Best of Vietnam
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Experience Overview
Vietnam’s icons are only the beginning on this 16-day trip, taking you through Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hanoi, Halong Bay and the Ha Giang Loop by van. Cook your way through local flavours, float through the Mekong by traditional boat, explore the Củ Chi Tunnels and spend a night on a junk boat. Then head north for the Nho Que River, mountain passes and Ha Giang views that take the classic Vietnam route well beyond the usual.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 15 Breakfast (B)
- 8 Lunch (L)
- 5 Dinner (D)
FAQs
- Bangkok: 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: 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: The currency used in Vietnam (that can buy you a wholesome, delicious bowl of Pho) is the Vietnamese dong (₫).
- Danang: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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!
- Ha Giang Loop: Nope. We explore Ha Giang in style and safety using mini-coaches, overnight buses, local boats, plus hikes and kayaking. This way, you still see all the epic scenery without the risks of riding a motorbike. It's adventure, comfort, and peace of mind all in one.
Included Experience
- Mekong River Delta: Grab your buddies and take a shot at catching an elephant ear fish for dinner. FYI: it tastes better than it looks.
- Mekong River Delta: Watch and learn as local craftspeople make rice wine, tea, sweets and more local delicacies.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Brave this subterranean world. The hand-dug tunnels were built by the Viet Cong to hide out during the war.
- 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: Step inside KOTO Restaurant and enjoy a high-quality meal with a twist where you’re helping young, at-risk Vietnamese trainees sharpen their hospitality skills. KOTO (AKA Know One, Teach One) is Vietnam’s first social enterprise, offering a 24-month free training program for disadvantaged youth, with a special focus on empowering women. By eating here, you’re supporting more than just a meal. KOTO equips trainees with hospitality, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, opening doors to long-term careers and breaking cycles of poverty. Each year, over 100 young people get a shot at realising their dreams—all while serving up delicious, expertly crafted dishes.
- 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’?
- Ha Giang Loop: Check out the incredible views from Heaven Gate - a popular stop off on the Ha Giang loop.
- Ha Giang Loop: Stop by to get a view of the winding roads that resemble a massive snake making its way down the slope!
- Ha Giang Loop: Walk like a royal around this ancient palace that's made with green pebbles, pine woods, terra-cotta tiles and even sugarcane! (Seriously.)
- Dong Van: Meet the incredible women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative who are working to preserve the craft of H'mong linen weaving. You'll see all the complicated stages of weaving, learn how they make high-quality fabric here and support local communities too.
- Ma Pi Leng Peak: Lace up your boots! You'll take a challenging but short trek towards the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing by H'mong villages on the way.
- Nho Que: Feast on a delicious lunch with incredible views of the Nho Que river. It's a photo ops hotspot!
- Nho Que: Go with the flow on a local boat cruise as you check out one of South Asia's largest canyons.
- Nho Que: Paddle through the turquoise waters of this beautiful river with views of scenic rice fields and mountains along the way.
- Dong Van: Ever heard of a Qeej? It's a sacred instrument that was used to call the spirits (or at least that's what the legends say!). Today's your chance to witness a local man playing it.
- Dong Van: Ready? We'll trek all the way up to ruins of the Lung Ho French Fort - a beautiful stone structure built during the French colonisation.
- Du Già: Cool off with a dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by jungle greenery, with nothing but the sound of rushing falls and birdsong echoing through the valley. Stunning.
Trip Details
Product Code: 34757
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
18 - 35 Year Olds Only, Budget
Tour Operator:
Contiki (CA)
Supplier Code: 169.2325A
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3315 ($207 /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 after our kickstart meeting, 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)
Today we leave Ho Chi Minh City, exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. After a 3.5-hour coach ride out of the city, we’ll hop aboard a traditional boat to explore the river’s ever-changing edges. Think floating life, lush scenery and a slower pace. We’ll stop by a rice paper factory, sample Vietnam’s famous rice whisky, then settle in with a home-cooked meal and live local music. Tonight, it’s all about the experience as we stay in a local homestay.
