Vietnam Express Northbound

10 Days | Discover the sights and bites of Vietnam’s backstreets from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

4.9 out of 5 based on 300 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $1,658
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Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hot-spots on a small-group adventure that avoids the tourists. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, experience the beautiful landscapes, history-soaked monuments and all the delicious cuisine in between as you traverse the country from South to North like a local. Paddle through the waterways of the Mekong Delta in a sampan, explore remote villages via tuk-tuk, cruise through the waters of Ha Long Bay on a traditional boat, wander the car-free streets of Hoi An on foot and discover the imperial icons of Hue from the back of a motorbike – and with the guidance of your expert local leader, you’ll discover secrets to this Southeast Asian gem that you simply won’t find in a guidebook. 

Trip overview

Map of Vietnam Express Northbound 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
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TVSQ
This trip generates 79 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
  • See the very best that Vietnam has to offer in just 10 days as you traverse the country from bottom to top with a small group of up to 15 new friends.
  • Visit some of the must-see sights with your group such as a walking tour in Hoi An and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, as well as plenty of free time to make your own discoveries.
  • Spend an unforgettable night on a boat in Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage listed site!
  • Visit a centre dedicated to turning Ha Long Bay's discarded trash into beautiful, handcrafted items.
  • Sample local food wherever you go, including a seafood dinner on Ha Long Bay, lunch at a Buddhist nunnery, coconut candy in the Mekong Delta, and a final dinner at KOTO restaurant – oh, and the street food!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Vun Art. Donations help them empower people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing vocational training and employment opportunities.

Is this trip right for you?
  • You'll 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. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight.
  • The sightseeing tour by motorbike in Hue is great fun with bikes driven safely by professionals (and helmets provided), but alternative transport can be arranged for those who would prefer not to travel by motorbike.
  • Depending on where you come from, the weather in Vietnam might be hotter and more humid than what you are used to.
  • This itinerary also runs in reverse direction, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, see trip code TVSF on the website.
  • You may also want to check out the Best of Cambodia & Vietnam (TKSKC) if you have a longer time to explore the region.

Itinerary

Map of Vietnam Express Northbound including Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private minibus, Private vehicle, Taxi, Motorbike

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Activities
  • Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
  • Mekong Delta - Lunch
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike
  • Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
  • Hanoi - KOTO dinner
  • Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit
Add on activities
  • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD44
  • Hoi An - Private Hoi An: Boat & Bike with Local Dinner Experience Urban Adventure - USD85
  • Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD40
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 6 (Sleeper Train) and Day 8 (Overnight Boat) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Rooms booked only for day use are also excluded.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight 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.
3. This trip includes a domestic flight. Checked luggage allowance is a maximum of 20 kilograms, plus up to 7 kilograms 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.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 300 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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Rebecca · Traveled February 2024
This trip was an excellent general introduction to Vietnam and made the country accessible and easy
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Jon · Traveled February 2024
We had a great trip from HCM to Hanoi. Great places to see, meeting locals, a great group and our leader, Linh, was just the best 😊
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Katie · Traveled February 2024
This is a great way to see Vietnam and such a pleasant way to travel. All the trouble taken to recommend local good meals were great. I enjoyed all the activities and felt that the itinerary had been well thought through. My fifth intrepid trip and the best so far.
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Teresa · Traveled February 2024
Covered so much of Vietnam in just 10 days! Our team leader had great organization and awesome food recommendations that made our trip memorable. Would recommend!
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024

Celia · Traveled February 2024
Vietnam Express Northbound (10days) was a brilliant way to see the country. Such a range of locations and activities. Everyday was packed. Great food and lovely company. Thanks especially to our wonderful guide Linh Do
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024
Vietnam Express Northbound
From
NZD $1,658