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Experience Overview
Discover Vietnam’s kaleidoscope of colour, history and cuisine on a 15-day Premium adventure through the country’s varied landscapes. Learn about the history of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City on a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Visit the beautiful lakes and boulevards of bustling Hanoi and get a glimpse of rural life as you cruise through the Mekong Delta. Wander historic temples, spend a night on a traditional boat beneath the stars in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay and tuck into delicious banquets of fresh cuisine while learning what it means to be a local. This journey will take you off the well-trodden track and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Experience the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay from the comfort of a traditional vintage-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation. Relax on the sun deck and watch the beautiful karst scenery sail by.
- Visit Hoi An’s My Son Sanctuary after hours for a Signature Experience with a Cham archaeologist and monument conservator, learning about its ancient architecture and Champa culture.
- Sit down to a soul-stirring Ca Tru performance – an art form that dates back more than 700 years – during a Signature Experience.
- Explore a market with an expert local chef in Hue, then visit his home to learn how to transform fresh ingredients into delicious Vietnamese dishes during a cooking class.
- Uncover Vietnam’s history in three major cities – visit the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City with a war veteran sharing his firsthand account of life during the war, then stroll through the historic streets of Hoi An and Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2843
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Boat, Plane, Private Minibus
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVPV
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (7), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5395 ($360 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll meet a local representative at the airport for the private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet the group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm, then head out for dinner with your local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – originally an opium refinery built in 1861, this building still holds subtle nods to its past. Feast on a menu filled with classics and southern Vietnamese favourites, like pho (noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noodles).
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner
- Fast Track Airport Service on Arrival
Accommodation:
- Rex Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Then, visit with the NGO GreenHub to see how Intrepid’s travel choices can create positive environmental impact beyond the trip itself. GreenHub’s initiatives include mangrove protection and plastic waste reduction to protect coastal ecosystems. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers
- Mekong Delta – Green Hub Mekong
Accommodation:
- Rex Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head out on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 km/124 mi) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. Your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what underground life must have been like. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon walk through central Saigon. Pass the City People’s Committee, Opera House, old CIA building viewpoint and Post Office to contrast important landmarks, civic history and modern city life. Tonight, perhaps visit the renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated, modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
- Ho Chi Minh City – City Tour
Accommodation:
- Rex Saigon Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, hop a flight to Hoi An via Da Nang. When you arrive, head to lunch at a local restaurant, then take an Old Town walking tour with your leader. Discover Hoi An’s ancient heritage-listed architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low-tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese Assembly Hall and visit a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on the walk.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Accommodation:
- Grand Signature M Village or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Take the morning to enjoy some free time, then after lunch, head to Hoi An, once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom and still home to many Cham descendants. Today, you’ll have an after-hours Signature Experience at the My Son Sanctuary – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Meet with an expert Cham researcher who will explain their work as an archaeologist and monument conservator, give insight into this ethnic group and discuss the significance of My Son. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples and serene surroundings, return to Hoi An and have free time for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - My Son Tour with Cultural Researcher
- Hoi An – Private Aspara Dance Performance
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
Accommodation:
- Grand Signature M Village or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is free for you to experience Hoi An at your own pace. You might start with a wander through the Old Town, stopping at assembly halls, heritage houses and quiet backstreets along the Thu Bon River. Maybe head out by bike to nearby villages, visit a tailor for a custom-made piece (the tailors are famous in Hoi An and can sometimes even have your piece ready in 24 hours!) or join a cooking class to get a closer look at central Vietnamese flavours. In the evening, choose a riverside restaurant or see the town lit by lanterns.
Accommodation:
- Grand Signature M Village or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Head for Hue this morning – the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam'’s historic past. On the way, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic, mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co Beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.
Included Activities:
- Hue – Hai Van Pass
- Hue - Imperial City half day guided tour
Accommodation:
- Pilgrimage Village Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to An Nhien Garden – a family altar house turned restaurant – for a private cooking demonstration and lunch. Your host will welcome you with cakes and tea, then guide you to the ancestral altar and share stories of family lineage and customs. Next up, using plant-based ingredients, you’ll learn about Hue’s culinary philosophy before sitting down to enjoy the delicious dishes together. Later, you’ll visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani flowers and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue – Alter house visit and cooking demonstration
Accommodation:
- Pilgrimage Village Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a flight from Hue to Hanoi. Once settled, head out on a guided half-day visit around the city with your leader, gaining insights into the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you're interested in its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
- Hanoi - KOTO Lunch
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Accommodation:
- Hotel du Lac Signature or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hill tribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind and relax.
Included Activities:
- Mai Chau - Vun Art NGO Visit
Accommodation:
- Mai Chau Hideaway Lake Resort or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, your leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile-making and hearing a local artisan’s insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you’ll learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After a lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with your leader about optional activities in the area.
