Scenic Vietnam





Discover the quiet hills of the Da Bac region and the bustling cityscapes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
Journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on an incredible two-week adventure in Vietnam. Discover the stately capital Hanoi, the lush hills of the Da Bac region, the limestone scenery of Cat Ba Island, the secrets of historic Hue, the UNESCO Heritage site of Hoi An, the white beaches of Quy Nhon, the waterways of the Mekong Delta and the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Explore not only the main highlights of the cities, but also the remote countryside, well away from the tourist crowds. A homestay in Sung Village, in the forest among caves and tea plantations, is a chance to trek through minority villages and experience Vietnam at its seldom-seen best.
4.9
265 reviewsStart: Hanoi, Vietnam
End: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Duration
- 15 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Experience local life during homestays in the Mekong Delta and Da Bac. Get to know the host families, participate in their activities and sit down for a homestyle meal – this is a unique opportunity to get to know the locals and swap stories.
- Cruise a sea of limestone karsts, blue-green waters, mysterious caves and ancient jungle on an unforgettable boat trip in Lan Ha Bay – a less-touristy but equally stunning area to Ha Long Bay.
- Get a different view of Vietnam from the back of a motorbike. Take a two-wheeled tour around Hue and enjoy a special lunch at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a delicious vegetarian feast.
- Visit a local master of martial arts with a family visit in Quy Nhon. Learn how they’ve been practicing martial arts for three generations, the benefits on well-being and health and then learn some moves yourself!
- Wander the streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Hoi An and step back in time among the restored architecture. Then, enjoy plenty of free time to explore at your own pace.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, why not step out onto the streets to explore the leafy capital of Vietnam – Hanoi is best discovered on foot. After the meeting, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over a glass of fresh bia hoi (a foamy, light beer made fresh every day and served in basic, open-walled ‘brew halls’).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) - USD355
- Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) - USD432
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details 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.
Thinking of arriving a few days early to explore Northern Vietnam? Then check out our Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) for an off-the-beaten path discovery of Pu Long and Ninh Binh. Or you can try our Hiking In Sapa (TVAG) for dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourful hilltribes.
Leave Hanoi after breakfast this morning and drive to Sung Village for tonight’s homestay. Around 70 families live here, and the majority are Dzao ‘Tien’ people, with farming and forest plantations are their main source of income. Have lunch with your hosts, then take an introductory walk around the village. After getting to know the village better, take a short trek to Sung Cave and visit a 100-year-old tea plantation. The trek has some steep and slippery sections, so ensure you have suitable footwear. You’ll then attend a handicraft workshop before returning to your homestay accommodation for a home-cooked dinner.
- Homestay (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Da Bac - Homestay Dinner
- Da Bac - Homestay Lunch
- Da Bac - Sung Cave & Village Tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Tonight's homestay is shared accommodation, usually with the whole group in a single room. There are separate beds with clean linen, blankets and mosquito nets provided.
Depending on weather, availability and number of visitors to this region, you may stay overnight at an alternative village. Trek length and activities may vary, depending on which village you’re staying in. Should this region be completely inaccessible due to weather conditions, you’ll visit Mai Chau instead.
This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to take in more of the Vietnamese highlands on a 10 km hike from Sung Village to Da Bia. Keep your eyes peeled for the monumental stone at the peak of Da Bia Mountain as you hike through the local villages, meeting people from the ethnic Muong tribe along the way. Stop for lunch at Da Bia before heading out on a scenic boat cruise on Hoa Binh hydropower reservoir. Arrive at Thung Nai, then board a bus transfer to Hanoi. Tonight, you’ll be treated to a water puppet show.
- Hanoi (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Da Bac - Sung village to Da Bia hike
- Da Bac - Da Bia Lunch
- Da Bac - Hoa Binh Reservoir Cruise
- Hanoi - Water puppet show
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Your hiking distance will be approximately 10 km. Your boat cruise will be approximately 1.5 hours.
The hike is about 11km, with a gradual ascent at the beginning. The trail can get slippery especially after rain so please ensure you have sturdy footwear with good grip. Bamboo trekking poles can be provided by the homestay hosts.
If you wish to skip the trek, a local taxi can be arranged for approximately USD 70.
This morning, visit the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation – a community project dedicated to helping underprivileged children and victims of trafficking. Then, hop on the bus heading to Cat Ba Island, stopping for a quick break before today’s ferry. Board the boat and spend the rest of the day cruising the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. Enjoy lunch on board, then get up close and personal with giant karsts in a kayak. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and maybe take a dip at one of the beaches (with a cold beer of course!).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Hanoi - Blue Dragon visit
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
Head back to Hanoi this morning. When you arrive, take a city tour to see the city’s diverse past reflected in a mix of Southeast Asian, Chinese and French-influenced architecture. Stop by the aptly named One Pillar Pagoda – the country’s most famous stilt house (former residence of Ho Chi Minh) and the Temple of Literature. Shared hotel rooms will be available if you want to freshen up or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight. Otherwise, use this time to do some shopping on Hang Gai Street or seek out some delicious street food. Meet back at the hotel lobby at 9 pm where you’ll transfer with the group to the train station.
