Discover Vietnam
An unforgettable, authentic experience!
Vibrant culture, delectable food, breathtaking landscape and deep and heroic history, Vietnam is an experience not to be missed!
With local guides providing an unforgettable, authentic experience, safely explore all that Vietnam has to offer. Ogle at the intense beauties of some of the top-listed World Heritage sites, while discovering Vietnam’s precious hidden treasure: it’s people. Warm and hardworking, you will be enthusiastically welcomed with huge smiles by local people from North to South, and share in their unique culture. Diverse destinations, from world class beaches to majestic mountains, thousands of years of history, and tasty and exquisite cuisine is around every corner. Discovering your favourites — whether steaming pho, crunchy banh mi or smoky bun cha — is itself worth the trip.
Along with Jase who will be with you throughout the entire journey we also have a kiwi who lived in Vietnam for a number of years coming back to show us around and a Vietnamese local tour guide who will be with us throughout. So all bases are covered - All you have to do is book now - Full details below.
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Departing from*
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Tour highlights
Itinerary
Home - Ho Chi Minh City
Home (1st March)
Depart Whanganui at 2:30pm and make our way to Palmerston North airport to check in for our 5:10pm flight to Auckland. We’ll transfer over to the International Airport as a group and get set for our late night flight over to Ho Chi Minh City touching down mid-morning. Your flight includes meals and entertainment but it might also be a good idea to try and get some sleep if you can contain your excitement for what's ahead.
Departing from another destination
For those departing from another destination you will be given your personalised itinerary for you to join the group today. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) on Friday 2nd March at 10am.
Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future.
After an incredible ‘Welcome to Vietnam lunch’ before checking into our lovely accommodation for a well deserved rest. Put your feet up for a few hours or feel free to stroll around the City Centre which is right next to our hotel.
We head out and explore the thriving Ben Nghe Street Food Market where we’ll have dinner. Then it's time to rest our heads and get excited for tomorrow's adventure!
Accommodation: Silverland Ben Tanh Hotel
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (3rd March)
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, be ready for a 9am departure to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. This system was dug by the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam during the Indochina War and the Vietnam War.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The underground tunnel system was a way for soldiers to move undetected and launch surprise attacks. The tunnel system is about 200 km long and includes a clinic, a kitchen, a storage room and an office and has ventilation systems into the bushes. The tunnels were built on the land known as "steel land", located at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. During the 1968 Tet Offensive, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam used this system of tunnels to attack Saigon. When visiting the Cu Chi tunnels, you will learn how Vietnamese guerrillas worked, built, lived and fought in the tunnels, watch precious documentaries about the war and how the Vietnamese army and people won against modern and advanced weapons with only the will of the nation.
We catch a Hop on Hop off bus this afternoon for a City Tour passing by many popular sites.
Later that evening we’ll head out and explore Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. (Dinner at own expense) We have a local guide who is with us for the entire journey to ensure we visit all the wonderful highlights of the area before heading to bed for a decent night's sleep.
Ben Thanh Market
Later that evening we’ll head out and explore Ben Thanh Market for shopping and street food. (Dinner at own expense) We have a local guide who is with us for the entire journey to ensure we visit all the wonderful highlights of the area before heading to bed for a decent night's sleep.
Accommodation: Silverland Ben Tanh Hotel
Da Nang City - Hoi An
Da Nang City (4th March)
We start the day with another great breakfast before making our way to the airport for an 11am flight to Da Nang.
We'll stop for lunch before a short drive down to Hoi An and check into our hotel where you can relax, have a swim or head out for a stroll around town.
This evening we’ll dine at another highly rated restaurant before a gentle walking tour around the Ancient Town. At night the area is lit up by lanterns so its a beautiful chance to get some great photos and witness the vibrancy of the area at night. Rickshaw transport can be arranged for those needing a ride instead of walking.
Accommodation: Silkotel Hio An
Hoi An
Hoi An (5th March)
This morning after breakfast we make our way to the popular Red Bridge Cooking School, which is situated along the banks of the Thu Bon River, just 3 kms from central Hoi An. This is a must-do activity while we are here in Hoi An.
