Essential Vietnam

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
Essential Vietnam
12 Days
From AUD $1175
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Essential Vietnam

Essential Vietnam

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
4.5
20 Reviews
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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

As you slink from old-world Hanoi through ancient Hue, past historic Hoi An and to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you'll quickly realise that the Vietnamese know a thing or two about delicious food.

Highlights

  • Chill out in Hoi An where you can get some sweet threads tailor-made before you head out to pick your own ingredients for lunch during a garden-to-table experience with a local chef.
  • Sit down for a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee after touring a busy Ho Chi Minh City market and listen to stories from your trip leader about the city’s vibrant culture and history as you tuck into some delicious street eats.
  • Balance on a tiny streetside stool in Hanoi's Old Quarter, soaking up the bustling vibes and watching motorbikes zoom past. Then, maybe hit a local bar for a refreshing beer with the locals or explore the nightlife in search of the best cocktail.
  • Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island. Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty?
  • Cycle around the ancient temples and expansive fields in Ninh Binh – a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. With loads of free time, you can hike to Mua Cave or take a boat down in Tam Coc to the nearby caves.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finishes

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure kicks off in Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, wander these gorgeous streets and see the sights. Tonight, maybe grab your new group and see who’s up for some food and a fresh bia hoi at a roadside stall or watch the motorbikes zoom by. Hanoi is also a great place for local beer and cocktail bars, so maybe hit the nightlife and discover what this city has to offer after sundown.

Optional Activities:

  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Hanoi
Today is a free day in Hanoi to explore however you’d like. Maybe check out your reflection in beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, wander along shaded boulevards or relax in a public park with some delicious street food (spring rolls inside rice paper rolls, anyone?). Museum-wise, you could visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, drop into the serene Temple of Literature or get arty at the city's Fine Arts Museum. Maybe head to KOTO for a delicious lunch – this organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. Later, maybe explore the centuries-old architecture as the sun goes down.

Optional Activities:

  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature (70000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Cat Ba
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in Lan Ha Bay, connected to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. With thousands of little limestone islands scattered around, this area is one of those quintessential Vietnamese scenes in which bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats and limestone karsts. Take a cruise around Lan Ha Bay and enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by your onboard chef. What could be better? This afternoon, hop off the boat to get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Paddle through serene waters and then watch the sunset over this awe-inspiring landscape.

Included Activities:

  • Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Ninh Binh
This morning, take a ferry back to the mainland and head to Ninh Binh province – once the site of Vietnam’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a local guide on a cycling tour to visit the ancient citadel. This once covered 300 hectares of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of the once glorious capital. You’ll visit the 17th-century temples built in honour of King Dinh and King Le among other temples, pagodas, monuments and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.

Included Activities:

  • Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
  • Ninh Binh - Bike Tour

Accommodation:

  • Lodge (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Overnight Train
The day is yours to explore the many other wonders of Ninh Binh. You might like to lace up your hiking boots and trek to Mua Cave. While the cave sits at the base of a mountain, be sure to make the trek up the 500 steps to the mountain peak for amazing views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Or maybe get out on the water and take a boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples and maybe even the locations of scenes from a King Kong movie. Tonight, board an overnight train to Hue.

Optional Activities:

  • Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) (12 USD)
  • Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) (21 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Hue
Arrive by train in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. You have today free to do as you please. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace that's enclosed within. Maybe jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. You could also check out Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and some tasty street food. This is a good place to try the dish that Emperor Nguyen used to feast on – the banh Khoai royal rice. If you like being on two wheels, maybe cycle out to one of the royal tombs like the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (one of the most excellent remaining examples of its kind). Tonight, head into the home of a local family and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. You’ll be chatting and laughing over your chopsticks in no time!

Included Activities:

  • Hue - Home cooked dinner

Optional Activities:

  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) (23 USD)
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) (28 USD)
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda (220000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Hoi An
Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and its old-school flavour is written all over its architecture. For a small town, it's pretty lively. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look a lot like they did 100 years ago, then you’ll discover some of the more chilled out spots. Check out a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Later, maybe play bingo with your leader in a town square – a popular local past time.

