Experience Overview
Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south takes you from French-influenced Hanoi to heaving Ho Chi Minh City on a journey that balances local guidance with freedom to explore independently. Discover the countryside around Hue by bicycle, kayak between limestone karsts off the coast of Cat Ba Island and chill out in Ninh Binh. Let an expert local leader show you around this vivacious nation so you can see the real Vietnam.
Highlights
- Lan Ha Bay is a beautiful enclave of green waters and strange rock formations. Explore them by boat and kayak, then spend the night on nearby Cat Ba Island.
- Take a walking tour through the Old Town of Hoi An, where the city looks exactly like it did over a century ago.
- Travel to the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. Plus, get a chance to explore 10th century Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le.
- Enjoy a cycling tour where you’ll discover Ninh Binh in a fresh way that gets your blood pumping and takes you off the beaten track – explore Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le along the way.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2847
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVRR
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Lunch (1),Accommodation: Hotel (8 nights),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) $999 ($91 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you happen to arrive early, take the day at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter admiring the city’s French-colonial architecture and manicured parks, or simply enjoy some street food.
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, visit Vun Art center first, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Hear from them about the great things that they do and then follow your leader to visit the nearby flower and flea market to gain some insights into local life that you'll not see in tourist areas. Then enjoy some free time in Hanoi today. Perhaps check out one of the city’s museums, like the Museum of Ethnology which offers an insight into the different ethnic groups and cultures in Vietnam, or the Fine Arts Museum which houses a collection of more than 2000 pieces, some dating back to the 11th century. Alternatively, you might like to wander the grounds of the Temple of Literature, a historical complex in Hanoi. Tonight, you might like to meet up with some of your fellow travellers and try out a local dish like pho or Bahn Mi – enjoy!
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
- Hanoi - Flower and flea market visit
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 USD)
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature (70000 VND)
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
An early start is necessary to get the most out of your day. Take a 7.30 am bus ride and ferry transfer to the steep karsts and tiny beaches of Cat Ba Island, arriving before midday – you’ll have a quick stop to stretch your legs en route. The largest of all the islands in World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, charming Cat Ba will be your base for exploring the limestone cliffs and turquoise water that defines this area. Get acquainted with this stunning spot with an afternoon cruise around the bay, enjoying lunch on the boat while floating past the karsts covered in emerald-green foliage. Later, get closer to the water and explore on a kayak, perhaps stopping at one of Cat Ba’s many beaches for a swim. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy the sunset with a cold beer.
Included Activities:
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel to the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. Today, you’ll enjoy a cycling tour where you’ll discover Ninh Binh in a fresh way that gets your blood pumping and takes you off the beaten track. You’ll get a chance to explore Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two the two kings of Vietnam. The ancient citadel once covered 300 hectares of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of this once glorious capital of the Vietnam.
Included Activities:
- Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
- Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll have a free day to explore Ninh Binh at your leisure. You might like to hike to Mua Cave – located underneath Mua Mountain, this culturally significant and naturally beautiful spot is well worth the visit. If hiking doesn’t take your fancy, a boat trip to Trang An might be just the thing to fill your day. A series of limestone mountains, some 250 million years old, tower over lakes, caves and valleys below. After a day of activities of your own choosing, you’ll meet with your group in the evening to take an overnight train to Hue.
Optional Activities:
- Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) (21 USD)
- Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) (12 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Packed with historic monuments, Hue is also perfectly located to explore the surrounding countryside, which features stunning scenery, quaint villages and the peaceful Tam Giang Lagoon. The bustling Dong Ba Market offers a plethora of goods and foods to see and sample, and it's a good place to try some of the specialities that graced the Nguyen emperors' banquet tables, such as the banh khoai – a royal rice cake. Here you have a free day, which you could easily spend exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace enclosed within. Perhaps jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, or cycle out to one of the Royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Otherwise, set off on an optional motorcycle tour of the sights in Hue and some surrounding villages.
Optional Activities:
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (150000 VND)
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour (69 USD)
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) (28 USD)
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) (23 USD)
- Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda (220000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Continue on your journey and travel to the World Heritage-listed town of Hoi An, where on arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around town. The city was a major trading port with the west from the 17th century onwards, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today, the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. It’s also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within 24 hours, so be sure to check that out!
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An. Perhaps take a cruise up the Thu Bon River or learn the secrets of cooking delicious Vietnamese dishes. Visit some of the main art galleries or simply wander around the beautifully restored Chinese shop houses. There’s also the option of cycling around the surrounding countryside – a truly relaxing way to get off the beaten track and see rural Vietnam up close. Your leader will be able to suggest activities to help you get the most out of your time.
