Lanterns in Hoi An | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
FROM: USD $1,085 pp

Celebrate Vietnam's enchanting Full Moon Festival (aka the Mid-Autumn Festival) in the picturesque riverside town of Hoi An, on this special 8 day tour which also takes in the highlights of Hanoi, heavenly Halong Bay and imperial Hue. Festivities are at their best in Hoi An where we'll enjoy the wonderful spectacle of thousands of lanterns being released into the night sky or cast adrift down the river.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
COVID Safe Guide

Trip Highlights

Full Moon Festival – Celebrate this unique experience with the locals and release lanterns into the night sky
Hanoi – Ride on rickshaws to see highlights of the city and stroll through the ’36 Streets’ of the Old Quarter
Tra Que Village – Cycle into the countryside for a hands-on farming experience and enjoy a fun cooking lesson
Halong Bay – Cruise around the beautiful bay onboard a traditional junk boat and explore the remarkable caves
Hoi An – See the highlights of the city including the famous Japanese Bridge and take a stroll along My Khe Beach
Hue – Discover the ancient walled Citadel, the Purple Palace and the iconic seven story Thien Mu Pagoda

Included

Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin (or opt to fly - see Add-ons for details)
Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An
Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide
5 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat (private en suite cabin)
Lantern making in the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An and releasing our lanterns onto the river
Halong Bay Junk boat cruise - opt to swim, kayak and explore caves
Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 8
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: USD$30-40pp, paid in USD or VND
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$25-35pp, paid in USD or VND

Itinerary

Day 1

Hanoi

Hello Hanoi! Arrival transfer from Hanoi airport to our hotel. This morning is free for you to relax or explore Vietnam's enchanting capital. At 2pm meet your guide and set of on foot to explore Hanoi’s captivating Old Quarter which is known as the ‘36 streets of the old Hanoi’. There is Silver Street, Silk Street, Comb Street, Paper Street and importantly Hang Ma street where we’ll learn about the history and traditions of Vietnam’s Full Moon Festival and perhaps sample some tasty traditional Mooncakes.
Overnight: Hanoi

Day 2

UNESCO-listed Halong Bay

Hanoi - Halong Bay. This morning we travel to heavenly Halong Bay - the jewel in Vietnam's crown. Here we board a comfortable junk boat to explore the emerald waters of the bay which is dotted with limestone peaks. Enjoy lunch with a view on board.

This afternoon we visit the spectacular Tien Ong Cave, which was opened to the public in 2010. Marvel at the stunning stalagmites and stalactites before we return to our junk boat for the evening. Watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.
Overnight: Halong Bay, Deluxe Junk Boat  |  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Floating villages and cyclo rides

Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Early birds can start the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the sundeck or a traditional massage - the perfect way to start the day. Before heading back to port we'll explore by kayak the Floating Village of Cua Van, which is home to generations of fishing families. Here we’ll see the traditional and colourful floating wooden houses and the locals going about their daily lives.

On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon we’ll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter on our very only cyclo (rickshaws), taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. We then swap our wheels for a leisurely walk through the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops.

Later this evening there's a chance to freshen up before we board the overnight train (4 berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.
Overnight: Sleeper train  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Imperial citadel of Hue

This morning we arrive into the imperial city of Hue and enjoy a guided tour of the 19th-century capital. Highlights of the tour include the city's oldest monastery, the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda with its 21-metre-tall tower and the walled fortress of the Imperial Purple Palace.

This afternoon we head out of the city to the incredible ornate Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings, which lie in a valley surrounded by pine forest. Here we'll see the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. This evening there is the option to enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the Perfume River.
Overnight: Hue  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5

Charming Hoi An

Hue - Hoi An. We drive via the spectacular Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) along the coast to Hoi An this morning. Stopping en route for a walk along My Khe beach, nicknamed 'China Beach' by the Americans during the war, the beach featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s film ‘Apocalypse Now’.

This afternoon we arrive into the historic riverside town of Hoi An. Hoi An is best explored on foot and a short walking tour introduces us to this enchanting town with highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes and the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge.

During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.
Overnight: Hoi An  |  Breakfast

Day 6

Full Moon Festival

Today marks the height of the Full Moon Festival and we will be celebrating with the locals. This morning we take rickshaws to a local home on the outskirts of Hoi An where we learn about the family’s long tradition of lantern-making and handcraft our own lanterns for tonight’s festivities. Heading back into town we explore the local market stalls and authentic lantern shops. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the town and its wonderful array of shops. Consider getting some clothes made at one of the many great tailor shops, take a row boat down the river or spend the afternoon relaxing by the hotel swimming pool.

