Vietnam Like a Local: 10 Days of Affordable Small Group Travel
Vietnam Like a Local: 10 Days of Affordable Small Group Travel
$891
Tour Overview
For travelers short on time but big on adventure—this is for you. If you crave authentic experiences, genuine connections, and hidden gems far from the tourist crowds—all without breaking the bank—this 10-day small group journey is your perfect match. From Hanoi to Saigon, you'll cruise through Ha Long Bay’s dramatic limestone karsts, wander through the carm of ancient Hoi An, and dive deep into local life. Along the way, you'll share meals with welcoming families, savor truly authentic Vietnamese flavors, and soak in landscapes that will leave you speechless. Travel smart, experience more, and discover Vietnam like a local—without sacrificing comfort or adventure. WHAT'S INCLUDED Max 16 travellers per group All activities mentioned on the itinerary 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners Two domestic flights Hand-picked 3 star hotels Private minibus, train & day cruise Accommodation in twin rooms Experienced Fun Genie at each city. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : True Hanoian Hospitality
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Sante or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Hanoi! A city where buzzing scooters, French colonial charm, and the irresistible aroma of street food create an electrifying first impression.
To kick off your adventure, you'll step beyond the usual tourist path and into the home of a local Hanoian family for an intimate dinner. Gathered in their living room with three generations, you'll share stories over Cha Ca—a fragrant turmeric-infused fish dish (or a delicious vegetarian alternative) that’s nearly impossible to find outside a family kitchen.
This is more than just a meal—it’s a warm welcome into the heart of Hanoi and a perfect chance to connect with your hosts and fellow travelers. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Discover Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation Name: La Sante or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After your breakfast, head out and submerge yourselves to the interesting daily life of Hanoi.
Founded back in the the 11th century, Hanoi is known to be one of the most beautiful town in Vietnam, translating its own history in each corner of the street. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter where you will learn the details of how life is organised. Sample some local excellent food on your way. Discover the recent history of Vietnam when French was present for almost a hundred years. Take a seat, enjoy the delicious "cà phê trứng, a - local coffee with condensed milk" and enjoy the unique vibes around the beautiful colonial villa.
Explore Hanoi’s vibrant history and hidden treasures with an immersive 1.5-hour walking tour. Starting at the lively Dong Xuan Market, dive into the heart of local culture as you navigate the market’s bustling aisles. From there, walk to the historic O Quan Chuong Gate, one of Hanoi’s last remaining ancient city gates, offering a glimpse into the city’s old defenses. Next, visit the peaceful Bach Ma Temple, the oldest temple in Hanoi, where you’ll learn about the White Horse deity and its significance in the city’s spiritual life. Continue your journey to the beautiful Kim Ngan Temple, dedicated to the silversmiths who once thrived in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This hidden gem provides a unique perspective on the city’s artisan history. Afterwards, stroll to the impressive St. Joseph’s Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture with its striking Neo-Gothic design.
Finally, conclude the tour at the serene Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, where you’ll wander through picturesque courtyards and discover the country’s deep academic and Confucian traditions.
Day 3 : Beautiful Halong Bay
Location: Hạ Long Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: La Sante or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your day trip to Halong Bay begins with a hotel pickup in Hanoi between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, followed by a comfortable 2 to 2.5-hour drive to Halong International Port.
Upon arrival at 11:30 – 12:00 PM, you’ll proceed to embark on the cruise. By 12:00 – 12:30 PM, the cruise sets sail through Halong Bay, a UNESCO-recognized World Natural Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Enjoy a buffet lunch onboard from 12:30 – 1:45 PM while taking in the breathtaking views of the bay’s thousands of islands and limestone karsts.
At 2:00 – 2:45 PM, explore Sửng Sốt Cave (Surprise Cave), one of the largest and most stunning caves in Halong, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Next, from 3:00 – 3:30 PM, enjoy an adventure at Luon Cave, where you can paddle your own kayak or relax on a bamboo boat while gliding through a serene waterway surrounded by towering cliffs.
By 4:00 – 4:45 PM, you’ll reach Titop Island, where you can either swim at the beach or hike to the island’s summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay—just 300 steps to an unforgettable vista.
At 5:00 PM, unwind with a variety of activities—sunbathe on the sundeck, relax in the Jacuzzi, play board games, or simply enjoy the sunset. Don’t miss our Sunset Party, featuring tea, coffee, fresh fruits, cakes, and light Vietnamese snacks.