Highlights include a guided tour of Hoi An’s colourful central market, a relaxing Boat Trip on the Hoi An River, and a hands-on Cooking Class.
We then spend the afternoon exploring more of the Ancient Town where you can shop, get some tailor made clothes, visit a local bar and just soak up this pretty little town.
After a little rest we’ll meet up again for a fabulous group dinner.
Accommodation: Silkotel Hio An
Hoi An - Da Nang
Hoi An (6th March)
Today will be a truly memorable day as we mix and mingle with the locals and learn about their innovative ways in which they live in their everyday life.
After another lovely breakfast it’s onto the Water Coconut Forest in Cam Thanh village to discover the peaceful coconut forest. We are welcomed warmly by the local people here and enjoy some fun activities at the village such as: Basket Boat Spinning, Catching Crabs, Casting the Fishing net and learning how to Paddle a Basket Boat with the fisherman. Do as much or as little as you like in what is sure to be a fun filled experience with many laughs along the way.
A delightful lunch is lined up today along with a special treat where you experience a traditional Vietnamese foot massage.
Then we make our way to Dien Ngoc Pottery village. Meet the locals and visit this traditional village and learn and attempt to make some Pottery. There will be a prize for the best and maybe the worst attempts 😀
We then head into Da Nang, check into our hotel where you’ll have a chance to enjoy the facilities on offer, or head down to the beautiful beach before dinner. (own expense)
Da Nang
We then head into Da Nang, check into our hotel where you’ll have a chance to enjoy the facilities on offer, or head down to the beautiful beach before dinner. (own expense)
Da Nang
We then head into Da Nang, check into our hotel where you’ll have a chance to enjoy the facilities on offer, or head down to the beautiful beach before dinner. (own expense)
Accommodation: Canvas Hotel Da Nang
Da Nang
Da Nang (7th March)
Grab some breakfast and get set for a fun day of sightseeing stopping first at the massive Linh Ung Pagoda. This sacred temple has a 67m high Buddha statue which faces the sea and blesses the land below. As we travel about the area our local guide will poit out other points of interest before we head down to the beach for lunch.
This afternoon is yours to do as you please. Our accommodation is very close to the beach and shops so everything you need is right there at your fingertips. Otherwise simply relax at the hotel which offers a day spa, gift shop and a rooftop swimming pool with views overlooking the beach.
At night Da Nang is a colourful, vibrant city. As the lights come on we’ll be cruising by boat along the Han River enjoying dinner on the water. The perfect way to end our time on Da Nang.
Accommodation: Canvas Hotel Da Nang
Da Nang - Quang Binh
Da Nang (8th March)
After breakfast it's time for another special highlight of our tour. We board the train and make our way to Dong Hoi. The Hai Van Pass is between Da Nang and Lang Co and is often listed among the top train journeys in the world.
The Hai Van Pass was built to get around the headland on the coast that forms one side of Da Nang Bay. This mountainous section separates Thua Thien Hue province from Da Nang City. While the Hải Vân Tunnel has shortened the trip for vehicle traffic, the train still follows the same alignment from when it was first built over 100 years ago.
This will be a train trip to remember so make sure you have your camera ready to go!
We have lunch on the train then once we arrive in Dong Hoi its just a short drive out to our lovely accommodation.
Quang Bin
Enjoy a refreshing drink, swim in the pools or kayak on the lake before heading out for dinner.
Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehourse Eco Resort
Quan Binh
Quan Binh (9th March)
After breakfast we hit the road and board a boat and cruise on the Son River to visit Phong Nha cave (Bi Ki cave, Tien cave and Cung Dinh cave). Spend a few hours on the Son River to visit Phong Nha cave.
Phong Nha
Be treated to amazing scenery with self designed houses, churches, limestone mountains covered with evergreen trees and view the herds of water buffalos grazing by the river. When we reach the cave’s mouth the boat’s engine is shut down and we weave our way into the big cave where you can push your imagination to its limit seeing the beauty of stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and colours that will simply blow your mind! A truly superb experience!
