Get ready to get stuck into a short but incredibly sweet 10 day / 9 night backpacking group tour here in Vietnam. This trip gives you the perfect balance of culture, adventure, chill time, and nightlife. Begin in the Old Quarter of Hanoi before making our way to the natural wonder of Halong Bay. As we travel south, we'll experience local life in Ninh Binh, soak up the culture in Hue and fall in love with the enchanted streets of Hoi An. This group tour in Vietnam is packed full of epic adventures from start to finish. If you haven't got the time for our North to South - 15-day trip, this 10 day adventure will feed your appetite.
Stay overnight on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long
Ride a 3-wheeled rickshaw in the Old Quarter of Hanoi
Take on the Dragon Laying mountain for sunset
Get crafty with a Lantern Making Class in Hoi An
Cycle around the rice paddies taking in the local life
Experience a local family-style dinner in Ninh Binh
Farming experience at a Hoi An Tra Que Vegetable Farm
Basket Boat crab fishing in the coconut groves
Explore the ancient Imperial City of Vietnam in Hue
Roadtrip over mountains on the famous Hai Van Pass
Traditional row boats through rivers, caves & rice fields
Local community giving back project in Hue
See all included activities
Whatās Included
Accommodation? Check! Activities? Yep. Guides? Of course! Meals? We threw in a bunch to keep you going!
You've waited long enough, and now it's time to head to the airport with your bags packed and set off on that big adventure to Vietnam. Don't worry, we'll have a driver waiting for you at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN); they'll be waiting for you with a sign bearing your name. Like all our other group tours, the first day is all about settling in and finding your bearings. We suggest aiming to arrive in the middle of the day to give yourself time to freshen up, explore, or simply catch up on some sleep. We'll head out for dinner and drinks at one of our favourite spots this evening!
š Location: Hanoi
šš¼ Key highlights: Airport pickup, getting settled in, dinner & chilled drinks
There's no better way to explore the narrow streets of Hanoi than on a walking tour. We'll introduce you to local flavours and indulge in a delicious meal at one of our favourite spots for lunch. Once we've satisfied our hunger and quenched our thirst, we'll hop onto three wheels and explore the rest of the Old Quarter by Rickshaw. After dark, we'll make our way to the legendary 'Beer Street'. The best way to experience it is by grabbing a stool and witnessing the craziness unfold (donāt worry, they serve other drinks, not just beer).
š Location: Hanoi
š½ļø Included meals: Breakfast
šš¼ Key highlights: Walking tour of the Old Quarter, rickshaw ride, try egg coffee
Today, we board a traditional ājunk boatā and cruise through one of the world's seven natural wonders - Halong Bay. We'll get settled in and enjoy lunch with a view before finding ourselves a resting spot and dropping anchor. It's time to grab a paddle and explore by kayak before heading back on board for sunset cocktails!
š Location: Halong Bay
š½ļø Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
šš¼ Key highlights: Arrive in Halong Bay, lunch with a view, kayaking & sundowners
Weāll start the day with Tai Chi for sunrise and explore the local fishing villages by rowing boats. After breakfast, weāll head further off the beaten track to 1 of our favourite places in Vietnam, Ninh Binh. Known for its rolling rice fields and limestone cliffs, Ninh Binh was home to the King Kong movie - Skull Island. Weāll arrive, introduce you to our local friends, get checked in and enjoy the pool before we tuck into our family-style dinner with a few glasses of local rice wine!
š Location: Halong Bay
š½ļø Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
šš¼ Key highlights: Tai Chi, a local fishing village, travel to Ninh Binh
Today is a real highlight for most as we cycle through the countryside, stopping to chat with locals while taking in our surroundings. We'll park our bikes and hop into traditional paddle boats, cruising through caves and rice fields... a truly unique experience not to be missed! We'll finish the day by heading to the summit of the Lying Dragon Mountain for an incredible 360-degree view. We'll board the overnight train as a group tonight, reminiscing on the good times so far!
š Location: Ninh Binh, Tam Coc
š½ļø Included meals: Breakfast
šš¼ Key highlights: Explore by bicycle & paddle boat, Lying Dragon Mountain, overnight train
Wakey wakey, today we arrive in the cultural capital of Vietnam! Hue is home to some of Vietnamās best cuisine and coffee shops. Youāll find heaps of historical landmarks like the Imperial City, ancient temples and the Thien Mu Pagoda. After visiting some of these cultural sites, we head to a community project that is very close to our hearts. Today will definitely give you that warm fuzzy feeling and leave your heart complete.
š Location: Hue
š½ļø Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
šš¼ Key highlights: Arrive in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, community project visit
Time to take the ride over one of the most iconic roads in Vietnam, the Hai Van Pass. Spend the afternoon cruising through the windy mountain roads. Weāll stop for lunch at 1 of our favourite spots and no doubt cool off at a waterfall (seasonal). The views across the pass are truly incredible. Weāll roll into Hoi An with enough time to go explore and maybe even grab a fruity shirt for our party night out!
š Location: Hai Van Pass, Hoi An
š½ļø Included meals: Breakfast
šš¼ Key highlights: Roadtrip on the Hai Van Pass, waterfall (seasonal), viewpoints
After seven fun-filled days, it's time to slow things down and spend three nights in the enchanting city of Hoi An. There is plenty to keep you occupied, from brunch cafes and tailor shops to a beach just a short 15-minute bicycle ride away. Of course, we have some activities planned to keep you engaged, including a visit to our local friend's farm and their neighbouring cooking school. If that's not enough, we'll take you to the local coconut groves by traditional basket boat and get hands-on with a lantern-making class. Hoi An is always a favourite among backpackers and solo travellers.
š Location: Hoi An
š½ļø Included meals: 2 x Breakfast, 1 x Cooking class
šš¼ Key highlights: Free time, beach, cooking class, traditional basket boats, lantern making
Itās not going to be easy, but today is checkout day and the time to say goodbye after an incredible 10 days in Vietnam. Iām sure youāll be reminiscing over breakfast and trying to piece all those happy emotions together before you set off on your journey home or to your next destination. The tour finishes in Hoi An, the closest airport is Da Nang International (DAD), approximately 1 hour from the hotel. The final day has no plans, so you can leave anytime that works best for you!
š Location: Hoi An
š½ļø Included meals: 1 x Breakfast
šš¼ Key highlights: Check out & onward travel
āļø Important: Those who opted for the longer North to South - 15 day trip will continue on.
We understand that travelling solo can be nerve-racking and often overwhelming. If youāre looking for a hassle-free experience from the moment you land, this is the Vietnam trip for you! Most people travel solo, or some come with a friend/partner, either way, by the end of this adventure, youāll have a bunch of new buddies for all those future travel plans!
If youāre all set and canāt wait, join us on this Vietnam group tour... Book Now and reserve your spot with a small deposit of as little as Ā£1.
We pay close attention to safety, comfort and convenience to give you the best possible stay in every spot we visit. Our Vietnam trip will be twin-share hotel/guesthouse accommodation with 2 people per room. If youāre travelling with a friend or partner, be sure to make this clear on the booking form, and weāll make sure you are sharing together. If youāre travelling solo, youāll be paired up with another traveller of the same sex.
Twin/Double Share
Travel in Style
Private Room Upgrades
Ninh Binh
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Hue
Hoi An
Overnight Train
Feel Free Family
Hello everyone, hope youāre all doing great! Has anyone booked the Bali trip of September ? āØ
Need some help with packing information lol. How is everyone packing? Backpack and luggage
Hello! Iāve booked it Bali trip end of July next year, anyone else going as of yet? āļøāļø
Hey everyone, New here and just booked to go to Thailand š¹š next November!!! So excited šš¤š
I'm looking to book Sri Lanka for end of march next year. I've never done anything like this n never travelled alone before, so nervous and excited at the same time...
Hey guys š I know that I'm not going to Thailand till next year but what kind of luggage is best to take?? š¤¦āāļøš¤·āāļø
Hi everyone! Finally after months of searching Iāve found a tour that includes a bit of everything I want to do! Going to book the 15 day Thailand tour!
Hey everyone! Iām thinking of doing the Vietnam tour in March and was wondering what the weather was like š google is giving me different answers!
The countdown is on for Thailand š¹š Sent my last payment and I am pumped to see this incredible place š
Morning all, Thinking of booking the Thailand 15 day tour in Jan 2025 on one of the many dates availableā¦.wondering who has booked similar? Thanks!
My boyfriend and I are going to the Thailand 9 day tour with Feel Free!! May 23-31!! Let me know if anyone is going then š
Does anyone recommend any essentials for a 15 day trip to Thailand? šš¹š
So gonna be booking 15 day thailand tour with a friend on the 6th, for next summer. I can imagine anytime is a good time but is there a best time for the summer?
Hey there! I'm not sure whether I can post this but I just wanted some advice about travel after the 15 day Vietnam trip that I'm going to do late next year.
Hi! Is anyone booked onto the Sri Lanka tour 19th - 30th November or 21st Jan - 1st Feb!? š±š°I really want to go but never done anything like this before so super nervous x
Hey! I have just booked the Bali trip for July 8th, has anyone else booked?šļø
Hi everyone šš¼ Iāve just recently joined this group and I was wondering if anyone is booked for the 15 day trip to Thailand beginning of January...
I had the absolutely BEST time of my life last year when I went solo backpacking for the first time! It wouldn't have been nearly as fun or easy without the Feel Free family!
Its a good while away yet but is anyone thinking of going to Bali later next year? I simply could not wait to book š¤£xx
Booked on to April 15 night tour, when would be the best time for booking flights?
Throw back to our epic times in Thailand.. it was amazing meeting all of you and the people on this trip really did make our adventure one never to forget!
Should I arrive a day or 2 early on the Bali tour or come on Day 1?
Hey guys! Iām planning on booking the Bali 12 day trip for September. Does anyone have any info on what the weather is like during September? And do many people do the trips solo or in pairs? Thanks!
Has anyone booked or thinking of booking the 15days in Thailand during the month of December this year? Is December a good time to travel there even around Xmas?
Hey šš¼ is anyone going on the best of Vietnam trip on 10th August?
My boyfriend & I are looking to go on the Thailand trip next year for the first time, does anyone have any advice for us newbies?š š
Hey! just booked the best of asia trip on 19th october. Anyone else booked onto this one? So looking forward to it!
Bali 2025 booked āļø š¢ Iām already booked onto the 15 days in Thailand in April and Iāve always wanted to do Bali, so only a few months later and Iāll be there š
After thinking about it for ages, Iāve finally booked it! Anyone else thinking of going to Sri Lanka around this time? š
Hello group, anyone planning on 28th September Vietnam 15 day tour? I think its gonna be super fun!!!
I miss my Feel Free Family ā¤ļø I CAN'T wait for Vietnam in March āļø š š
Hi guys, I was thinking of booking the 15 day Thailand trip, and I was just wondering if anyone who's done it had any advice/recommendations? š
Hey! Anyone booked on the Sri Lanka trip in April? š±š° š¤
Heyy, I'm struggling to find a travel card that does Sri lankan rupees? Can anyone recommend one or is it not worth getting a card and just taking cash? Thanks š
Vietnam, Bali or Thailand? I can't decide and I really want to travel next month? I would love to hear everyones experiences.
Hello everyone, hope youāre all doing great! Has anyone booked the Bali trip of September ? āØ
Need some help with packing information lol. How is everyone packing? Backpack and luggage
Hello! Iāve booked it Bali trip end of July next year, anyone else going as of yet? āļøāļø
Hey everyone, New here and just booked to go to Thailand š¹š next November!!! So excited šš¤š
I'm looking to book Sri Lanka for end of march next year. I've never done anything like this n never travelled alone before, so nervous and excited at the same time...
Hey guys š I know that I'm not going to Thailand till next year but what kind of luggage is best to take?? š¤¦āāļøš¤·āāļø
Start:HanoiFinish: Hoi An
Tour Length: 10 days
Travel Style: Fully Guided
Avg Group Size: 12 - 16
Age Range: 18 - 39
No. of Experiences: 23+
No. of Included Meals: 16
Tour Price: From Ā£875 per person
Whatās included for the price:
All activities & local experiences
Secret unique stops along the way
Twin/double share accommodation
Local Guides & a Western Group Leader
Airport pickup on arrival
Group transport while on tour
Private WhatsApp group
No Hidden Costs!
Return airport transfer
Travel Insurance
Visas & Vaccinations
Flights to/from Vietnam
Included Activities & Experiences
Locally guided city orientation in Hanoi
Ride a rickshaw in the Old Quarter
Taste the local flavours & delicacies
Experience bars & nightlife in Hanoi
Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
Lunch with a dreamy view onboard
Kayaking around Halong Bay
Family style dinner in Ninh Binh
Meet our local friends and try rice wine
Explore Tam Coc by bicycle
Traditional paddle boat in Ninh Binh
Hike to the top of Lying Dragon Viewpoint
Jump aboard the overnight train to Hue
Locally guided city orientation in Hue
Explore the Thien Mu Pagoda & Imperial Citadel
Visit our local community project in Hue
Cruise the Hai Van Pass by road
Waterfalls and viewpoints along the pass (seasonal)
Experience Hoi Anās best nightlife
Freetime to enjoy the beach & explore in Hoi An
Authentic farm visit & cooking school
Traditional basket boat experience
Lantern making class in Hoi An
Trip Preparation
Do I need a visa?
For some, Vietnam is a very easy country to visit with a simple āVisa on Arrivalā process for nationalities such as the UK (not including Ireland) and a few other countries. The āVisa on Arrivalā allows you 45 days when entering Vietnam. If you need longer or your passport doesnāt qualify for the āVisa on Arrivalā, you can apply for a visa for upto 3 months online or at your local Vietnamese embassy. Itās always a good idea to apply for a visa if youāre unsure of your plans to give you the opportunity to stay longer. Be sure to do your own research, as each country/passport will have different entry requirements, and the rules can often change. It's your responsibility to ensure you've ticked all the necessary boxes to enter Vietnam hassle-free.
*You must check your visa eligibility as we are not visa experts. The information above is general in nature. Hereās a blog that we put together to help; āAn Unofficial Visa Guide to Asia & Australiaā.
What vaccinations do I need?
Similar to visas, we are not medical professionals and would hate to give you false or misleading information. We recommend you book an appointment with your doctor or local pharmacy to discuss your travel plans and what precautions you need to be aware of. They will provide up-to-date guidance and will no doubt have your vaccination/immunisation history on file. All the destinations and areas we travel to are generally low-risk, but best to be on the safe side! Click here for a useful resource provided by the UK NHS website.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Travel insurance is an essential part of your trip preparation. Itās not only a smart idea to get covered, but it will also give your loved ones peace of mind. We actually require all customers to show proof of coverage at the beginning of the tour. Weāll need to see your name, area of cover and dates that the insurance is valid. Itās a good idea to get this sorted ASAP to ensure youāre covered for all eventualities.
Will I receive a packing list?
You sure will, once your trip is confirmed, youāll receive a confirmation email with a bunch of useful information, including an āArrival Guideā. Within this guide, youāll find a packing list, safety and cultural information and some useful tips to prepare for your trip.
Should I bring a backpack or a suitcase?
Most people do prefer travelling with a backpack, and itās generally easier when moving around, but itās not uncommon for some travellers to bring a suitcase. We suggest bringing something you are comfortable with carrying and lugging around. Itās also important to bring a small day bag that can hold enough for an overnight trip or those travel essentials. Click here to read a blog we wrote on this, āBackpack vs Suitcase - What is best for travelling?ā
Is there a limit to my luggage weight?
We suggest not going crazy with the packing and keeping it simple. Try and bring loose/floaty clothing that isnāt too thick or heavy. No need to bring heels or walking boots. Bring a few warm layers during Dec and Feb, as it can get a little chilly in the north. We limit the luggage to 20kg per person. Best to leave the kitchen sink at home š¤£
Are there laundry services on tour?
There will be a few opportunities to do laundry throughout the trip, but we always suggest bringing enough underwear and essentials for the full trip. Your Group Leader will let you know the best time to do laundry, but this usually doesnāt happen until 4 or 5 days into the tour.
Do I need to bring a towel?
There are towels provided for showering and freshening up at all the hotels we stay at. We suggest buying a microfibre towel or large sarong as they are small and dry fast for use on the beach and swimming.
How much spending money do I need?
Once you've booked your flights, paid off your trip and got some solid travel insurance, you'll be all set for that Vietnam adventure. We suggest bringing no less than Ā£300/$400, but this should be the bare minimum. We suggest working from an average of Ā£400-500/$500-700 over 2 weeks, this will cover things like shopping, drinks, extra meals and anything else you fancy treating yourself to... maybe a few massages!?
What's the best way to manage my money?
We always recommend having a few different options when managing your money while on the road. Having your everyday bank/ATM card with you as a backup is always a good idea, but we strongly suggest signing up for a travel/currency card. Most of these cards can be managed through an easy, easy-to-use app. There are ATMs throughout the trip, and we suggest grabbing some local currency when you arrive at the airport.
Will there be a Whatsapp group?
Youāll receive a final email with useful information to help with your arrival approximately 2 weeks before the trip. This includes a link to a private Whatsapp group for the tour date that youāll be travelling on. Itās a great place to chat with the rest of the people on the tour and your Group Leader. If youāve not already, click this link and join the āFeel Free Familyā Facebook Group. The FB community is ideal for discussing how things work with past and future travellers. Add yourself to the group and make a post asking who else has booked or thinking about booking the same date as you.
Your Arrival
When should I arrive on Day 1?
We suggest aiming to arrive during the middle of the 1st day, itās not essential, but it will give you time to freshen up before we head out for dinner and drinks. Youāll be grateful for that little extra time to relax, soak up some afternoon sun or just go for a wander and explore the local area.
Can I arrive a day or 2 early?
Absolutely! We actually recommend arriving a day or 2 early to give you more time to recharge and enjoy a bit of āme timeā before the tour begins. There might be experiences on your bucket list that we donāt include on the trip, this is the perfect time to fit them in.
Will I get an airport pickup?
Anyone arriving on Day 1 or who decides to book pre-tour accommodation with us will be picked up by our trusted drivers when they land. Theyāll be standing waiting at the airport with a Feel Free Travel sign, so youāll have no issues finding them šš¼
Which airport should I choose in Hanoi?
Hanoi has only 1 big international airport, 'Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)ā. The trip starts in Hanoi and finishes in Ho Chi Minh. Most people arrive through Hanoi and out from the south in Ho Chi Minh City. You can reach either of these airports from Da Nang, which is the closest airport to where we finish the tour. Click here to read a blog we wrote on this, āGuide: When and How to Book Flights.ā
How do I know where to meet at the airport?
Weāll email everyone up-to-date arrival instructions 2 weeks before the trip with exactly where to meet the driver. Once you get picked up, weāll get you back to the hotel and check-in. If your flight is running late, donāt worry, weāll be tracking your progress on Google and will be waiting for you to arrive.
Whatās the plan for Day 1?
The first day is the āArrival Dayā, there isnāt a huge amount planned. Itās the perfect day to relax, catch some sun and get your bearings. In the evening, itās time to meet your new travel family, as weāll be taking you all out to one of our favourite spots for dinner and chilled drinks.
After the Trip
What time does the tour finish?
All our tours finish on the morning of the final day, this will give you plenty of time to get back to the airport ready for that flight home or onto your next destination.
What happens after my tour?
It really depends from group to groupā¦ sometimes weāll have a whole bunch of people hanging out once the tour has finished, travelling for days, weeks or even months together. But in others, youāll have many people going their separate ways. As the trip unfolds, youāll soon learn about each other's travel plans and share ideas for what adventures lie ahead. The hardest part is saying your goodbyes and giving your last big hugs to the people leaving straight after the trip ends.
Can I get help with return airport transfers?
You sure can, our Group Leaders are available throughout the trip to chat about your onward travel plans. They will be there to offer help and assistance when it comes to booking flights, taxis, buses, and ferries. Itās always a good idea to get your flights booked before you arrive, including any internal flights after your tour.
When should I book my return flight?
