Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 day Backpacking Trip in Vietnam
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Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days

Hanoi to Hoi An

5 star review 225 Reviews

Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days
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Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days

Hanoi to Hoi An

5 star review 225 Reviews

£1 deposit
Save upto £50
From £875£825
Almost Everything Included
Awesome Accommodation (2 per room)
Perfect for Solo Travellers
Book Now Schedule a Call Back
Watch the video
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£1 deposit
Save upto £50
From £875£825
Almost Everything Included
Awesome Accommodation (2 per room)
Perfect for Solo Travellers
Book Now Schedule a Call Back

Vietnam Group Tours

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.

What’s Included

Accommodation? Check! Activities? Yep. Guides? Of course! Meals? We threw in a bunch to keep you going!

We’ve got you covered 😉

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Vietnam Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi

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!
📍 Location: Hanoi
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Airport pickup, getting settled in, dinner & chilled drinks

Day 2: Walking tour of the Old Quarter 🇻🇳

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 (don’t worry, they serve other drinks, not just beer).
📍 Location: Hanoi
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Walking tour of the Old Quarter, rickshaw ride, try egg coffee

Day 3: Overnight boat in Halong Bay

Today, we board a traditional ‘junk boat’ 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!
📍 Location: Halong Bay
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Arrive in Halong Bay, lunch with a view, kayaking & sundowners

Day 4: Ha Long to King Kong! 🦍

We’ll start the day with Tai Chi for sunrise and explore the local fishing villages by rowing boats. After breakfast, we’ll 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. We’ll 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!
📍 Location: Halong Bay
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Tai Chi, a local fishing village, travel to Ninh Binh

Day 5: Time to bicycle & paddle around Tam Coc

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!
📍 Location: Ninh Binh, Tam Coc
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Explore by bicycle & paddle boat, Lying Dragon Mountain, overnight train

Day 6: Giving back to those who need it most 🛕

Wakey wakey, today we arrive in the cultural capital of Vietnam! Hue is home to some of Vietnam’s best cuisine and coffee shops. You’ll 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.
📍 Location: Hue
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Arrive in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Citadel, community project visit

Day 7: Road trippin’ to the city of lanterns

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. We’ll 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. We’ll roll into Hoi An with enough time to go explore and maybe even grab a fruity shirt for our party night out!
📍 Location: Hai Van Pass, Hoi An
🍽️ Included meals: Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Roadtrip on the Hai Van Pass, waterfall (seasonal), viewpoints

Day 8-9: Time to relax and explore 😃

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.
📍 Location: Hoi An
🍽️ Included meals: 2 x Breakfast, 1 x Cooking class, 1 x Dinner
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Free time, beach, cooking class, traditional basket boats, lantern making

Day 10: It’s time to check out and say your goodbyes

It’s not going to be easy, but today is checkout day and the time to say goodbye after an incredible 10 days in Vietnam. I’m sure you’ll 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!
📍 Location: Hoi An
🍽️ Included meals: 1 x Breakfast
🙌🏼 Key highlights: Check out & onward travel
⁉️ Important: Those who opted for the longer North to South - 15 day trip will continue on.

Ideas and things to do after your Vietnam trip…
Vietnam Hanoi to Hoi An - 10 Days Map

Where We Stay

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 you’re travelling with a friend or partner, be sure to make this clear on the booking form, and we’ll make sure you are sharing together. If you’re travelling solo, you’ll be paired up with another traveller of the same sex.

Twin/Double Share

Twin/Double Share

Travel in Style

Travel in Style

Private Room Upgrades

Private Room Upgrades

Trip Details

What’s Included

Start: Hanoi Finish: Hoi An
Tour Length: 10 days
Travel Style: Fully Guided
Avg Group Size: 12 - 16
Age Range: 18 - 39
No. of Activities: 23+
No. of Included Meals: 16
Tour Price: From £825 per person

What’s 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 An’s 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 ‘Visa on Arrival’ process for nationalities such as the UK (not including Ireland) and a few other countries. The ‘Visa on Arrival’ allows you 15 days when entering Vietnam. If you need longer or your passport doesn’t qualify for the ‘Visa on Arrival’, you can apply for a one-month visa online or at your local Vietnamese embassy. It’s always a good idea to apply for a visa if you’re 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. Here’s a blog that we put together to help; ‘An Unofficial Visa Guide to Asia & Australia’.

What injections/vaccinations do I need for Vietnam?

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.

What about COVID-19 travel restrictions in Vietnam?