Included Activities:

  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Optional Activities:

  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
  • Hoi An - Cooking class (33 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Hoi An
Start the day by cycling through the beautiful surroundings of Hoi An to Tra Que Vegetable Village, visiting the organic vegetable and herb garden of a local chef. This village was established over 500 years ago and has become a thriving agricultural hub known for its vegetables. See, smell and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious during a tour of the gardens. Then, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using some of the ingredients you picked during your tour. Much of the food waste here is composted, recycled or reused. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own explorations. Maybe wander to the Central Market and browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, so if you’ve been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn’t), why not hit one of the same-day tailors and get yourself something new? Tonight, maybe wander the streets, lit up by lanterns for some great photo ops.

Included Activities:

  • Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef

Optional Activities:

  • Hoi An - Cooking class (33 USD)
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
  • Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (from) (73 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Quy Nhon
This morning, say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon – a coastal city in the Bình Dinh province. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. There’s plenty of optional activities you can take on today to explore the beautiful location – maybe visit Banh It Tower, taking in stunning scenery from the top of the hill or visit the Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower). Take a food tour, trying some local specialities like banh xeo tom nhay (a crunchy pancake with fresh prawn), nem nuong (grilled pork rolls) or bun ca (fish noodles). Maybe take a trip to Eo Gio for a hike and some gorgeous coastal views. There’s also lots of great local restaurants you can hang out at – just ask your leader!

Optional Activities:

  • Quy Nhon - Eo Gio Hike (22000 VND)
  • Quy Nhon - Canh Tien Tower (15000 VND)
  • Quy Nhon - Banh It Tower (15000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Quy Nhon - Overnight Train
Today is a free day in Quy Nhon to take on any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to do yesterday. You might like to head to the Con Chim Ecological Zone, where you can go fishing or stand up paddleboarding. You could also head to Ky Co Beach or take a day trip to Hon Kho Island for a swim in the blue-green waters. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train, so maybe grab some snacks this afternoon for the journey. As you make your way to Ho Chi Minh City, maybe play a few (or many) rounds of cards or get stuck into a good book. As the light changes outside, you can watch the everchanging scenery pass you by, showing you a glimpse into what rural life is like in Vietnam.

Optional Activities:

  • Quy Nhon - Eo Gio Hike (22000 VND)
  • Quy Nhon - Con Chim Ecological Zone (31 USD)
  • Quy Nhon - Banh It Tower (15000 VND)
  • Quy Nhon - Canh Tien Tower (15000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a whirl of sights and sounds. You can still see the French influence in the top-notch baguettes and coffee. Compared to the north, the food here is spicier, sweeter and more varied. Maybe take advantage of the early morning by checking out the markets and tucking into a bowl of pho with the local traders. With your group, you’ll visit a local market, where you can browse the street foods and maybe try some. Then try the iconic Saigon cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) amid the market’s everyday bustle as your leader shares stories about life in Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight, why not get your group together for a meal and some drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street?

Included Activities:

  • Ho Chi Minh City – Local Market Visit
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Local Coffee Experience

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)
12
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
With no planned activities today, your trip comes to an end. There’s lots to see and do in Vietnam – The Cu Chi Tunnels are an interesting day trip, plus the city is a great springboard to head down to the Mekong Delta or to Phu Quoc Island. Ask your group leader for more recommendations or, better yet, book an Urban Adventures tour! Find out more at urbanadventures.com. If you’d like to spend more time here and need further accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.

Optional Activities:

  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure (39 USD)
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure (59 USD)
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure (29 USD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,175
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

As you slink from old-world Hanoi through ancient Hue, past historic Hoi An and to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you'll quickly realise that the Vietnamese know a thing or two about delicious food.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Feb 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Shaantam
Traveled, April 2024

04/16/2024

Intrepid is a tour group like no other, one that really immerses you in the culture and not just the touristy spots.

4.5
Evie
Traveled, April 2024

04/16/2024

This trip was well worth it. Linh was amazing and the places you go are absolutely breathtaking

Tour Operator

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

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