Vietnam Discovery





Hanoi backstreets, Pu Luong villages, Hoi An’s Old Town and Cat Ba kayaking
Trace Vietnam’s eastern coastline on this 15-day adventure, seeing the country from south to north and discovering the many natural and heritage wonders along the way. From the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City all the way up to old-world Hanoi, you'll experience tumultuous history, architectural charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery on your adventure. Take a boat cruise along the Mekong Delta, tour the backstreets of Hoi An with a local, enjoy a rural homestay in Pu Luong and explore the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay.
4.9
109 reviewsStart: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End: Hanoi, Vietnam
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- After spending time admiring Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town, hop on a bike and pedal beside rice fields and through small villages on a guided bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside.
- Spend two days on Cat Ba Island relaxing on tiny beaches, hiking through verdant jungle and kayaking around karst-studded Lan Ha Bay. It’s just like Ha Long, but with fewer tourists!
- Cruise around the backwater canals of the Mekong Delta – the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam – and discover rural life and local interactions along the shores with your small group.
- Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the unique mixture of French and Buddhist architecture.
- Bliss out on an immersive homestay in the National Park of Pu Luong – wake up to the serenity of quiet, terraced rice paddy fields, trek the local land to take in the scenery and meet some local tribes to learn about their culture.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As you won’t be spending much time in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see more of this fascinating city. If you do arrive early, head to see the ancient pagodas and cathedrals near the former Presidential Palace, historic Dong Khoi Street and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). After your meeting, why not head out with your new fellow travellers for an optional dinner and tuck into some delicious local cuisnine.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
This morning, head away from the city and make your way to the province of Ben Tre, where you’ll get on a boat to tour the canals of the Mekong Delta. This fertile area is famous for its abundance of fruit, flower and rice crops, and is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. During your boat ride you’ll visit some cottage industries along the river before heading to your guesthouse. Tonight's homestay, close to the delta and hosted by a Vietnamese family, will be one of the highlights of your trip, giving you a taste of community life as well as the chance to enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise, Lunch and Homestay
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Facilities at the guesthouse are basic and can vary as we stay with several different families. We sleep on camp beds in a communal room for all members of the group. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Your guesthouse will be located near the Mekong, but may not be on the banks of the river itself.
Rise early to the sounds of the river coming alive, and enjoy a simple breakfast before boarding the boat back down the delta and catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon, perhaps with a visit to the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace. If you haven’t already, head to Ben Thanh Market for some delicious street food, colourful shopping and even more colourful characters. This evening, board an overnight train bound for Danang. Trains are a common form of transport in Vietnam, so sit back and relax into this local experience.
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your overnight train journey will be approximately 19 hours.
There are shared day use hotel rooms available this afternoon if you would like to freshen up before the overnight train. There is one room provided to share between up to six members of the group. Single supplements do not apply to day use rooms.
Sleeper trains typically have four- or six-berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Depending on the configuration of the group, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.
Arrive in Danang by train and travel by minibus to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to undergo restoration work today. It was a major trading port with the West from the 17th century. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town and visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your tour so you can visit a selection of the major sights. Hoi An is also a shopping haven, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. It’s also famous for its tailors who can make beautiful items to order, and with almost three full days here you have the chance to have some unique pieces whipped up.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Wake up for a free morning to do as you please. It’s a great opportunity to take a trip out to the My Son temples – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation. In the afternoon, swap walking for cycling with a bike ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore the peaceful area than on two wheels. You’ll see places few tourists get the chance to see among the green rice paddies and small creeks, which will give you a true insight into rural life in Vietnam.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD73
As bicycle helmets aren't a legal requirement in Vietnam, it's possible that helmets won't be available for today's included activity. If you would like to be guaranteed a helmet, we recommend you bring one with you. We are working with our local operators to ensure helmets are available in the future.
You’ve got another day to explore this historic haven. Perhaps book in your final tailoring fitting this morning to make sure the threads you’re getting made fit like a glove, or hire a bike for a lazy ride out to the South China Sea to relax on An Bang or Cua Dai beach. Hoi An is also known for its great food, so you could book yourself in for a cooking class to take some culinary secrets away with you. Most tours include a trip to the local food markets, and some take you on a short boat journey along the Thu Bon River. Let your local leader know what you're into and they will be able to recommend some activities to suit.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
Bid farewell to Hoi An this morning and make your way to Hue. The drive in a private vehicle will take around 5 hours. You’ll be travelling on the incredible Hai Van Pass, through lush mountains and past scenic lookouts, and there’ll be some good places for a photo stop. Once in Hue, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Perhaps visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time. It’s important to know that Hue is renowned for its cuisine, with some delicious dishes originating from this region, including bun bo hue (Hue’s delicious take on pho), and banh khoai (a filled turmeric crepe). Time to give your tastebuds a workout.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Enjoy a free day in Hue. Perhaps visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War. The gaping holes left by bombs give you an idea of how much destruction occurred in this country. If you'd rather take to the water, hop on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and then visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. Here you’ll see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601 and a car belonging to the monk who tragically set himself alight in public to protest against the treatment of Buddhists. You may also like to visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. This evening, take another overnight train bound for Hanoi.
- Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour - USD69
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Free
- Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb - VND150000
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
Your travel time on the overnight train tonight will be approximately 12 hours.
Arrive in Hanoi at about 5 am and transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve dropped off your bags and freshened up, embark on a walking tour of Vietnam’s charming capital. Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter – locally known as this because of each street originally selling a specific type of product. Continue to the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, making sure you check out the unique architecture along the way. Hanoi has a French provincial feel left over from colonial times, but it also has a Buddhist influence and striking modern buildings. The rest of the day is yours to explore Hanoi as you please. In the evening, why not get your group together and head out to a bustling night market for some local fare. Sitting on plastic stools and eating on the roadside is a rite of passage in Vietnam.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
- Hanoi - Army Museum - VND20000
- Hanoi - Women's Museum - VND30000
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
Day use rooms are provided to freshen up when you arrive in Hanoi.
Today, visit The Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation empowering people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing job training and employment opportunities. See how they produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Vun Art also aims to reduce climate impact by reusing these scraps and in the process, keeping traditional art alive. After, travel to Pu Luong – one of the most beautiful sites in rural Vietnam with expansive rice paddy fields surrounded by the national park. When you arrive at your homestay accommodation, you’ll have rooms boasting views of the rice fields. Have a quick lunch then head out for a trek in the middle of this natural paradise. You’ll see the water wheel in the village, locals working in the fields, and visit a few local tribes, learning about their culture and customs firsthand. After, maybe take a refreshing swim in the onsite swimming pool, watch the sunset over the terraced fields or wander the grounds on your own.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
- Pu Luong - Homestay and Village Walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Comfortable supportive footwear (running shoes) will be suitable for today’s walk, however you are welcome to bring hiking boots if you prefer. It can be quite slippery if there has been recent rain.
Tonight's homestay is shared accommodation, where the group will be together in one room. There are separate beds with clean linen, blankets and mosquito nets provided.
Say goodbye to the peaceful bliss in Pu Luong and head back to Hanoi. On the way, stop at Cam Luong Angelfish Stream and learn about how these fish became holy through a local legend. Then, continue your journey to Hanoi. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time – maybe explore the Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or sit in a café for some people watching. You could also visit Ho Chi Minh Complex or ask your leader for some good restaurant recommendations.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
This morning you'll travel by bus and ferry to beautiful Cat Ba Island before midday. There's no time to waste, so begin exploring the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay around Cat Ba. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace, so perhaps get active on a hike, or just enjoy a dip at one of the beaches. Have a relaxing evening on Cat Ba Island.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Enjoy a full day of relaxing with a boat trip on the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Cruise past limestone islets and tuck in to a delicious onboard lunch before taking to the water in kayaks for an unforgettable adventure.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
Rise and shine! Perhaps start your morning with a refreshing swim or a Vietnamese coffee (or both). Make sure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, because this afternoon it's back to Hanoi by ferry and bus. Tonight, you may want to head out for an optional dinner with your fellow travellers, sharing some memories and laughs over a local meal and beer.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, we recommend that you spend an extra day or two here, and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
2 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Taxi, Train
Guesthouse (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise, Lunch and Homestay
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
- Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
- Pu Luong - Homestay and Village Walk
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD73
- Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour - USD69
- Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Free
- Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb - VND150000
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
- Hanoi - Army Museum - VND20000
- Hanoi - Women's Museum - VND30000
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
This trip generates 45 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- We cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are shared and basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile.
- You'll be spending two nights with local families on this trip. While during these homestays the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!).
- Your visit to Hoi An includes a bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside. The ride isn’t strenuous, but you will need a basic level of fitness to take part.
- Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom, flexibility and unexpected delights, but it does require a level of independence. Be sure to budget a little extra for your chosen activities, with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course!
HOTELS:
Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia.
WINDOWLESS ROOMS:
Some hotels in South East Asia have windowless rooms, or windows that don't necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also do not require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however they aren't always available.
DAY ROOMS & EARLY CHECK IN:
Please note in some destinations we will provide use of day rooms. These rooms are provided for shared group use before or after overnight train journeys. We have some days where we arrive at our destination before check in time and a day room is not included. If you have booked a Single Supplement for your trip, it will not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room for your sole use (depending on availability) until our regular trip rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Welcome Meeting if this is a service you would like to request.
Ruby Saigon Hotel (formerly TD Hotel)
269 Le Thanh Ton
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM
Phone: 84 2838242618
Description
Featuring free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs in rooms, TD Hotel Saigon is a 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market and City Theatre.
Air-conditioned rooms feature classic wood furnishings and flat-screen satellite TVs. For convenience, guests have the use of an electric kettle and safe. Private bathrooms have a hairdryer and hot/cold shower. Staff at the 24-hour reception can provide car hire and laundry services and the restaurant serves a range of local Vietnamese specialties. It is open 24 hours a day.
Instructions
Please make sure that you provide your flight details no later than 14 days before departure to book your arrival transfer with us.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside Ho Chi Minh Airport by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Dates and prices
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 3, 8 (overnight trains), day 2 (guesthouse), and day 10 (homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further 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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