in a cooking demonstration and learn to make Hanoi's specialty dish, white rose dumplings
✓ The services of a professional, English-speaking guide in each city
✓ In depth sightseeing including all entry fees
✓ Dedicated, air-conditioned transportation
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Chao mung! Or welcome, to Vietnam and it’s beautiful ancient capital, Hanoi. Take some time to relax and depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at leisure before your full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
A full city tour of Hanoi awaits you today. This morning’s sightseeing begins with a visit to Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features astoundingly well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways. After this we will visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, built by French colonists to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it was used by North Vietnam, and dubbed the 'Hanoi Hilton' by American prisoners of war. Today, only part of the prison still exists, which has been converted into a museum.
At noon we will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, which contains a museum and Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Within the grounds there also lies the simple two-room stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969, as well as the miniature One Pillar Pagoda, or Chua Mot Cot, which sits in a lotus pond.
Next, we’ll enjoy a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter - the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, highlighting more than 1,000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as 'The 36 Streets'. This is a wonderful place to soak up local life, and peruse market items from fabrics to crafts and exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect the specialised trade of the merchants who had shops there, such as silk traders or jewellers. Take a break at a local coffee shop to experience the popular Hanoi pastime of sipping coffee and watching life go by in the neighbourhood. Following the city tour, the rest of the evening is free to continue exploring on your own.
Travellers can explore a bustling local market with a private chef who will guide you around the market, to demystify the local produce, explain the market culture and encourage you to taste some of its most exotic ingredients. After this tour you will return to to enjoy a 3 course traditional Vietnamese dinner, inclusive of one drink. This is a great opportunity to do more than ‘just have a meal’. It will be an authentic night to remember.
Starts: approx: 4.45pm
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Haiphong. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our Halong Bay cruise. Onboard, you'll enjoy a complimentary drink and take a seat in the lounge before a short welcome briefing with fellow guests. Become acquainted with the junk boat's facilities, using the opportunity to ask any questions and getting to know the friendly staff. You’ll be shown to your room where you can unpack and enjoy your balcony view before freshening up just in time for lunch. As you indulge in an exquisite, freshly cooked meal, the boat will sets sail for the first attraction of the day – the floating villages of Lan Ha Bay. With a resident local population that's estimated to run into the hundreds, these fishing villages are a unique cultural feature of the region, and represent a traditional sea-based lifestyle that has since died out in many other parts of the world. Interact with the friendly communities whose livelihoods depend on these waters, and learn to fish in their traditional style.
Back onboard the boat enjoy some free time as we drift deeper into Halong Bay, wending our way past the towering limestone islands draped in greenery that dot these beautiful aquamarine waters. This is the perfect time to check out the panoramic sundeck, or relax in your room. Later, the junk boat's head chef will lead a cooking class and food carving lesson – a typical feature of Vietnamese culinary culture. Watch in wonder as everyday vegetables are intricately carved into works of art, and try your hand at making a typical Vietnamese dish. A la carte dinner platters range from salads and seafood to meat dishes, not to mention seasonal fruits and exotic desserts. Happy hour follows dinner, and you can spend the rest of your night at leisure. Why not take this opportunity to try your hand at squid fishing with the cruise staff.
Start your morning today with a glorious sunrise Tai Chi class upon the sundeck as day breaks on the calm lagoon. Treat yourself to European-style pre-breakfast snacks with tea and coffee before we set sail to one of our favorite spots in the whole of Lan Ha Bay, Vịnh Ông Cậm (Ong Cam bay). This breathtaking cove is the perfect spot to spend the morning. Here you’ll have the choice between sunbathing, swimming or kayaking around the rocky shoreline. Once we’re done on the beach, we’ll board the boat again just in time to enjoy a full breakfast buffet, which includes both international favourites and typical Vietnamese dishes, such as noodle soup (pho). After breakfast, you may relax in the dining room and lounge or on the deck enjoying your last views of the bay before disembarking at midday. From here, we drive to Hanoi to catch an evening flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival in Da Nang you will be met and transferred to Hoi An.
Tonight, you are in for a special evening of breathtaking entertainment followed by a delicious dinner at the famous 100 year old restaurant, Little Faifo. The show will take you back to the Hoi An trading port of the 16th and 17th centuries to witness the ups and downs of the city over the course of 400 years. The dinner will allow you to sample the local cuisine, and will include one free drink (soft drink or beer).
Starts: approx: 7.30pm
Duration: approx: 3 hours
Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. In the morning we’ll stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. As the sun goes down the city lights up with a sea of colourful lanterns, giving Hoi An the moniker 'City of Lanterns' and making for a thoroughly photogenic and romantic atmosphere.
