Vietnam Highlights
Experience Overview
Indulge in all of Vietnam's coolest spots in just 10 days. Experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi. Relax and soak up the rays on a beach in Nha Trang. Hit Hoi An by bike. Or explore the lush landscape of Ninh Binh on a legendary army jeep. It’s vibrant. It’s tropical. It’ll leave you with unforgettable memories.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Bangkok: What does a modular trip mean? A modular trip means fellow travellers will join and leave at various locations. There’ll be some goodbyes, sure, but there’ll also be plenty of hellos with new like-minded travellers.
- Danang: What is the best time to visit Vietnam? Vietnam is wonderful to visit year-round. But the best time to visit depends on what you wanna do, and where in Vietnam you wanna go.Generally, April & May are thought to be the best months to visit Vietnam because of the beautifully bright weather. Between December and March is a slightly cooler period. So if hiking, or city-dwelling is what you want, that’s the best time to visit. And if you wanna avoid the crowds, off-season tends to be between April and June or September to November.
- Danang: What is the currency used in Vietnam? The currency used in Vietnam (that can buy you a wholesome, delicious bowl of Pho) is the Vietnamese dong (₫).
- Danang: What is the local food like in Vietnam? Planning to visit Vietnam to taste all the wholesome flavours? Aren’t we all?You’ll find plenty of street food stop-offs, serving up freshly made gems including rice, noodle and battered pancake-based dishes, plus the world-famous Pho. Pork is a common feature of Vietnamese cuisine. Generally, Vietnamese food isn’t too spicy (except if your dish has fresh chillies in it!) Oh, and the best thing about the food here? It’s very very cheap.
- Danang: How much money should I budget for on this trip? When you travel with Contiki, your accommodation, in-country transport and breakfasts are all included with the cost of your trip. So when it comes to budgeting, you only need to worry about your shopping! Luckily, Vietnam is heralded as an extremely affordable tourist destination too. As a rough guide, you should easily get by on US $50-80 a day.
- Danang: What should I wear in Vietnam? We’ll be visiting some traditional tourist hotspots - so don’t forget to keep your shoulders covered (it's customary in Vietnam, and will probably be insisted). For all that beach exploration, it’s generally acceptable for tourists to dress in the swimwear of their choice.Vietnam tends to get very hot & humid, so make sure you pack lots of loose-fitting clothes made from a lightweight and breathable material. Big up the baggy shirts!
- Danang: What is the etiquette for tipping in Vietnam? Tipping is pretty common in Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Usually you’ll pay 10% of the total bill, which will amount to roughly $1-5.
- Danang: Where multiple optionals are offered in one day, can I do them all or do I have to pick just one? On some days, the Free Time Add-Ons will be during different times. So you’ll be able to do them all! But on some days, you might have to pick just one. Don’t worry, your Trip Manager will do their best to manage all of this for you, and will be able to give you all the details you might need.
- Danang: What are the luggage restrictions? You can bring one bag or suitcase of 73cm x 50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”), with a max weight of 20kg (44lbs) – plus one piece of hand luggage suitable as a carry-on for flights. Since our trips have included flights, your luggage needs to meet the weight & security restrictions imposed by airlines. On this trip, it’s necessary to use an overnight bag on the occasional nights when it’s not possible to access your luggage (overnight trips to Special Stays). It’s a good idea to bring an overnight bag, or hand luggage that’s big enough to double up as an overnighter when needed.
- Danang: Do we visit the Golden Hands Bridge in Da Nang? Currently, the Golden Hands Bridge isn’t included on our itinerary. But that means, you get a free day to explore Hoi An - which you REALLY don’t wanna miss out on.The Bridge is part of a theme park called ‘Sun World Ba Na Hills’ and is about a 2-hour drive away from where we stay in Hoi An (and tends to be incredibly crowded!). But if you really wanna visit the bridge, you can always ask your Trip Manager who’ll sort it out for you!
Included Experience
- Ho Chi Minh City: Tick off all of the landmarks on your bucket list – Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the Presidential Palace.
- Ho Chi Minh City: A meaningful reminder of the atrocities of the Vietnam War and its impact on local people and wildlife.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Passports at the ready folks.
- Hoi An: This 15th century port and UNESCO site is best explored on two wheels with a local expert. Don’t forget your Go-Pro!
- Da Nang: Next stop, Hanoi. But before we hit the streets, it’s time to hit the sky one more time.
- Hanoi: Gorge on a delicious, high-quality meal crafted by trainees looking to fine-tune their hospitality skills. The KOTO Community provides guidance, training and career prospects to the underprivileged young people of Vietnam.
- Hanoi: Listen up culture-lovers. This shrine – dedicated to ancient philosopher Confucius – is known as ‘Vietnam’s first university’.
- Hanoi: Take a look at the resting place of Vietnamese revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh. This is where he, along with his party, declared the independence of Vietnam.
- Ninh Binh: Cool tropical breeze. Lush-green landscapes. And an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the shimmery silhouette.
- Halong Bay: Grab your new BFFs and hang out in this mini paradise. The powdery sand and turquoise waters will bless you with #islandvibes
- Halong Bay: The best way to drift off into dreamy sleep? Drifting along the Gulf of Tonkin in a traditional Chinese-style Junk Boat, of course!
- Halong Bay: Yet another work of art from Mother Nature. These huge underground caves are made for exploring. But can you spot the ‘mammoth’?
