Treasures of Vietnam

Intrepid Travel · 8 days

4.7

20 Reviews

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover the spirit of Vietnam on a trip from south to north, taking in all the attractions in between. Explore Vietnam's fast-paced Ho Chi Minh City, wander the ancient streets of Hoi An and bask in the charm of Hanoi.

Highlights

Discover just why Halong Bay is so popular as you spend the night on a boat among the evocative karst landscape and indulge in a feast of fresh seafood.
Visit the best must see sights in Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with your expert leader, and enjoy free time to make your own discoveries.
Relax in peaceful rural surroundings while your private chef prepares a delicious spread that celebrates his Hoi An garden's seasonal best.
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a former Viet Cong stronghold that provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people and underground life during the war.
Sample local food wherever you go, from street snacks at markets to an included lunch that supports locals at KOTO restaurant.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Boat,Plane,Private Minibus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Finishes

Hanoi, Vietnam

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a French-infused city with a dynamic atmosphere. If you arrive early, perhaps head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you will meet your tour leader and fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning you’ll tour the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as underground life during the Vietnam War. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City to grab some lunch if you wish, before a visit to the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was the site of South Vietnam's surrender at the end of the war. Afterwards, you can opt to visit the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter, or you may like to head back to your hotel to make plans for your evening.

Included Activities:

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Hoi An

Say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Danang where you’ll travel in a private vehicle to Hoi An, a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side. Late this afternoon, you’re in for a culinary treat. Join your leader and head to Tra Que where you will tour a local chef's garden, selecting fresh herbs and vegetables that will form part of your exclusive group dinner. Relax in the peaceful surroundings while your private chef prepares a delicious spread that celebrates his garden's seasonal best.

Included Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Hoi An

Your leader will take you on a walk around Hoi An’s Old Town today. The city was a major trading port 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 tour will take you to a historic house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the city. You may like to wander past street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more or get an outfit made by one of Hoi An’s talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours.

Included Activities:

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Optional Activities:

Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure (39 USD)
Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience (69 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Hanoi

This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. You’ll be taken on a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting major sites such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Stop for lunch at the KOTO cafe, an uplifting project that provides vocational training for disadvantaged young people. This afternoon is yours to explore your way, so ask your leader for their advice and tailor your time to perfection. Food, history, culture – whatever you’re most interested in, your leader will be able to help. You may like to take a stroll around the city’s parks and lakes, or enjoy beer the way locals do, in small roadside bars called Bia Hoi, soaking up Vietnam's street culture.

Included Activities:

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's stilt house
Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Halong Bay

Travel by private vehicle to famous Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonders. Once you arrive at the bay, take a long, slow cruise through the area, exploring the beautiful green waters and amazing Surprise Cave. Want to get in the water? You may also have the opportunity to go swimming from Ti Top Island beach. Watch the sunset over the limestone karsts and spend the night on the boat which has comfortable twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy all of your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.

Included Activities:

Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Accommodation:

Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Hanoi

You may like to get up early and watch the sunrise before you spend a leisurely morning sailing across Halong Bay and back to the port. Sit back and relax on the drive to Hanoi and get ready to shop until you drop at Dong Xuan market or explore the city. Why not relax at a cafe for an egg coffee or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars that dot this amazing city? Tonight, you may like to join your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.

Optional Activities:

Hanoi - Water puppet show (100000 VND)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Hanoi

After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). 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:

Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) (355 USD)
Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) (432 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 $2,315

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 07 May 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

Nicole

Traveled, April 2024

04/18/2024

A fabulous tour of Vietnam. A knowledgable and caring tour guide that ensured we had the full experience. Nothing was too much trouble.

4.5

Lisa

Traveled, April 2024

04/18/2024

We had an amazing time on our Intrepid Tour with an amazing guide, Jay. We could t have done this tour without him, he took us to the best restaurants with amazing food. There were so many great things about Vietnam, I would highly recommend anyone thinking about going to Vietnam, to just do it. Book with Intrepid.

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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