Journey Vietnam: A Comprehensive Cultural Tour (13 days, 12 nights)

Discover the heart of Vietnam — where ancient towns, vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes come together. Immerse yourself in rich heritage, authentic traditions, and unforgettable cultural experiences on this extraordinary journey

Upcoming Dates

Dates
Mon 19th May — Sat 31st May 2025
Mon 8th Sept — Sat 20th Sept 2025
Mon 11th May — Sat 24th May 2026

Availability
SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT
6x Spaces Available

Limited-Time Discounted Price:
USD $1,925 per person // AUD $3,100 per person

Journey Vietnam: A Comprehensive Cultural Tour (13 days, 12 nights)

Tour Code: VN0402

From the emerald waters of Halong Bay to the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, Vietnam enchants the traveller at every turn with its spectacular beauty and rich cultural heritage. Ancient temples echo with history, bustling markets overflow with life, and every meal tells the story of a country bursting with culinary wonder. Beyond the postcard-perfect images lies the true soul of Vietnam – its welcoming people, vibrant traditions, breathtaking natural wonders, and a tapestry of hidden corners that reveal themselves only to those willing to look a little closer.

On Journey Vietnam, we invite you to go beyond the ordinary and discover a side of Vietnam few travellers experience. Over 13 unforgettable days, this intimate small-group tour (limited to 5–7 guests), seamlessly blends iconic highlights with hidden treasures, bringing the country’s multifaceted and richly layered history to life. From world-renowned landmarks like Halong Bay, the Mekong Delta, and Hoi An, to serene, lesser-visited highlights such as the wilds of Son Tra Peninsula, freshly caught seafood off Phu Quoc Island, and traditional craft villages, this tour offers a deeper, more authentic perspective on the country.

Designed to prioritise the best possible experience for our guests, your journey is led by two expert guides: a principal guide who will accompany you every step of the way, and a team of Next Continent’s finest local and regional guides who join your group at their regions of expertise. This ensures you benefit from unparalleled local insight and up-to-date knowledge at each stop. Together, they’ll take you off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds, to experience Vietnam as the locals know it — vibrant, unfiltered, and truly unforgettable. This is what makes travelling with Next Continent standout from other companies, having an entire team of dedicated experts, all part of one company, working together to make your journey exceptional.

With carefully curated accommodations, seamless travel by train, boat, and plane, and plenty of time to unwind and immerse yourself in each destination, this tour strikes the perfect balance between comfort, authenticity and discovery. By the end, you won’t just have seen Vietnam — you’ll have heard its stories, tasted its flavours, and felt its spirit, from its welcoming people to its vibrant culture and breathtaking natural wonders. So whether you’re dining riverside as the Dragon Bridge illuminates the night sky, watching rare monkeys swing through the rainforest canopy, or stepping back time at the ancient Son Sanctuary, Journey Vietnam offers unforgettable moments at every turn – a tour experience like no other.

Itinerary

Start your adventure by viewing our itinerary highlights below. For an in-depth guide, including all destinations, accommodations, dining experiences, and exclusive activities, click the button to download the full itinerary.

Day 0: Arrival in Hanoi

Activities: Arrival and check-in at the hotel
Evening: Welcome dinner to meet your guide and other participants with traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a private room

Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

Morning: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Presidential Palace
Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts
Evening: Water Puppet Show

Day 2: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Morning: Depart Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay
Afternoon: Private cruise on Halong Bay. Experience the limestone caves at sunset
Evening: Fresh seafood dinner on board and overnight on the cruise

Day 3: Halong Bay to Hanoi, Fly to Hue

Morning: Early Tai Chi on deck (optional), special visit to a floating village
Afternoon: Return to mainland, transfer to Hanoi airport, and fly to Hue
Evening: Transfer and check-in to accommodation. Free night

Day 4: Hue City Tour

Morning: Explore the Imperial Citadel and local pagodas
Afternoon: Visit the Minh Mang and Tu Duc Mausoleums
Evening: Private traditional Hue dinner along the Huong River

