Travel Notices

A Taste of Vietnam

Bustling Ho Chi Minh City, picturesque colonial Hoi An, world-heritage Halong Bay & the northern capital of Hanoi; optional extension to Bangkok

Overview

from$2399Tour + Flights from$1599Tour Only 10days
price per person, double occupancy,* based on Apr 1, 2025 departure from LAX
$300 Instant Savings. Expires Jan 23, 2025.*   All prices reflect savings.
Piggy bank
$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.††
Traveling with friends or family? Claim a departure as a private trip for you and your crew (minimum 10 travelers). Call us to learn more.
Style Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures April 2025 – April 2026 Group Size 16 travelers max
Themes History & CultureBucket List
Activity Level Moderate
What to Expect This moderately-paced, locally hosted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness.
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Join us in Vietnam and see for yourself why this magical country continues to be one of Asia's most popular destinations for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. This 10-day small group tour takes you to Vietnam's two most important cities—Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and Hanoi, as well as picturesque Hoi An and Halong Bay. Explore on your own or join numerous exciting optional tours to the Cu Chi Tunnels, Ba Na Hills, Golden Bridge, Mekong Delta (Ben Tre), and more! Enjoy superior accommodations, bountiful daily breakfasts, several lunches and dinners, sightseeing tours in each city, discounted optional excursions, and the best in Friendly Planet service, all for an incredible price.

Package includes

  • Flights
  • Coach
  • Transfers
  • Hotel
  • Meals
  • Guides
  • Round-trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) including taxes & fees
  • All intra-Asia flights and ground transportation
  • 7 nights superior class hotels with private bath
  • 12 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 2 dinners, including a welcome dinner
  • Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
  • Professional English-speaking tour directors and local guides

Optional add-ons

  • Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
  • Exciting excursions in Ho Chi Minh City including Cu Chi Tunnels or a vintage Vespa ride; in Hoi An including Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge in Hanoi including Authentic Life in Hanoi
  • Post-tour extension to Bangkok

Why you'll love it

  • For each traveler visiting, Friendly Planet contributes to a carbon-neutral program which supports reforestation, clean water, replenishing mangroves, and seeding coral reefs.
  • Tour Ho Chi Minh City’s must-see sights, including Reunification Hall and Saigon Post Office.
  • Savor a special dinner prepared by youth studying the culinary arts at STREETS International.
  • Set sail on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay.
  • Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Hanoi that includes the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.

Itinerary at a Glance

A Taste of Vietnam map

Videos

Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $300 off if you book by Jan. 23, 2025!
Dates & Prices, with flights
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
Price
Instant
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Your
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Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 10, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Dec 19, 2024
Dec 10 – Dec 19
$3449 Departed
2025 DEPARTURES
Dates Regular
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Departs U.S.: Tue, Jan 7, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jan 16, 2025
Jan 7 – Jan 16
$3299 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Feb 25, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Feb 25 – Mar 6
$2749 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 25, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Mar 25 – Apr 3
$2749 Sold Out
Departs U.S.: Tue, Apr 1, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
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Apr 1 – Apr 10
$2699 –$300 $2399 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Oct 7, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Oct 16, 2025
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Oct 7 – Oct 16
$2799 –$300 $2499 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Nov 4, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Nov 13, 2025
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Nov 4 – Nov 13
$2799 –$300 $2499 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Dec 9, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
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Dec 9 – Dec 18
$2899 –$300 $2599 Select
2026 DEPARTURES
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Departs U.S.: Thu, Jan 15, 2026
Finishes: Sat, Jan 24, 2026
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Jan 15 – Jan 24
$2999 –$300 $2699 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Feb 24, 2026
Finishes: Thu, Mar 5, 2026
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Feb 24 – Mar 5
$3099 –$300 $2799 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Mar 24, 2026
Finishes: Thu, Apr 2, 2026
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Mar 24 – Apr 2
$2899 –$300 $2599 Select
Departs U.S.: Tue, Apr 7, 2026
Finishes: Thu, Apr 16, 2026
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Apr 7 – Apr 16
$2799 –$300 $2499 Select
Dates & Prices, tour only
per person, double occupancy*, including Instant Savings discounts
2024 DEPARTURES
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Starts: Thu, Dec 12, 2024
Finishes: Thu, Dec 19, 2024
Dec 12 – Dec 19
$2649 Departed
2025 DEPARTURES
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Starts: Thu, Jan 9, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Jan 16, 2025
Jan 9 – Jan 16
$2499 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Feb 27, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Mar 6, 2025
Feb 27 – Mar 6
$1949 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Mar 27, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Mar 27 – Apr 3
$1949 Sold Out
Starts: Thu, Apr 3, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Apr 10, 2025
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Finishes: Thu, Oct 16, 2025
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Finishes: Thu, Nov 13, 2025
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Starts: Thu, Dec 11, 2025
Finishes: Thu, Dec 18, 2025
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Dec 11 – Dec 18
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2026 DEPARTURES
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Finishes: Sat, Jan 24, 2026
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Finishes: Thu, Mar 5, 2026
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Feb 26 – Mar 5
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Finishes: Thu, Apr 2, 2026
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Mar 25 – Apr 2
$2099 –$300 $1799 Select
Starts: Thu, Apr 9, 2026
Finishes: Thu, Apr 16, 2026
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Apr 9 – Apr 16
$1999 –$300 $1699 Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when (or after) you book. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

