Start Location: Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

Finish Location : Vietnam Hanoi

Country : Vietnam

Group Size : 2 to 16

Trip Style : Signature

Joining Point 

Dyn Opera Hotel

Address: 18 Cao Bá Quát, Bến Nghé, Quận 01, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
Phone: +84 28 3822 5898

Airport Arrival Transfer Included Only available On The First Day Of Your Trip

Finishing Point

La Sante Hotel

Address: 42 Châu Long, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình, Hà Nội 100000, Vietnam
Phone:84 24 3513 2222

Airport Arrival Transfer Included Only available On The First Day Of Your Trip

Essential trip information

Bridging the historical to the contemporary, urban to rural, sandy beaches to rice terraced fields, rivers, mountains, quaint pockets of an old life squeezed between the rising tide of modern thought, a night life as rich as any and food that the world’s been talking about for quite a while now, experience a country that has overcome its trough of recent hardships, pulled through, and lures you with a diversity that’s as manifold as the ethnic groups that bind it together.

DAY 1

HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)! Breeze through the first few minutes of Ho Cho Minh City (Saigon) by getting to your hotel with the help of our representative. Hit the sack if you’re a bit jet lagged or go for a wander if you’re not. Bounce some questions off your tour leader when they meet you at 6 pm and lick your chops thereafter, over a welcome dinner before you get down to business tomorrow.

Accommodation: Dyn Opera Hotel or similar

Included Activities: Nil

Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

Optional Activities: Nil

DAY 2

HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

Head north of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels to discover the remains of what is an intricate network of channels beneath the ground – an ingenious method by the Viet Cong to escape detection from their enemies. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section of a this tunnel and relive the lives of thousands of soldiers and peasants who spent their time trying to create a parallel city, complete with kitchens, war rooms and bunks. Return to Ho Chi minh City (Saigon) to explore the city-centre at leisure and in the evening, become part of the moving scenery as you jump on a scooter, hopping off only to chomp at bits and
pieces of the street food fare.

Accommodation: Dyn Opera Hotel or similar

Included Activities: Cu Chi Tunnels, Street Food on Scooters

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Optional Activities: Nil

Day 3

HOI AN

Follow your tour leader through the charming old quarters of Hoi An bedecked with colourful lanterns, old buildings that skirt the streets in yellow uniformity and the Thu Bon River that glides its way lazily through the area. An important port during the 15^th century, Hoi An has been heavily influenced by its many trade partners including the Chinese, French, and Japanese – a claim substantiated by many examples of colonial buildings and temples that sprout here as well as its beautiful centre piece, the Japanese Covered Bridge. Cup your ears closer to the walls, squint your eyes hard enough and you can almost reach back in time and see merchants and workers bent at work in some of the old houses that served as a trading post for news, silk and other valuables. Discover these and then some more; and if you still have some time in hand, saddle up and hit the rural patch on a push bike, leaving the sounds of the city to enter a world that hasn’t changed in much respects.

Accommodation: A Hand Up Hotel or similar

Included Activities: Orientation Walk

Included Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activities: Explore Rural Areas on a Bike

DAY 4

HOI AN

Today is a free day but there’s no shortage of what to do. Toss up between ambling through the Old Quarter again or let your feet lead you up to a lantern making school. If that’s not your thing, try some scuba diving or end up investing some of your time to making noodles – a social enterprise that reaches out to street children. If that doesn’t work for you either, engage with one of the nifty tailors in town who’ll take your measurements, guide you through the fabrics and help you add to your wardrobe in a matter of hours. Later in the afternoon, join the local boatmen as they take you down the Thu Bon River and witness some of the fishing techniques applied to make their catch.
Top it all off by enjoying a barbeque right by the banks of the river!   

Accommodation: A Hand Up Hotel or similar

Included Activities: learn to fish like a local and BBQ on the river

Included Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Optional Activities: Cooking class, Scuba diving (seasonal),Explore Hoi An rural life on bike,Hoi An street food, Lantern making, Noodle making with social enterprise for street kids, Kite making (suits family)

DAY 5

HUE

All aboard the train to Hue today (approximately 5 hours) via one of the most beautiful coastal lines in Vietnam, as the train passes the east coast of marble mountains. Once you get to Hue, step out of the hotel and make for the Imperial City-which houses the Forbidden City, a place whose walls admitted none but the royal family and whose confines therefore, held for ages a mystery for the common people. Walk among the buildings, which now show evidence of the Vietnam War with its bullet holes and sunken walls and thank the stars that this treasure wasn’t completely destroyed.

