Vietnam Discovery

15 Days | Hanoi backstreets, Da Bac hiking, Hoi An countryside and Cat Ba kayaking

4.9 out of 5 based on 51 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €941
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Trace Vietnam’s eastern coastline on this 15-day adventure, tackling the country from south to north and discovering the many wonders that lie 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, colonial 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 Da Bac and explore the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay.

Trip overview

Map of Vietnam Discovery including Vietnam
Start
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, 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
TVRN
This trip generates 61 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
  • After spending time admiring Hoi An’s 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 Halong, 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 Colonial and Buddhist architecture.
  • This trip is big on connecting with the real Vietnam, and with two included homestays – one in Da Bac and one on the Mekong Delta – you can immerse yourself in everyday life.

Is this trip right for you?
  • 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.
  • There is an included hike of up to six kilometres (almost four miles) in the countryside in Da Bac. While this hike is within the capabilities of most travellers, please let your booking agent know if you have any concerns. Good walking shoes are recommended.
  • 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!

Itinerary

Map of Vietnam Discovery including Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

2 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Taxi, Train

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Activities
  • Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise, Lunch and Homestay
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Da Bac - Homestay and activities
  • Da Bac - Sung Cave hike
  • Da Bac - Sung village to Da Bia hike
  • Da Bac - Hoa Binh Reservoir Cruise
  • Da Bia - Muong Tribe Lunch
  • Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
  • Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
  • Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
Add on activities
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD45
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Ho Chi Minh Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD63
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD44
  • Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD77
  • Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour - USD69
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Free
  • Hue - Emperor Tu Duc's Tomb - VND105000
  • 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 - USD40
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000

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 3, 8 (overnight trains), day 2 (guesthouse), and Days 10 (homestay) 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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 51 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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Lisa · Traveled February 2024
Such an epic trip with plenty of chances to meet the locals and feel part of this beautiful country.
Review submitted 22 Feb 2024

Anna · Traveled December 2023
I cannot recommend the 15 day HCMC to Hanoi trip enough. There were many fun and adventurous activities and our tour guide was fabulous, open, approachable and enthusiastic about sharing his culture. Well done Thao, you’re a Gem
Review submitted 11 Jan 2024

Jessica · Traveled December 2023
Vietnam was a fantastic trip thanks to Thao our intrepid leader. Very knowledgeable and experienced. Interactive with the group, many of laughs had. Thank you to Thai for making this a memorable trip and for the friendships created that will last a lifetime.
Review submitted 11 Jan 2024

Catriona · Traveled December 2023
Our trip to Vietnam was excellent. By taking this tour and having a local guide present, we were able to totally relax while immersing ourselves in the Vietnamese culture. I look forward to booking another tour with Intrepid in the future.
Review submitted 11 Jan 2024

Damian · Traveled December 2023
The balance of type of activities is spot on. The competence of local guides is amazing. And visiting the home stays felt like contributing to the genuine development of villages rather than being toured through a human zoo. Exceptional experience.
Review submitted 04 Jan 2024
Vietnam Discovery
From
EUR €941