As the day winds down, you’ll arrive back at the port between 6:15 – 6:30 PM, then board the bus for your return journey to Hanoi. You’ll arrive in the city around 8:30 – 9:00 PM.
Day 4 : Imperial Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mandarin Villa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, we will head to the airport to catch a flight to Huế. A quick yet breathtaking journey, offering a bird’s-eye view of Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes. As you descend, the Perfume River snakes through the lush countryside, hinting at the serene beauty waiting below.
Huế, the former imperial capital, welcomes you with its timeless charm—ancient pagodas, crumbling citadel walls, and poetic riverbanks. The air is thick with history, as echoes of emperors and dynasties linger in the Forbidden City’s weathered courtyards.
A stroll along the Perfume River at sunset reveals Huế’s soulful essence, where dragon boats glide past and locals gather for evening tea. The scent of incense drifts from ancient temples, blending with the rich aroma of sizzling bánh bèo and bún bò Huế from street vendors.
Day 5 : In Footsteps Of Emperors On The Back Of Motorbikes
Location: Hue
Accommodation Name: Mandarin Villa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at your hotel, join our guide for an exciting tour of Hue on the back of motorbikes.
Your first stop is the Forbidden City, the former royal residence built during the Nguyễn Dynasty in the early 19th century. This walled fortress, stretching nearly 2.5 kilometers in perimeter and covering 520 hectares, was home to emperors, their families, courtiers, and guards. With over 150 structures, including palaces, temples, pavilions, and gardens, the complex showcases traditional Vietnamese architectural elegance. At its core lies the Forbidden Purple City, once the emperor’s private domain, strictly off-limits to outsiders.
Next, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tự Đức, the most extravagant tomb built for one of Vietnam’s least capable rulers. Tự Đức lavished royal funds on constructing his grand mausoleum, all while neglecting the declining state of his court—an oversight that ultimately paved the way for 100 years of colonization.
For lunch, stop at a Buddhist pagoda and enjoy a vegetarian meal prepared by the resident monastics, offering a serene and meaningful experience.
Day 6 : A Most Beautiful Train Ride To Hoi An
Location: Hội An, Hải Vân Pass
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Calm House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before embarking on one of the most scenic train journeys in Southeast Asia. Board the SE01 train at 8:55 AM for a breathtaking ride from Hue to Da Nang.
Pack some snacks and drinks to share with fellow travelers as you take in the spectacular coastal views along Vietnam’s most stunning railway stretch. The real joy is in the journey—watch rural life unfold, with rice paddies, fishing villages, and lush mountains passing by your window. Stay curious and open, and you might find friendly locals eager to chat about their daily lives. If you're lucky, someone may even offer to share a snack with you!
At 11:30 AM, arrive in Da Nang, where our driver will be waiting to take you to your beautiful riverside accommodation in Hoi An.
Later today, set out to explore the Old Quarter of Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed town where centuries-old houses and buildings still stand. Once a bustling international port, Hoi An’s rich history is reflected in its architectural influences from Japan, China, and Europe. Take time to immerse yourself in the local traditions, where life is still guided by the rhythm of the seasons.
Day 7 : Cycle Hoi An, Learn The Secrets Of Noodles
Location: Hội An
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Calm House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on a cycling tour through the Hoi An countryside. Our friendly guide will pick you up and take you to our bike store, where you’ll be fitted with a bike and helmet before setting off on the backroads to Cẩm Kim Island.
Spend the morning pedaling through local farms, rivers, canals, and rural villages, getting a true taste of everyday life. Along the way, you’ll discover the art of weaving colorful straw sleeping mats, watch traditional wooden boats being crafted, and see farmers working alongside their buffalo in the rice fields.
One of today’s more unusual stops is at a local moonshine maker, who supplies the town’s grog shops with strong rice wine—definitely not for the fainthearted! We recommend simply enjoying the heady aroma of the distillation process while sipping on some local tea and learning about the family’s craft.
Around 11:30 AM, visit a noodle-making family, whose handmade noodles are a staple in Hoi An’s most delicious dishes. Get your hands dirty and try making Hoi An’s traditional noodles and Bánh Đập (smashing rice crackers). Then, sit down to enjoy a home-cooked lunch with your hosts.
After lunch, load your bike onto a private boat and cruise back to Hoi An, soaking in the peaceful riverside scenery on your way back to town.