It's always a good idea to check whether your destination or airline requires you to be COVID-19 vaccinated or tested to travel. It's your responsibility to ensure you arrive on tour with us in Vietnam without any issues. Click here for a useful resource provided by the UK government.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Travel insurance is an essential part of your trip preparation. It’s 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. We’ll need to see your name, area of cover and dates that the insurance is valid. It’s a good idea to get this sorted ASAP to ensure you’re covered for all eventualities.

Will I receive a packing list?

You sure will, once your trip is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a bunch of useful information, including an ‘Arrival Guide’. Within this guide, you’ll 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 it’s generally easier when moving around, but it’s not uncommon for some travellers to bring a suitcase. We suggest bringing something you are comfortable with carrying and lugging around. It’s 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, ‘Backpack vs Suitcase - What is best for travelling?’

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 isn’t 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 🤣

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 doesn’t 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 £300/$400, but this should be the bare minimum. We suggest working from an average of £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?

You’ll 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 you’ll be travelling on. It’s a great place to chat with the rest of the people on the tour and your Group Leader. If you’ve not already, click this link and join the ‘Feel Free Family’ 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, it’s not essential, but it will give you time to freshen up before we head out for dinner and drinks. You’ll 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 ‘me time’ before the tour begins. There might be experiences on your bucket list that we don’t 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. They’ll be standing waiting at the airport with a Feel Free Travel sign, so you’ll have no issues finding them 🙌🏼

Which airport should I choose in Hanoi?

Hanoi has only 1 big international airport, 'Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)’. 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, ‘Guide: When and How to Book Flights.’

How do I know where to meet at the airport?

We’ll email everyone up-to-date arrival instructions 2 weeks before the trip with exactly where to meet the driver. Once you get picked up, we’ll get you back to the hotel and check-in. If your flight is running late, don’t worry, we’ll be tracking your progress on Google and will be waiting for you to arrive.

What’s the plan for Day 1?

The first day is the ‘Arrival Day’, there isn’t a huge amount planned. It’s the perfect day to relax, catch some sun and get your bearings. In the evening, it’s time to meet your new travel family, as we’ll 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 group… sometimes we’ll have a whole bunch of people hanging out once the tour has finished, travelling for days, weeks or even months together. But in others, you’ll have many people going their separate ways. As the trip unfolds, you’ll 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. It’s 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 don’t offer the option to extend your stay, but our awesome Group Leaders are eager to help and support your onward travel plans. You’ll no doubt get ideas from other group members as the trip unfolds, so keep those ideas to yourself until you meet the group.

I’m doing more than 1 trip, how do I book my connecting flight?

We suggest booking those connecting flights soon after booking your big international flights. We’ve written a whole blog to help when planning flights, click here to read more.

Do I get help with onward travel?

Whether you’re 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.

Vietnam 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 don’t, but we will always give you a heads up in advance so that you can prepare and let your loved ones at home know you may be unreachable.

Can I travel solo/come alone?

Absolutely! Our trips are built for solo travellers, and believe us… 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 don’t worry, you’ll never be alone with us.

What’s the average age of people on these trips?

Our trips are specifically targeted towards individuals who are young at heart. If you’re between the ages of 18-39 and keen on a new adventure, you’re welcome to join us. We’ve 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.

What’s 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. You’ll 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.

What’s not included?

You’ll just need to sort your international flights, travel insurance, visas and spending money 🙌🏼

Do we stay in hostels or hotels?

The accommodation on our trips is something we do better than anyone else, and our tours definitely wouldn’t be the same without the awesome places we stay. We’ve 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 😍

Who will I share a room with?

All solo travellers will pair up with other travellers of the same sex… girls with girls & guys with guys. If you are travelling with a friend, let us know, and we can put you together… same if you are travelling as a couple, we will arrange a double room where possible. You can upgrade during the booking form if you’d like your own room.

Can I combine more than 1 trip together?

It’s 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 couldn’t be easier, find a trip that takes your fancy, pick a date, reserve your spot with a deposit and get that flight booked…

We always recommend reserving your spot before booking your flight. When our trips are full… unfortunately, they are FULL 😬 Check out our ’How it Works’ page for more information on booking your trip!!

This all seems too good to be true, how do I know it’s 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;

Is This For You?

We understand that travelling solo can be nerve-racking and often overwhelming. If you’re 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, you’ll have a bunch of new buddies for all those future travel plans!

If you’re all set and can’t wait, join us on this Vietnam group tour... Book Now and reserve your spot with a small deposit of as little as £1.

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