From CAD $1,180
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Trace Vietnam’s eastern coastline on this 12-day adventure, seeing the country from south to north and discovering the many natural and historical wonders along the way. Kick off your journey with the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City and finish up in old-world Hanoi. Be surrounded by tumultuous history, architectural charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery along the way. Explore the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, immerse yourself in the charm of Hoi An, kayak through the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay and delight your senses with street food in Hanoi.
Highlights
- Spend your days on Cat Ba Island relaxing on tiny beaches, hiking through verdant jungle and kayaking around karst-studded Lan Ha Bay. It’s just like Ha Long, but with fewer tourists!
- Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the unique mixture of French and Buddhist architecture.
- Wander the charming streets of Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town, then opt to pedal past rice fields and through small villages on a guided bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside.
- Visit Vun Art, an organisation providing people with disabilities with job training and employment opportunities. Learn how the artisans recycle old silk scraps to create handicrafts.
- Try local specialties like banh mi, pho and egg coffee – your expert local leader will have plenty of suggestions on where to find the best local food.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2846
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Taxi, Train
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget
Supplier Code: TVRN
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (9 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1180 (CAD $98 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you do arrive early, head out to see the ancient pagodas and cathedrals near the former Presidential Palace, the historic Dong Khoi Street and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). After your meeting tonight, why not head out with your new fellow travellers for an optional dinner and tuck into some delicious local cuisine.
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get to know the streets of Ho Chi Minh City with your leader on an orientation walk this morning. You’ll check out some of the city’s highlights, like the Saigon Post Office and the War Remnants Museum, which holds sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam War. The rest of the day is free for you to choose your own adventure. Maybe visit the Reunification Palace, watch the A O Show (a circus performance with a distinctive bamboo set design) at the Saigon Opera House or explore the vibrant local food scene.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Leader-led city walking tour
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnant Museum
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure (29 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - A O show (from) (800000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day for you to choose from the optional activities on offer. There’s the option to go on a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels – this former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as underground life during the Vietnam War. Or, you could go on a day trip to the Mekong Delta. If you opt into this day trip, you’ll board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample some tropical fruits and coconut jams. You’ll then paddle along the delta in sampans (small rowing boats) and go on a tuk-tuk tour of the local villages to learn about rural life. The day trip also includes a lunch of regional specialties at a restaurant in the heart of the delta. This evening, you’ll board an overnight train to Danang.
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Urban Adventure - Cu Chi Experience (39 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (59 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Da Nang by train and travel by minibus to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to undergo restoration work today. It was a major trading port with the West between the 15th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your trip, so you can visit a selection of the major sights. Hoi An is also a great spot for shopping, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Don’t miss the excellent local cuisine – you could book yourself in for a cooking class to take some culinary secrets home with you. Most local guided tours include a trip to the local food markets, and some take you on a short boat journey along the Thu Bon River. Let your local leader know what you'd like to see and they will be able to recommend some activities to suit your interests.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
- Hoi An - Cooking class (35 USD)
- Hoi An - Bike Rental (70000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up for a free day to do as you please. This is a great opportunity to take a trip out to the My Son temples – a UNESCO World Heritage site constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation. In the afternoon, maybe hire a bike for a ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore this peaceful area than on two wheels – you’ll see places few tourists get the chance to visit and the green rice paddies and small creeks will give you a true insight into rural life in Vietnam. Otherwise, you could spend today relaxing on An Bang or Cua Dai Beach.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience tour (79 USD)
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (69 USD)
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Hoi An this morning and make the drive to Hue. You’ll be travelling on the incredible Hai Van Pass, through lush mountains and past scenic lookouts, and there’ll be some good places for a photo stop. When you arrive in Hue, head out with your leader for an orientation walk, then the afternoon is free for you to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Maybe visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time browsing. Hue is renowned for its cuisine, with some delicious dishes originating from this region, including bun bo Hue (Hue’s delicious take on pho) and banh khoai (a filled turmeric crepe) – it’s time to give your tastebuds a workout!
Included Activities:
- Hue - Leader-led orientation walk
Optional Activities:
- Hue - Art & Craft (40 USD)
- Hue - Cooking Class (35 USD)
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in Hue. Maybe visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam War. The gaping holes left by bombs give you an idea of how much destruction occurred in this country. If you'd rather take to the water, hop on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and then visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. Here, you’ll see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601 and a car belonging to the monk who tragically set himself alight in public to protest the treatment of Buddhists. You might also opt to visit the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. This evening, take another overnight train, bound for Hanoi.
Optional Activities:
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) (23 USD)
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) (28 USD)
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Free
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour (69 USD)
- Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb (150000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Hanoi at about 5 am, then take a bus followed by a ferry to Cat Ba Island. When you arrive, you’ll begin exploring the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic spots, where limestone islands and caves rise from emerald waters. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace – maybe get active on a hike or go for a dip at one of the beaches. You’ll have a free evening to relax and soak up the peaceful island vibes.
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a full day of relaxing with a boat trip on the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Cruise past limestone islets and tuck into a delicious lunch on board before taking to the water in kayaks for an unforgettable adventure.