Day 8 : Welcome To Saigon, Once Pearl Of The Orient
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chez Mimosa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Saigon, the country's most dynamic city and Vietnam's biggest and boldest melting pot. The streets here swirl with life, smells, and sounds from early morning until late at night. It's a feast for all your senses, so get ready to drink it all in on this epic culinary tour. But first, a little history. Formerly known as Gia Dinh, Saigon was under French control for a period of 100 years that lasted until after World War II. During that time the city became known both by its popular name, Saigon, and as the "Pearl of the Orient."
Check into your hotel and relax, then meet up with your trip leader and fellow travelers to head out into Saigon's frenetic urban fray and explore this marvellous wound up coil of the wild energy.
Day 9 : Explore Saigon And Last Minute Shopping
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Chez Mimosa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is kept free for you to explore on your own. For some ideas, consider starting with a visit to the War Remnants Museum to gain one-sided view of Vietnam’s history, followed by a quick stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Saigon Central Post Office—two iconic examples of French colonial architecture. The art museum and history museum are both worth a visit.
For lunch, you might try a local Vietnamese spot, savoring dishes like pho or a flavorful bánh mì. In the afternoon, consider heading to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most atmospheric temples, before stopping by Ben Thanh Market to browse local handicrafts and souvenirs.
This evening, at 5:30, join our guide for streetfood adventure and sample marvelous flavour of this city.
Day 10 : Farewell Vietnam
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's the end of your adventure. Enjoy your last shopping spree of travel gifts. Let your trip leader know of your travel plan so your transfer can be organised.
If you plan to spend more time in Vietnam, we'd love to help.
Check out time is at 12.
Hope to see you soon on another adventure with us.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
2 domestic flights
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Entrance Fees
All fees as part of itinerary
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
All hotels
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Local Taxes
Included
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Train Tickets
1 train ride.
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Meals – Half Board
As listed in the daily description.
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Experiences listed in the itinerary
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Partially guided
English speak guides for activities
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Drinks with Meals
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International Travel
International flights to and from Vietnam not included
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Meals
Meals not mentioned in itinerary
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Insurance
Travel insurance not included
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Tips and gratuities
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Airport transfer on arrival and departure
Optional Extras
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Single Supplement
For solo travellers who want privacy
Mode of Transport
2 domestic flights
Private airconditioned coach
1 cruise
1 train
Accommodation
Handpicked luxury 3 star+ local boutique hotels
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No. e-visas can be applied via this government portal https://evisa.gov.vn/
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. Single share or single supplement requires the customer pay an additional fee to have his/her own single room. The single share amount varies depending on the type of accommodation. In some situation, single share is not available such as homestays or overnight boat. Single share only applies where we can secure private accommodations such as hotels. ...more ...less
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, unfortunately it is difficult and costly to organise the logistics to catch up with a departed tour.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
We are undergoing the certification process for Travel Life. Prior to setting up this company, the founders are sustainability professionals, leader of the first B-Corp company in Vietnam, impact investor, developed award winning community based tourism projects. Together, they have lifted thousands of lives out of poverty, removed hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles. ...more ...less
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
5% of our revenue is committed to projects involving carbon removal or plastic waste management. We have an interest in reforestation and upcycling plastic waste and aspire to remove more plastics and carbon than we produced on our tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
All our properties are assessed for COVID hygiene standard as recommended by WHO. All suppliers must adhere to the authority's health and safety guidelines which follow closely the WHO requirements. Travellers must be fully vaccinated within 6 months of travel. All our staff and contractors must be fully vaccinated within 6 months of the tour and tested negative to rapid antigen test within 24 hou
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded people who love to travel and have a good time.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Trip notes with daily information and contact details.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
1 year since we registered for operation in 2021. However, the company was founded by 4 veterans of the tourism industry with over 30 years of combined experience at some of the biggest names in the industry.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please refer to our cancellation policy. We understand that things do change. If your plans change and you tell us 60 days before your tour commence, you will be fully refunded. However, after 60 days, we will have had to pay for deposits and tickets which cannot be fully refunded. In these cases, we will do our best to get the most of your refunds or you can reschedule your trip or take a credit.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All our accommodations are inspected according to minimum health and safety standard set by the WTTC. We adopt the Safe Travel Protocol which expects the properties performing at least at local health authorities expectations or higher.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
Lang Thang Travel allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Lang Thang Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform lang thang travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Lang Thang Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of lang thang travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Vietnam Like a Local: 10 Days of Affordable Small Group Travel
10 Days Starting in 42 P. Chau Long, Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi and ending in 88/2 Ð. De Tham, Phuong Cau Ong Lanh, Quan 1
Visiting: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Hue, Hội An, Hải Vân Pass, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THVB
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
19-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Gluten free
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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