From CAD 1,316 Was CAD 1,755
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hot-spots on a small-group adventure. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, experience the beautiful landscapes, history-soaked monuments and all the delicious cuisine in between as you traverse the country from South to North like a local. Paddle through the waterways of the Mekong Delta in a sampan, explore villages via tuk-tuk, cruise through the waters of Ha Long Bay on a traditional boat, wander the car-free streets of Hoi An on foot and discover the imperial icons of Hue from the back of a motorbike – and with the guidance of your expert local leader, you’ll discover secrets to this Southeast Asian gem that you simply won’t find in a guidebook.
Highlights
- See the very best that Vietnam has to offer in just 10 days as you traverse the country from bottom to top with a small group of up to 15 new friends.
- Visit some of the must-see sights with your group such as a walking tour in Hoi An and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, as well as plenty of free time to make your own discoveries.
- Spend an unforgettable night on a boat in Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage listed site!
- Visit a centre dedicated to turning Ha Long Bay's discarded trash into beautiful, handcrafted items.
- Sample local food wherever you go, including a seafood dinner on Ha Long Bay, lunch at a Buddhist nunnery, coconut candy in the Mekong Delta, and a final dinner at KOTO restaurant – oh, and the street food!
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Vun Art. Donations help them empower people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing vocational training and employment opportunities.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2854
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private minibus,Private vehicle,Taxi,Motorbike
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TVSQ
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (3), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Overnight boat (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1316 (CAD 132 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, why not arrive a day or two early to see the sights? This city has a dynamic atmosphere and a French influence. Maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. After the meeting tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers and the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine over an optional group dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you'll travel south by private minibus and spend the day exploring the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat and traverse the intricate waterways – soak up the tranquil surrounds and admire the breathtaking views as you float through this fertile landscape, often referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit the coconut gardens, stopping at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams before paddling in sampans (small rowing boats). Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages, learning about rural life and how the locals make their living. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous elephant ear fish. Then it’s back to the boat to cruise the delta’s major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier. After the cruise, return via bus to Ho Chi Minh City.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
- Mekong Delta - Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly north to Danang. From here you’ll take a bus to Hoi An, with the five spectacular peaks of the Marble Mountains as a backdrop. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town, influenced over the years by Europe, China and Vietnam. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and the outside influences can be seen all over its architecture, with pagodas and assembly halls found across the town. For a small place it has a liveliness alongside its charm and serenity. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look much like they did over a century ago. Past low tiled buildings, you'll take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day in the World Heritage-listed Hoi An. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours. For those still feeling adventurous, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. Other optional activities include a day trip to My Son Cham, an elaborate World Heritage-listed temple that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation, a cruise along the Thu Bon River and a trip to the nearby Cua Dai Beach.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (44 USD)
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: Boat & Bike with Local Dinner Experience Urban Adventure (85 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Hoi An today and journey across the dramatic Hai Van Pass, a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a quick photo stop on the way, then continue to your destination of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue contains the treasures of Vietnam’s royal history and has an interesting blend of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Join your leader for a tour of the Imperial Citadel – this fortress houses the Imperial City and the citadel-within-a-citadel, the Forbidden Purple City. This icon was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam/American War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction that was caused. In your free time you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today’s adventure will be on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around the Imperial Citadel, then to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. This site dates back to 1601 and is still an active Buddhist monastery. Here you’ll also see the car left by a monk who set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious vegetarian feast, then drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set amid a lake, frangipani bushes and pine trees. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hanoi.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike
- Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Hanoi early in the morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and beautiful Old Quarter. As an emerging city in South East Asia, Hanoi has an attractive contrast of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and a labyrinth of ancient streets. Later in the day, take a walking tour through the city where you’ll see Ho Chi Minh’s former stilt house and other icons such as the Temple of Literature. In your free time, perhaps stop by the '36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter, head to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by private minibus to the spectacular World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places, a secluded bay of emerald waters flecked with limestone islands and caves. Here you’ll go on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and surrounding rock formations, and in the warmer months perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. On board your ship, there’ll be a dining room and bar on board where you’ll enjoy your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Spend the night on board the boat beneath a sky alive with starlight.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre are committed to turning Ha Long Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi late this afternoon and enjoy some free time to explore Hanoi's sights or do some last-minute shopping. Otherwise, why not relax at a cafe or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter? Tonight there will be a farewell dinner to enjoy with the group at KOTO restaurant, an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth with careers in the hospitality industry.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - KOTO dinner
- Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today your exploration of Vietnam comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day however you may consider continuing your adventure with a short tour such as ‘Hanoi Street Food by Night’ or ‘Village Discovery by Bike’ with our partners Urban Adventures (see urbanadventures.com for more information). Alternatively, perhaps visit the Hoa Lo Prison aka the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ which was used for prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. There’s also the Museum of Ethnology with its fascinating indoor and outdoor exhibits. Just speak to your booking agent if you'd like to stay longer.