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Morning: Scenic train ride from Hue to Da Nang. Upon arrival, visit Marble Mountains
Afternoon: Private fresh seafood lunch at My Khe Beach. Transfer to Hoi An, check-in at the hotel
Evening: Explore Hoi An Ancient Town. Enjoy a lantern-lit evening walk and dinner along the river

Day 6: Hoi An Cultural Experience

Morning: Visit a local market and partake in a local cooking class
Afternoon: See the highlights of Hoi An including the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Ancient House, and Phuc Kien Assembly Hall
Evening: Hoi An Memories Show – spectacular theatre performance

Day 7: Hoi An to My Son Sanctuary

Morning: Depart Hoi An. Excursion to My Son Sanctuary
Afternoon: Check-in hotel in Da Nang. Leisure time on the beaches
Evening: Private dinner along the Han River / watch the Dragon Bridge show

Day 8: Da Nang & Fly to Ho Chi Minh City

Morning: Son Tra Peninsula nature walk for Red-shanked Douc Langur. Visit Linh Ung Pagoda
Afternoon: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Check-in to accommodation
Evening: Explore Ben Thanh Market

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Morning: Visit Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office
Afternoon: Explore War Remnants Museum
Evening: Dinner, followed by free night

Day 10: Mekong Delta Excursion

Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive to My Tho, followed by a boat trip down the Mekong Delta
Afternoon: Visit the rice paper craft village/Hu Tieu noodle in Can Tho. Return to Saigon
Evening: Free night

Day 11: Cu Chi Tunnels and Tay Ninh

Morning: Spend the morning experiencing the Cu Chi Tunnels
Afternoon: Explore Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
Evening: Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City to Phu Quoc Island

Morning: Depart accommodation and fly to Phu Quoc Island
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch and leisure time on the beach before exploring Dinh Cậu temple
Evening: Private freshly-caught seafood dinner by the beach

Day 13: Phu Quoc Island and Departure

Morning: Visit a fish sauce factory and pepper farm. Sample local food
Afternoon: Final group lunch and visit to the local Phu Quoc Prison
Evening: Tour concludes

Map

This map provides an overview of our journey from north to south. For a more detailed day-by-day itinerary, please refer to the sections above.

Group Size

At Next Continent, we pride ourselves on offering small, private group tours. Our Journey Vietnam tour consists of 5-7 participants, with occasional groups of up to 8. Each tour is led by a principal guide, along with expert local guides who bring in-depth knowledge of the region. This allows us to provide unparalleled support and engagement throughout the journey.

Unlike the industry standard for Vietnam tours, which often range from 12 to 14 participants, our smaller groups ensure a more personal, intimate, and friendly experience. With us, you’ll enjoy greater attention, flexibility, and connection with both the guides and fellow travellers.

Tour Pace & Fitness

This tour follows a moderate pace with early starts and some longer days, including evenings with after-dinner activities like Water Puppet Shows or the Hoi A Memories performance. A basic to moderate level of fitness is recommended, as the tour involves walking and sightseeing across various terrains, including city streets, temples, and natural landscapes. Most travel is in new, spacious, and comfortable private vehicles and buses, with three local flights and some boat experiences. This tour is designed for those who enjoy a blend of relaxed sightseeing and more active exploration.

Climate & Weather Conditions

This tour takes you through diverse regions of Vietnam, from bustling cities to tranquil coastlines and mountainous landscapes. The weather can vary significantly depending on the location and time of year.

During the last two weeks of May and mid-September, you can expect a mix of tropical warmth and humidity, especially in the southern regions like Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc Island. Northern areas, including Hanoi and Halong Bay, will be slightly cooler but can still experience warm temperatures, with possible rain showers. In the central regions like Hue and Hoi An, temperatures tend to be moderate, though the humidity may still be noticeable. As the tour spans both coastal and inland areas, it’s important to be prepared for varied weather conditions.

To make packing and preparation as easy as possible, we provide detailed guidance through the tour information pack that you will receive upon booking. This pack includes climate and weather details for each region we visit, as well as packing suggestions tailored to the specific destinations and travel dates. It ensures you’re fully prepared for the conditions throughout the journey.

Accommodation

Throughout the tour, we prioritise your comfort by offering high-standard, comfortable 4-5 star accommodations. All of our hotel stays include modern amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, queen/king-sized beds, and all other essential comforts to ensure a relaxing experience after each day of exploration.

For the night spent on a boat cruise in Halong Bay, you can expect the same level of comfort. The cruise is on a luxurious 5-star vessel, equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and spacious rooms, providing an unforgettable experience with all the comforts of a top-tier hotel.

To guarantee a more comfortable and convenient experience, all participants will have their own room with a single supplement, ensuring no sharing with other guests. Specific accommodation details, including names and locations, are outlined in the itinerary and tour information pack provided upon booking, so you can know exactly what to expect at each destination.

Tour Inclusions

Journey Vietnam is an all-inclusive tour, packed with bonus features and optional extras. Explore the overview below and download our Detailed Itinerary for a complete list of all inclusions, meal details, optional extras and more.

A principal expert guide throughout the trip
A team of Next Continent’s top local and regional guides
All transport in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and buses
3x domestic flights in economy class
Train tickets for scenic train journey from Hue to Da Nang
Private boat trips along the Huong River (Hue), Han River for the Dragon Bridge show in Da Nang, and the Mekong River
All stays at 4-5 star hotels, including A/C, queen/king-sized beds, WIFI and modern comforts (single supplement for all accommodations)
1x Halong Bay cruise with overnight onboard accommodation
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) throughout the trip (unless otherwise stated in the detailed itinerary)
All non-alcoholic beverages throughout the trip (unless otherwise stated)
Water bottles provided in vehicles and at rest stops
All tickets for attractions, locations, sites, activities and necessary permits
Tickets to Water Puppet Show & Hoi An Memories Performance
1x Cooking Class in Hoi An
Comprehensive insurance coverage
First aid and a COVID-safe environment

Food & Meals

As part of your Journey Vietnam tour, all meals are included in your booking price, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We take great pride in offering only the finest dining experiences, from the best restaurants to authentic street food stalls and local vendors. Unlike many other tours that simply introduce you to “Vietnamese” food, we ensure you sample the true regional specialties, allowing you to experience the full culinary diversity of Vietnam from north to south.

Each region in Vietnam boasts its own unique flavors and signature dishes, and we make sure you taste the best of them. Whether it’s the rich, hearty fare of the north, the fresh, vibrant dishes of the central region, or the bold flavors of the south, we guarantee a diverse and memorable culinary journey.

At the same time, we understand the importance of comfort, which is why we also provide options for meals that are more familiar to your regular diet. This thoughtful approach ensures that your body adjusts smoothly to the change in cuisine, so you can enjoy the full experience without any disruptions.

To complement your meals, we offer a variety of local drinks, including the famous Vietnamese coffee, from the sweet ca phe sua da in the south to the salted coffee of Da Nang and the unique egg coffee in the north. And no Vietnamese meal is complete without dessert—so get ready to enjoy delightful treats like chè, a traditional sweet soup dessert, adding a delicious touch to your tour.

Photography Opportunites & Notes

For photography enthusiasts, Journey Vietnam offers incredible opportunities at every stop—from the ancient architecture of Hue to the vibrant streets of Hoi An and the breathtaking vistas of Halong Bay. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a landscape camera, both are perfect for capturing Vietnam’s beauty. For those passionate about photography, we recommend a variety of lenses for wide-angle shots, close-ups, and low-light conditions, especially during the scenic train ride, boat tours, and wildlife photography at Son Tra. With abundant natural and cultural sights to capture, you’ll want your camera ready throughout the journey.

Please note, this is a general cultural and historical tour of Vietnam, not a dedicated photography tour. For those looking for more in-depth photography experiences, please contact our team about custom photography tours.