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Cooking class (33 USD)
- Danang - Marble Mountain (40000 VND)
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (44 USD)
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (77 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump on your train to Ho Chi Minh this morning. This 17-hour overnight train takes your through amazing landscapes in southern Vietnam - grab a book, put your headphone on and go along with the ride.
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Today you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Vietnam’s largest city. Ho Chi Minh City has a busy atmosphere and many French influences. In your free time, it’s recommended to visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. There’s also the historic Dong Khoi Street, and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Ho Chi Minh City has a different style of cuisine to its northern counterpart Hanoi, so be sure to get out for restaurant meals and street food with your travel crew. Your group leader knows all the best people in the right places, so they’ll know of some delectable places to eat, for any budget.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum (40000 VND)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace (40000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times. As we don’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City on this tour, why not stay a few extra days to make the most of your time here? You could take a day trip to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can witness the strategic underground labyrinth that helped the locals during the Vietnam war. Ask your leader for more recommendations or book in on an Urban Adventure. Find out more at https://www.urbanadventures.com/ho-chi-minh-city/products. If you would like to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure (45 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (73 USD)
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure (36 USD)
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
Rowan - Traveled, March 2024
Brilliant, fast-paced trip taking in the best of Vietnam
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Michael - Traveled, March 2024
Such a perfect introduction to Vietnam. 11 days is just enough to get a taste of this magnificent country, and my 11 days with tour leader Thao made me want to come back and do it all again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Terri - Traveled, March 2024
An excellent tour with a fantastic tour guide (Thao) - bursting with diverse activities, with a fun group of fellow travellers of all ages from many countries. Loved it!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Lori - Traveled, February 2024
The Basix tour was perfect for me. It provided the transportation and lodging logistics in a country unfamiliar to me. I could participate in the daily tours offered or venture on my own. I liked not wasting time with group dinners too. I highly recommend Basix tours for those wanting the basic logistics covered. It's an affordable, safe option for solo travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/13/2024
Trent - Traveled, February 2024
Entrepid have great tours and even better tour guides 5 ?? from me Trent / Trinity chase
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Carlos - Traveled, February 2024
We had a fantastic guided trip to Vietnam. The itinerary was well-planned, showcasing the country's diverse beauty. The guide was helpful and knowledgeable, the accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the best of Vietnam
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Elizabeth - Traveled, February 2024
There's a reason it's called the Explorer tour as that's exactly what it is- a true insight into the country and as expected with ground covered, it is fast paced and so worth it. Another epic trip organised by Intrepid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/20/2024
Alistair - Traveled, February 2024
Very good value for money but quite challenging if you are not prepared to really commit to it . You are also on the go for almost the whole time and it is rewarding but don’t think it will be in any way relaxing !!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Eleni - Traveled, January 2024
Brilliant trip to showcase the highlights of Vietnam north to south. Highly recommend this trip to anyone who is very keen on seeing the sights, and getting out into the hustle and bustle of the city but also seeing how the locals live. Small group size and always fantastic tour leaders!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/27/2024
Donna - Traveled, December 2023
As an older solo traveller, this trip built my confidence to travel more. The group size was perfect (11) & was a good mix of younger & older people. I will definitely be doing another Intrepid trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/23/2023
Laura and Carmen - Traveled, November 2023
The trip was great. We got a lot to see and our guide made this trip unforgettable. Definitely recommend! :-)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Julie and Gary - Traveled, November 2023
Awsome trip that covers a great amount of culture food and people and history. A fantastic experience which we will not foget and hold a special place in our hearts.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Laura - Traveled, November 2023
We had a great time. The itinerary was very interesting, we saw and learned a lot. Our guide always suggested very good restaurants. The whole teip was amazing. Definitely recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Sarah - Traveled, November 2023
This trip was a great solo travel experience. I met amazing people and having a guide made it all so much easier. Thanh looked after us all! I had a fab time and I would do it all over again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Garry - Traveled, November 2023
I would recommend this trip for anyone who wants to explore the real Vietnam
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
Joanna - Traveled, October 2023
Great tour guide Great experiences Fun group
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2023
Bruce - Traveled, October 2023
Explore Vietman is a great trip. Be prepared for rain somewhere as Vietnam is a very long country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/22/2023
Susan - Traveled, October 2023
Great trip with BB in Vietnam. First timer with Intrepid and couldn't have asked for more. It was well planned, well organised and so much fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2023
Rosemarie - Traveled, November 2023
This is my 3rd Intrepid Travel trip and I would highly recommend them for your traveling needs. Depending on your budget, they provide a comprehensive itinerary wherein you get to experience more than an average traveler. Just take my word for it. Thanks to all the tour leaders. They do an excellent job.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Liam - Traveled, September 2023
A genuinely delightful experience throughout. Enlightening, fun, organised and informative I couldn't recommend this highly enough
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/17/2023
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