A Taste of Vietnam
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy included
Single Occupancy $499
Optional Excursions
Discount Optional Excursions Package 1 $265

1. Only available for departures between Sept 2024 to April 2025. Includes Mekong Delta, Ben Tre Excursion, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ba Na Hills, and Authentic Life in Hanoi. Optional Excursions Package must be pre-booked to receive a discounted price and requires a minimum of 3 passengers to operate.

Separately Paid Fees
Vietnam Visa Fee1 (paid separately) $65

1. All visitors to Vietnam must obtain their own visa before departure. This price is approximate, based on a single-entry visa from Sherpa. Price includes $25 Government fee + $40.00 Convenience fee. Actual price varies depending on the type of service you request.

Bangkok Optional Extension1
Bangkok Extension
Mar 25, 2025;  Mar 24, 2026 unavailable
All other dates $649
Rooming Selection
Double Occupancy
Mar 24, 2026 unavailable
All other dates included
Single Occupancy
Mar 25, 2025;  Apr 1, 2025 $229
Mar 24, 2026 unavailable
All other dates $499

1. This extension requires a minimum of two passengers to operate. Price is subject to flight availability.

Transfers for Passengers Booking Land Only
Optional Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfer Ho Chi Minh City airport to hotel1 $43
Departure Transfer: Hanoi hotel to airport2 $37

1. Price based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

2. Price based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Los Angeles (LAX) included
New York Kennedy (JFK) $75
San Francisco (SFO) $75

This package offers round-trip flights from the cities listed above, subject to availability. Please review the flight schedule, especially if you're booking connecting flights.

Want to fly from another city? Unfortunately, we don't offer flights from other cities, but you can book your own.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

  • Check-in for your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam via Taipei, Taiwan

Day 2 En route

  • Cross the International Dateline and lose a day (you will recover this day on the return leg of your trip)

Day 3 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

  • Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
  • Enjoy an afternoon tour of Ho Chi Minh City, including Reunification Hall and Saigon Post Office
  • Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner

Grand Hotel Saigon or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Saigon Post Office

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Located in the city's heart, your hotel is easy to access for shopping, touring, and dining.

This afternoon, explore dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by many locals). Begin at the historic Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese resistance fighters' tanks (the Viet Cong) rolled on April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell. From 1885 to 1954, Vietnam was the French colony of Indochina, and you'll see remnants of the French influence throughout the city. Visit the Saigon Post Office, designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel, who was famous for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It served as a communication hub for American soldiers and Vietnamese citizens during the Vietnam War. Today, it still operates as a functioning post office, stands as a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage, and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of French colonialism in Vietnam.

Later this evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City

  • Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Ho Chi Minh City or join an optional excursion

Grand Hotel Saigon or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Mekong Delta – Ben Tre with lunch (purchased locally), $87
Mekong River

Depart your hotel this morning, heading south to the Ben Tre Province. Stop along the way to discover how Vietnamese farmers work in the rice fields and observe the daily life of the villagers of the Mekong Delta. Next, cruise the small canals and arroyos of the Mekong lined with palm and coconut trees. Sip on Vietnamese honey tea while strolling through fragrant fruit orchards and learn more about "Mekong culture." Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering freshly caught fish.

Note: This optional excursion cannot be combined with War Jeep Optional Tour. Minimum of 3 passengers to operate.

Optional Excursion: Half-day War Jeep Tour (purchased locally), $100
Reunification Palace

Discover the pivotal military history of Saigon during the 1960s and 1970s on this in-depth half-day tour. Ride in a vintage US army jeep to explore secret revolutionary hideouts, the Independence Palace's war room, and the monument of Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk immortalized in Malcolm Brown's 1963 photograph. Drive past a shrine outside the US Consulate and the Central Post Office to view the former CIA building, the site of the iconic 1975 helicopter evacuation photo by Hubert van Es. Visit the Reunification Palace, now a museum, where tanks famously crashed through the gates, signaling the war's end. End the tour at a former Viet Cong hideout, now a museum with hidden tunnels. Here, enjoy a refreshing drink as your guide recounts the Tet Offensive's failed attack on the Independence Palace. Optionally, sample a local rice dish with a Korean twist before the jeep returns you to your hotel or next destination.