Included Activities:
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make the journey to Hanoi today. On the way, you’ll stop to visit Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation providing people with disabilities with job training and employment opportunities. See how the artisans produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Then, continue to Hanoi, arriving in the mid-afternoon. Go on a walking tour with your leader in the Old Town to get your bearings, then the rest of the day is free.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
- Hanoi - Leader-led old quater walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Private Hanoi After Dark Mixology Experience tour (95 USD)
- Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
- Hanoi - Water puppet show (200000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Explore Hanoi at your own pace with a full free day today. You might like to visit the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary – Ho Chi Minh – or go on a daytrip to Ninh Binh, a small city in the Red River Delta of northern Vietnam, popular for its natural beauty. Chat to your leader about how you’d like to spend the day – they’ll be ready with some excellent recommendations.
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House (50000 VND)
- Hanoi - Private Ninh Binh Day Trip Adventure (179 USD)
Accommodation:
- Basic Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no further activities planned for today and your trip comes to an end. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, it’s highly recommended you extend your stay – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Joshua - Traveled, April 2024
This was a great trip, covered a lot of the country while still having plenty of free time between experiences. It's a good mix of the busy cities, countryside and island living of cat ba.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Gary - Traveled, April 2024
Our guide leader Tu Vu was one of the best and most enthusiastic tour guides I’ve had on my many trips around the world. His local and historical knowledge was outstanding and nothing was too hard or difficult for Tu to accomplish with a minimum of fuss.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Maxine - Traveled, April 2024
Tu Vu was an excellent guide and we felt we had been able to see a lot of culture, history, food and beautiful architecture and geography. The home stays were a particular highlight where we were able to truly see the real Vietnam
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Helen - Traveled, April 2024
Vietnam Discovery, an excellent and aptly named trip which gave us a great insight into the people and country. Lots of variety, we slept in hotels, on trains and in homestays. We cycled around paddy fields, sat on the back of motor bikes in cities, and kayaked in Halong Bay.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Brooke - Traveled, April 2024
Overall this trip was a fantastic taste of Vietnam, packed full of adventure and experiences. It is wonderful to be able to explore a foreign country with the safety net of a local guide, to organise and communicate along the way.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/19/2024
Joseph - Traveled, March 2023
This trip was great and gave good insight into Vietnam. There was a great mix of big cities and countryside as well as amazing towns like Hoi An (which was a highlight)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Louise - Traveled, March 2024
This basics trip is the right balance of tour and free time. We covered a lot of the country and the accommodation was central. The ability to buy our own food was great
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Alberta - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was amazing. Fantastic leader, fabulous destinations. Vietnamese people are the sweetest and kindest. The homestays are phenomenal, I wish there had been even more! Don't be afraid of the overnight train - but do take your own sleep liner for the second leg, as by that time the sheets provided would have been used by previous passengers. Also, you'd be surprised how cold it can be up in the mountains: layer up!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Lauren Emily - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing trip. Very well varied with lots of free time to rest or choose your own activities. Accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable. Activities were diverse and the homestays were an incredible and unique experience. You get to cover a lot of Vietnam on this trip and see the highlights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Simon - Traveled, March 2024
This is my first trip with Intrepid. I had a fantastic tour thanks to a highly experienced and knowledgeable local guide. I will definitely be booking further trips with Intrepid as the whole process was managed seamlessly and professionally.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Laura - Traveled, March 2024
Great tour. Covered many Vietnam highlights in a short amount of time and included places I would have never thought to visit on my own. I recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Christine - Traveled, February 2024
Had fabulous trip from HCMC up to Hanoi. Our knowledgeable and calm guide, Ha, really looked after us giving great info on food , culture and activity options . The trip has everything -from home-stays, crazy motorbike safari, fantastic museums and monuments , excellent food.Loved Hoi- An, Sung village and Lan Ha Bay.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Lisa - Traveled, February 2024
Such an epic trip with plenty of chances to meet the locals and feel part of this beautiful country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/22/2024
Dennis - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid tours are a great way to experience Vietnam learning so much about the country and what these beautiful people have been through and Than introduced us to to some amazing people and experiences we will never forget
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/04/2022
Catriona - Traveled, December 2023
Our trip to Vietnam was excellent. By taking this tour and having a local guide present, we were able to totally relax while immersing ourselves in the Vietnamese culture. I look forward to booking another tour with Intrepid in the future.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Jessica - Traveled, December 2023
Vietnam was a fantastic trip thanks to Thao our intrepid leader. Very knowledgeable and experienced. Interactive with the group, many of laughs had. Thank you to Thai for making this a memorable trip and for the friendships created that will last a lifetime.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Anna - Traveled, December 2023
I cannot recommend the 15 day HCMC to Hanoi trip enough. There were many fun and adventurous activities and our tour guide was fabulous, open, approachable and enthusiastic about sharing his culture. Well done Thao, you’re a Gem
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/11/2024
Damian - Traveled, December 2023
The balance of type of activities is spot on. The competence of local guides is amazing. And visiting the home stays felt like contributing to the genuine development of villages rather than being toured through a human zoo. Exceptional experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Elizabeth - Traveled, December 2023
Travelling with intrepid through Vietnam was amazing, having a guide who spoke the language made things so much easier and safer, and allowed us to immerse ourselves into the culture. All the places we travelled to were so beautiful! And the food was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Paul - Traveled, December 2023
This was a very enjoyable trip, that allowed us to see a lot of interesting places in Vietnam, without feeling rushed. I thoroughly recommend it
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
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