Accommodation: Alba Hotel or similar

Included Activities: Imperial Citadel

Included Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activities: Nil

DAY 6

HUE

Following an early breakfast, drag your leg over a cycle saddle and peddle on to discover the quiet charms of Hue. Listen to the crunch of sand and gravel as you stop by the Thanh Toan Bridge that adorns a rural landscape. Spend some time at the local market close by and then make a turn for the Tu Duc Tomb that tells a tale of royal excesses in a nevertheless beautiful surrounds that’s splayed with ancient buildings and lotus pads straddling a lake. Delve deeper into history here before returning to Hue. 

Accommodation: Alba Hotel or similar

Included Activities: Hue Bicycle Tour, Tu Duc Tomb, Thanh Toan Covered Bridge

Included Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activities: Nil

DAY 7

HANOI

Shake yourself awake this morning and pack your bags . With breakfast under your belt, take a flight to Hanoi. Leave thoughts of checking in for later and head out immediately to get a sense of life in the Old Quarter. Saunter along the Hoan Kiem Lake where joggers and Tai Chi practitioners add movement to the classical sentry like Temple of Jade Mountain. Walk past the many colonial buildings – a throwback to the French influence, Buddhist temples and pagodas of which the Bach Ma Temple-dating back to the 11th century, is the oldest. Snake your way through a local market and when you’ve seen it all, head back to the hotel to check in and recharge your batteries. Later in the afternoon, head back to the hip cafes and bars that share space with the old buildings and perhaps even book a water puppet show to finish off the day on a grand note.

Accommodation: La Sante Hotel or similar

Included Activities: Walk around the Old Quarter

Included Meals: Breakfast

Optional Activities: Nil

Day 8

HA LONG

Drive to Ha Long (approximately 4 hours) this morning and step on board your cruiser for an overnight stay. Stare goggle eyed at the karst formations that spike the skies and emerge in gargantuan splendour as far as you can see. If the weather gods are indulgent, go for a swim or paddle your kayak through the tunnel like formations and caves that have been sculpted by years of erosion.  Live it up today, get fed on board, relax and give into this day that charms like no other.

Accommodation: Oriental Sails or similar

Included Activities: Nil

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Optional Activities: Nil

DAY 9

HANOI

Wake up to the rocking motions of the sea and the tranquil silence broken only intermittently by the sampans that wriggle their way out, leaving a rippled trail in their wake as they go about hunting for their first catch of the day. Have breakfast on board and catch a few more idle hours in this idyll before setting off to Hanoi again where you have the day to yourself until we catch up for dinner to say our final goodbyes.

Accommodation: La Sante Hotel or similar

Activities: Free day

Included Meals: Breakfast, Light Lunch and Dinner

Optional activities: Nil

DAY 10

HANOI

It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure Transfers are included on the day. Please consult with your tour leader or the hotel desk to confirm the check out time.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary disclaimer

Itinerary Changes

The itineraries for One World Adventures are updated on a regular basis during the year, reflecting the current situation in each of our destinations and customer feedback. Information that forms the Essential Trip information may vary from your initial booking and it is vital that you read and review the information provided before your departure. This will provide you with the latest information. Your itinerary may change once you’re in the country- as a result of transport schedules, changes in weather conditions, public holidays and varying local conditions. To ensure our guests have the best experience, the scheduled activities in each location may vary in order and time depending on the season travelled. Your tour leader will inform you of any changes once on the trip.

Optional Activities

Our optional activities selected have been popular with past guests and are listed in the itinerary. This list is only some of the activities you can enjoy and should be used as a guide only to what is available. Prices are for entry only and do not include transport to and from the sites or local guides. Prices are approximate and the activities are subject to availability. Some activities maybe on a join-in basis. It is not possible to participate in all the activities listed due to the limited time in each destination. Planning ahead and choosing the activities that suit you is highly recommended.

Pre-booking recommendations for activities will be noted in the Special information listed in the daily itinerary. Usually, activities can be organized independently on the day or alternatively inform your tour leader and they can assist you make the arrangements.