Accommodation: Bay Thoi Homestay (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City, 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. Best part? There'll be a few more Contiki travellers joining us this evening. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).
Accommodation: Vien Dong Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast
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 the coastal town of Nha Trang. Golden sand beaches and big night-time energy, that’s Nha Trang. We’ll roll into the hotel this evening, then the night is yours. Grab dinner by the beach or discover the city for yourself!
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 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, we'll be waking up in Da Nang and driving on to Hoi An this morning.Join a guided bike tour with a local expert as you ride through the vibrant town, visiting the iconic Japanese Bridge, exploring a traditional ancient house and experiencing the sights and sounds of the central market. 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 airport… 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’ll head straight to KOTO for a feel-good feast that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, then jump into culture mode at the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first-ever university). Next up: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a major landmark with big history behind it. Tonight’s yours to do Hanoi your way, or level it up with an optional Hanoi After Dark Vespa ride for street-food stops and neon-lit city vibes.
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 lush landscapes are calling. This afternoon, you can jump on an optional Bike & Boat adventure out in Van Long, cycling through local villages before cruising the rivers by sampan through “Ha Long Bay on land” scenery. Prefer to keep it chill? The rest of the day is yours to breathe in the fresh air, soak up the greenery, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the way.
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. (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 around 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
Ease into the day with a light breakfast before heading out to explore the impressive Sung Sot Caves. Then it’s back on board to make the most of your final moments cruising through Halong Bay — relax, take it all in, and enjoy an early lunch with the crew. After soaking up those last limestone views, we’ll disembark and make our way back to Hanoi by road.Back in the city, the night’s yours. Keen to keep the good times going? You’ll have the chance to join the group for dinner before heading out to Ta Hien. It’s also the final night of the trip for some of the crew, so expect a few farewell vibes mixed in with the fun.
Accommodation: Hanoi Larosa Hotel (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Wakey wakey! Today’s a free day to explore Hanoi your way before we hop on the overnight bus. It’s also a good time to grab anything you might need for the next leg - Ha Giang is more remote, so stock up while you can.Look at you, travelling like a local! Tuck into your beds for the night, tomorrow's lined up with even more epic adventures.
Accommodation: Overnight Bus
Meals: Breakfast
Morning! We'll set off on foot to our local homestay. The sun's yet to rise, so you've some time to catch some more sleep and grab breakfast too. This morning, we’ll hop into our van and hit the road en route to Dong Van. This world-famous route is packed with incredible views. On our drive, you’ll see the Heaven Gate, Twin Mountain, Tham Ma slope and even visit an ancient palace - all while being surrounded by lush green valleys all the way through. Plus, we'll make a quick stop to meet the people working to preserve the craft of H'mong linen weaving. It’s been a looong day! What better way to end it than by devouring delicious local food with your crew. Then, it’s off to your cosy, cosy beds for the night.
Accommodation: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you’ll join a local guide for an exhilarating trek to the Ma Pi Leng peak. It’s trek time! Today, we’ll hike along the Sky Path, enjoying views of the cascading limestone cliffs, Hmong villages and cornfields along the way. And after a delicious lunch, we’ll take a boat cruise to our campsite. But not before checking out the magnificent Tu San Canyon, ofc. Riverside camping anyone? We’ll check into our overnight tents (that open up to breathtaking views of the Nho Que river). Enjoy dinner and music with your crew before resting your trek-tired limbs for the day.
Accommodation: Nho Que River Camping (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
It’s not every day that you get to kayak along a beautiful turquoise river. But that's exactly what you'll do this morning. Next, we'll head back to the accommodation, grab breakfast and jump on a boat back to the harbour. What’s next? We’ll grab lunch at a local spot, then meet a local H’mong man who’ll charm you with the sweet sounds of the traditional Qeej flute. Keep your camera at the ready because we'll drive along many, many amazing viewpoints. Then, it's time to wrap up the day with a dinner to remember, packed with local flavours and good vibes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the heart of the destination.
