From CAD 1,313 Was CAD 1,545
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Trace Vietnam’s eastern coastline on this 15-day adventure, seeing the country from south to north and discovering the many natural and heritage wonders along the way. From the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City all the way up to old-world Hanoi, you'll experience tumultuous history, architectural charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery on your adventure. Take a boat cruise along the Mekong Delta, tour the backstreets of Hoi An with a local, enjoy a rural homestay in Pu Luong and explore the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay.
Highlights
- After spending time admiring Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town, hop on a bike and pedal beside rice fields and through small villages on a guided bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside.
- Spend two 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!
- Cruise around the backwater canals of the Mekong Delta – the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam – and discover rural life and local interactions along the shores with your small group.
- 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.
- Bliss out on an immersive homestay in the National Park of Pu Luong – wake up to the serenity of quiet, terraced rice paddy fields, trek the local land to take in the scenery and meet some local tribes to learn about their culture.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2846
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus,Taxi,Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TVRN
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (2), Lunch (4), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Guesthouse (1 night),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (10 nights),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1313 (CAD 88 /day)
Itinerary
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As you won’t be spending much time in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see more of this fascinating city. If you do arrive early, head to see the ancient pagodas and cathedrals near the former Presidential Palace, historic Dong Khoi Street and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). After your meeting, why not head out with your new fellow travellers for an optional dinner and tuck into some delicious local cuisnine.
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (63 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head away from the city and make your way to the province of Ben Tre, where you’ll get on a boat to tour the canals of the Mekong Delta. This fertile area is famous for its abundance of fruit, flower and rice crops, and is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. During your boat ride you’ll visit some cottage industries along the river before heading to your guesthouse. Tonight's homestay, close to the delta and hosted by a Vietnamese family, will be one of the highlights of your trip, giving you a taste of community life as well as the chance to enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise, Lunch and Homestay
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early to the sounds of the river coming alive, and enjoy a simple breakfast before boarding the boat back down the delta and catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon, perhaps with a visit to the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace. If you haven’t already, head to Ben Thanh Market for some delicious street food, colourful shopping and even more colourful characters. This evening, board an overnight train bound for Danang. Trains are a common form of transport in Vietnam, so sit back and relax into this local experience.
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Danang 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 from the 17th century. 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 and visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your tour so you can visit a selection of the major sights. Hoi An is also a shopping haven, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. It’s also famous for its tailors who can make beautiful items to order, and with almost three full days here you have the chance to have some unique pieces whipped up.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (44 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up for a free morning to do as you please. It’s a great opportunity to take a trip out to the My Son temples – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation. In the afternoon, swap walking for cycling with a bike ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore the peaceful area than on two wheels. You’ll see places few tourists get the chance to see among the green rice paddies and small creeks, which will give you a true insight into rural life in Vietnam.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (77 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
You’ve got another day to explore this historic haven. Perhaps book in your final tailoring fitting this morning to make sure the threads you’re getting made fit like a glove, or hire a bike for a lazy ride out to the South China Sea to relax on An Bang or Cua Dai beach. Hoi An is also known for its great food, so you could book yourself in for a cooking class to take some culinary secrets away with you. Most 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're into and they will be able to recommend some activities to suit.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Cooking class (33 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Bid farewell to Hoi An this morning and make your way to Hue. The drive in a private vehicle will take around 5 hours. 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. Once in Hue, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Perhaps visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time. It’s important to know that 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). Time to give your tastebuds a workout.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in Hue. Perhaps visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost totally 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 against the treatment of Buddhists. You may also like to visit one of the royal tombs, that 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 - Imperial City Full Day Tour (69 USD)
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Free
- Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb (105000 VND)
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) (23 USD)
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) (28 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Hanoi at about 5 am and transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve dropped off your bags and freshened up, embark on a walking tour of Vietnam’s charming capital. Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter – locally known as this because of each street originally selling a specific type of product. Continue to the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, making sure you check out the unique architecture along the way. Hanoi has a French provincial feel left over from colonial times, but it also has a Buddhist influence and striking modern buildings. The rest of the day is yours to explore Hanoi as you please. In the evening, why not get your group together and head out to a bustling night market for some local fare. Sitting on plastic stools and eating on the roadside is a rite of passage in Vietnam.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Army Museum (20000 VND)
- Hanoi - Women's Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80000 VND)
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 USD)
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature (70000 VND)
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, visit The Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation empowering people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing job training and employment opportunities. See how they produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Vun Art also aims to reduce climate impact by reusing these scraps and in the process, keeping traditional art alive. After, travel to Pu Luong – one of the most beautiful sites in rural Vietnam with expansive rice paddy fields surrounded by the national park. When you arrive at your homestay accommodation, you’ll have rooms boasting views of the rice fields. Have a quick lunch then head out for a trek in the middle of this natural paradise. You’ll see the water wheel in the village, locals working in the fields, and visit a few local tribes, learning about their culture and customs firsthand. After, maybe take a refreshing swim in the onsite swimming pool, watch the sunset over the terraced fields or wander the grounds on your own.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
- Pu Luong - Homestay and Village Walk
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Say goodbye to the peaceful bliss in Pu Luong and head back to Hanoi. On the way, stop at Cam Luong Angelfish Stream and learn about how these fish became holy through a local legend. Then, continue your journey to Hanoi. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time – maybe explore the Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or sit in a café for some people watching. You could also visit Ho Chi Minh Complex or ask your leader for some good restaurant recommendations.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you'll travel by bus and ferry to beautiful Cat Ba Island before midday. There's no time to waste, so begin exploring the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay around Cat Ba. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace, so perhaps get active on a hike, or just enjoy a dip at one of the beaches. Have a relaxing evening on Cat Ba Island.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise and shine! Perhaps start your morning with a refreshing swim or a Vietnamese coffee (or both). Make sure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, because this afternoon it's back to Hanoi by ferry and bus. Tonight, you may want to head out for an optional dinner with your fellow travellers, sharing some memories and laughs over a local meal and beer.
Included Activities:
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, its recommended that you spend an extra day or two here – just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, we recommend that you spend an extra day or two here, and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
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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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