Tonight we make our way to the water's edge with hundreds of locals to release our lanterns and enjoy the spellbinding spectacle of hundreds of sparkling lights sailing down the river and lighting up the night sky.
Overnight: Hoi An  |  Breakfast

Day 7

Tra Que farming experience

This morning we take a scenic bike ride through the countryside to Tra Que village where we learn all about the age old farming techniques and assist with tending the fields. It's a hands on experience and after we've tested our farming skills we enjoy a fun and interactive cooking demonstration. Make sure you follow the chef's instructions carefully because you'll be eating the food that you prepare for lunch!
Overnight: Hoi An  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

Hoi An

11th September 2022. Today marks the end of your time in Vietnam. A departure transfer will be provided to take you to Danang airport in time for your onward flight.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Read More
Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2022
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $1,085
USD $1,475

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation Hanoi
USD $65
USD $125
Post Tour Accommodation - Hoi An
USD $55
USD $105
Hoi An Street Eats - half day
USD $155
N/A
Hanoi to Hue Flight Upgrade
USD $185
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Sunway Hotel, Hanoi

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

This ambient, boutique hotel combines traditional appeal with modern pleasures. Rooms are furnished in a contemporary fashion with an array of amenities for added comfort. Its restaurant provides a great variety of Vietnamese cuisine and you are welcome to enjoy cocktails and live music in the Jazz Bar or relax in the hotel's health spa.

Sleeper train - 4 berth cabin, Hanoi

Our Category: Simple   |   Regional Category: Train

Cabins on board are comfortable though not comparable to European standards. Aboard each wagon are 9 compartments that comprise of 4 bunks per compartment shared by mixed sexes. A western-style toilet (with a varying degree of cleanliness) is located at either end of the wagon. Air-conditioning (not always operational in the summer) and lighting are controlled from inside the cabin, which is also lockable. Luggage can be stored in a compartment under the bottom bunk. Linen and a pillow are provided.

Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat, Halong Bay

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Junk

This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.

Syrena Junk Boat, Halong Bay

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: Mid Range Junk

A tradition hand crafted boat, the Syrena Junk Boat offers superb en suite air conditioned cabins with comfortable interiors and balconies. The on board Lotus Restaurant serves up a delicious array of Vietnamese and International cuisine. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Swimming, kayaking and tai chi are all offered on board and movie nights are also very popular.

Mondial Hotel, Hue

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Just a 5 minute walk from the Ho Chi Minh museum, the Mondial Hotel is a contemporary hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms benefit from spacious interiors, comfortable beds and lots of mod-cons. There is complimentary Wi-Fi for guests, an outdoor pool and onsite spa - perfect for a re laxing massage. As well as the delicious Huong Xuan Restaurant there is also the Lobby Lounge - great for cocktails before dinner!

ÊMM Hotel, Hue

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated in the heart of the former imperial capital, ÊMM Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed sights. Completely renovated in 2016, the guestrooms are generously-sized and complete with modern amenities. The imperial jade and royal purple colour scheme was inspired by ancient Hue itself and guests can take advantage of the mini-gym, pool-side bar and a spacious reading area. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese and international cuisine in the contemporary restaurant after a day of exploring.

River Green Hotel, Hoi An

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Set next to the Hoai River, the River Green Hotel is just a five-minute walk from the iconic Japanese Bridge. Guestrooms offer city or river views, alongside all the amenities you’d expect of a contemporary hotel. There’s an outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing swim, and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of international flavours. Complimentary WiFi, bicycle hire and a fitness centre add to this hotel's list of facilities, making it a great base for exploring historic Hoi An.

Vinh Hung Riverside Resort, Hoi An

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Situated right on the banks of the Thu Bon River, this upscale hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the ancient town of Hoi An. Combining Vietnamese tradition with modern facilities, its guestrooms are set in coconut tree-shaded gardens beside the water. They’re well-equipped, with free WiFi and air conditioning, as well as private balconies. The hotel also offers a riverside restaurant, serving local specialties and western dishes on the outdoor terrace. This hotel’s highlight, however, is its pool and fabulous swim up bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.

Thanh Binh Riverside hotel , Hoi An

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Boasting a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the Thanh Binh Riverside offers excellent accommodation in a great loacation. Guest rooms benefit from garden or river views and all come full air-conditioned, with stunning hardwood floors and all mod-cons. The onsite restaurant offers a great selection of Vietnamese and International dishes and the town centre is just a mere 200m walk away. Why not grab a cocktail and relax by the pool in the afternoon - a great way to refresh yourself from the Vietnam heat.

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Hanoi
Ends
Hoi An
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 star
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 1
Visiting
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An
Countries
Click to play videoHawker selling wares on the streets of Hanoi
Click to play videoThe jade coloured waters of Halong Bay studded with karst islands
Click to play videoThe majestic palace of the Imperial Forbidden City of Hue
Click to play videoHoi An - Vietnam Highlight - On the Go Tours

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Vespa ride in Saigon | Vietnam | Southeast Asia
USD $ 155 / half day
Flight Upgrade
USD $ 185
Angkor Wat | Cambodia | Southeast Asia
USD $ 400 / 5 days

Extra Tour Info

Hoi An Lantern Festival FAQ
Everything you need to know about this monthly celebration
Updated
13th October 2021

The tour was incredible, it was informative and interesting and fun. Our guide was fantastic, he set the tone of the group and did a great job and our group were all wonderful to get along with.

Yes, the tour gave us a good taste of what the country and culture and people were like, it was fascinating. Best trip ever!

Viv Lauridsen
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