Venture off the beaten track on our Vietnam guided tour packed full of adventure, mind blowing scenery, local culture and history. Travel stress-free with accommodation, activities and transport all included, with a local Tour Leader to guide the way. From the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and an idyllic remote fishing village to the lantern-lined streets of Hoi An and the iconic Halong Bay, this tour has it all!
Check out how our 35-day combined itineraries of all three tours could work for you!
Vietnam tour highlights:
Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly Saigon and often shortened to HCMC, Ho Chi Minh is full of energy, bars, restaurants and the most ‘pho-nomenal' pho soup in Vietnam!
Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels for an interesting day out - we reckon you’ll dig them!
Bai Xep: Don’t worry, beach happy in the secluded fishing village of Bai Xep, where your accommodation is right on the beach!
The Hai Van Pass: Get as ‘hai’ as you can in Vietnam by travelling through the Hai Van Pass.
Hoi An: Cycle through Hoi An Ancient Town for a wheelie good day out.
Hoi An: ‘Seas’ the day and experience Hoi An by traditional river boat
Hue: Visit the Hue Citadel and see the incredible architecture at the former imperial capital of Vietnam.
Hue: Scoot around Hue with a local guide to get the best of the city.
Overnight Train Journeys: Get on the right track and spend a memorable night on one of Vietnam's overnight trains.
Hanoi: Hanoi’s Old Quarter serves up a sensory overload!
Hanoi: Visit the impressive Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi.
Halong Bay: You will wake up with the extraordinary views of Halong Bay while onboarding the iconic overnight cruising experience.
Halong Bay: ‘Ha Long’ will you spend in gorgeous Halong Bay?
Halong Bay: If you’re all ‘a-boat’ a good time then nothing beats watching a sunset from the deck with a refreshing beer in hand.
What's included in your Vietnam Guided Tour:
All Transport
Whether you're travelling on our air-conditioned minivans, buses, fast train or boat, all your transport on our Vietnam tours is included and organised for you.
Local Stray Guide
Knowledgeable Stray Tour Guides provide invaluable support and insider insights. Travelling with a guide makes navigating your Vietnam trip a stress-free experience. Our Guides can translate for you and book optional activities on your behalf.
Accommodation
Your Vietnam accommodation includes 8 nights of 4-star twin share accommodation, 2 overnight sleeper trains (quad share) and a Halong Bay overnight boat twin share cabin.
Meals
Your Vietnam tour includes 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners so you can taste local delicacies and fresh tropical fruits.
Top-rated experiences:
- Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
- My Lai Memorial entry fee, near Hoi An
- Motorbike tour, Hue
- Halong Bay overnight boat trip
From a starlit Halong Bay cruise to a motorbike tour around the emerald rice paddies and elaborate temples (including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda!), we include tons of awesome activities to make sure you experience the highlights of Vietnam.
2024 Tour Dates:
- 27 November 2024
- 18 December 2024
2025 Tour Dates:
- 01 & 15 January 2025
- 12 & 26 February 2025
- 12 & 26 March 2025
- 09 & 23 April 2025
- 07 May 2025
Why Go the Stray Way?
Authentic Southeast Asia Travel
Stray are the experts in taking you off the beaten track in Southeast Asia.
We’re all about seeking out secluded destinations and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Responsible Travel
At Stray, we operate a sustainable travel network, prioritising responsible exploration. From protecting our natural environment to supporting animal welfare, we strive to leave a positive impact wherever we go. We're Enviro-Gold accredited from Qualmark in New Zealand, which is the highest accolade for quality, sustainably operated tourism operators.
Join us and discover incredible destinations, all while being inspired to make the world a better place.
Supporting Local Communities
We believe we have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the communities we visit. Supporting local operators and hiring local guides means that you can learn more about the culture and get more out of your trip.
Check out the exciting sustainable tourism, environmental and community projects we're working on to see how Stray is making a difference.
Making Stray Mates
Travel is about creating lasting connections and sharing experiences. Stray travellers are open-minded adventurers who make the most of every moment. Over 75% of our passengers are travelling alone, so don't be afraid to jump on the bus solo, you'll be surrounded by fun-loving friends in no time! (By the end of your Vietnam tour you'll be planning which tour to meet up on next!)
Book with Confidence
We'll keep you safe and stress-free, with guidance and support on every step of your Vietnam adventure. We do the organising, you come along for the ride. You can read more about our fee-free, flexible tour booking in our Booking Your 12 Day Vietnam Tour section below.
Booking your 12-Day Vietnam Tour
To book your tour, select any upgrades and click "Book your travel". On the next page, select the number of travellers you're booking for, and confirm your start city, pickup location, and start date (tour start dates are circled in orange on the booking calendar). Pop in your travel and payment details and you're all set!