Trip Details
Product Code: 17224
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 170.373A
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,025 ($202 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
This morning we'll put on our discovery boots, hitting up the highlights of Ho Chi Minh on a city walking tour and then checking out the harrowing but important War Remnants Museum. Later, we'll catch a flight to a coastal town overlooking the South China Sea. Golden sand beaches, turquoise waters and a bustling night life - this is Nha Trang. And you have the whole afternoon to explore at your leisure (beach vibes comin right up).
Accommodation: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (or similar)
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Qualia De Hotel Hoi An (Previously Le Pavillon Paradise) (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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 afternoon cherishing the crisp air and greenery. And if you love bird-watching, make sure to have your binoculars ready at all times.
Accommodation: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel & Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Junk Boat (Special Stay)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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?
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Contiki (CA)
Contiki is a New Zealand-based tour company that caters to 18 to 35-year-olds, offering over 350 different tours in over 75 countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.[1] It is a subsidiary of The Travel Corporation. Its tours historically had a reputation for partying;[2][3] however, it also operates wellness trips culturally immersive experiences that focus less on alcohol, which are more popular with Generation Z.[4] The company owns lodging facilities in Europe, including the Chateau De Cruix, a 16th century castle in the Beaujolais wine region, and the Gasthof Schoneck in the Austrian Tyrol. The name "Contiki" comes from the portmanteau 'Con' from the word 'Continent' and 'Tiki'; from the Māori referring to the first man, often symbolised as a pendant known as hei-tiki. It can also be attributed to the New Zealand slang 'Tiki-tour' describing taking a longer route to a destination in order to explore.[5]
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Angela - Traveled, December 2024
What a fun filled 10 days. Every trip is what you make it, but this trip was truly something special. Although it was my first Contiki, I could not have for a better group of people to travel and explore Vietnam with and who made it such a memorable first Contiki trip. And Vietnam is such a beautiful place that I really would recommend visiting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2024
Jarrod - Traveled, December 2024
The tour sights and accomodation were all very good. Local guides were knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions I had. The tour was quick in each place but got a good idea of what I would like to do again. Much of the trip common meals catered for the lowest common palate and often we ended up eating relatively western versions of food or at western style restaurants for family dinners. Which may or may not be your style. A few places the accomodation was nice but a bit far from the activity hubs in town. I probably would have preferred slightly worse accomodation to be closer to activity areas or to meet other people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Vietnam Highlights was awesome! Could not recommend more. Only thing I wish I could have done differently is the contiki Vietnam Experiences tour. As the Vietnam Highlights joins the Vietnam experience group and you would get to go to Meekong Delta. Perfect if you are going in a group or by yourself! And honestly the overnight train is actually not that bad just bring your own pillowcase if you want to feel a bit cleaner. Contiki is awesome! My second contiki trip from different parts of the world and so far neither has disappointed. Very professional and very organised if you are wanting to be the passenger princess on a holiday! I loved every moment I’m excited for my next contiki trip!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Made this trip entirely worth it! I would recommend her to anyone wanting to travel through anywhere in Asia with Contiki. I would absolutely recommend Contiki again ALL because of our guide! She made the entire trip worth it despite some of the hiccups with Contiki messing up our flights. And tackling how to handle having influencers on her trip while trying to make sure everyone who actually paid enjoyed their well earned and deserved vacation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Amazing trip - a great taster of Vietnam! Loved all the add on activities and the convenience of having everything organised for us :) Booked via travel agent - easy as.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
The trip was incredible! Our tour guide was amazing, we all absolutely adored him. The people on the tour were all remarkable too. Saw so many amazing sites and the free time add ons were great. The only change I would make is the overnight train, that was quite unpleasant. If not just the breakfasts we got served that contained meat and yogurt and sat out unrefrigerated since 2pm the day prior.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/26/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
If I could do it all over again from the top, I would, and I wouldn't change a thing. My Trip Manager and our local guides were incredible, and our trip wouldn't have been the same without them. The itinerary was action packed and efficient, and we saw everything you'd dream of seeing in Vietnam in 10 days. I'd highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
The pacing was a bit rushed due to the overnight train and the stay in Ninh Binh. Nihn Binh should be excluded and that extra day should go towards an extra day in any other city. Pictures of the paid activities/experiences should be provided before payment is made for said paid activities/experiences. The tour manager was brilliant and the trip was worth the money. Adding the discounts for returning Contiki customers should be a bit easier.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/27/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
An absolutely incredible trip. Vietnam is my new favorite country to go and visit. I felt so safe and welcome by the locals. I would say I wish our guide was a bit more professional and showed less favoritism to some travelers over others. I loved that the guide made an obvious effort to plan group dinners and get togethers outside of the Contiki planned activities. My biggest frustration was the insane time crunch to get places. We were always being told to hurry up breakfast and no time to stop for bathroom breaks (outside of the scheduled ones) or pharmacy runs because we were somehow always running late or in a crunch for time. I wish Contiki did a better job of adding in buffer time for bathroom breaks, pharmacy runs, coffee stops, etc. so that we didn't always feel like a burden if we asked to detour to somewhere. Overall, I would highly recommend the Vietnam Highlights trip. I saw so much, Ha Long Bay was INCREDIBLE. I feel like I could spend another month exploring this country. I also highly recommend opting into every additional experience (the only one I skipped was the mud bath). The total price was a little over 100 USD for all of the extra excursions and was 100% worth it. Everyone got along wonderfully and now I have new friends all over the world. Will definitely be doing another Contiki trip in the near future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
The best trip I've been on, especially as a solo traveller and my first time travelling solo ever. Very very worthwhile and worth the money spent as we have very fun activities planned each day and all accomodation was amazing and in great locations. I made great friends from this trip and my contiki manager was amazing!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2024
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