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Map of Treasures of Vietnam including Vietnam

Get a snapshot of north and south Vietnam in just eight days.

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 Vietnamese streets of Hoi An and bask in the undeniable charm of Hanoi. Experience Vietnam's beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine and the renowned friendliness of the Vietnamese people. Top it all off with an overnight cruise on mystical Halong Bay and you won't ever want to leave.

Start
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Destination
Vietnam
Style
Comfort
Theme
Explorer
Code
TVKB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • See the very best that Vietnam has to offer in just over a week as you traverse the country with a small group of up to 11 new friends

  • This is a Comfort style trip, which means slightly higher standard hotels and a few more inclusions and meals than on most Original style itineraries. We also fly between destinations to make the most of our time together

  • 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

  • Sample local food wherever you go, from street snacks at markets to an included lunch that supports locals at KOTO restaurant

  • Have expert advice on hand the whole way with an experienced local leader to help you get the best out of your short time in Vietnam

  • Visit some of the must see sights with your group such as a walking tour in Hoi An and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as enjoy some free time to make your own discoveries

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is an ambitious itinerary aimed at covering the main highlights of Vietnam in a short time. Be sure to book additional days in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi if you want more time to explore these cities

  • While the pace is generally easy, there is some walking involved on this trip, with walking tours in the downtown areas of each city, as well as a walk in the caves at Halong Bay

  • 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 online for what the typical temperatures will be at the time of the year you are looking to travel to see what to expect - this page might be useful: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/weather-in-vietnam

  • We include a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels - an incredible insight into life during the war. Going inside the tunnels is optional as it can be a little claustrophobic for those who don’t like small spaces

  • If you are after a more in-depth exploration of Vietnam or a trip with a little more free time, but still in Comfort style, see our Classic Vietnam (TVKT) itinerary

  • You may also want to check out our Cambodia & Vietnam Discover (TKKCC) or our Explore Cambodia & Vietnam (TKKVC) if you have longer time to explore in the region.

Passengers on board boat in Halong bay pose for camera with mountains behind them
Travellers in front of the Quan Cong Temple in Hoi An, Vietnam on an Intrepid Travel tour.
A traveller is descending the steps into an entrance to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels used during the war in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Female traveller walking through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on an Intrepid Travel tour
Travellers walking down a twilit street with red lanterns adorning building down the street in Hoi An, Vietnam on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Group of travellers on a boat ride through Halong Bay, Vietnam on an Intrepid Travel tour.
Admire your beautiful surroundings in Halong Bay, Vietnam
Travellers on tour of Hoi An
Shrines in the Marble Mountains, Danang on the way to Hoi An, Vietnam.
Two travellers wander the streets of Hoi An with lanterns above them
Fruit vendor taking their stock of bananas on the back of their bike in Hanoi, Vietnam for an Intrepid Travel tour
Travellers clinking beer glasses at a restaurant after a big day of sight-seeing in Hoi An, Vietnam on an Intrepid Travel tour.

Itinerary
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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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

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. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Start your tour of Ho Chi Minh City with 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. Next, head over to the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. Finally, 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
  • Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Danang (1 hour 30 minutes). From here you’ll make your way to My Khe Beach, a beautiful spot which lies against a backdrop of the Marble Mountains. This location was significant for both the Americans and the Vietnamese during the war. Enjoy a visit to the Marble Mountains to explore its caves and pagodas. Access is via rock hewn staircases or for a fee of VND40,000 you can use the elevator. After your visit continue to Hoi An where you’ll stay for the night (approximately 30 minutes by private minibus).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Danang - Marble Mountain
  • Danang - My Khe Beach
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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 place. You may like to wander 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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional Activities
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD31
  • Hoi An - Hoi An Boat & Bike with Sunset BBQ Urban Adventure - USD54
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi (1 hour 30 minutes). 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 in to an indigo dyeing workshop and meet the owner to find out how she’s preserving and restoring the traditional culture of the Black Tay ethnic minority group in Sapa, while also employing deaf and mute people to run the workshop. Learn how indigo is grown, how the dye is extracted and how it’s used to create different shades. The tour will also include lunch at the KOTO cafe, an amazing project which provides vocational training for disadvantaged young people. You’ll have some free time this afternoon. Hanoi is a strangely quiet city compared to its southern counterpart. Escape from the noise by visiting the various parks and lakes, or hire a bike and cycle around town for the best view of the city.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Koto Restaurant lunch
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's stilt house
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
  • Hanoi - Black Tay Indigo Dying Workshop
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Water puppet show - VND100000
  • Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food By Night Urban Adventure - USD29
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Travel by private minibus to the famous Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours), one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural wonders. Once you arrive at the bay, you’ll take a long, slow cruise through the area, exploring the beautiful green waters and amazing Surprise Cave. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. You may also have the opportunity to go swimming from Ti Top Island beach. You’ll spend the night on the boat. The traditional junk-style boat has 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.
Accommodation
  • Overnight boat (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
  • Halong Bay - Lunch on Boat
  • Halong Bay - Dinner on Boat
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
It is recommended to pack a smaller overnight bag to take to Halong Bay for ease of boarding and disembarking. You can store your main luggage in Hanoi for tonight.

Kayaking and swimming is restricted to designated zones within the bay.

There are restrictions on the number of boats that are permitted to stay in the bay overnight, sometimes resulting in a shortage. To ensure all Intrepid travellers can enjoy the experience of a night on the water, occasionally you will stay on a larger boat (with approximately 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case an Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same. The boat is not likely to be a traditional sailing junk, as many older or imported vessels do not comply with waterway traffic safety laws.

Head back to Hanoi by private minibus (approximately 4 hours). This afternoon take in a unique water puppet performance. This evening is free for you to explore this delightful city. Why not relax at a cafe or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hanoi - Local water puppet performance
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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 some additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Optional Activities
  • Hanoi - Village Discovery by Bike Urban Adventure - USD36
  • Hanoi - Citadels, Karsts & Cycle Urban Adventure - USD79
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND30000
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Plane, Private minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Boat (1 night)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
  • Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
  • Danang - Marble Mountain
  • Danang - My Khe Beach
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hanoi - Koto Restaurant lunch
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's stilt house
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda
  • Hanoi - Black Tay Indigo Dying Workshop
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
  • Halong Bay - Lunch on Boat
  • Halong Bay - Dinner on Boat
  • Hanoi - Local water puppet performance

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Treasures of Vietnam trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for flight tickets. Ticketing 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 a new ticket.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. A single supplement is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please contact your sales agent if you would like to book this. Please note the single supplement excludes Day 6 (Overnight Boat) where you will be in shared accommodation.
4. This trip includes a domestic flight. Checked luggage allowance is a maximum 20kg, with up to 7kg carry on luggage. Any excess luggage charges will need to be paid directly to the airline at check-in.

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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