Vietnam Express Northbound

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
Vietnam Express Northbound
10 Days
From AUD $1935
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Vietnam Express Northbound

Vietnam Express Northbound

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
4.7
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hotspots with this ten-day small-group adventure. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, you’ll see naturally beautiful landscapes and history-soaked monuments, tucking into all the deliciously local cuisine in between.

Highlights

  • Zoom about the city of Hue on the back of a motorbike and see all the ancient sites with a handy local guide – now this is travelling like a local.
  • Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of ancient Hoi An and maybe grab a new suit from one of the world-famous tailor shops here.
  • Spend an unforgettable night on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay – one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site – and maybe go kayaking between the karsts for a different perspective.
  • Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river's waterways.
  • Sample local food wherever you go, including a seafood dinner on Ha Long Bay, vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery, coconut candy in the Mekong Delta and a final dinner at KOTO restaurant (not to mention the street food).

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Plane,Private minibus,Taxi,Motorbike,Sampan,Tuk-tuk

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Finishes

Hanoi, Vietnam

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, you might want to arrive a day or two early to see the sights. This city has a French influence, so there’s plenty of delicious coffee spots and Bahn mi shops to keep you occupied. Maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. After the meeting tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers and the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine over an optional group dinner.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Today you'll travel south by private minibus and spend the day exploring the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat and traverse the intricate waterways – soak up the tranquil surroundings as you float through this fertile landscape, often referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit the coconut gardens, stopping at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams before paddling in sampans (small rowing boats). Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages, learning about rural life and how the locals make their living. Then, have lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the delta, sampling regional specialties like elephant ear fish. After the cruise, return via bus to Ho Chi Minh City.

Included Activities:

  • Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
  • Mekong Delta - Lunch

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Hoi An
This morning, say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly north to Danang. From here you’ll take a bus to Hoi An, with the five spectacular peaks of the Marble Mountains as a backdrop. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of the town, influenced over the years by Europe, China and Vietnam. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and the outside influences can be seen all over its architecture, with pagodas and assembly halls found across the town. Wander the ancient streets that look much like they did over a century ago and take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Then, your night is free to hit one of the waterside restaurants.

Included Activities:

  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Hoi An
Enjoy a free day in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours. For those still feeling adventurous, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. You also have the option to head out on a daytrip to My Son Cham – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation.

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)
5
Day 5: Hue
Leave Hoi An today and journey across the dramatic Hai Van Pass – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a quick photo stop on the way, then continue to Hue – the former imperial capital of Vietnam. When you arrive, join your leader for a tour of the Imperial Citadel – this fortress houses the Imperial City and the citadel-within-a-citadel, the Forbidden Purple City. This icon was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam/American War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction that was caused. In your free time you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food.

Included Activities:

  • Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Hue - Overnight Train
Today’s adventure will be on the back of a motorbike! You’ll have your own driver who will take you around the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. This site dates back to 1601 and is still an active Buddhist monastery. Here, you’ll also see the car left by a monk who set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Ride to a special lunch spot at a Buddhist monastery and sit down to a vegetarian feast, then drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which is set on a lake surrounded by frangipani bushes and pine trees. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hanoi.

Included Activities:

  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike
  • Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda

Accommodation:

  • Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and beautiful Old Quarter. Soak up some free time to relax, then take a walking tour through the city. In your free time, maybe wander through the '36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter, chill out by the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.

Included Activities:

  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Halong Bay
Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places, a secluded bay of emerald waters flecked with limestone islands and caves. When you arrive, you’ll hop on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and the surrounding rock formations. In the warmer months, perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. On board, there’ll be a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Spend the night on the boat, maybe having a drink with your fellow travellers at the bar, beneath a sky alive with starlight.

Included Activities:

  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
  • Halong Bay - Cave entry

Optional Activities:

  • Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour (250000 VND)

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Hanoi
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay – if you’re keen, you could watch the sunrise from the deck this morning, watching the bay come alive with eagles, fishermen and sunlight. Then, visit The Green Life Centre – this organisation is committed to turning Ha Long Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skilfully turning them into handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Hanoi's sights or relax at a cafe. Maybe stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter. Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant – an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth with careers in the hospitality industry.

Included Activities:

  • Hanoi - KOTO dinner
  • Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Hanoi
Today, your exploration of Vietnam comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today and you can leave at any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Hanoi, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.

Optional Activities:

  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (29 USD)
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
  • 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 $1,935
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hotspots with this ten-day small-group adventure. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, you’ll see naturally beautiful landscapes and history-soaked monuments, tucking into all the deliciously local cuisine in between.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 May 2026

View Map

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
Cheryl
Traveled, April 2024

04/18/2024

First trip with Intepid Vietnam Express Northbound & it was fantastic. Our Guide Hue Pham was friendly & great fun to be around. The sights, the entire experience was amazing. Great memories.

5.0
Ryan
Traveled, April 2024

04/13/2024

This trip is amazing. You get to see the highlights of Vietnam in a short span of time. Food was amazing. Motorbike tour was so fun. Couldn't recommend it more!!!@

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

Book Now