Explore Vietnam

11 Days | A crash course in banh mi, karst-studded bays and bustling markets

4.9 out of 5 based on 46 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $739
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Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south takes you from French-influenced Hanoi to heaving Ho Chi Minh City on a journey that balances local guidance with freedom to explore independently. Discover the countryside around Hue by bicycle, kayak between limestone karsts off the coast of Cat Ba Island and chill out in Ninh Binh. Let an expert local leader show you around this vivacious nation so you can see the real Vietnam.

Trip overview

Map of Explore Vietnam including Vietnam
Start
Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Vietnam
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TVRR
This trip generates 66 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Lan Ha Bay is a beautiful enclave of green waters and strange rock formations. Explore them by boat and kayak, then spend the night on nearby Cat Ba Island.
  • Take a walking tour through the Old Town of Hoi An, where the city looks exactly like it did over a century ago.
  • Travel to the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. Plus, get a chance to explore 10th century Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le.
  • Enjoy a cycling tour where you’ll discover Ninh Binh in a fresh way that gets your blood pumping and takes you off the beaten track – explore Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le along the way.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Some travellers find the pace of this trip quite fast as we are covering a lot of destinations in a short amount of time. If you would like a more relaxed pace with more time to explore, you might like to consider a longer trip (see trip code TVRN on our website) or adding additional days in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before or after your trip.
  • Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Depending on where you come from, the weather in Vietnam might be hotter and more humid than what you are used to. We recommend checking our guide so you know what temperatures to expect: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/weather-in-vietnam

Itinerary

Map of Explore Vietnam including Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

1 lunch

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Activities
  • Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
  • Hanoi - Flower and flea market visit
  • Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
  • Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
  • Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
  • Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
Add on activities
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD40
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
  • Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) - USD21
  • Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) - USD12
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - VND150000
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour - USD69
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000
  • Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
  • Danang - Marble Mountain - VND40000
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD44
  • Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD77
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD73
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD36

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5 & 9 (overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 46 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Carlos · Traveled February 2024
We had a fantastic guided trip to Vietnam. The itinerary was well-planned, showcasing the country's diverse beauty. The guide was helpful and knowledgeable, the accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the best of Vietnam
Review submitted 03 Mar 2024

Trent · Traveled February 2024
Entrepid have great tours and even better tour guides 5 ⭐️ from me Trent / Trinity chase
Review submitted 03 Mar 2024

Alistair · Traveled February 2024
Very good value for money but quite challenging if you are not prepared to really commit to it . You are also on the go for almost the whole time and it is rewarding but don’t think it will be in any way relaxing !!!
Review submitted 21 Feb 2024

Elizabeth · Traveled February 2024
There's a reason it's called the Explorer tour as that's exactly what it is- a true insight into the country and as expected with ground covered, it is fast paced and so worth it. Another epic trip organised by Intrepid!
Review submitted 20 Feb 2024

Eleni · Traveled January 2024
Brilliant trip to showcase the highlights of Vietnam north to south. Highly recommend this trip to anyone who is very keen on seeing the sights, and getting out into the hustle and bustle of the city but also seeing how the locals live. Small group size and always fantastic tour leaders!
Review submitted 27 Jan 2024
Explore Vietnam
From
USD $739