We’ll send you a booking confirmation and all the important details for your tour.
Book Now, Pay Later
Secure your trip for $200 TODAY
Lock in your Vietnam adventure for less! Book your tour with a low deposit today and spread the remaining cost across flexible instalments on our website. Full payment is due at least 31 days before departure.
- Wave Goodbye to Booking Fees At Stray, booking your adventure is booking fee-free and hassle-free. Feeling overwhelmed by options? Don't sweat it! Message our travel experts today, and let's plan your unforgettable escape together.
- Flexible Booking & Fee-Free Changes Need to adjust your travel plans? No problem! We offer unlimited free reschedules on your trip start date. Just give us at least 31 days advance notice and choose a new date with availability that departs within 24 months of your initial purchase. Breathe easy and book your dream trip! At Stray, we take the pressure out of planning adventures. With our flexible tour dates and fee-free booking changes, you can book your trip with confidence knowing we'll look after you from start to finish.
- Want To Swap to Another Tour? If you've fallen in love with a different tour destination, don't panic. You can easily swap your Stray Vietnam tour for another incredible adventure in any of our destinations – explore New Zealand, Australia, or Southeast Asia!
For total peace of mind, check out Stray's flexible booking options and our full terms and conditions.
Travelling Solo?
No travel buddy? No problem. Stray travellers are a friendly bunch, and you'll make amazing friends on your Vietnam tour. If you've chosen twin-share accommodation, we'll allocate you a room with someone of the same gender (they might just be your new BFF). If you'd prefer a private room, you can select this as an add-on when booking your tour.
Itinerary
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City
Finishes: Hanoi
Meet-up Time: Check into our Ho Chi Minh City accommodation anytime after 2pm. Then meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the Group at 6pm.
Please note: Given the spontaneous nature of our trips, what we do each day might occasionally vary.
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Your adventure kicks off in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. If you arrive early in the day, feel free to spend time exploring the narrow streets on foot, taking a walking tour, or find a restaurant teeming with locals for your first taste of the best Vietnamese cuisine (try the noodle soup!).
At 6pm you'll meet your Tour Leader and your small group at our hotel for a Welcome Night introduction. We'll cover how Stray works and answer any questions you have about travelling in Vietnam. Afterwards, make the most of your first night by getting to know each other over a delicious Vietnamese dinner and a few cold beverages.
Ho Chi Minh City
It's time to explore Vietnam! This morning we'll take a trip out to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex of over 200 km of tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the war against the USA. Discover how the Vietnamese people lived and survived in these tunnels, built schools and hospitals underground and eventually gained victory.
In the afternoon we're free to explore the hot and lively Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnant Museum and learn about the history of the American and Vietnam War, go to the French Colonial Saigon Opera House, browse the surrounding shopping plazas or see a cultural show. Ho Chi Minh even has its own Notre Dame Cathedral, which is said to be a connection between the physical and spiritual life for the Ho Chi Minh people.
This evening, we'll head to the train station and board an overnight sleeper train to Dieu Tri. The trains are equipped with comfy beds and charging ports and there's even a shopping trolley of goodies brought round before you turn in. You'll awake in the morning and drive 45 minutes to Bai Xep, our destination for the next two nights.
Arrive Bai Xep
We'll arrive in Bai Xep nice and early and then you're free to enjoy free time in this remote coastal location and all it has to offer. Relax on the beach, enjoy the stunning landscapes, get to know the friendly locals, or just relax at your comfortable seaside guesthouse.
Bai Xep
You have a full free day to spend in Bai Xep today. Swim, snorkel and go for a long walk along the beach, learn to paddle a traditional round boat, wander the village or spend time at the guesthouse bar. In the evening, sit by the beach with a cocktail and let that warm seabreeze wash over you - this is whatit's all about.
Bai Xep to Hoi An
A scenic coastal drive takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An today. We'll make a stop along the way to visit the My Lai Memorial, a site that commemorates a catastrophic event that happened during the American War. We'll stroll through the remnants of the village and visit the small museum, before continuing on to Hoi An.
A must-see French Indochina destination, with beautifully restored and preserved French Colonial architecture, Hoi An is bursting with funky bars, outstanding restaurants, art galleries, souvenir shops and countless tailor shops. With glorious pristine beaches nearby, local nightlife and delicious delicacies on offer, you'll feel like you're in paradise!
Hoi An
Take time today to explore the highlights of Hoi An - go to a cooking demonstration and learn how to cook authentic Vietnamese cuisine flavoured with fresh herbs, or visit a tailor to get a custom outfit created.
