11 Days | North to south and all in between – let’s hit up Vietnam.





As you slink from old-world Hanoi through ancient Hue, past historic Hoi An and to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you'll quickly realise that the Vietnamese know a thing or two about delicious food. Pho, banh mi, rice paper rolls – oh my! You’ll be bowled over with the number of offerings on this 11-day Essential Vietnam tour, from north to south. Not only will you be eating, you’ll be cruising, riding, relaxing, exploring and enjoying all of the Vietnamese hospitality. It sure is a damn tasty slice of this South East Asian nation, so there’s only one thing to say: Viet-nom.
Trip overview

- Start
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Finish
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Theme
- 18 to 29s
- 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 18 - Max 29
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- TVYE
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
You book, we donate to help support local communities
- A little touch of France here, a little bit of China there – and all in Vietnam! Chill out in the cultural mixed bag of Hoi An. Hit up the local beach, cycle through rice paddies or get some sweet threads tailor-made.
- Sit down to a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee in a busy Ho Chi Minh City market and listen to stories from your trip leader about the city’s vibrant culture and history.
- Balance on a tiny street side stool in Hanoi's Old Quarter, soaking up the bustling vibes and watching motorbikes zoom past.
- Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty? Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands.
- Cycle to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and check out the temples, pagodas and monuments all backed by what some call ‘Halong Bay on land’.
- 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. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight.
- Vietnamese roads can be hectic and intimidating to cross. Never fear – your leader will show you how to do it like a local in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
- This trip is for travellers who appreciate a bit of independence. You'll get plenty of free time in each location to make your own choices and do your own activities and eat where you like. Your leader is always there to give you tips and suggestions.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2025
Inclusions
2 lunches, 1 dinner
Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus
Hotel (7 nights), Lodge (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
- Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
- Hue - Home cooked dinner
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef
- Ho Chi Minh City – Local Market Visit
- Ho Chi Minh City - Local Coffee Experience
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND30000
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD35
- Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) - USD12
- Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) - USD21
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
- Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
- Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD37
- Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
- Hoi An - My Son Cham tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included) - USD45
- Danang - Marble Mountain - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD63
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD32
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Days 3,7,9 (Sleeper Train) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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 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.
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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