Note: This optional excursion cannot be combined with Mekong Delta - Ben Tre Optional Tour. Minimum of 3 passengers to operate.

Optional Excursion: Saigon Nightlife by Vespa (purchased locally), $138
Streets of Saigon in the early evening

Tonight offers a chance to experience the vibrant nightlife of Saigon from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. The city comes alive at sundown, and people congregate on sidewalks, parks, and all over the city. The first stop on your culinary exploration will be to sample some light evening snacks and refreshments at a rooftop bar. Continue through the city streets, seeking out bustling stalls serving authentic Vietnamese dishes. Conclude the evening at a hidden cafe where you can enjoy a musical performance over a drink and ice cream and see the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique style.

Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang & Hoi An

  • Enjoy the morning at leisure or take an optional excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Fly to Da Nang
  • Explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant

Hoi An Historic or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary
Hoi An Photo by Peter Borter on Unsplash

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure, or take advantage of an optional morning excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang on the coast of the South China Sea. Upon arrival, continue your journey to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An was once a major port city during the 15th to 19th century, with ships arriving worldwide to obtain silk and other fabrics, sugar, tea, and ceramics. Its historic buildings reflect the cultural influences of Chinese, Japanese, and European traders who once lived and worked here. The city's old town area is remarkably well-preserved, with narrow streets and alleys lined with traditional houses, temples, and merchant shops. Hoi An's traditional Vietnamese architecture is well preserved, and the area has many historic temples and pagodas.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own. Take advantage of Hoi An's tailor-made clothing. Skilled tailors create custom-made clothes at a fraction of the cost of similar items in the West.

Join your fellow travelers for a special dinner at a unique local restaurant this evening. STREETS International is much more than your typical restaurant; it is an innovative vocational training program for underprivileged children to learn hospitality management, entrepreneurship skills, and the culinary arts. Tonight, you'll support the program and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the students.

Optional Excursion: Cu Chi Tunnels (purchased locally), $61
Cu Chi Tunnel entrance

The Viet Minh built the Cu Chi Tunnels in the 1940s. This incredible network of tunnels once stretched for 210 miles and contained extensive Viet Cong infrastructure, including tactical quarters, storage rooms, kitchens, a school, and even an underground hospital. Most entrances were so well disguised that only a tiny portion of the system was ever discovered during the war, even though some 125 miles ran under a U.S. military base. If you wish, you can enter the tunnels or view them from outside. 

Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate.

Day 6 Hoi An

  • Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hoi An or join an optional excursion

Hoi An Historic or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge (purchased locally), $127
Golden Bridge

Depart this morning for Ba Na Hills, a mountainous theme park perched high among the mountains of a former French resort. First, ascend one of the world's longest and highest cable car rides while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Once on top of the mountain, visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, Loc Uyen Garden, and the Quan Am Pavilion. Get your camera ready to take incredible pictures of the bridge, the neighboring hills, and the distant ocean. Next, amid the misty hills of the mountains, bask in awe at the Golden Bridge, held by two hands that seemingly protrude out of the Earth to hold it up, be taken by the guide to the Monkey Garden and finally to God Mountain, the highest peak in central Vietnam. 

Stroll through the Golden Bridge amid the misty hills of the mountain and enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang City. Later, head into Fantasy Park to enjoy some fun and games after. Spend the rest of the day leisurely before returning to the hotel in the early evening.

Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 3 passengers to operate and cannot be combined with any other optional excursions on this day.

Optional Excursion: Hoi An walking tour (purchased locally), $39
Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An

Embark on a morning or afternoon optional walking tour through the streets of Hoi An, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Hoi An's architecture and relaxed lifestyle have little changed over the years. Explore the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants' homes, a 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Before you return to your hotel, enjoy browsing and shopping in one of Asia's most colorful local marketplaces. At the end of the tour, have a unique chance to visit Reaching Out, a fair trade gift shop showcasing high-quality handicrafts by disabled craftspeople in Vietnam. Handicrafts are made at onsite workshops or private homes across Vietnam. 

Note: Requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate and cannot be combined with the discounted optional excursions package. 