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 USD)
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
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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
Cheryl - Traveled, April 2024
First trip with Intepid Vietnam Express Northbound & it was fantastic. Our Guide Hue Pham was friendly & great fun to be around. The sights, the entire experience was amazing. Great memories.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Ryan - Traveled, April 2024
This trip is amazing. You get to see the highlights of Vietnam in a short span of time. Food was amazing. Motorbike tour was so fun. Couldn't recommend it more!!!@
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Jessica - Traveled, April 2024
This trip was excellent. I felt like I experienced the true and authentic Vietnamese culture. The food was amazing and Nhung went above and beyond for the whole group!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Daniel - Traveled, April 2023
Absolutely fantastic trip which showcases the highlights of Vietnam. We loved getting to know the food, culture and history of this brilliant country with a fun group and lovely guide. Highlights were the motorbike tour in Hue, Hoi An and the overnight train! I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants a thorough and highly enjoyable intro to Vietnam and I was so impressed with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Lynne - Traveled, April 2024
This trip covers all the highlights of Vietnam if you are unable to make a longer trip. Mekong Delta, Hoi An, motorbike tour, Halong Bay. And much more. Tien, our leader, was excellent. His local knowledge, communication and interpersonal skills were first class.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Simone - Traveled, April 2024
Tien was an amazing guide his knowledge was outstanding and he made me feel safe and well looked after. loved every bit of it and will definitely come back to Vietnam
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Iolanda - Traveled, April 2024
My first Intrepid Tour and I can’t praise the product enough. Itinerary ideal to learn about the culture of Vietnam, particularly with our very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Such a Fun group who got along so well - we will remain in touch
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Lorin - Traveled, April 2024
Thoroughly recommend Vietnam Express Northbound, in my opinion better than if I had gone Southbound just for the sequence of activities. Intrepid are an amazing company and you won’t be disappointed. A+++
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Terry - Traveled, April 2024
Fantastic trip - interesting, varied, environmentally responsible, fun. The tour guide was utterly delightful and charming as well as knowledgeable and available. The group was diverse, interesting and open- hearted. Excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Ruchira - Traveled, April 2024
I've just returned from a 10 day north bound trip to Vietnam with Intrepid travel. It was a perfect balance of organised activities with free time here and there. I love the fact that they have a strong focus on carrying for the environment and also for the less privileged. I highly recommend this company if you're planning an organised trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Naomi - Traveled, March 2024
After two previous excellent trips with Intrepid, my expectations were high and I was not disappointed. An exceptionally well-organised trip with brilliant group leader Vera. It is hard to believe how much we did in such a short time. I loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Gary - Traveled, March 2024
had a fantastic time with a great crowd of people and a wonderfull young lady as our rep [vera) she was great and gave us fantastic information on all places visited
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Deirdre - Traveled, April 2024
I was disappointed in Halong Bay as it is so polluted. We did a kayak but not informed that we would be kayaking in the post polluted part of the bay til after paying. Would definitely give it a miss.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2024
Michelle - Traveled, March 2024
Just finished the South to North Vietnam tour with Intrepid. Had an absolute ball. We went on bikes, motorbikes, trains, boats, cars, buses and planes. Weather was very hot but even so our tour leader, Vera, plus our fellow travellers made it an amazing holiday in a stunning country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Stephen - Traveled, March 2024
Vera made the trip! The people on the trip made the trip too! The food, the country, its culture and its beauty were well explored. Thank you!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
Annette - Traveled, March 2024
Great tour and we saw a lot of Vietnam in a short period of time. Would have liked more flexibility in the timing of some activities to account for the high temperatures which were taking a toll on all of us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/12/2024
Ellen - Traveled, March 2024
Excellent tour and our guide Bon was knowledgeable and caring
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Scott - Traveled, March 2024
We did the 10day Northbound Vietnam trip and it was excellent. It was a great mix of activities with enough free time to do you own things and find your style of dinner. The Bike ride & Scooter tour in Hoi An was excellent!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Clifford - Traveled, March 2024
This trip was so much fun. Well organised with a very knowledgeable tour guide. There was lots to see and do. Meeting people not only from Vietnam but other countries on the tour. We'll done Intrepid Journey's.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Eilidh - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip across Vietnam. God way to see all the H cities of Vietnam with a action packed itinerary. Really enjoyable. The overnight train was fine and constable. Hoi an was a highlight. Would recommend having a few days either side of the trip to see how chi minh and Hanoi more .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
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