When the sun goes down, Hoi An really turns on its charm. Paper and fabric lanterns are lit throughout the streets, bathing the riverside town in a warm glow. Take a sunset stroll through the old town and try a local delicacy called the ‘White Rose' - a dumpling stuffed with shrimp or pork bunched into the shape of a rose. Apparently, the recipe is a family secret, held by only one family who supplies all the restaurants around town.
Hoi An
You have another free day to explore Hoi An today. If you've seen everything you wanted to in town, we recommend renting bicycles and riding to the beach where you'll find a variety of bars from the Aussie owned Salt and Pub Restaurant to the Bungalow Beach bar which serves up taco specials and frosty craft beers. If you'd like something more upmarket, there are lots of superb restaurants along the beach as well, the Tamarind Tree (Hai Cay Me) is arguably the best restaurant in the area and the Purple Lantern makes the best Cao Lau noodles you'll ever eat!
Hoi An to Hue
Today we'll travel to Hue along the stunning coastal road where we'll have views of the South China Sea before snaking our way up the steep hills of the incredible Hai Van Pass surrounded by lush tropical jungle. We'll arrive in Hue time for an early lunch.
Hue is regarded as the cultural and spiritual centre of Vietnam and is the former home to the Vietnamese emperors. This afternoon we'll take a motorbike tour of Hue, the surrounding countryside, and its rich history. We'll see many elaborately decorated temples and beautiful pagodas, including the seven-storied Thien Mu Pagoda (where the most famous Vietnamese monk is buried), the intricate Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.
We'll discover a little bit of the ‘real' Vietnam with our local motorbike guides. Riding through quaint villages and lush rice paddies, we'll see the historic and picturesque Japanese-covered bridge, have a go at making incense sticks and learn about the rice-growing process at the Rice Museum.
Hue to Hanoi
Today you have some time to explore Hue. Wander along the banks of the Perfume River, sample the local cuisine or opt for a relaxing massage. In the afternoon we’ll make our way to the train station for our overnight train to Hanoi.
Hanoi to Halong Bay
We'll arrive in Hanoi very early and make our way straight to the iconic Halong Bay where we'll board a boat at approximately 11am. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands topped by rainforests.
On your cruise, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner prepared by your crew and in the evening, you can relax on deck with a drink as you watch traditional Vietnamese junk float by and gaze at the millions of stars glistening above you.
Halong Bay to Hanoi
This morning you'll enjoy breakfast and more incredible views on the boat before arriving back in Hanoi around lunch time. We'll check into our hotel and then we have the afternoon free to explore Vietnam's capital city.
Wander through the old quarter, where the main sights include catching a water puppet performance, exploring the fascinating French quarter or simply going for a delicious egg coffee or banh mi at a riverside cafe. Tonight we'll go for our final group tour dinner and say a heartfelt goodbye to our travel mates.
Hanoi Departure Day
Have breakfast in Hanoi this morning before departing for your next destination. If you're not ready to go home just yet, why not book a trekking tour to SaPa in Northern Vietnam, or ask your guide about our tours in Cambodia.
Vietnam Accommodation
After some big days of exploring Vietnam, you're going to need your beauty sleep! Throughout your 12-day Vietnam Heritage & Culture tour, you'll spend 8 nights at 4-star boutique premium hotels or resorts, 2 separate nights on quad share overnight trains, and one night twin share overnight boat cruising in Halong Bay.
You'll be relaxing in the old world charm and beauty of La Siesta Classic in Hanoi, waking up to the sound of the ocean at Casa Marina Resort in Bai Xep, and watching the world glide by from the deck of your Ha Long Bay cruise.
Scroll through the gallery to get a sneak peek at your home away from home during your unforgettable Vietnamese adventure.
Ho Chi Minh City: Northern Saigon Hotel
Ho Chi Minh City: Northern Saigon Hotel
Ho Chi Minh City: Northern Saigon Hotel
Overnight Train: Livitrans Express
Overnight Train: Livitrans Express quad share cabin
Bai Xep: Casa Marina Resort
Bai Xep: Casa Marina Resort
Bai Xep: Casa Marina Resort
Hoi An: La Siesta Resort & Spa
Hoi An: La Siesta Resort & Spa
Hoi An: La Siesta Resort & Spa
Hue: Senna Hotel
Hue: Senna Hotel
Hue: Senna Hotel
Hanoi: La Siesta Classic Ma May
Hanoi: La Siesta Classic Ma May
Hanoi: La Siesta Classic Ma May
Halong Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise
Halong Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise
Halong Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise
Private Room Upgrade
Standard pricing is for twin-share accommodation (exc. 2 separate nights quad share overnight sleeper trains) but you can upgrade to your own private room/cabin if you wish! Please choose Single Room from the dropdown menu under BOOK YOUR TRAVEL.