Optional Excursion: Half-Day Hidden Streets in Hoi An (purchased locally), $70
Hoi An's old town

Spend a half-day delving into a different side of Hoi An’s old town with a local guide. Wander through former merchants’ homes, vibrant communal halls, and narrow lanes lined with traditional houses, all leading to the iconic Japanese Bridge. Venture into charming backstreets and tiny alleys to uncover lesser-known gems. Then, discover a traditional house where a local family has practiced the art of healing through martial arts for generations. This unique method blends Qigong, Tai Chi, and traditional Vietnamese martial arts called Vo. Under the master’s guidance, learn some basic steps. Conclude your cultural exploration with a visit to a cozy local home to enjoy a typical dessert before heading back to your hotel or next destination. 

Optional Excursion: Sunset Cruise on Thu Bon River (purchased locally), $59
Hoi An from Thu Bon River

After shopping and sightseeing in Hoi An, set off on a relaxing sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Cast off from the town center and watch the UNESCO Heritage trading houses fade from view. The boat will travel north, entering smaller estuaries surrounded by leafy palm trees and dotted with quaint houses. Witness life on the river as local farmers return from the fields laden with vegetables and school kids frolic on the riverbanks. The Hoi An river cruise ends in the last light of day. Pass by Hoi An’s fishermen, watching as they gracefully cast their massive nets for the evening’s fresh catch. For a closer look, climb into a small bamboo vessel known as a thung chai and paddle along the calm waters. Watch the sky turn brilliant shades of purple and orange as the sun sets over the river, then return to shore for the evening.

Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate and cannot be combined with the discounted optional excursions package.

Day 7 Hoi An & Halong Bay

  • Visit China Beach (also known as My Khe Beach)
  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi
  • See the Red River Delta as you transfer to Halong Bay
  • Explore Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Bamboo boats, China Beach

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight. En route, stop at China Beach, which was used as a recreation base for the United States Army and Navy and an evacuation center as ships could safely anchor in the harbor.

Continue to the airport. After a short flight, board your touring coach and transfer to lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward, travel through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Halong Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful bay in the northern region of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its stunning limestone rock formations that rise majestically out of the turquoise waters, creating a dramatic and otherworldly landscape.

Arrive at your hotel for check-in. The balance of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8 Halong Bay & Hanoi

  • Set sail on a 5-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay
  • Transfer to Hanoi
  • Enjoy the evening at leisure in Hanoi

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Halong Bay

After breakfast, transfer to the pier to set sail on your private junk for a 5-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. Discover the mystical scenery of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands are just out of the emerald sea in bizarre shapes and surrounded by colorful floating villages to create a truly breathtaking destination. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on junk while it’s cruising. After lunch on the cruise, return to Halong Harbor and continue to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 9 Hanoi

  • Enjoy a half day morning tour of Hanoi
  • See Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
  • Continue on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university
  • Conclude your tour with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison
  • Visit the Hidden Gem CafĂ© and try a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee
  • Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or take part in an optional excursion

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary
Temple of Literature, Hanoi

This morning's half-day tour of Hanoi begins with a view of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and exploring his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority-style house, built on stilts, is surrounded by peaceful gardens. In the same complex, you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a glimpse into Vietnam's past. Next, visit Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." This notorious prison got its nickname during the Vietnam War—which the locals call the "American War," one of many endured in recent times. Long before Americans were imprisoned here, many Vietnamese who fought against the French were held here.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at KOTO (Know One Teach One) restaurant, a non-profit restaurant and vocational training program for young people in Vietnam. Continue to the Hidden Gem Café, a unique coffee shop built around sustainability and reducing the use of plastics. Take notice of the unique décor as you meet the owner and learn more about how this idea came to fruition. Watch as he shows how a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee is made, and indulge in a tasting.

Enjoy your last evening in Vietnam at leisure or participate in an optional excursion.

Optional Excursion: Authentic Life in Hanoi (purchased locally), $47
Vietnamese cyclos, Hanoi

Your optional afternoon excursion allows you to explore Hanoi through the Old Quarter, known as the 36 Streets. This bustling area of narrow streets and lanes is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. There's no doubt that these are entrepreneurial people, and you'll see the evidence as you wind your way slowly through the quarter. You'll find plenty of photo opportunities, so have your camera ready. Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and admire the colonial architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral. Escape the hustle and bustle to Nha Chung Alley, where you will get the chance to meet with a local and discover an in-depth view of the lives of Hanoi residents through three generations. Continue with a refreshing walk along Phung Hung Street parallel to the railroad, which played an essential role during the Vietnam War and was built during French colonial rule. End the tour by enjoying the beautiful mural paintings highlighting Hanoi life in the old days and the city's living heritage.