Included Activities:
- Mai Chau - Village Visit
- Mai Chau – Rice Wine Producer
- Mai Chau – Artisan Textile Workshop
- Main Chau – Local Family Lunch
Accommodation:
- Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll drive back to Hanoi from Mai Chau, arriving late morning. Take a leader-led wander along the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Ca Tru performance – a Northern Vietnam art form dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed at Royal Courts and is now included by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to an ancient temple and treated to an exclusive show in one of the few places where these artists still sing acoustically.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Ca Tru Performance
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel du Lac Signature or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll drive to Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than by boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, the boat allows you to sit back in comfort as it weaves through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. The sights you will visit vary, but you may stop at a vibrant fishing village to learn about local life or a cave to appreciate its interesting rock formations with your leader, then you’ll retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck and watch the sun go down.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)
Accommodation:
- The Au Co Cruise or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on the boat and perhaps take part in some optional tai chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions that you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Farewell Dinner
- Halong Bay - Tai Chi
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Hotel du Lac Signature or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
- Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
- Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) (432 USD)
Similar Tours
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
Robert - Traveled, April 2024
I have found Intrepid to be one of the best tour operators I have travelled with and would definitely use them again our you leader Ashley was outstanding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Amanda - Traveled, April 2024
I have done a few group travel trips and this one will always stand out. It was quite simply brilliant in every way; from the things we saw, did and ate, to the hotels and transport. Our guide Ashley couldn't have done more for us. She made it run seemlessly, shared her in-depth knowledge and passion about Vietnam and made us laugh every day with her witty comments.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Gary - Traveled, March 2024
This Premium tour had a good itinerary, with several excellent inclusions. It provided an opportunity to see a lot of this wonderful country in a short space of time. Starting in Ho Chi Minh city and travelling north, ending with the overnight cruise at Ha Long Bay worked well. I'd highly recommend it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Beverley - Traveled, March 2024
Intrepid provided a truly immersive, fun and wonderful experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Bruce - Traveled, March 2024
Wonderful way to experience the history, culture and food of Vietnam
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, March 2024
Perfect mix of activities and free time. The premium tour allowed us to see and do more by skipping the long drives/overnight trains. We saw everything we wanted to see and more. Hotel standards were excellent. The elements where we met local passionate people were particular highlights - coffee tour and meal with a family in Hue. And don’t underestimate the magic of the small things - a simple bike ride through the countryside was unforgettable. Ha was a wonderful guide; warm open friendly and fun whilst recognising the different needs of our mixed age group. This was our first trip with Intrepid but I doubt our last.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/28/2024
Steve - Traveled, March 2024
The tour guide provided by intriped for our trip within Vietnam (Phuong) was fantastic and went that extra mile to make our holiday a very enjoyable one She is a great member of the team with great knowledge and understanding of clients requests and needs
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Mary - Traveled, March 2024
I have very positive feelings about Intrepid and this company will be my first choice if I am planning a similar trip abroad.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Vallipuram - Traveled, March 2024
The premium Vietnam trip wax well planned and executed by the group leader. Meal requirements such as Vegetarian, Vegan and special meals were well considered during the trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2024
Amanda - Traveled, February 2024
From booking of the trip to the very last day Intrepid was exellant - Thanha our guide was top notch and was very informative with a good history of his home country we would recommend intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/13/2024
Tina - Traveled, February 2024
Tu?n was an excellent tour guide . That makes my trip more interesting and enjoyable. Ha long Bay tour is an high light of my trip . Changing the hotels 3 times closed to the departure day was disappointing me . Hát x?m performance was a joke . Overall is good. Tuan ‘s suggestion for the free time made my trip exciting and memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/15/2024
Katharina - Traveled, February 2024
I’m glad my travel agency recommended intrepid to me! The premium version was perfect for me and I had the best experience of Vietnam. I can not imagine to get such deep insights with the quality in my own. Premium is a fantastic way to travel if you are no longer part od the backpacking generation
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Lynsey - Traveled, February 2024
Hieu our guide was outstanding. We really got to explore, learn and understand more about this amazing country and culture. Hieu made our trip most enjoyable and safe. The food has been out of this world. Due to the high standard of our guide we will definitely be using Intrepid in the future. This holiday has been out of this world and I have already advised family and friends to do it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
David - Traveled, February 2024
Hi to future travellers on Intrepid tours to Vietnam We just completed a 14 day premium tour with hieu and can completely and honestly say he was just the best tour leader ever Nothing was to much trouble and his knowledge was excellent Any issues he was into it straight away and could fix the problem Nor for the tour but anybody that needed something fixed or arranged He was a joy to have and chat to on the tour
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/07/2024
Stephen - Traveled, February 2024
The trip was awesome , experienced things i never thought i would and was all done in comfort and style with the help of our fantastic leader Cong
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Libby - Traveled, February 2024
As an introduction to Vietnam, we made the right choice in going with Intrepid on this trip. We had some deeply meaningful encounters with some of the people Intrepid chose to introduce us to in our activities (a coffee grower, a restaranteur with an amazing five hundred year on same land family history) led by a terrific group leader, Cong N., We also enjoyed the interesting folks Intrepid seems to attract to join its trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
Jonathan - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid's Vietnam covered all the essentials but added in unique activities and places we never would have discovered on our own. The trip included art and music as well as history and the great outdoors. The food choices were excellent m, too, but more importantly we had the chance to get to know some Vietnamese people and this was a further highlight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/03/2024
Rebecca - Traveled, February 2024
We loved the Premium Vietnam in Depth tour - our tour leader Duy was exceptional and we saw a lot of the country in the 15 days we had. The tour included a lot of included activities and meals and we had a fantastic time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Nicole - Traveled, February 2024
If you are looking for a great trip to Vietnam which covers a lot of area, highly recommend. I loved every second of it. As a solo traveller, had the best group of people to do it with.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024
Alan - Traveled, January 2024
Had a wonderful time on our small group tour. Our tour guide was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. We met several other wonderful new friends on the trip. Can’t wait until our next adventure!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