Single Upgrade Fee: NZD1,245
Travel Info
Some important info and FAQs about travelling in Vietnam with Stray
Vietnam Guided Tour Transport
All your tour transport is included - you'll travel by bus minivan, boat and train. Travelling by private bus allows us to take you off the standard tourist routes and into the authentic experiences and secluded destinations that make exploring Vietnam so incredible. Our buses don't travel on the roads at night, because we put your safety first.
Stray Tour Guides
Stray employs experienced local Guides to ensure you get more out of your Vietnam trip. Hear local stories, try their food recommendations, and get insider tips and advice - our guides love showing you the best parts of Vietnam!
Are Activities Included?
It wouldn't make sense to visit Vietnam without experiencing the best activities! Top-rated activities are included on Stray's Vietnam tours and if you want to add extra activities, your Guide can provide recommendations and assist with booking.
Do I Need a Visa to visit Vietnam?
Most nationalities, including the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, need a visa to visit Vietnam.
You are responsible for obtaining the visas you require for the countries you are travelling in. Visa requirements vary depending on where you're coming from and where you are going, so we recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy in your country of origin to determine what you need.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
You must have a travel insurance policy to cover you for the entire time you are travelling with Stray in Asia. You don't have to purchase travel insurance before booking your tour, but you will be asked to provide your policy details before starting travel.
Who Goes on a Stray Tour of Vietnam?
Our travellers are from all over the world and are mainly aged between 20-45. Stray travellers are energetic, adventurous and excited to embrace the natural beauty, culture and amazing experience Vietnam offers. People join our tours solo and with friends or partners, so don't be shy to join a tour alone!
How Many People are in a Stray Tour Group?
Our tours have a maximum of 24 people, and an average 12 - we keep them small enough to be personal, uncrowded and flexible, but large enough to be fun and full of new friends.
What's the Tour Accommodation Like? Will I be Sharing a Room?
Our fantastic Vietnam tour accommodation is carefully selected 4-star hotels and resorts, overnight trains and boats. Your accommodation will be twin share, so if you're travelling solo, we'll room you with another person of the same gender. If you'd like a private room, you can select this as an add-on when booking your tour.
What Happens if I Need to Change My Travel Plans or the Tour is Cancelled?
We want planning your travel in Vietnam to be as easy as possible, so as long as you let us know in advance, we won't charge you any fees to swap to a different Stray tour or a different tour date within 24 months. You'll get a full refund if your tour doesn't go ahead.
If you'd like to secure your place on the trip, but are a little bit short on cash, you can reserve a seat with a USD$200 deposit. You then have up to 6 months to pay it off - too easy! Better yet - there's no admin fee. You can make payments when it suits you using our Extra Payments page. You just need to have paid for your trip in full 31 days before you start.
What do I Need to Pack to Travel in Vietnam?
Check out our Essential SouthEast Asia Packing List for what to pack, what to leave behind, and what to buy in Vietnam.
Want To Know More About Vietnam?
When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam's weather changes from region to region, so the best time to visit depends on where you're travelling within the country, and which activities you're hoping to do.
The best time to visit North Vietnam - Hanoi, Sapa and Ha Long Bay:
The cool and dry season (November to April) is the most popular time to visit northern Vietnam when pleasant temperatures and little rain make travelling easy. It's ideal for trekking in Sapa and exploring Ha Long Bay.
The best time to visit Central Vietnam - Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang:
The dry season (February to August) is the best time to visit central Vietnam when the skies are clear and sunny. It can be very hot, especially in July and August, so make sure you're prepared for some hot days!
The best time to visit South Vietnam - Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island:
The dry season (November to April) is the best time to visit southern Vietnam when the weather is warm and it doesn't rain much. Perfect for cruising on the Mekong River!
Is Vietnam friendly to tourists?
Vietnam welcomes tourists with open arms! The Vietnamese are known for their warm smiles and helpful nature, making you feel comfortable despite potential language barriers. The country boasts a low crime rate and caters well to travellers with English signage and tours readily available.
Just be mindful of occasional petty scams in tourist areas and be prepared to bargain at markets, a common practice in Vietnam (don't worry, our local guides will show you the ropes!).
Is travelling in Vietnam cheap or expensive?
Vietnam is generally considered a budget-friendly travel destination, especially compared to Western countries. When it comes to accommodation, transport and activities, Stray Tours makes sure you're getting great bang for your buck, and your local guide will make sure you're getting the best price for any extra activities you book.