Best of Vietnam
Experience Overview
Experience the real Vietnam on this comprehensive 20-day trip from south to north. Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and experience bustling cities, tranquil backwaters, imperial ruins, faded elegance and Heritage-listed landscapes dotted with reminders of the past. Explore the narrow, cobbled streets of Hoi An’s Old Town, sail the waters of UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, cruise down the Mekong Delta’s waterways, encounter local tribes in your stay in Lam Thuong and whizz through the back streets of Hue as you uncover the very best of Vietnam.
Highlights
- Cruise down Mekong Delta’s leafy waterways and learn about the local cottage industry as you explore the villages here, while a homecooked lunch awaits.
- Explore the hidden gem of Lam Thuong – a quintessential northern village tucked away, undiscovered by the common tourist trail. Explore the village by cycling, hiking and visiting a local handicraft workshop and a gemstone market.
- Spend a day and night cruising through the limestone peaks in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay – explore caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites and maybe take a kayak out on the still waters.
- Visit the immense Phong Nha and Thien Duong Caves. These labyrinthine systems were used to shelter civilians during the Vietnam/American War.
- Take a motorbike through Hue – the ancient capital – with an experienced driver and feast on a vegetarian lunch at a nunnery.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2861
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus,Taxi,Train,Bicyle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVST
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 20 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (17), Lunch (5), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Homestay (3 nights),Hotel (13 nights),Overnight boat (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (2 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3,520 ($176 /day)
Itinerary
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today, where you'll get to know your fellow travellers and local leader. If you arrive early, maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. After the meeting, you may like to join your group for an optional dinner at one of the city's fantastic eating spots. Because this trip doesn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, you might even choose to spend an extra day or two here to see the sights.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you'll travel south by private minibus to Mekong Delta. When you arrive, you’ll board a boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile delta is where rice, tropical fruit and flowers are grown for the whole country. You'll get a chance to get off the boat to visit an orchard and sample some tropical fruit. You’ll then continue the cruise and visit a selection of local cottage industries along the way where you'll experience local life and the industries surrounding the river up close. Return to Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon and enjoy a free evening in the city.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Sightseeing Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, you’ll visit one of the most important sites in Ho Chi Minh City – the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. These complex tunnels were used by the Viet Cong in the long war against the Americans and were instrumental to the Vietnamese victory. Later in the day, take a tour of the city, passing the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House. Head to the War Remnants Museum for a sobering yet informative lesson on the Vietnam War. Here you’ll see things like old military equipment, an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. Enjoy some free time afterwards at your leisure. We recommend exploring the city’s restaurants and trying Ho Chi Minh City’s distinctive fresh and flavoursome food. In contrast to the north of Vietnam, the cuisine here is spicier, sweeter and more varied. There are also plenty of street food stalls if you’d like to take a few bites of the local fare.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
- Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - A O show (1050000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After exploring Ho Chi Minh City, take a bus to Dalat. Temperate and cool compared to the rest of the country, Dalat has gained the name ‘City of Eternal Spring’ due to the mists that cover its nearby valleys nearly all year around. The Hang Nga guesthouse stands as a towering, melted stone obelisk over the lush garden below. There’s also plenty of charming Art Deco-influenced structures and gardens around the area. This afternoon, perhaps go for a wander through the streets for a better feel of the city or find a café for a cup of artichoke tea – a regional specialty.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Dalat’s soothing climate isn’t just a great reprieve from the heat of Vietnam's coast, it also creates the perfect environment to grow a wide selection of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Take a full day to stroll through the tranquil gardens of this city, darting past plantations full of plump vegetables, colourful flowers, medicinal herbs and juicy strawberries. You'll have a guided garden visit to learn more about this fruitful area.
Included Activities:
- Dalat - Garden visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning travel by minibus to the coastal town of Nha Trang. When you arrive, stretch your legs with a leader-led orientation walk. Then, enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening to explore this coastal city. You might like to make a beeline straight to the beach or try a mud bath. Maybe find a beach side bar for a cocktail at sunset, then tuck into some of this town's fresh seafood – your leader knows all the good spots.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast this morning, out for a a leisurely boat trip in Nha Trang Bay. You'll stop at Mieu Island to learn about local fishermen's life here, then give it a go yourself with the rowing bamboo basket boat. Then you'll hop to Tam Island for some swimming and snorkelling in the turquoise water among the corals. Head back to Nha Trang in the early afternoon. This evening, board an overnight train to Da Nang.