- Overnight train (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 13 hours. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a rewarding experience in Vietnam.
Sleeper trains typically have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Depending on the group’s configuration, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but you can stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.
Arrive in Hue this morning – the hub of Vietnam’s historic past. This former imperial capital is an eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. The rest of the morning is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Maybe pick up a classic Hue breakfast of bun bo (a popular Vietnamese soup with vermicelli noodles and beef). After lunch, visit the Imperial Citadel – a sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, gates and walls. See the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace and the Ancestral Altars from the 19th century. In your free time, you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and street food. This is a good place to try the specialties enjoyed by Emperor Nguyen, such as the banh khoai royal rice cake.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
Today’s adventure will be taken on the back of a motorbike. You’ll have your own driver who will take you first on a drive around the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here, you'll gain some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war. Next, ride to a special lunch spot at a convent or Buddhist monastery for a vegetarian feast. After lunch, drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, set on a lake with frangipani bushes and pine trees. This evening, maybe ask your leader for the best place to try Imperial Street specialties.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda
This motorbike activity has been assessed for safety and is closely monitored. To participate, please ensure your travel insurance covers riding a pillion and a motorbike. The motorbikes used are all less than 125cc. If you prefer to refrain from participating in the motorbike ride, please let your leader know, and they will arrange car transportation between destinations (included).
Travelling by bus, head south through coastal rice paddies before stopping at Lang Co Beach. Traverse the dramatic Hai Van Pass along the way – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views back to Lang Co Beach and beyond. The spectacular Marble Mountains will be your backdrop as you arrive in Hoi An. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia's major international ports from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago, and it retains the feel of times past. When you arrive, take a walking tour around the major sites of the Old Town, including a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
If you feel like getting active on your free day today, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside – this is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. Maybe take a daytrip to My Son Cham (a UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation), or cruise along the Thu Bon River. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, who can make items to order within a few hours. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD73
- Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
- Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience - USD69
Today, enjoy a scenic drive through central Vietnam to the seaside city of Quy Nhon. On the way, visit Bich Hoa Tam Thanh village, famous for its murals and paintings on the wall that show a different side of Vietnam country life. Arrive at Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and head out on an orientation walk with your leader. Then, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own or rest and recharge. This is your perfect chance to relax and put your feet up by the sea.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Bich Hoa Tam Thanh - village visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning, you’ll visit a local family that has practised martial arts for three generations. Meet the master of the family and learn about the secrets of his martial arts practice, learn about the health benefits, watch a demonstration and then try your moves at the master’s guidance. After, continue to the ancient citadel of Do Ban – the last capital of the Champa Kingdom where the Cham Kings lived between the 11th and the 15th centuries. Head back to Quy Nhon, maybe take the chance to freshen up at a hotel room or organise your luggage for the overnight train tonight.
- Overnight train (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Quy Nhon - Martial art master visit and demonstration
- Quy Nhon - Do Ban ancient citadel
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 12 hours.
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and make use of the shared hotel rooms to refresh up before your day tour. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a fascinating blend of old and new, east and west. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere, and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Take a guided tour with your leader to get a feel for the city, going past the GPO, Reunification Palace and the Opera House. Stop in at the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral. You have a free evening, so maybe drop by Ben Thanh Market. This is the perfect place to pick up any last-minute snacks, cooking utensils or gifts.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
- Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
Today, you'll travel south to explore the Mekong Delta. When you arrive, board a boat and explore the intricate waterways. Often referred to as ‘the rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the fertile delta is where rice, tropical fruit and flowers are grown for the whole country. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit a local cottage industry to sample the candy that the region is famous for. You’ll have the opportunity to take a tuk-tuk around this remote village and stop to sample tropical fruit, see a honey farm and learn more about rural life. For lunch, go to a restaurant in the heart of the delta and try regional specialities such as the famous elephant-ear fish. After lunch, board sampans (small rowing boats) and paddle along the canals under the shade of lush water coconut trees. Stay overnight at a guesthouse on the river and swap stories with your hosts.
- Guest House (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay
- Mekong Delta - Guesthouse Dinner
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise Lunch
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Facilities at the guesthouse are basic and can vary as you’ll stay with several different families. You’ll sleep on camp beds in a communal room. Bedding and mosquito nets are provided. Your guesthouse will be located near the Mekong but may be off the banks of the river itself.
This morning, say goodbye to the Mekong Delta and take the bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a free afternoon to see any sights (or sample any delights) that you didn’t get a chance to previously. Maybe spend the final night of your Vietnam adventure with a bowl of pho, celebrating with your new friends and toasting to a trip well-travelled.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Your Vietnam adventure ends after breakfast today. There are no activities included, so you are free to depart at any time. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent. For those who are staying on longer and want to explore Ho Chi Minh City, maybe check out our Urban Adventure daytrips.