Accommodation: Du Gia Panorama Ecolodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning, sleepyheads! Today we’re chasing a gorgeous little waterfall before packing up and hitting the road. Expect epic views as we wind through terraced rice paddies and dramatic limestone karsts (cameras at the ready!). After a local lunch, we’ll roll into Ha Giang and keep the adventure going.And just like that, it’s time for the final leg of the journey. So, get comfy in your reclining seats as we head back to where it all began. After an incredible trip, it’s time to say goodbye when our trip ends at 11pm. Don’t forget to exchange socials with your crew! We just have a hunch that you'll be planning your next trip soon…
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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
Cameron - Traveled, December 2024
An amazing tour that shows you a wide variety of this beautiful country from South to North. the tour manager went above and beyond, going so far as to help me catch up with the group for an additional activity I had paid for when I slept through my alarm. You get amazing cultural and historical facts from many different perspectives and the opportunity for amazing nights out with your group. Truly a great way to experience Vietnam. Easy booking process with plenty of help along the way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/25/2024
Michael - Traveled, November 2024
You have to book this trip! Everyday was epic and I made some amazing memories. The tour manager; Steph, is a credit to Contiki, she was amazing at her job and was always willing to go the extra mile for us. Each city was unique and awesome, the people were great and overall the trip was superb.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2024
Sean - Traveled, December 2024
Incredible adventure - best trip I’ve ever done. Made fantastic memories with new-found lifelong friends. Special thanks to Aya who did a truly incredible job and was crucial to making the experience so special!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
An amazing with amazing people! It is a very busy trip but plenty of chance to catch up on sleep on those bus journeys. The overnight train was .. an experience to say the least! Some amazing hotels and some not so good ones (Hanoi) but that’s the joy of travelling. The highlights were the homestay on the Mekong Delta and our overnight stay on Ha Long Bay. If I could change the itinerary, I would remove Nha Trang and have an extra night in Hoi An to do more shopping and relaxing in cafes. I miss Vietnam and the contiki fam! If you are thinking about booking this trip, go for it! I booked my trip through my local travel agents. I had no issues with my booking. Confirmations came through quickly!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/18/2024
Cameron - Traveled, December 2024
Been on quite a few contikis and all the trip managers were true to their word saying that Vietnam Experience trip has absolutely the best itinerary! From exploring temples, morning hikes, mudfishing, bike riding, trying new foods, kayaking, and cruising Halong Bay, there is something for everyone to enojoy! Easy and quick to book. Emails with trip details and visa information really making the booking experience seamless.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/19/2024
Kelsey - Traveled, December 2024
Loved it! Great sights, cool add ons. Just be mindful that this is a modular trip so some travellers have already been away for two weeks when the Vietnam Experience starts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/20/2024
Riccardo - Traveled, December 2024
Having done previous South East Asia trips, I can honestly say Vietnam went above and beyond expectations. was an amazing TM and as a fellow South African made the trip feel like a home away from home experience. Vietnam is without a doubt a culinary goldmine; Banh Mi, Bit Tet, Pho and some amazing Italian cuisine because why not. The trip was so memorable that I feel it could definitely do with an extra day or 2, a night in Da Nang would have been great and possibly an extra night in Ninh Binh but overall the activities were great, the local guides were knowledgeable and informative, we had a good group that meshed well and once again a massive shout out to for running such a smooth trip that will not be forgotten any time soon. Sticky Rice. Having booked through Contiki before the process was just as smooth and seamless as before. Being able to pay a deposit to secure my trip way in advance when it was still just a whim on my end is amazing. The level of detail Contiki put into the documentation you receive for your trip is great, it allows you to truly shut off and enjoy the experience knowing all the planning is in place.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