Included Activities:
- Nha Trang - Nha Trang Bay Boat trip
- Nha Trang Bay - Island hopping, Fishing Villages & Snorkelling
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
You'll arrive in Hoi An early this morning. Recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major trading port with the West from the 15th to the 19th century. Today, it’s been restored to look exactly as it did more than a century ago, giving it an old-world feel full of nooks and crannies for you to explore. You’ll have some free time to wonder the city at your own pace this afternoon. Hoi An is also very popular with shopping, with specialty shops lining the Old Town – you can even get some clothes tailor made! Why not browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics and embroidery all made by the locals.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience (69 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is another free day in the town of Hoi An. See the Chinese shophouses, enjoy the busy market, visit Cua Dai Beach, cycle to the rice fields or browse the array of art galleries. This is also a great spot to sit by the water and people watch at happy hour, so maybe ask your leader for some restaurant recommendations and soak up the atmosphere.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (73 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, wave goodbye to Hoi An and make tracks to My Khe Beach. Cross the dramatic Hai Van Pass and make a quick stop at the fishing village of Lang Co before making your way to Hue. The former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue contains the treasures of Vietnam’s royal history, and has a curious blend of bustling streets and tranquil settings. You'll explore the Imperial Citadel this afternoon – 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 War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction caused by the war. In your free time, you might like to visit to Dong Ba Market which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and street food. This is a good place to try the specialties enjoyed by Emperor Nguyen such as the banh khoai royal rice cake.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
'See Hue like a local – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market. Visit the 17th-century active Buddhist monastery of Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. For lunch, savour a vegetarian feast in a nunnery. Finish at the lakeside royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before heading back to town.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
- Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you'll take a minibus to the Vinh Moc Tunnels. These were used during the Vietnam War as shelter for the villagers who were escaping intense bombing. Incredibly, the locals here lived in an underground system over three levels. You’ll get a chance to enter the tunnels, which remain in their original form. This afternoon, continue to your homestay tonight at the centre of Phong Nha. Your host is a family of three generations, and you'll be able to experience how the locals go about their daily routines while staying here.
Included Activities:
- Quang Tri - Vinh Moc Tunnels
- Quang Tri - Hien Luong Bridge
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, visit the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains the oldest known karst mountains in Asia. The area is also known for its enormous cave system. You’ll visit the Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave), then take a cruise up the Son River towards the Phong Cave – the scale of the place is astounding. In the late afternoon, travel to Dong Hoi and catch an overnight sleeper train to Hanoi.
Included Activities:
- Phong Nha Ke-Bang NP - Thien Duong (Paradise Cave)
- Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park - Phong Nha Cave
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 French-style 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, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, including One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Then, enjoy a water puppetry performance – a unique and traditional Vietnamese art form.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
- Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
- Hanoi - Water puppet show
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature (70000 VND)
- Hanoi - Women's Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Army Museum (20000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Vun Art Centre – a social enterprise that employs people living with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk. Hear from the employees about the great things they do and then make the drive to Lam Thuong Village. When you arrive, settle into your homestay for the night – sitting on stilts, these local homes belong to the Tay people and have beautiful views of the valley and offer authentic village experiences. Then, head out for a bike ride through the village and the valley, passing rice fields, homes and learning about the local’s day to day life. Enjoy a homecooked dinner tonight made by your hosts using local ingredients.
Included Activities:
- Lam Thuong - Village cycling tour
- Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
- Lam Thuong - Villlage homestay & home-cooked meals
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend another day in the village today, starting with a transfer to a trailhead. Head out for a morning hike past rice paddies to a viewpoint overlooking the village, the valley and the rice fields. Return to the village this afternoon and visit a local handicraft workshop to learn about bamboo weaving, natural dyeing and how the locals make Tay hats. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to rest or explore the village at your own pace.
Included Activities:
- Lam Thuong - Village handicraft workshop visit
- Lam Thuong - Hiking
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, say goodbye to your friendly hosts and return to Hanoi. Along the way, stop at Luc Yen gemstone market. After a while to explore (and pick up any souvenirs you might want to take home), continue to Hanoi. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodation. This evening, you’re free to rest, relax and recharge.
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, you’ll drive to Bai Chay Harbour to the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay – a blue-green bay studded with limestone outcrops, this area is full of beaches and natural grottos. You’ll take a boat through the limestone peaks and caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and you might even stop at a private beach for a swim. If you like, you can take a kayak out on the bay and explore the still waters from a new perspective. Spend the night on the boat beneath the star-studded sky and fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the waves.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Dinner on Boat
- Halong Bay - Lunch on Boat
Accommodation:
- Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today you'll return to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon. You’ll have free time this afternoon to explore at your own pace or rest and recharge. Why not head out in search of a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter. Or, maybe mark the end of your trip with an optional farewell dinner with your group – your leader will have some great recommendations.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time. There’s so much to see and do in Hanoi, so why not stay a day or two longer! If you need additional accommodation, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time. If you have extra time, you may like to do an Urban Adventure tour – see urbanadventures.com/destination/hanoi-tours. Thinking of exploring more of the majestic Northern Vietnam after your trip is finished? Then check out our Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) -for an off-the-beaten path discovery of Pu Long and Ninh Binh. Or you can try our Hiking In Sapa (TVAG) - for a big doze of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colorful hilltribes.
