Geological riches, legendary street food, historic cities and endless tropical coast await in Vietnam.
While locals prefer to travel by motorbike, the best – and most scenic – way to see all Vietnam has to offer is by sea. Some of the country’s most visited destinations, like Halong Bay and Hoi An, as well as hidden gems, like the caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, are right on the coast. By opting for a cruise, you can spend your days exploring a former imperial city or the fascinating sand dunes of Mui Ne, then head back to the boat to sunbath or snorkel. No trip to Vietnam is complete without a taste of the legendary street food, so be sure to fuel your adventures with ample amounts of Vietnamese staples like pho and banh mi.
Our cruises in Vietnam
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
Highlights of Vietnam

Cruise Halong Bay’s emerald waters and pillars
Halong Bay’s iconic seascape – a wonderland of caves, coves and arches carved into jagged, tree-covered limestone pillars – is best explored by boat. Active types will want to get a closer look by kayak, which provides access to even more stunning scenery, such as caves and lagoons, accessible only through small tunnels.

Uncover the caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
Perhaps Vietnam’s best kept secret is the remarkable Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Spanning 885 square kilometres (550 square miles), this vast park was crowned a UNESCO World Heritage site for its 400 million-year-old limestone karst landscape, tropical forests, underground rivers and spectacular caves.

Soak up sun and history in Hoi An
A former Cham port town, Hoi An’s rich heritage is evident in its well-preserved architecture. Stroll past Chinese assembly halls, Japanese merchant houses and French colonial buildings scattered along narrow, atmospheric streets. Not nearly as chaotic as Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An is easy to walk around. Some of Vietnam’s best beaches and dive sites are also nearby.
Excursions and experiences
- Your leader will guide you through a Hanoi ritual – join the locals and participate in laughing yoga, tai chi and other lakeside activities at the edge of the Old Quarter in the early morning.
- Visit Vietnam’s incredible natural treasure, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, to explore the extensive Thien Duong Cave (Paradise Cave) and some of Asia’s oldest limestone.
- Get a close-up snapshot of day-to-day life as a monk in Hue’s historic Thien Mu Pagoda, tucking into a tasty vegetarian lunch.
- Gain eye-opening insight into the American-Vietnam War by visiting two important sights: the Khe Sanh Combat Base, where the bloodiest battle took place, and the Vinh Moc tunnels, which sheltered local communities during the war.
- Learn about an age-old tradition with a pottery demonstration in Bau Truc, the oldest pottery village in South East Asia.
Meet our fleet
Panorama II
Cruise in style aboard this state-of-the-art Motor Sailer. Cabins are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay including air conditioning, en suite bathroom, mini-fridge and safe box. Enjoy meals in the cosy restaurant area on the lower desk or al fresco on the upper deck. A swimming platform lets you swim right off the boat.
Read more about Vietnam
Oct 02, 2023
Three kinds of wow: Twitching in Vietnam
Delight sounds the same in every language. That's what Shantel Wetherall learned...
Sep 04, 2023
22 new ways we’re creating positive...
Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, is welcoming 22 new partners in 2023....
Sep 25, 2023
Follow the leader: Tu Vu will never...
On an overnight boat cruise in dreamy Halong Bay, Intrepid leader Tu Vu tells us...
Sep 21, 2023
 Vun Art: Changing lives in Vietnam...
In the village of Van Phuc, textile artists with disabilities are preserving...
Sep 30, 2023
Time and place: Hanoi Old Quarter...
As dusk starts to descend on Hanoi, the Old Quarter Market comes to life. This...
Sep 29, 2023
Creative Cities: Hanoi
Creativity and culture in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, are a reflection of the city's...
Sep 27, 2023
Travel globally and think locally...
With 11 years of tourism under his belt, Intrepid leader San Tao understands you...
Sep 26, 2023
Slow drip: Vietnamese coffee culture
Vietnamese coffee culture is unlike that of anywhere else in the world. The French...
Sep 23, 2023
Saying yes with Intrepid leader,...
A relative newcomer, Intrepid leader Huyen Nguyen believes that positivity and...
Jun 28, 2022
Meet the Vietnamese young people...
In Hanoi, an inspiring social enterprise is giving disadvantaged young people new...
Feb 14, 2023
6 perfect destinations in South East...
While most of South East Asia is suitable for solo female travellers, these are...
May 30, 2022
How to make friends on a group trip ...
In 2020, Sarah Baumann joined an Intrepid trip in Vietnam. It was an adventure...
Jul 04, 2022
Why to consider solo travel in...
After the trip, I realized I had nothing to fear about traveling in Vietnam either...
Sep 08, 2022
The top 7 destinations for travel in...
From the jungles of Central America to the beaches of South East Asia, here's...
May 30, 2018
5 stunning ways to step off the...
Does Vietnam tickle your travel taste buds? If so, you’ve got great taste. This...
Sep 29, 2022
Pat is taking a (very) long walk to...
Pat O’Neill loves a long walk. And thank goodness for that, because on Sunday 9...
Jan 02, 2023
9 ways to make meaningful cultural...
Sizzling street food. Spice market tours. Life-changing tapas and noodles galore....
Sep 03, 2022
Cambodia or Vietnam? The Asian...
Deep dive into both Cambodia and Vietnam to figure out your next holiday...
Apr 11, 2018
Everything you need to know about a...
Don’t let the thought of spending a night or two on an overnight train put you off...
Oct 26, 2020
The top 8 destinations to travel to ...
Find out where to travel while giving back to local communities.
Sep 24, 2022
Vietnam vs Thailand: Where to travel...
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. Chicken pad thai or a bowl of phở? If only it was that...
Sep 03, 2022
Why Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay should...
"We were mere dots in a tiny vessel surrounded by statuesque rock formations...
Mar 17, 2021
7 unforgettable experiences you can...
When it comes to our new range of Intrepid Premium trips, we’re excited to unveil...
Oct 01, 2018
Vegan? Vegetarian? Gluten-free? Here...
When it comes to food sensitivities, allergies and dietary requirements, Vietnam...
Jun 12, 2018
9 local markets every traveller...
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir or a taste of local culture (not to...
Jan 28, 2020
4 things we love about cycling in...
While the frenetic streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer a unique insight...
Jan 30, 2020
Inside Vietnam’s booming craft beer...
Vietnam may not immediately spring to mind when you think about the craft beer...
Jan 26, 2020
Cat Ba Island is the best thing about...
While Halong Bay may be one of Vietnam's shining stars, Cat Ba Island is a hidden...
May 29, 2017
The best beaches in southeast Asia: a...
Once you've sampled the food, culture and magnificent temples of southeast Asia,...
Aug 20, 2017
8 beaches in Vietnam you have to visit
The best beaches in Vietnam – all turquoise waters and white-sand wonders – are...
Apr 30, 2018
Brunching in Asia: 9 delicious...
How would you like to swap your usual brunch favourites for something a little...
Feb 08, 2018
Valentine’s special: Meet your ...
No sweetheart this year? No worries. Choose travel instead this Valentine’s Day!...
Aug 14, 2017
10 reasons why you should travel to...
Located on the south central coast of Vietnam, Nha Trang is a paradise of city and...
Oct 25, 2018
Where to find the best bia hoi in...
Although Vietnam conjures up many images, perhaps nothing is more quintessentially...
May 29, 2019
5 experiences in Asia worth getting...
It can be tempting to sleep in when you're on holiday. But there are definitely...