We have assessed and sighted the credentials and safety of the operators chosen for medium and high risk activities and work closely with them. As such, medium to high risk activities not listed in the itineraries (that may be less expensive) are not recommended as we cannot guarantee there quality or safety. Therefore, our staff or tour leaders will not assist you with organizing these activities. It is at your own risk and discretion if you decide to participate in activities not listed in the itinerary.

Feedback

We value the important feedback received by our past guests. All feedback is read and improvements to our itineraries and destinations are made. Share your experiences and let future guest gain valuable insight into One World Adventures. www.oneworldadventures.com/feedback

Emergency Contact Information and Issues.

Our aim is to provide the best possible experience for your holiday. Due to the nature of travel and the places we visit, not everything will always go to plan. If issues arise on your tour, please inform your tour leader or local representative so we can try and rectify the issue at the time. This will help mitigate any negative impact on the rest of your trip.

Unfortunately, a resolution to the problem may not be achieved to your satisfaction- in this event please inform your tour leader that you wish to speak to their direct manager.

We recommend guests provide online feedback within 30 days of finishing your trip, acknowledging that it is very difficult to provide practical assistance once the trip is completed. Letting us know at the time allows us to try and resolve any issues promptly.

Passport

International travel requires a valid Passport with at least six months validity. Your passport details are required for the completion of your booking. It is important that you ensure that the name on your passport matches exactly the name on your booking and airline tickets. Contact us immediately if they do not so errors can be corrected. It is highly recommended that you carry copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you and also leave copies with family or friends in case required.

Visas

All visa requirements are the responsibility of the traveller. Changes to entry requirements may change at any time and therefore, it is import that you check your government’s foreign travel advisories as well as Consular websites for all countries that you are travelling to. This is important so you have the most up to date information that is specific to your nationality and circumstances.Whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place other sources of visa information available on line may not be up to date or valid.

Once you have booked your trip it is your responsibility to research visa requirements, obtain the necessary documents, know the processing time and application needed for the visas for all countries you are visiting. Visas can take several weeks to process. You can apply directly through a consulate or a booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service.

Vietnam Visa

An eVisa is available for some nationalities including passport holders from Australia,  United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America are valid for a single entry of a maximum of 30 days stay in Vietnam. For information on obtaining an eVisa visit the immigration website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

eVisas take up to 3 days to be processed. You will need a clear electronic copy of your passport data page and passport photo, and to make a non-refundable payment as outlined on the immigration website. Keep the customs and immigration form you receive on arrival, as you need it to complete exit formalities on departure

Health Screening

If you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home. Contact us to make alternative arrangements.

If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required.

Food and Dietary Requirements

Experiencing the different and amazing foods of the places we visit during your tour is part of the experience in travelling. Not all meals are included in the tour price and this allows for flexibility in choice. Choice of where, when and with whom you want to eat with. Your tour leader can provide some recommendations of places to eat and this allows for better budgeting for you.

Please advise any dietary requirements. Our group meals provide an opportunity to try many dishes as well as enjoy the company of your fellow guests.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the tour may vary- some may be basic and simple with shared bathroom facilities-some with cold water. Air-condition rooms are available. Some countries experience daily load shedding where the power may be turned off at set times during the day-usually early afternoon. Many of the hotels have cafes or restaurants that serve local meals. Please be aware that some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.

Showers

Hot water peak times for showers are usually morning and evenings in some accommodation. Outside these times you may need to speak with the reception to obtain hot water.

Room Issues

Addressing any issues with your room requires immediate attention-please speak with the reception or tour leader so issues can be resolved promptly. Speaking with the travel agent will delay the issues being addressed.

Transport

Our tours will involve travel on may forms of transport. Theses include- bus, private vehicle, rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, metro, train, taxi, shuttle buses, jeeps,vans, boats-ferries and airplanes. Some of these modes of transportation will not be the same standed as you are use to. One World Adventures audit our suppliers regulaly to make sure transportation is of a safe standard.

Contingency Funds

We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

Your Tour Leader

Tipping your tour leader for outstanding service provided to you on your tour is a personal preference and the amount is discretionary. However, as a guide US$3- US$5 per person (in local currency), per day can be used. You are free to tip more or less, depending on how you feel the service was provided. Please remember that tipping is not compulsory and should be given for excellent service. Giving coins, dirty or torn notes or small denominations is considered culturally an insult.

Tipping Kitty:

Your tour leader pays for all tips for drivers, local guides and hotel staff only. Restaurant tips are not included nor tips for your tour leader.