Optional Activities:
- Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
- Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) (432 USD)
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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
Steve - Traveled, March 2024
This trip exceeded my expectations. Huy, the leader, was faaaantastic. Heat at this time of year (March/April) was oppressive. Organization and activities perfect for what we needed. Food was out of this world, as suggested. Amazing country, albeit politically different. I think the people are very proud and rightly so. Next step for them is to embrace sustainability and recycling. Would love to do it again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Liz - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid surpassed all my expectations their attention to detail was amazing. Our guide could not be faulted and the trip was real value for money. I will certainly travel with this company again
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
John - Traveled, March 2024
Had a great authentic local experience at the Da Bac Homestay. I loved everything except for the overnight trains that were noisy, dirty, uncomfortable & unhygenic. Chieu was a great tour leader, and kept me well fed with a varied range of restaurant recommendations. Would definitely recommend this trip for a comprehensive Vietnam experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Wendy - Traveled, March 2024
From the beginning to the end I loved the Best of Vietnam tour. The whole experience has opened my eyes and made me want to travel more and more. The guided tour was excellent and we experienced alot that I don't think you would have experienced if you just did it alone. Such a beautiful, culturally strong people who have so much to offer. Highly recommend this tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Christopher - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was an interesting and comprehensive overview of Vietnam. Two great homestays. Quang was an outstanding and professional tour group leader. Some long bus rides and 2 overnight sleepovers in trains. But we had good group and it was both amazing and fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Lynne - Traveled, February 2024
Fantastic leader but the itinerary needs reviewing as it's not particularly intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/27/2024
Karin - Traveled, February 2024
Die Reise war sehr interessant, gut organisiert und unser Guide war ausgezeichnet.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2024
Sonya - Traveled, January 2024
We had a wonderful time in Vietnam. Our tour guide Binh was the best!! He was truly caring for the group, very knowledgeable and resourceful. This tour really deserves to be called the "Best of Vietnam". I feel that this trip allowed us to see all the beautiful colors and sceneries that this country has to offer. It not only gives us the chance to see all the beauties of the country, but it also shows its not so pretty past with its lessons and accomplishments. Vietnam is a fascinating country filled with kind and respectful people. You will love it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Ann - Traveled, January 2024
I realy enjoy my Intripid tour. 21 days of visiting Vietnam. We say the city's, the country side, homestays. A very good cross section of what the country had to offer. Our leader was fantastic and helped make the holiday so enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Michael - Traveled, January 2024
I would like to discuss this with you before writing anything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/13/2024
Jaqueline - Traveled, December 2023
Our guide Huyen was excellent. She knew a lot and spoke passionately about her country. I learned a lot about the culture and its people. She absolutely made my vacation the highlight of 2023. We traveled like a little family. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone, who wants to get a first impression of Vietnam. She was the BEST guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Ian - Traveled, November 2023
This, our first trip with Intrepid, was nothing short of excellent and exceeded all of our expectations. From busy cities to tourist beaches , hillside villages, historical and religious sites this trip had it all - What an amazing experience! And we haven't even mentioned the overnight train trips or the floods that necessitated a change of hotel in Hue. Now can you imagine someone being able to manage all of this and still look after and join in with our fun group? Well our group guide was Ha, and in 30 years of travelling she is the best we have ever come across - quite simply the best! Thank you Ha. A fantastic group of like minded travelers made this a trip to remember.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/28/2023
Susan - Traveled, November 2023
I had the time if my life on the Best of Vietnam group tour. I saw amazing places, some of which were off the main tourist trail. I also learned a lot about the country and it's people. This was my first solo trip and it has given me the confidence to do more in future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Susan - Traveled, October 2023
Intrepid promised The Best of Vietnam, and I’m pretty sure that’s what we got! A brilliant itinerary, a great mix of culture, adventure, and nature. A vast array of well arranged accomodation styles and transport modes. Lots of fantastic inclusions but also plenty of time to do your own exploring. Jay was an absolutely incredible guide who gave 110% to make sure we had a brilliant Vietnamese experience. Mot, hai, ba, yo ??
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Ian - Traveled, September 2023
Vietnam is a beautiful country and its people remarkable, inspirational, honest friendly and collaborative. The landscape is stunning and lush and diverse. It, especially taxis are inexpensive and the food was delicious and hotels are luxurious. It is my ultimate travel choice with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/26/2023
Rolf - Traveled, September 2023
With a small group and local guides we experienced an amazing trip through Vietnam. Learning all about the people, the landscape and the food. Beautiful country, absolutely worth the visit! Special thanks to our top tour guide Thanh!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2023
Warren - Traveled, September 2023
Good and relatively comprehensive introduction to Vietnam's history, geography, culture and people. Definitely a physically challenging trip (though ultimately rewarding).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/06/2023
Georgia - Traveled, July 2023
How you should see Vietnam. A catalogue of history, culture, food, home stays, boat rides and joy. This shows you REAL Vietnam. Suitable for all ages, 20 days gives you time to soak it in.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Danielle - Traveled, July 2023
Such an incredible tour to give an insight into Vietnam. We had the best time with our group and hands down the best tour guide I've ever had! Love the fact that Intrepid use local guides to run the tours. Highly recommend this tour to experience all the best of both the South and North of Vietnam!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
David - Traveled, July 2023
A fantastic unforgettable 20 journey across Vietnam. From beaches to jungles, home stays, hotels, and boat jouneys this trip is a must for everyone.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
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