After lunch we make our way out to the Rice Fields to meet a wonderful family and visit their house and farm. Mingle with the lovely locals and get involved in some pretty unique options such as Riding Buffaloes and Herding Ducks. This is a very memorable and emotional visit meeting the family and in particular the father who fought in the Vietnam war and has the scars to prove it!
Quan Binh
We head back and check into our lovely accommodation and get set for another memorable meal together.
Accommodation: Phong Nha Lakehouse Eco Resort
Quan Binh - Hanoi
Quan Binh (10th March)
Rise and shine, have breakfast and get set as we make our way to the airport ready to catch a flight to Hanoi.
Hanoi
Once landed we’ll enjoy another great lunch then spend some time having a look around the old town immersing ourselves in the culture of this vibrant and busy city. Take a ride on the rickshaws to have a really decent look around, find a nice watering hole, explore the shops and grab yourself some street food for dinner.
Accommodation: Signiture by M Village Tho Nhuom
Hanoi
Hanoi (11th March)
After breakfast our day starts with a guided tour to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
We then have a few treats lined up and will experience the Hanoi Street Food Walking Tour and Water Puppet Show
Start the walking tour in the old quarter '36 streets' to visit some famous and specialized food stalls and local restaurants. Watch the food being prepared and taste some popular local dishes.
Later, the guide will bring you to enjoy a Water Puppet show which is a unique variation on the ancient Asia puppet tradition and is a Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century.
As a group we’ll grab some Rickshaws and cruise around the city right amongst all the traffic then head down to the very narrow street for an afternoon drink and watch the train come cruising by just inches away from us!
After this great day out we’ll rest up for a bit before meeting again for dinner.
Accommodation: Signiture by M Village Tho Nhuom
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Hanio (12th March)
Our tour of Vietnam is beginning to near the end but there's still some really highlights left for our final few days here.
Ha Long
Today we explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pack our bags and travel to Ha Long. We check in on the 5-star cruise and put our feet up. Once rested, we enjoy a delicious lunch on the cruise, while the boat takes us through the forest of caves and rocky islands in Ha Long.
We visit Sung Sot Cave, the most beautiful and largest cave in Ha Long Bay, named " Grotte des surprises " by the French. We stop at Titop Island for a swim, as well as climb to the top of Titop Island to see Ha Long Bay from above.
We end this magical day, watching the sunset over Ha Long Bay before enjoying dinner on the cruise enjoying a fabulous evening together which may involve some karaoke!
Accommodation: Onboard 5-Star Cruise Boat
Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
Ha Long (13th March)
If you wish you can wake up early and be treated to a beautiful sunrise. We’ll dine for breakfast before the option of kayaking on Ha Long Bay. We then pack our bags before heading back to Hanoi.
Hanoi
This afternoon you have free time to explore the city, go shopping or simply just soak up the lovely accommodation and rest up for the afternoon. We will head out for our final night together as a group before heading to bed or for those keen we can head out and experience a little bit of the nightlife.
Accommodation: Signiture by M Village Tho Nhuom
Hanoi - Home
Hanoi (14th March)
A relaxed start to the day as we don’t need to check in until mid morning before we catch our 1pm flight home.
Kuala Lumpur
We have a stop in Kuala Lumpur right around dinner time before boarding again for our final leg home. Once we land in Auckland we transfer over to the Domestic Terminal to catch our flight to Palmerston North. You’ll be home in time for dinner on Saturday 15th March - Home safe and sound and loving every minute of your unforgettable experience in Vietnam.
Home
Departing from another location
For those departing from another destination you will be given your personalised itinerary for you to join the group today. All tickets and details will be provided in your personal information pack, sent prior to travel.
Photos from the road
Check out what we got up to last time
Optional extras
Optional extras
Meet your tour guide
Jason Granville
After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
Reserve your spot
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Frequently asked questions
How active are your tours?
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Can you collect me from my door?
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
How about travel insurance?
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
I have some dietary requirements?
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
What types of transport do we use?
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
What kind of accommodation do we stay in?
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Can I earn Air New Zealanad airpoints on my flights?
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
Still have questions?
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