Classic Vietnam

15 days
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Small Group Tour
From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of welcoming locals, varied cuisine and diverse landscapes. Unlock the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, explore the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi, mingle with the locals while staying at a Mekong Delta guesthouse, float to sleep on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay, and eat breakfast ...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Experience living like a local with a night in a locally run guesthouse in the Mekong Delta, with friendly hosts and delicious homecooked meals.
    • Discover the bustling centres of Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City – these diverse cities are a fascinating mix of ancient culture and new-age cityscapes, and you’ll get the chance to visit all the most iconic spots.
    • Feast on the mouth-watering, fresh delights of Vietnam. From slurping traditional bun bo Hue and digging into a vegetarian feast at a local nunnery, to enjoying a home-cooked lunch with locals in Ninh Binh – the food of Vietnam is definitely a highlight!
    • Spend a night on a traditional junk sailing boat in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, surrounded by limestone karsts and turquoise waters.
    • Visit Save Vietnam Wildlife, an Intrepid Foundation supported NGO focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of Vietnam's endangered wildlife.
    • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What's this trip about?

    From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of welcoming locals, varied cuisine and diverse landscapes. Unlock the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, explore the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi, mingle with the locals while staying at a Mekong Delta guesthouse, float to sleep on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay, and eat breakfast the local way in Hue. Experience historical temples, laze on the spectacular coastline, gorge on delicious banquets and explore lively cities – all with a touch of comfort – on this 15-day Classic Vietnam adventure.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHo Chi Minh City
End CityHanoi

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions

  • Da Nang
  • Halong Bay
  • Hanoi
  • Ho Chi Minh
  • Hoi An
  • Hue
  • Mekong Delta
  • Ninh Binh
  • Saigon

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
    • Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner
    • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
    • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
    • Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers
    • Mekong Delta - Home-cooked lunch
    • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
    • Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit
    • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
    • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
    • Hue - Vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery
    • Hanoi - KOTO lunch
    • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
    • Hanoi - Temple of Literature
    • Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu
    • Ninh Binh - Home Cooked Lunch
    • Cuc Phuong National Park - Save Vietnam's Wildlife visit
    • Ninh Binh - Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone
    • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
    • Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour
    • Hanoi - Local water puppet performance

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City – a French-infused city with a frenetic atmosphere. If you arrive early, maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-air market or visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. You’ll have a welcome meeti...

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out of town to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, which make up part of a larger war museum outside Ho Chi Minh. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people and ...

Day 3 Mekong Delta

This morning you’ll wave goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City for the night and travel south by private bus to Ben Tre. When you arrive, you’ll board a small traditional boat and explore the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta. The delta is known as ‘the rice bowl of Vietn...

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy more of the Mekong Delta’s finest fruits over breakfast this morning and then hit the road back to Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Then, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Maybe go in search of the best food with some of your fe...

Day 5 Hoi An

This morning, you’ll take a short flight to Danang, then you’ll make your way to your next stop in Hoi An. When you arrive, shake off your morning of travel and dig into a traditional Vietnamese lunch to welcome you to the city – try the mi quang or cao lau noodles th...

Day 6 Hoi An

Enjoy a free day to explore Hoi An and all it has to offer. You could rent a bicycle and take a trip out to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. Or, maybe book into an Urban Adventure, like Hoi An Boat & Bike, which offers a guided tour of the area, including a countryside b...

Day 7 Hoi An

Today is another free day in this historic haven. If you can muster an early rise this morning, head to the local produce market to watch the animated shoppers haggling over fresh fish, spices and vegetables. Otherwise, if you’d like, your leader can help you arrange ...

Day 8 Hue

Continue your journey north today and drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass – an incredibly scenic and mountainous stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a stop at beautiful Lang Co to buy yourself some lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Hue – V...

Day 9 Hue

After a local breakfast of bun bo hue (spiced beef noodle soup) it’s time to really delve into the historical highlights of Hue. You’ll stop off at the Thien Mu Pagoda and get the chance to see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601. Your adventures will wor...

Day 10 Hanoi

After breakfast today, you’ll take a flight from Hue to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. When you arrive, head out for a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. After lunch,...

Day 11 Ninh Binh

You’ll depart Hanoi for the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh this morning. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. When you arrive, you’ll head straight for the lush Cuc Phuo...

Day 12 Ninh Binh

Wake up without an alarm today as you’ve got a free morning to explore. Maybe head to the Hang Mua Cave for sunrise, where you can take photos at the gorgeous lotus field and hike to the viewpoint, which offers a 360-degree view of Ninh Binh. Then, get ready for a fun...

Day 13 Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places – a bay of emerald waters dotted with sandstone islands and caves. Here, you’ll go on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and the surro...

Day 14 Hanoi

If you’re an early riser, maybe set an alarm this morning and soak up the scenery of Ha Long Bay from your floating accommodation at sunrise. Take in the turquoise waters one last time before hitting the road for Hanoi. Along the way, you’ll stop at Dong Trieu Factory...

Day 15 Hanoi

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,089
Price per day$139
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
26 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$2,565
28 Dec 2024
11 Jan 2025
$3,210
04 Jan 2025
18 Jan 2025
$3,075
09 Jan 2025
23 Jan 2025
$2,655
11 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025
$2,574
16 Jan 2025
30 Jan 2025
$2,596
18 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$2,414
20 Jan 2025
03 Feb 2025
$2,570
23 Jan 2025
06 Feb 2025
$2,664
25 Jan 2025
08 Feb 2025
$2,089

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
Excellent
3,381
Great
677
Average
150
Disappointing
84
Terrible
226
G

Grace A.

Jan 2017

Written on

Classic Vietnam with Intrepid

My husband and I traveled along the coast of Vietnam with Intrepid. This trip is one of the highlights of my life - we were able to authentically experience the diff...

K

Karen

Sep 2015

Written on

The ease of seeing a beautiful chaotic

The ease of seeing a beautiful chaotic country with the b...

S

Stanley

Sep 2015

Written on

A fantastic overall look at Vietnam, Thanh

A fantastic overall look at Vietnam, Thanh is a great tour leader , the itinerary was excellent ,history, hotels , meals all really good. A really great overall l...

R

Roger

Sep 2015

Written on

Well organised and a great adventure. Everything

Well organised and a great adventure. Everything worked like clockwork it seemed. Our tour guide Thienh Vo was exceptional. Highly informed, great with people and te...

Write a Review

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Intrepid Travel

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If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night),Hotel (12 nights),Overnight boat (1 night)

Transportation & Flights

Boat,Plane,Private vehicle,Taxi,

Transportation & flights

Boat,Plane,Private vehicle,Taxi
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements ADDRESS FOR VIETNAM VISA APPLICATIONS If you require an address for your visa application, please use: Intrepid Vietnam Ground Floor, Ladeco Building 266 Doi Can St Ba Dinh District, Hanoi Vietnam Ph +84 4 3715 0996
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Foreign Relations Hotel
  • 33C Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan Kiem
  • Hanoi
  • VIETNAM
Trip ID
intrepid-TVKT

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