Spending money:

When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

Commissions:

The receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. Rather than turning a blind eye to this unavoidable issue in some areas, monies collected will be distributed to local businesses, One World Adventures Charities and to providing sustainable travel.

Main Luggage

Depending on the time of year you are travelling, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You need to to be able to lift and carry your luggage and walk short distances. This includes up and down stairs and busy railway stations. The smaller your luggage the easier it is to store above or under bunks on overnight trains and public transport. Aim for around 15 kg. Small wheeled suitcases are easy to pick up and carry. Backpacks are also a good option. Our guests find that lighter luggage cause less worry and lead to a more enjoyable trip .

Day pack

A small day pack is very useful for carrying your essential items when exploring destinations and for overnight stays.

On overnight trains packing essential items provides ease of access.www.oneworldadventures.com/packing-list

Wifi

As a rule, WiFi is generally available in most parts of the destinations you travel and in the accommodation we use. Most hotels provide free WiFi in public areas but remember charges for in-room Wifi may occur. Always ask your tour leader on arrival to the hotel.

Usually, in tourist areas-most cafes and restaurants will have free WiFi available- always check and ask for passwords when ordering.

Tour Leader

One of our tour leaders will accompany you on all our trips. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and provide you with the best trip we can. One World Adventures aim to provide the services of an experienced tour leader. However, sometimes a tour leader may be new to a region or training other tour leaders.

Providing general information on the destinations visited, offering suggestions on available sightseeing and activities, recommendations of local places to eat and introducing you to our local friends is their main objective. A broad general knowledge of the historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of the destinations being visited will be provided.

One World Adventures aim to support the local tour guides that have the knowledge of the specific area visited. If you would like more in-depth knowledge of a specific sight or location , your tour leader can recommend a local guide service for major destinations.

Personal Belongings

It is strongly recommended that you use a neck wallet or money belt when travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, airline tickets, cash and other valuable items. Ideally, leave valuable jewellery items at home. Many of our hotels provide safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of safe keeping valuables. A lock for your luggage is recommended.

Most National Governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your Government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here:www.oneworldadventures.com/safety-policy

Free time

Included activities will be supported by your tour leader. However, during your tour there is free time provided to relax, take it easy, pursue your own interests and explore the destination at your own leisure. It is important that your use good judgment when choosing activities during your free time.

Important to note- the tour leader has the authority to cancel or amend any section of the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety concerns.

Personal Safety

When travelling in tourist areas and cities there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft.

It is recommended that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and preferably walk together or if alone stay in main areas that are well lit. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

Scams

Scams involving ATM and credit cards, train tickets, taxis, temple donations and tourist guides operate in a lot of countries. If you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to the nearest police station. You may not be able to get your money or goods back- but they can issue you with an official loss report for insurance purposes.

Travelling on a group tour

Group travel will expose you to all the pleasures and also the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow guests will likely come from all around the world. We ask you to be understanding of the different needs and preferences of the group. Patience's sometimes a requirement that will benefit everyone’s travel experience.

You too have a responsibility to the group- this includes being on time or at a particular place when requested - this ensures your group isn’t left waiting for you.

The best tours work well when the dynamics of the group work well and everyone is considerate to each other.

Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with the contact details or any personal information about your fellow guests that are booked on your trip-prior to departure.

Solo travellers

One world Adventures is ideal for the solo traveller as they want to meet and share the experience with like-minded people.

Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller that is a the same gender (as identified on your passport or the information provided in our booking system), so if you identify differently, please let us know in advance. We provide a Single Supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room.

Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour.

All pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will on a single room basis.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against adventure activities, personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US $200,000 for each categories of cover. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You alone are wholly responsible for arranging your insurance. The period of cover should start no later than the date you make your booking with us. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hr Emergency contact number on the first day off your trip; You will not be able to join the trip without this. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you, rather than the bank's name and credit card details.

A couple of rules

All travellers have the right to feel safe whilst travelling. One World Adventures do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), sexual harassment-between our guests or involving our tour leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a guest are strictly forbidden. 

Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. We encourage responsible drinking if you choose to consume alcohol when travelling. Abiding by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption is important.

The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, we recommend no participation in this activity.

By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. 

The decision of the tour leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader, or interfere with the well-being or operation of the tour group, the tour leader may instruct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund.

One World Adventure reserves the right to refuse you participation in any further tours. 

If someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately.