North to South - 15 Days
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

North to South - 15 Days
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
Trip Highlights
Experience the very best of travelling Vietnam in just over 2 weeks. Our 15 Day North to South backpacking adventure really does capture everything Vietnam has to offer. From experiencing true local life in Ninh Binh and getting lost in the lantern city of Hoi An, to discovering the fascinating history of the Cu Chi Tunnels. This 2 week trip covers all your Vietnam bucket list spots with overnight boat stays, towering limestone cliffs, crab fishing, sand dunes and much much more!
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 😉
Itinerary
We’ll pick you up from the airport, get you checked in and introduce you to your new travel buddies. There is no better way to get settled in than a walking tour through the narrow streets and tasting some of the local flavours. Once we’ve stuffed our faces it’s time to jump on our 3 wheeled rickshaws to explore the rest. By night we head to ‘Beer Street’, grab a stool and see where this crazy city takes us!
Today we jump aboard a traditional Junk Boat and cruise through 1 of the 7 natural wonders of the world - Ha Long Bay. Once all settled in, we enjoy lunch with the most incredible views...just epic! This afternoon we adventure through caves on kayaks and cool off with a swim before sipping cocktails for sunset 🌅
We wake up onboard before adventuring further off the beaten track to Ninh Binh - home of the recent King Kong movie ‘Skull Island’. Allow us to introduce you to our local friends at our family homestay...it doesn’t get much more local than this! Day 5 is an adventure cycling through the untouched countryside, cruising on traditional paddle boats & 360 views of the Ninh Binh Valley from the Dragon Mountain.
We spend our short time in Hue visiting the poorer more rural communities. Our Vietnamese guide educates us on local life and gives us an insight into the work that we are doing at Feel Free Travel to support children in these areas and their education. Hue is the cultural centre of Vietnam and the gateway to the most iconic road in Vietnam - the Hai Van Pass. We cruise the pass taking in the mountain views and stopping at some of our favourite spots to cool off.
Welcome to one of our favorite spots in South East Asia. Our time in Hoi An will be filled with a cooking class on the river, spinning around in bamboo basket boats, making your own lantern, enjoying some chill time on the beach or even visiting a local tailor to get some super cheap clothes made! The lantern city will steal your hearts with jaw dropping beauty and artsy vibes.
After a short flight to Nha Trang, we’ll arrive at our accommodation and head out for a truly unique experience. The mineral mud baths in Nha Trang really do sound crazy... but once you’re in you won’t want to get out! As much as it is great for your skin it’s great fun too!
Welcome to the beautiful beach town of Mui Ne, famous for its fishing villages and Sahara-like dunes. After exploring the town and sipping cocktails by the pool we’ll make our way to Vietnam’s very own Grand Canyon - ‘The Fairy Streams’. For some people this is the moment you have been waiting for...sandboarding and quad biking* on the epic sand dunes of Mui Ne...there is no better sunset than this one!
*Quad biking is optional and not included in the trip
You’ve never seen so many motorbikes in your life! Let’s explore the city by foot and feast in the local flavours of the south before heading to the deeply moving National War Museum. Take a peek at the underground life of the infamous Viet Cong soldiers at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Learn how these warriors lived beneath the soil using tunnel networks...you can even explore the underground tunnel systems yourself. Get ready for our last night out together experiencing some of South East Asia’s best nightlife!

Where We Stay
The accommodation in Vietnam is something we do better than anyone else! From the cabins onboard our Ha Long Bay junk boat to the warm family feeling from our Ninh Binh homestay. When we’re not out having an awesome time, you’re relaxing in our unique & comfortable accommodation.
Twin/Double Share
Travel in Style
Private Room Upgrades
Trip Details
Start: Hanoi
Finish: Ho Chi Minh
Tour Length: 15 days
Travel Style: Fully Guided
Avg Group Size: 12 - 16
Age Range: 18 - 39
No. of Activities: 25+
No. of Included Meals: 19
Tour Price: From £1199 per person
What’s included for the price:
- All activities & local experiences
- Secret spots along the way
- Twin/double share accommodation
- Local Guides & a Western Group Leader
- Airport pickup on arrival
- Private WhatsApp group
- No Hidden Costs!
- Travel Insurance
- Visas & Vaccinations
- Flights to/from Vietnam
- Hanoi Walking Tour
- City Rickshaw Ride
- Local Street Food Experience
- Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
- Kayaking around Ha Long Bay
- Local Homestay Experience
- Bicycle Tour Ninh Binh
- Boat Trip Ninh Binh
- Dragon Mountain Viewpoint
- Hue Street Food Markets
- Local Community Project Hue
- Cruise the Hai Van Pass by road
- Experience Hoi An Nightlife
- Lantern Making Class
- Beach time in Hoi An
- Traditional Basket Boat Experience
- Visit Local Markets in Hoi An
- Authentic Riverside Cooking Class
- Flight to Nha Trang
- Group Mud Spa Experience Nha Trang
- Sandboarding in Mui Ne
- Mui Ne Fishing Village Visit
- Fairy Stream Walk Mui Ne
- Ho Chi Minh Food Markets
- National War Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Optional Sand Dune Quad Biking
Do I need a visa?
For some, Vietnam is an easy place to visit with a simple ‘Visa on Arrival’ process. This isn’t for everyone but there are 13 nationalities that qualify including the UK (not including Ireland). For those of you looking to stay longer or if you don’t qualify for the Visa on Arrival you’ll need to apply for an E-Visa. You’ll be awarded a 30 day tourist visa and it costs a whopping $25 USD (pretty cheap if you ask me 😃).
You can apply for a 1 month e-visa via the official ‘National Web Portal of Immigration’ here. There is a whole FAQ section to help with any concerns you might have, you can find that here. It’s important to allow at least 5-7 working days for the visa to be processed.
What vaccinations do I need?
There are no specific vaccinations that you need for any of the destinations we travel but there are vaccinations that your doctor may recommend having as a precaution. That's why we advise just paying a visit to your local GP if you’re unsure. They will know what jabs you’ve previously had and which you need to update. All destinations and areas we travel are low risk but best to be on the safe side. Click here for a useful resource provided by the UK government.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
It’s super important that you get yourself covered for your trip with us. It’s not expensive and certainly does give you and your loved ones peace of mind. We actually require all customers to show proof of cover at the beginning of the tour. We’ll need to see your name, area of cover and dates that the insurance is valid.
Will I receive a packing list?
You sure will, 6-8 weeks before the trip we’ll be sending an ‘Arrival Guide’ with a bunch of information to help you prepare for the trip. This will include safety and cultural tips plus a packing list.
Should I bring a suitcase or backpack?
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.
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. We limit the luggage to 20kg per person. Best to leave the kitchen sink behind 🤣
Are there laundry services on tour?
Throughout the trip there will be a few opportunities to do laundry 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?
At all the hotels we stay there will be towels provided to be used for showering and freshening up. We suggest buying a microfibre towel as they are small and dry fast for using on the beach and swimming.
How much spending money do I need?
You don’t need much at all considering almost all of the big ticket items are included! We suggest no less than £300 to be safe. Some people spend less and some more, it really depends on your spending habits. If you love shopping or are prone to a few more big nights than the average person then you could spend more. You can spend far less if you are tight with your budget but this kind of average works well for most.
What's the best way to manage my money?
We always recommend when travelling to a new country that you have some form of local currency with you. Having some money exchanged already will give you something to spend at the airport when you land.
We would recommend getting a Wise card as they have great exchange rates and it stops you from getting stung by your bank for withdrawing overseas. Wise cards don’t just make things easier but they make it safer as you can use your main bank account as a backup.
Will there be a Whatsapp group?
There sure will! Some people like it to be a surprise and meet their new travel family when they arrive… others want to get chatting straight away. We’ve got our own private Facebook group, Feel Free Family, for you to meet other travellers. Add yourself into the group and make a post asking who else has booked or thinking about booking the same date as you. We’ll be setting up the private Whatsapp group 2 weeks before the tour and we’ll invite you in via a link in the ‘Welcome Email’.
When should I arrive on Day 1?
We suggest aiming to arrive as early as possible on the 1st day, this isn’t essential but we’ll head out for dinner and drinks around 5pm. If you get in during the morning/early afternoon you’ll have time to relax, have a shower and go for a wander. Don’t stress if you can’t find a flight that works, the main activities start on the morning of day 2.
Can I arrive a day or 2 early?
You sure can! We actually recommend it to those people doing longer journeys as you’ll no doubt be tired and appreciate that time to recharge before we get stuck into it.
Will I get an airport pickup?
Anyone staying at our accommodation that arrives on Day 1 or decides to book extra nights with us will be picked up by our trusted drivers at the airport. They’ll be stood 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?
You’ll be glad to know there is only 1 big international airport in Hanoi and it’s ‘Noi Bai International Airport’.
How do I know where to meet at the airport?
We’ll send 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 checked in. If your flight is running late don’t worry, we’ll be tracking it on Google and will wait for you to arrive.
What’s the plan on Day 1?
We will pick you up from the airport and get you all settled in. If you arrive earlier in the day then we’ll give you some ideas of things to do so that you can explore the local area with others that have already arrived. In the evening it’s time to meet your new travel family and we’ll take you out to one of our favourite spots for dinner and drinks.
Is there Wifi on tour?
Almost all of our accommodations on all of our trips have free WIFI so you can contact your friends and family back at home whilst you’re travelling. There are certain places we visit that don't but we will always give you a heads up well in advance so that you can prepare and let your loved ones know at home you may be unreachable.
