Full Moon Festival Express - 8 days
8 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Hoi An, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Tra Que
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Vietnam with the Full Moon Festival Express tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture as you celebrate the Full Moon Festival, crafting and releasing lanterns into the night sky alongside locals. Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat, exploring its stunning caves. Discover the bustling streets of Hanoi by rickshaw and wander through the historic Old Quarter. In Hoi An, stroll along My Khe Beach and marvel at the iconic Japanese Bridge. Experience rural life with a hands-on farming and cooking lesson in Tra Que Village. Explore the ancient city of Hue, visiting the majestic Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and authentic cultural experiences, this small group tour offers a rich tapestry of Vietnam's heritage and natural beauty.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Friday 25th September 2020. Arrival in Hanoi, included transfer to hotel. Free morning. Afternoon walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter.
Day 2 : Halong Bay
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Deluxe Junk Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hanoi – Halong Bay. This morning drive to beautiful Halong Bay. Boarding junk boat we cruise the emerald waters. Later we visit spectacular Tien Ong Cave. Tonight, there's a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and seafood dinner.
Day 3 : Floating Villages And Cyclo Rides
Location: Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue. Start the day with a Tai Chi class on the sundeck before exploring the Floating village of Cua Van. On arrival to Hanoi embark on a guided cyclo tour of the French Quarter, followed by a walking tour of the Old Quarter. Later, board overnight sleeper train to Hue.
Day 4 : Hue
Location: Hue
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Breakfast onboard the train. After arrival and hotel check in at Hue, we tour the city's Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial Purple Palace, and countryside Royal Tombs. As the sun sets, cruise along the Perfume River, or enjoy some retail therapy at the Dong Ba Market.
Day 5 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hue - Road of the Ocean Clouds - Hoi An. We take the scenic Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) to the port of Hoi An, stopping for a stroll along China Beach. Enjoy a short afternoon walking tour of the historic old town.
Day 6 : Full Moon Festival
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the height of the Full Moon Festival and we will celebrate with the locals. In the morning we handcraft our own lanterns at a local home, before heading back into town for a free afternoon. Tonight we release our lanterns at the water's edge with hundreds of locals and enjoy the spellbinding spectacle.
Day 7 : Tra Que Farming Experience
Location: Tra Que
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning bicycle ride to the rural village of Tra Que, where we assist with tending the fields and cooking lunch.
Day 8 : Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Friday 2nd October 2020. Final day in Vietnam, included departure transfer to Danang airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
Enjoy daily breakfast, along with 3 lunches and 1 dinner during the tour.
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5 nights 4 star and special class hotels and 1 night aboard deluxe junk boat
Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 5 nights and spend 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin.
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1 overnight sleeper train Hanoi to Hue in basic 4 berth cabin
Experience an overnight sleeper train journey from Hanoi to Hue in a basic 4-berth cabin.
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Lantern making in the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An
Participate in a lantern-making activity at the home of the Ha Linh family in Hoi An and release your lanterns onto the river.
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Guided sightseeing - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An.
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Halong Bay Junk boat cruise
Cruise around Halong Bay on a traditional junk boat, with options to swim, kayak, and explore caves.
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Bicycle ride to Tra Que village and cooking demonstration
Take a bicycle ride to Tra Que village and participate in a cooking demonstration.
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Airport arrival transfer day 1 and departure transfer day 8
Receive airport transfers on arrival on day 1 and departure on day 8.
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Escorted by an English speaking Vietnamese tour guide
Be accompanied by an English-speaking Vietnamese tour guide throughout the tour.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
All necessary transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide
Tips for your tour guide are not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees amounting to USD$30-40 per person, payable in USD or VND, are not included.
Age Policy
18 or 15 accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with airport transfers on arrival and departure days. Experience a Halong Bay cruise on a traditional junk boat and an overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue, with an option to fly.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, 1 night aboard a deluxe junk boat with a private en suite cabin, and 1 overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Hue in a basic 4-berth cabin.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in the Full Moon Festival Express tour?
The tour includes celebrating the Full Moon Festival with the locals, where you will handcraft your own lanterns and release them onto the river, creating a beautiful spectacle of lights.
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What activities are available during the Halong Bay cruise?
During the Halong Bay cruise, you can enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, explore the Tien Ong Cave, and have the option to swim, kayak, and explore caves.
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What is the accommodation arrangement for the overnight journey from Hanoi to Hue?
The overnight journey from Hanoi to Hue is on a sleeper train in a basic 4 berth cabin, with an option to fly instead.
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What can participants expect during the visit to Tra Que Village?
In Tra Que Village, participants will engage in a hands-on farming experience, learn about traditional farming techniques, and participate in a cooking demonstration where they will prepare their own lunch.
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Is there an option for those who do not wish to cycle to Tra Que Village?
Yes, alternative transportation can be arranged at no extra cost for those who do not wish to cycle to Tra Que Village.
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What is included in the guided sightseeing tours?
The guided sightseeing tours include visits to Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, and Hoi An, with highlights such as the Imperial Purple Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 30, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.