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Highlights of Vietnam: From Hanoi to Halong Bay
Sail through Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat, cycle the countryside of Hoi An and explore Ho Chi Minh on a Vespa safari
About your trip
Vietnam. A land of picturesque villages, tropical beauty and vibrant cities. Could it be your new favourite?
Your eight-day adventure will see you eat your way through the street food stalls of Hanoi, and kayak between the limestone karsts of Halong Bay. You’ll cycle through the elegant streets of Hoi An, and weave through Ho Chi Minh on a vespa safari. Channel your karaoke talents on a traditional junk boat, before immersing yourself in a sunrise tai chi session. This is eight days of total immersion, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Equipment
- Guide
- Local transport
- Most meals included
- Max 14 Flashpackers
- Atol protected
- Private airport transfers
Remember, flights aren't included. We're happy to help you find the best ones for you.
Itinerary
Your Itinerary
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Day 01 Hanoi’s foodie delights
Xin chào and welcome to Hanoi. A mixing pot of French and Chinese influences, with ornate temples and colourful markets lining the streets, this eclectic city offers some excellent opportunities for cultured adventures. Arrive at your hotel and meet your fellow travellers and guide, before heading out together for a safari around the city’s markets. Feast your way through Hanoi’s streets with your group, down a maze of hidden alleys and bustling stalls. Then pay a visit to Bia Hoi corner, ‘beer corner’, to see the night in.
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Day 02 Kayaking and karaoke on Halong Bay
This morning, you’ll leave Hanoi behind to uncover the vast beauty of Halong Bay, an archipelago of islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated three hours east of Hanoi. Arriving at noon, hop straight onto an Indochina junk boat as you sail around a labyrinth of 2,000 islands. After lunch onboard, explore the bay by kayak with your group, paddling between ancient limestone karsts, hidden grottoes and secluded lagoons. Enjoy a sunset dinner with your group, before turning your hand to squid fishing (season dependent). As darkness falls, celebrate this unique experience with a night of karaoke (talent not mandatory) and dancing (same applies).
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Day 03 Sunrise tai chi and cave adventures
After a peaceful night’s sleep, wake to a sunrise breakfast with breathtaking views of the bay. Immerse yourself in an onboard tai chi class, with majestic limestone cliffs rising around you. Then it’s onto Thien Canh Son Cave, one of the lesser known caves in Bai Tu Long Bay. Here, you’ll see first-hand why this mysterious underworld is steeped in local mythology; eerie stalagmites drip from the cave walls and natural statues take the shape of baby elephants and lotus flowers. Back above ground, settle into a four-hour drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the evening is yours to relax.
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Day 04 Cycle back in time in Hoi An
This morning, catch your airport transfer to Hoi An: your new home for a couple of nights. Layered with Chinese, Japanese, French, Portuguese and Arab influences, you’ll find a rich blend of architectural styles and crafts here. Find your bearings on a walking tour, passing a variety of enchanting sights from the Chua Ong Pagoda to the Jinshang Temple (dedicated to the goddess of the sea and protector of sailors). Your afternoon will be dedicated to exploring the surrounding countryside on a scenic bike ride, before catching a short boat ride across the river to Cam Kim Island. Continue your cycle along its quiet roads and rice paddies, before returning to the hotel for a cool drink and a dip in the pool.
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Day 05 Cooking classes and secret recipes
Hoi An is a beautiful place to explore at a leisurely pace – which is why we’ve left this day free for you. We suggest heading to the markets to hunt down local handicrafts, or browsing the famous textiles and fabrics that the city is famed for. This evening, dinner is on you; learn how to cook up a range of regional delicacies, following the guidance of a local chef. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour with an extra two courses made especially for you using the secret recipes of a local family.
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Day 06 From Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh
Swap the serene charms of Hoi An for vibrant Ho Chi Minh today, catching a short flight south to Vietnam’s largest city. Check into your hotel, then you’ll dive straight into the streets on a Vespa sightseeing tour. Passing Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic sights, from Bình Tây Market to the Reunification Palace, make a series of stops to sample the street food, before returning to your hotel for an afternoon dip in the pool.
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Day 07 Cu Chi Tunnels and sunset cocktails
This morning, come face to face with Vietnam’s war legacy with a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you’ll learn how guerilla soldiers lived during the infamous war, weaving through a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels. Back in Ho Chi Minh, make your way to one of the city’s stylish rooftop bars for sunset cocktails, before heading to a nearby restaurant for your final meal together – with one last stop at a craft ale bar afterwards.
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Day 08 Goodbye, Vietnam
It’s now over to you to arrange a transfer to the airport. Interested in exploring Southeast Asia further? Take a peek at our popular South Thailand adventure, which will see you rock-climb the cliffs of Krabi and explore the streets of Bangkok.
Our Favourite Hotels
Browse a selection of our favourite hotels, for a flavour of where you may stay on this trip.
Bach Suites Saigon, Ho Chi Minh
New design-led hotel in trendy District 3
These chic rooms are decked out in a hip colour palette of greys and blues, and sit in the heart of District 3, Ho Chi Minh City’s coolest neighbourhood.
Why we stay here
Start the day with a few laps of the rooftop pool, followed by a traditional Vietnamese noodle breakfast in the Bach Lounge. You might want to cut short your sightseeing for Bach’s complimentary afternoon tea and cocktail hour.
Conifer Boutique Hotel, Hanoi
Smart rooms overlooking the French Quarter
Expect teak floors, Vietnamese fabrics and elegant balconies in Conifer’s guest rooms. Ask for a street-facing suite if you’re feeling nosy.
Why we stay here
Only a five-minute walk from the tranquil shores of Hoan Kiem Lake and a 15-minute walk from the lively food stalls at Hanoi Night Market. Order a beer at the convivial street-side terrace and watch the world go by.
Silk Luxury Hotel & Spa, Hoi An
Boutique spa hotel near the river
When you’ve finished relaxing in your elegant, air-conditioned room, you can hit the fitness centre, swim in one of the two pools or book in for a massage.
Why we stay here
Early morning buffet breakfasts by the pool are the perfect primer for a day’s exploring. Its close proximity to Hoi An Market means you can easily make it back for the bar’s happy hour (which actually runs 5-7.30pm).
Important Notes
Fly into Hanoi International Airport (HAN) and out of Ho Chi Minh International Airport (SGN).
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.
We take safety very seriously on Flash Pack adventures – read more here.
Our Promise
Joining the Flash Pack community comes with a few special guarantees...
The People
Our trips are for like-minded people in their 30s and 40s – and 98% of them join us solo. It’s almost a given you’ll make friends.
The Trips
We know the world’s best bits, so your adventure will always be immersive and authentic, and your accommodation hand-picked.
The Guides
Our guides on the ground know their destinations better than anyone, so expect unprecedented access to local living and cultural secrets.
The Ease
We take all the hassle out of travel planning for you. Unique accommodation? Activities? People? Sorted.
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