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 others you’ll have many people going 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 who are leaving straight after the trip finishes.
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 for after your tour.
When should I book my return flight?
It’s a good idea to book your return flight late afternoon or even later that evening on the final day. This will give you plenty of time to get back to the airport ready for that connecting flight. Departing earlier than this can cause issues and is not advised.
Can I stay extra days?
You sure can, we suggest waiting until you arrive and chat with your Group Leader. You might have a bunch of ideas now but after chatting with the rest of the group and getting a feel for things you might change your mind. This is why we don’t offer the option to extend your trip before you arrive.
I’m doing more than 1 trip, how do I book my connecting flight?
We’ve actually written a whole blog on this as it’s pretty important you arrive as early as possible. Click here to read more.
Do I get help with onward travel?
It would be a real shame to lock up all our travel tips. Some people are just on a short break from work and others are on a slightly longer backpacking adventure. Either way your Group Leader will help you plan anything from a return airport transfer to giving you a bunch of awesome ideas for the rest of your time in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Feel Free Family
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
On average we attract travellers between the ages of 22-32, but we also get younger travellers straight out of school as well as working professionals in their mid to late 30’s
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 a pace that is enjoyable for all.
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!
You’ll just need to sort your international flights, travel insurance, visas and spending money 🙌🏼
The accommodation on our trips is something we do better than anyone else and our trips 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 😍
For all solo travellers we will pair you 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 pair you together… same if you are travelling as a couple, we will arrange a double room where possible!
We’ll always do our very best to make sure you have delicious meals along the way no matter what your dietary requirements. You’ll be asked during the booking process and again during ‘Check in’, be sure to share as much information as possible to help us prepare for your arrival.
It’s very common for our travellers not to just come and do 1 trip but combine them together. After all, the flight tickets are not cheap! Most of our trips are programmed in a way that you can finish 1 trip and start the other on the same day. If you need help with the planning just let us know!
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 😬 Checkout our ’How it Works’ page for more information on booking your trip!!
This is a question we recently added to our FAQ’s as we hear it time and time again so we wanted to give you all a few ways to verify who we are;
- We are a UK registered company No.10549017
- Read our reviews on Facebook, Google & Trustpilot
- Join our Facebook Group ‘Feel Free Family’
- Follow our journey on Instagram
Is This For You?
If sandboarding, street food, basket boat fishing and of course partying with the locals gets you excited...this 2 week Vietnam trip is definitely the one for you! Most people travel solo or others bring a friend, either way by the end of this adventure you’ll have a bunch of new buddies for life.
If you’re all set and can’t wait to come join us...click ‘Book Now’ below and reserve your spot for as little as £1.
Book Now
Book With Confidence
DEPOSITS FROM £1
As little as £1 to secure your spot
FREE DATE CHANGES
Change your date for free. T+C’s apply*
COVID SAFE TRAVEL
You’re in safe hands!
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
You’re money is protected with us
FLEXIBLE PAYMENTS
Pay with no fees or interest
PAY SECURELY
We accept Visa, Mastercard & AMEX
What Our Travellers Say
Other Trips You Might Like

Yes, it’s all included!
- Hanoi Walking Tour
- City Rickshaw Ride
- Local Street Food Experience
- Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise
- Kayaking around Ha Long Bay
- Local Homestay Experience
- Bicycle Tour Ninh Binh
- Boat Trip Ninh Binh
- Dragon Mountain Viewpoint
- Hue Street Food Markets
- Local Community Project Hue
- Cruise the Hai Van Pass by road
- Experience Hoi An Nightlife
- Lantern Making Class
- Beach time in Hoi An
- Traditional Basket Boat Experience
- Visit Local Markets in Hoi An
- Authentic Riverside Cooking Class
- Flight to Nha Trang
- Group Mud Spa Experience Nha Trang
- Sandboarding in Mui Ne
- Mui Ne Fishing Village Visit
- Fairy Stream Walk Mui Ne
- Ho Chi Minh Food Markets
- National War Museum
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- Optional Sand Dune Quad Biking
What’s Included
Start: Hanoi
Finish: Ho Chi Minh
Tour Length: 15 days
Travel Style: Fully Guided
Avg Group Size: 12 - 16
Age Range: 18 - 39
No. of Activities: 25+
No. of Included Meals: 19
Tour Price: From £1199 per person
What’s included for the price:
- All activities & local experiences
- Secret spots along the way
- Twin/double share accommodation
- Local Guides & a Western Group Leader
- Airport pickup on arrival
- Private WhatsApp group
- No Hidden Costs!
- Travel Insurance
- Visas & Vaccinations
- Flights to/from Vietnam
We're here to help 😊
Theres a number of ways to get in touch...
You can either slide into our DM's, schedule a call or jump on live chat.