Note: This optional excursion requires a minimum of 3 passengers to operate.

Day 10 Depart Hanoi/Arrive USA

  • Today, transfer to the airport to check-in for your return flight to the USA
  • If your schedule permits, take advantage of an optional extension to Bangkok, Thailand

Breakfast

Special Optional Excursions Package: $265

Save by pre-booking a discounted package of our most popular optional excursions:

  • Mekong Delta – Ben Tre with lunch (Day 4)
  • Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion (Day 5)
  • Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge (Day 6)
  • Authentic Life in Hanoi (Day 9)

You can book these excursions individually in Vietnam. But you can save over $50 if you purchase this special package ahead of time—with or before your final payment. These are not "seat in coach" excursions that pick up passengers at various hotels; all are operated for Friendly Planet groups only.

Note: Optional excursions require a minimum of 2 or 3 passengers to operate.

Bangkok Independent Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare and add three days in exotic Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand? Your extension includes airfare from Hanoi to Bangkok, three nights at a deluxe hotel, a half-day city tour, breakfast daily, and group transfers!

Day 10 Depart Hanoi/Arrive Bangkok, Thailand

  • Transfer to the airport to board your short flight to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand
  • Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel
  • The rest of the day is yours at leisure

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, Montien Hotel Surawong or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Bangkok

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to take in your new surroundings and explore the city independently.

Your hotel boasts a prime location within walking distance of many attractions.

Note: Starting 10/7/25 and beyond, all passengers will stay at Montien Hotel Surawong.

Day 11 Bangkok

  • Enjoy a half-day Bangkok sightseeing tour
  • Spend the afternoon at leisure

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, Montien Hotel Surawong or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary
Wat Pho, Bangkok

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour, admiring the significant landmarks of Bangkok. Begin the day visiting the Grand Palace, which for 150 years functioned as the home of the king, his court, and the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadeite (jasper). Continue to Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, home to the magnificent reclining Buddha and the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage. It is also regarded as Thailand's first university.

Note: Starting 10/7/25 and beyond, all passengers will stay at Montien Hotel Surawong.

Day 12 Bangkok

  • Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bangkok

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, Montien Hotel Surawong or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Note: Starting 10/7/25 and beyond, all passengers will stay at Montien Hotel Surawong.

Day 13 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

  • Today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Grand Hotel Saigon
Grand Hotel Saigon
Deluxe

Grand Hotel Saigon is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It was completely restored in 1997. Nestled in Saigon's scenic riverside area and within walking distance to major commercial and entertainment addresses, this French colonial style hotel provides the perfect base for having a completely relaxed vacation.

More information

Hoi An Historic
Hoi An Historic
First Class

This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of old town in close proximity to shops and other attractions. The Hoi An Historic is admired for its location, charm and world-class facilities. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and tennis courts, along with a spa, beauty salon and fitness center.

More information

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long
Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long
Deluxe

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long sits on the edge of Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The hotel is close to Bai Chay Beach and Sun World Ha long Park and provides excellent standards, all supported by attentive Vietnamese hospitality.

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Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
Le Jardin Hotel & Spa
First Class

Located in the heart of Hanoi, near the government district with convenient access to the Old Quarter and train street, Le Jardin Hotel & Spa boutique hotel is ideally situated to explore the vibrant, culture-rich Vietnamese capital. 

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COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
Deluxe

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a contemporary and stylish hotel located in the central district of Sathorn. The hotel is located 10 minutes away from Silom’s vibrant nightlife scene with close access to train stations, including the Skytrain Station. COMO Metropolitan is a mixture of relaxation and excitement, quietly removed from Bangkok’s traffic, yet steps away from the areas nightlife, shopping and restaurants.

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Montien Hotel Surawong
Montien Hotel Surawong
Deluxe

Montien Hotel Surawong is located in Bangkok's captivating Silom neighborhood. Enjoy genuine hospitality alongside spectacular city views from this distinctive high-rise in the heart of Thailand's capital city. 

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In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

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Small Group Tour A Taste of Thailand
from $2349 w/ Flights from $1549 Tour Only 10 days
per person, double occupancy*
Small Group Tour Best of Thailand
from $3649 w/ Flights from $2849 Tour Only 12 days
per person, double occupancy*
Small Group Tour Best of Vietnam & Cambodia
from $4999 w/ Flights from $4199 Tour Only 17 days
per person, double occupancy*
New Small Group Tour Highlights of Southeast Asia
$5999 w/ Flights $5149 Tour Only 19 days
per person, double occupancy*
Independent Package Singapore & Bangkok Adventure
from $3249 w/ Flights 10 days
per person, double occupancy*
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