- Breakfast
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD29
Inclusions and activities
12 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Taxi, Motorbike
Guesthouse (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 night)
- Da Bac - Homestay Dinner
- Da Bac - Homestay Lunch
- Da Bac - Sung Cave & Village Tour
- Da Bac - Sung village to Da Bia hike
- Da Bac - Da Bia Lunch
- Da Bac - Hoa Binh Reservoir Cruise
- Hanoi - Water puppet show
- Hanoi - Blue Dragon visit
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex
- Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour
- Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike
- Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
- Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Bich Hoa Tam Thanh - village visit
- Quy Nhon - Martial art master visit and demonstration
- Quy Nhon - Do Ban ancient citadel
- Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
- Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay
- Mekong Delta - Guesthouse Dinner
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise Lunch
- Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) - USD355
- Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) - USD432
- Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery - USD73
- Hoi An - Cooking class - USD33
- Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
- Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience - USD69
- Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
- Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
- Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD29
This trip generates 74 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- You'll be spending two nights with local families on this trip. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Read more about the experiences here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/community-based-tourism-vietnam/
- This trip involves a 10 km trek in the hills of Da Bac and included city walking tours. While being on your feet can be a bit tiring, this is the best way to really get under the skin of a place.
- 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.
- Vietnam has an incredibly diverse climate influenced by both tropical monsoons and its range of altitudes and latitudes. Temperatures can vary from a brisk 4°C (39°F) in the northern mountains during winter to a sweltering and humid 36°C (97°F) in Ho Chi Minh City during the middle of the dry season. Please check the weather for the time of year you're travelling in order to pack appropriate clothing.
- This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Vietnam & Cambodia Adventure.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
DAY ROOMS & EARLY CHECK IN:
Please note in some destinations we will provide use of day rooms. These rooms are provided for shared group use before or after overnight train journeys. We have some days where we arrive at our destination before check in time and a day room is not included. If you have booked a Single Supplement for your trip, it will not apply to these day rooms. Your leader may be able to assist you in booking a room for your sole use (depending on availability) until our regular trip rooms become available for an additional charge. Please talk to your leader at the Welcome Meeting if this is a service you would like to request.
HOTELS:
Most of the accommodation on this trip is in hotels (mostly 2 to 3-star). Facilities are often basic, with some properties not having a continuous supply of hot water on occasion. All rooms are either fan cooled or with air conditioning and twin share with private facilities unless stated otherwise in the daily itinerary. Double beds are not widely available in South East Asia.
WINDOWLESS ROOMS:
Some hotels in South East Asia have windowless rooms, or windows that don't necessarily have a view. This is often due to high population density in large cities, however local building standards also do not require rooms to have windows. We do request rooms with windows, however they aren't always available.
Hanoi Larosa Hotel
36 Nguyen Khuyen Street,
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Alternate joining points
Alternate joining point 1
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
11 Oct 2025 (TVSR251011)
Adonis Hotel Hanoi
55 Quang Trung Street, Nguyen Du Ward, Hai Ba Trung District,
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Alternate joining point 2
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
05 Nov 2025 (TVSR251105)
Hanoi Emotion Hotel
26- 28 Hang Bot St, Dong Da Dist
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Phone: 84 903363090
Description
Located next to the Temple of Literature, the Hanoi Emotion Hotel is situated 800 m from the One Pillar Pagoda, 850 m to the Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and 8 minutes drive to Hoan Kiem Lake.
There is free Wi-Fi througout the hotel. Superior rooms feature minibar, hair dryers and a private bathroom.
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer you will be met on as you exit the Customs Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign with your name on it.
If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call our hotline at +84 903 117 770. Additionally please proceed to the Information Counter, your driver will wait here if you do not meet upon arrival.
Please note that neither the driver nor any representative should ask you for additional payment.
Metered taxi ranks are available outside the airport entrance. Go out of the customs hall and walk through the airport exit gates A4 and A5 on level 1, you will find Noi Bai Airport taxis (+84 4 3886 8888) readily available outside. Noi Bai Airport taxi drivers wear yellow uniform shirt. Taxi fare to your hotel in town will cost approx. US$18 (VND350000) in total. Please note these taxis are not on meter - but generally charge per trip. Please AVOID taxi touts who tell you that they have a metered taxi parked outside the airport.
Normal check in time at the hotel is after 14:00.
Alternate joining point 3
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
15 Nov 2025 (TVSR251115)
Minasi Hotel and Spa
61 Ngo Hue, Hai Ba Trung
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Phone: +84 24 3624 4488
Alternate joining point 4
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
25 Oct 2025 (TVSR251025), 17 Dec 2025 (TVSR251217), 24 Dec 2025 (TVSR251224)
Mvillage Hotel Tho Nhuom
54 Phố Thợ Nhuộm, Hoan Kiem
Hanoi
100000
VIETNAM
Alternate joining point 5
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
06 Dec 2025 (TVSR251206)
TK123 Hanoi Hotel
No. 34, Nam Ngu Street
Hoan Kiem District,
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Phone: +84 963125989
Alternate joining point 6
For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
08 Nov 2025 (TVSR251108)
The Flower Boutique Hotel
55 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh
Hanoi
VIETNAM
Phone: +84 2432058005
Dates and prices
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 Day 2, 5, 11& 13, where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further 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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