Country Details

As you prepare for your upcoming adventure in Vietnam, it’s important to be aware of a few general expectations to help make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Below are key details to keep in mind:

Entering the Country & Visas
To ensure a smooth start to your Journey Vietnam tour, we strongly recommend that you arrange your visa well in advance of your trip. While you can apply for a visa upon arrival or use the eVisa system (available for citizens of several countries), securing your visa ahead of time will save you time and avoid any potential issues at the border.

Be sure to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality before departure and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your planned entry date. This will give you peace of mind as you begin your adventure, knowing that all the necessary paperwork is taken care of before you arrive. If you need help organizing your visa or have any other related questions, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Feel free to reach out to us for guidance or support.

Country Information
Vietnam is a fascinating country with a rich cultural history and stunning natural beauty. Expect a blend of bustling cities, tranquil landscapes, and diverse cultural influences. The country is home to friendly, warm locals, but it’s also important to be mindful of local customs and etiquette. When interacting with Vietnamese people, showing respect is crucial, especially towards elders and during formal settings.

Health
Vietnam has a relatively well-established healthcare system in urban areas, though medical facilities may be limited in more rural regions. You don’t need to carry a first-aid kit with you, as our team is fully equipped to handle any minor medical issues that may arise during the tour.

To ensure we can provide the best possible support, we kindly ask that you inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns when completing your booking form. This allows our team to be fully prepared and to offer the necessary assistance, especially in case of an emergency. We also recommend consulting with your doctor before traveling to ensure you’re in good health for your trip. Your healthcare provider can offer advice on any specific precautions or medications you may need for the areas you’ll be visiting.

Immunisations
We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any recommended immunisations prior to your trip. While there are no required vaccines for Vietnam, it’s advisable to be inoculated against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and to ensure your tetanus shot is up-to-date.

Malaria is present in some parts of Vietnam, but it is rarely found in the locations included in our itineraries. Anti-malarial precautions may be recommended for those traveling to more rural areas. While major cities are free from malaria, Dengue Fever is widespread throughout the country. The best way to protect yourself from insect bites is by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.

For personalized health advice, we highly recommend visiting a travel clinic and consulting with your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. Please note that all health advice provided by Next Continent is general in nature.

Drinking Water
While tap water in Vietnam is not recommended for drinking, bottled water is widely available throughout the country. We advise you to always opt for bottled water or filtered water during your travels. Avoid ice in drinks unless you’re certain it’s made from purified water.

Wifi
Vietnam is generally well-connected, with Wi-Fi available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in urban areas. However, access may be limited in more rural regions. While many establishments offer free Wi-Fi, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card with a data plan for more reliable internet access, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas.

If you need assistance setting up a local SIM card, you can easily do so at the airport upon arrival. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to the Next Continent team, and we will help you arrange this before your tour begins.

Food & Allergies
Vietnamese cuisine is diverse and delicious, with a wide variety of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. To ensure the safety and satisfaction of all our guests, it is essential that you provide us with any dietary requirements or food allergies when completing your booking form. This allows us to arrange meals that cater to your specific needs and ensures you are safe throughout your journey.

While the most common allergens in Vietnam are peanuts and shellfish, please inform us of any allergies, intolerances, or preferences so that we can make the necessary adjustments to your meals. If you have dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or halal, please let us know in advance, and we’ll ensure that your meals meet these needs.

Vietnam is known for its regional specialties, and we’ll be sure you experience a variety of authentic dishes. However, we also ensure that there are options available to suit everyone’s tastes and comfort levels. If you have any concerns about specific foods or ingredients, our team will be happy to assist you.

Other Considerations

Currency: The local currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While credit and debit cards are accepted in some major locations, cash is king, especially in more rural areas or smaller establishments. We recommend having a comfortable amount of VND in cash before you arrive, as opportunities to withdraw money will be limited to certain hotels and banks in major cities. ATMs are widely available in urban areas, but may be scarce in more remote regions, so it’s best to ensure you have enough cash on hand for the duration of your trip. You can exchange your currency at airports, banks, or exchange bureaus, but be aware that rates can vary.
Local Transport: If you’re planning to do any solo travel pre or post your tour, Vietnam offers a variety of transport options, from buses and trains to taxis and motorbikes. However, traffic can be chaotic, especially in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s best to use reputable transportation services for safety and convenience. For longer distances, trains and buses are popular, affordable options, though they can be slow and less comfortable compared to flights. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab (similar to Uber) are widely available in major cities, and motorbike taxis are a common way to navigate busy streets. If you’re not familiar with the local area or language, we recommend using services that provide English-speaking drivers or consulting with your hotel or local vendors for safe and reliable transport options.
Safety: Vietnam is generally a safe country for tourists, but like any destination, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy markets or tourist areas.