This trip was very well organised and well thought out. It definitely showed off the best of Vietnam and included a variety of cities and scenic spots which I loved. It was very fast paced which could be tiring sometimes but everything ran smoothly and I could relax knowing that all of the transport was organised. My main improvement would be to have better dinner recommendations for the evenings, the restaurants were often expensive and not particularly authentic and so I sometimes went off from the group so I could choose my own restaurants. Jamie was a good trip manager and was always organised with what we were doing and available for a chat, she also brought a good energy. The trip was easy to book. My main complaint is that the contiki guide book gave the complete wrong suitcase dimensions which weren’t required for any of the activities and almost all of the group ignored. I would have enjoyed a larger suitcase so that I could do more shopping.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
Really enjoyed my trip with Contiki - Vietnam Experience. Itinerary is well thought out, enjoyed the home stay and the water experiences. Alot put into a short amount of time, making great value for money and great if you can't take too much time off work. I will definitely make time to experience the first part of the trip. (its a modular trip) Highly recommend. :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2024
Stefan - Traveled, December 2024
This was my sixth Contiki and unfortunately my lowest-rated. In part because of our inexperienced Trip Manager (TM), Sesh, but there were also some poor aspects of the trip. Our TM regularly sat back and allowed the local guides to do all the work, including administrative stuff that should've been her remit, which rubbed me the wrong way. Our TM failed to provide adequate information throughout the trip, leaving us regularly confused and unprepared. Everything is very fast-paced, with very little free time, so it might be worth skipping some of the activities if you'd like to get yourself organised or explore at your own pace. In terms of paid activities I'd give the mud baths a miss as it really wasn't worth it - you just sit in shallow, brown water that doesn't even completely cover your legs. The kayaking is probably also with avoiding as you're given little guidance and left to fend for yourself dodging the oars of other boats in a cramped area. The bike ride in Hoi An isn't a tour at all, but just a hectic ride through tight streets trying not to collide with other tourists, then you're burdened with a bike you need to ride 20 minutes back to the hotel to return. Just get a lift there and enjoy the perfectly walkable area. The mud fishing took place in a dammed-off area where they've clearly just released a few fish for tourists to catch with their hands. It seemed a bit unethical to stress out the fish for no reason, so only take part if you're comfortable with that. The basket boats and jeep ride were both fun and worth the cost! Perhaps it was our TM, or the design of the trip, but we often found ourselves in restaurants or at scheduled stops by convenience stores that were extremely expensive. Vietnam is a cheap country, but we were regularly taken to places that charged 5-10x more for food and drink than anywhere we found on our own. US$4 for a bag of crisps is criminal, so I presume either the TM or Contiki were getting kickbacks from dragging the group through numerous tourist traps. There were also trip members, including myself, who got food poisoning from these tourist trap restaurants serving western food, though we had no such issues when finding local places on our own (and they were tastier and cheaper too). A shame that you're paying for a guide with 'local knowledge', but getting taken to whatever dodgy place came up first following a Google search. Despite a lot of complaining from our TM (it was maybe the second time she'd done it), the overnight train really wasn't that bad. For some it was the best night's sleep they'd had on the trip. A few people found enormous cockroaches (size of my palm) in the hotel in Nha Trang, which is something to be mindful of. Though the rest of the accommodation was relatively clean. I booked the trip with my partner and requested that we share a bed, which has been no issue in previous Contikis. On this one however, we were always given two single beds and where possible had to repeatedly ask reception to correct the error. Dietary requirements were also not well catered to. We were taken to a restaurant where one trip member was assured there would be options, but she could only eat the salad. When she said that she hadn't had enough to eat, the TM blithely told her to order a second one. Really gross and dismissive, so take care if you have any special requirements you're expecting Contiki to accommodate. The local guides were amazing, and the trip ran much more smoothly when they were present. All fun, bubbly and full of useful knowledge. Overall the country is nice and the trip covers a lot of the highlights. It is fast-paced and feels messy however, so your enjoyment of it may depend on your own requirements and whether you have a competent TM!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2024
