Premium Vietnam in Depth
Experience Overview
Discover Vietnam’s kaleidoscope of colour, history, cuisine and landscapes on a 15-day Premium adventure. Learn the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, explore the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi and get a glimpse of rural life as you cruise through the Mekong Delta. Experience historic temples, spend a night on a junk style boat beneath the stars in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, enjoy delicious banquets of fresh cuisine and learn what it means to be a local. This journey will take you off the well-trodden track and leave you with memories for a lifetime.
Highlights
- Visit a centuries-old pottery village in Hoi An. During this Exclusive Experience, you’ll learn about this ancient artform and meet the artisans who keep traditional techniques alive.
- Experience the beauty of UNESCO World Heritage site Ha Long Bay from the comfort of a traditional style junk boat – your Feature Stay accommodation. Enjoy a candlelit dinner on deck and soak in the magnificent landscape.
- Sit down to a soul-stirring Exclusive Experience – a Hat Xam performance in Hoi An. This ancient musical art form is rarely seen today and dates back over 700 years to the Tran Dynasty.
- Enjoy a tasty Exclusive Experience as you explore a local market with an expert chef in Hue, then visit his home to learn how to turn fresh ingredients into delicious Vietnamese dishes during a cooking class.
- Uncover Vietnam's astounding history during a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City, a stroll around the historic streets of Hoi An and on a walking tour of the northern city of Hanoi.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2843
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Unknown
Transport: Boat,Plane,Private Minibus
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TVPV
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 15 days
Departures: 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 $3,972 ($265 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore the city at your own pace. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your small group and local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – this building was an old opium refinery station built in 1861, and nods to its past are still visible today. Here, you’ll feast on a menu bursting with classic dishes and southern Vietnamese favourites.
Included Activities:
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner
- Fast Track Airport Service
Accommodation:
- Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, drive south towards the Mekong Delta via the region of Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat and cruise the delta, stopping off at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you’ll 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 plays into local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then return to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Included Activities:
- Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers
Accommodation:
- Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the famous Reunification Palace and hear the story of the end of the war, take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum and stop by the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and its many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and the gorgeous Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader for recommendations on some great local spots for dinner.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
Optional Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - A O show (1050000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They contained hospitals, dwellings and schools and were used extensively for refuge and storage, as well as being a military base. As you explore this extraordinary labyrinth your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow visitors to get a feel for what the underground life must have been like. Please note that these tunnels will be hot and can get claustrophobic, so there is an option if you’d like to view from above ground. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An.
Included Activities:
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Accommodation:
- Mulberry Collection Silk Eco Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover the Hoi An’s stunning architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. Start with a visit to an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on your walk. Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon you are free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader will be able to help with suggestions for extra activities in Hoi An and the nearby countryside.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (44 USD)
Accommodation:
- Mulberry Collection Silk Eco Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
A significant port of the Champa Kingdom for centuries, many Cham descendants are still living in Hoi An today. This morning your leader will guide you around My Son Cham, a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa and dating back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO site, and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes, and drums. The afternoon is free for more exploration, or to relax by the pool at your hotel.
Included Activities:
- Hoi An - My Son Tour
Accommodation:
- Mulberry Collection Silk Eco Hotel or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Hoi An today bound for Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. En route, 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 frenetic streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon you will 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 remain a testament to its proud history. Here your leader will provide some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Imperial City half day guided tour
Accommodation:
- Emm Hotel Hue or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Loosen your belt and ready your appetite as today you will be diving into Hue’s fabulous culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for a seriously tasty breakfast – Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try while in Hue. Then, meet with a local chef and explore a bustling local market where you will taste and smell all the wonderful herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life, while learning more about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine along the way. Stop for lunch and enjoy some of Hue’s most celebrated dishes. Continue to the local chef’s delightful home where you will learn how to cook up some simple and delicious dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market. Take your new knowledge and local recipes back home with you so you can recreate meals that will take you straight back to Vietnam. Later in the afternoon, take a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. You will also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
Included Activities:
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
- Hue - Market Tour and Cooking Class
- Hue - Bun Bo Hue breakfast
Accommodation:
- Emm Hotel Hue or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Your departure will mostly likely be in the morning but can vary a little depending on flight schedules. Settle in on arrival, then your leader will guide you through the ancient 36 Streets to discover a varied selection of shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery and embroidered tablecloths. In the afternoon, you will be treated to a traditional Hat Xam performance – this is truly an experience like no other. Hat Xam is an artform of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed by blind performers, and was enjoyed by local working-class audiences, right up until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. Today, this style of performance occurs rarely, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house for an exclusive performance; one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically. The performance includes some story telling aspects and possibly interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!
Included Activities:
- Hanoi - Hat Xam performance
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour
Accommodation:
- Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Hanoi this morning and take a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. The peaceful town is situated in a stunningly beautiful valley. Surrounded by green mountains, it’s famed for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Admire the valley 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. Then, spend some time learning the story of the vibrant Muong ethnic group who are native to this region of Northern Vietnam at the Muong Museum. In the afternoon, check into your accommodation and enjoy free time to unwind and relax.
Included Activities:
- Mai Chau – Muong Museum
- Mai Chau - Vun Art NGO Visit
Accommodation:
- Mai Chau Ecolodge 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 from a local artisan for insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you will learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After 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 you Leader about optional activities in the area.
Included Activities:
- Mai Chau - Village Visit
Accommodation:
- Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you will return to Hanoi where you will enjoy a guided half-day tour of Hanoi with your leader, gaining insights to the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. Enjoy a free evening for further explorations. Walking is a great way to explore the city and its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this enchanting 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 - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
- Hanoi - KOTO lunch
Accommodation:
- Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you will drive to Halong Bay – this World Heritage listed wonder is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than on board a junk-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in complete comfort as you weave through stunning limestone islands, karsts and caves. Stop by Surprise Cave to discover its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a marvellous seafood lunch. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from Ti Top Island. There is also the option for kayaking to get up close to the towering limestone karsts. This evening’s dinner is sure to be a standout – dine on the deck of the boat by candlelight and watch the sun go down over the magnificent landscape.
Included Activities:
- Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
Optional Activities:
- Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)
Accommodation:
- Secret Halong Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board 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 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:
- Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture Hanoi or similar (1 night) (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay on in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation for you ahead of time (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 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
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
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