Today, enjoy a wide range of experiences - from learning traditional fishing techniques, paddling the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats, riding on a buffalo, experiencing rice culture to learning about the Ba Trao cultural folk music from the local fishermen. This optional tour will allow you discover the local Vietnamese way of life, with authentic social and cultural insights.
Starts: approx: 8am
Duration: approx: 4 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast this morning, we will check out of our hotel and begin our full day journey to the coastal resort city of Nha Trang. The trip will be broken up with stops along the way, including spending time at Quy Nhon Beach for lunch at a delicious local, seafood local restaurant before continuing on to our hotel in Nha Trang. Located in southern Vietnam, this beautiful city is known for its beaches, diving, and offshore islands. After settling in at the hotel, spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Please keep in mind that will be a long day on the road and therefore scheduled stops may differ to what is reflected in the itinerary.
This morning begins with a thrilling boat trip off the shores of Nha Trang to find some snorkeling sites. Dive into the crystalline turquoise water, where you'll be surrounded by colourful marine life - you might be lucky enough to spot scorpionfish, lionfish and moray eels. Following the boat trip you’ll have time to find some local cuisine for lunch back onshore before we begin our drive to Dalat. Along the way we will visit some local farms and make a stop at the picturesque village of Trai Mat, home to temples and a small market. Upon arrival in Dalat this evening check into your hotel and relax.
Located in southern Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Dalat is surrounded by a magnificent landscape of hills, pine forests, lakes and waterfalls. It's also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its distinctive temperate climate. This morning we will enjoy a guided tour that begins at the Bao Dai Summer Palace, the summer retreat for Vietnam’s last emperor. From here, we will also visit Dalat station, built in the 1930s in an Art Deco style and designed by French architects, as well as the bustling local market. In the afternoon you’ll have time to relax or continue discovering this pretty city and its sprawling central lake, Xuan Huong.
Following breakfast this morning we will begin our drive to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. The journey towards this immense city will take most of the day. Along the way we’ll visit the gorgeous yet little-visited Pongour waterfalls. Cascading over dark terraced rock, and easily accessible through lush, landscaped gardens, this natural wonder is certainly awe-inspiring. Enjoy the opportunity to stretch your legs, soak up the beautiful vistas and reach out and run your fingers through the water as it falls. After this stop we will continue on our drive to Ho Chi Minh City via the city of Bao Loc. We'll arrive in Ho Chi Minh City in the evening - rest of explore more at your leisure.
Today will include a tour of Ho Chi Minh City (commonly known as Saigon), which is perhaps most famous for the pivotal role it played in the Vietnam War. Our morning will begin with a drive to the Cu Chi tunnels. Here we’ll explore part of the underground network that zigzagged from the southern tip of the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Cambodia, to the Saigon River, and is said to measure a whopping 250kms. Visiting Cu Chi will give you a deeper understanding of the guerrilla warfare that took place by the Vietnamese against both the French and the Americans. Developed in the late 1940s, these criss-crossing tunnels were constructed by local resistance fighters looking for a place to hide their weapons, and themselves, not to mention serving as communication and supply routes. Here you'll discover secret trapdoors, field hospitals, command posts, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms.
After lunch we’ll head back to downtown Ho Chi Minh City, where we’ll visit Dong Khoi Street, the heart of the city’s commercial life. We’ll also visit the Post Office and the War Museum. Upon completion of our city tour, your final evening in Vietnam is free to spend as you wish. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for any last-minute recommendations.
Tonight, indulge yourself on the beautiful and serene Bonsai river cruise within the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh, including a scrumptious dinner. The cruise will run from 6:45pm to 9:00pm, which will allow you to enjoy a fusion style buffet and an open bar.
Starts: approx: 6:45pm
Duration: approx: 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
Unfortunately, today marks the end of your fantastic tour through Vietnam. This morning you may enjoy some free time until you need to transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 90 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 90 days of departure, date changes are not permitted. *some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
To enhance your journey, we're offering the following optional tours:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for AUD$12-22 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest AUD$7 per person, per day.
As this particular tour does not collect a ‘kitty’, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $800 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter Vietnam.
You will need to arrange your Visas for travel to Vietnam closer to departure. Please note, we don't recommend applying for the e-visa until around 30-45 days prior to your departure.
Visa's are easiest to complete online and take approximately 72 hours to confirm.
You will be able to obtain your e-visa when you have your flight documents indicating your date of entry into Vietnam. Remaining tour documentation, including hotel details, will be sent 4 weeks prior to departure.
Please note the e-visa is limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and is only valid for 3 months from date of issue.
You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online is used for entering into Vietnam.
Visit https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ to apply for an e-visa.
Information required:
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation as they are required to present to customs upon arrival into the country:
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visas should not be applied for until you receive your final documentation.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
10-30 people.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be five years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Click HERE for more information on weather in Vietnam.
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