We always suggest booking your return flight later on the final day. This will give you plenty of time to get back to the airport and enough time to say your goodbyes and leave without any stress or worries. The airport is approximately 1 hour from our Hoi An hotel to Da Nang International Airport.
Can I stay longer and extend my trip?
You sure can, we donāt offer the option to extend your stay, but our awesome Group Leaders are eager to help and support your onward travel plans. Youāll no doubt get ideas from other group members as the trip unfolds, so keep those ideas to yourself until you meet the group.
Iām doing more than 1 trip, how do I book my connecting flight?
Whether youāre on a short break from work or a slightly longer backpacking adventure, our Group Leaders will help with everything from return airport transfers to giving you a bunch of ideas for the rest of your time in South East Asia and beyond.
Trip FAQs
Is there Wifi on tour?
Almost all the places we stay on tour have free WIFI allowing you to stay connected with friends and family back home. There are certain places we visit that donāt, but we will always give you a heads up in advance so that you can prepare and let your loved ones know you may be unreachable at home.
Can I travel solo/come alone?
Absolutely! Our trips are built for solo travellers, and believe usā¦ sharing new experiences with a group of new friends is one of the best things you can do. A large majority of the people that travel with us are 1st-time travellers doing it alone, so donāt worry, youāll never be alone with us.
Whatās the average age of people on these trips?
Our trips are specifically targeted towards individuals who are young at heart. If youāre between the ages of 18-39 and keen on a new adventure, youāre welcome to join us. Weāve found that the average age of our travellers is 22-32, we also get young travellers straight out of school as well as working professionals in their mid to late 30s.
How big are the group sizes?
We keep our group sizes small, with an average of 12-16 people per group, so that everyone gets to know each other and experience things at an enjoyable pace.
Whatās included in the price?
We include most of the big ticket items like accommodation, activities, local experiences, secret stops, local guides, a western group leader and a bunch of meals. We also include an airport pickup on arrival!
What should I expect from the included meals?
You should expect almost all your breakfasts to be included to allow us to get the best out of each day. Youāll also get a few lunches on day trips and the odd dinner. We try and find a good balance between including meals and giving you the flexibility to eat what you fancy.
Do you cater for specific dietary/allergy requirements?
We make every effort to prepare for all dietary requirements and will do our best to support you during mealtime. Please provide clear information during the booking form and chat with your Group Leader during the first few days.
The accommodation on our trips is something we do better than anyone else, and our tours definitely wouldnāt be the same without the awesome places we stay. Weāve handpicked these places to give you the perfect balance of comfort, security and convenience. We really do love where we stay, and so do all our happy travellers š
Who will I share a room with?
All solo travellers will pair up with other travellers of the same sexā¦ girls with girls & guys with guys. If you are travelling with a friend, let us know, and we can put you togetherā¦ same if you are travelling as a couple, we will arrange a double room where possible. You can upgrade during the booking form if youād like your own room.
Can I combine more than 1 trip together?
Itās common for our travellers to combine 2 or more of our trips. Our trips have been specifically programmed to allow you to do just that. You can often finish 1 trip on the same day another trip is just starting. After all, flight tickets are not cheap, you might as well maximise your experience if you have the time!
How do I book?
Booking your trip couldnāt be easier, find a trip that takes your fancy, pick a date, reserve your spot with a deposit and get that flight bookedā¦
We always recommend reserving your spot before booking your flight. When our trips are fullā¦ unfortunately, they are FULL š¬ Check out our āHow it Worksā page for more information on booking your trip!!
This all seems too good to be true, how do I know itās legit?
This is a question we recently added to our FAQs as we hear it time and time again, so we wanted to give you all a few ways to verify who we are;
Waterfalls and viewpoints along the pass (seasonal)
Experience Hoi Anās best nightlife
Freetime to enjoy the beach & explore in Hoi An
Authentic farm visit & cooking school
Traditional basket boat experience
Lantern making class in Hoi An
Whatās Included
Start:HanoiFinish: Hoi An
Tour Length: 10 days
Travel Style: Fully Guided
Avg Group Size: 12 - 16
Age Range: 18 - 39
No. of Experiences: 23+
No. of Included Meals: 16
Tour Price: From Ā£875 per person