Upcoming Tour Dates

Mon 11th May — Sat 24th May 2026 (13 days, 12 nights)
6x Spaces Available

Limited-Time Discounted Price:
USD $1,925 per person // AUD $3,100 per person

Why Choose Us?

At Next Continent, we take pride in being a fully Vietnam-based, owned and operated company, ensuring that we control every aspect of your experience. Unlike many overseas companies that bring in external tour leaders and rely on third parties, we are truly embedded here, with our team of experts on the ground every day. This gives us the ability to offer unparalleled local knowledge and engagement, providing you with a level of service and insight that no other company can match. Our team includes some of the best fully trained, English-speaking guides, each dedicated to sharing their expertise of Vietnam’s diverse regions. You’ll have a principal guide throughout your entire trip, along with the insight of our best local Next Continent specialists, ensuring you get the very best out of each location of the trip.

Probably what sets us apart, is that we specialise in small, intimate group tours to offer personalised attention and flexibility. While many companies cram 12-24 people into a tour, our Journey Vietnam tours are designed for just 5-7 people, allowing for a more comfortable and exclusive experience. With us, you’ll travel at your own pace, free from forced group dynamics. Every aspect of your tour is curated with the utmost attention to detail, from bespoke itineraries to hand-picked accommodations that reflect the authentic spirit of each destination.

We are constantly evolving, updating our itineraries, services and technologies to stay ahead of the curve, unlike many established companies that rely on outdated methods. For your comfort, we only offer single supplements, so you’ll never have to share a room and can relax in your own space at the end of each day. At Next Continent, your experience is all about you — your comfort, your interests and your pace. Let us show you Vietnam like never before, with exclusive, thoughtfully curated journeys that create lasting memories.

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Tour Reviews

Our Journey Vietnam tour was truly something else! The 13 days were packed with opportunities to learn about and experience life in Vietnam. Our tour leader Minh was knowledgeable, approachable and made sure we felt comfortable and informed all along the way. The itinerary was extensive without feeling overwhelming and we all had plenty of opportunity to deep-dive into each location. A highlight for me was absolute attention to detail. Everyone in our group got what they were after and more. Definitely, the best tour that I have done in Asia so far and couldn't recommend the team from Next Continent more.

This was for me a trip of a lifetime for us. Our guide Minh was excellent and so much fun to just hang out with. The accommodation was great and each activity was special in its own way. Major highlight was Hoi An memories show and to get to watch a family of the Red-shanked Douc monkeys in Da Nang. I highly, highly recommend this tour.

Vietnam is a beautiful country and exploring under the guidance of our amazing tour guide Minh and the Next Continent team has completely blown me away. Having previously traveled to Thailand, I thought that I kind of knew what to expect with Asia. But the way this itinerary is crafted means we were able to take in the big attractions and also the small, special parts of this country to make everything much more three-dimensional. Just so special and so much gratitude for taking this trip!

This tour exceeded my expectations in every way. The balance of cultural experiences, nature and downtime was just very practical and you could see how well the guides could read our group. Compared to my last trip through Thailand, the accomodation was really comfortable, modern and yet authentic, no big tourist hotels. I also really appreciated the small group size. It made the experience feel personal and we never felt like we were just being herded from one spot to the next. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to really experience Vietnam.

The perfect trip! I loved that we traveled by train, boat, plane and even motorbike at times, it made it feel so dynamic and exciting. Every day was different in a fresh and exciting way. f you’re looking for an in-depth, authentic experience of Vietnam, this is it.