Classic Vietnam

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Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ends

Hanoi, Vietnam

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.

Itinerary

From the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the stately elegance of Hanoi, the 'Classic Vietnam' tour is a 15-day journey tailored for those seeking comfort and culture in equal measure. This easy-activity small group trip features stays at comfortable guesthouses in the Mekong Delta, an overnight junk cruise in Halong Bay, and delicious regional banquets. Walk the lively boulevards of Hanoi, visit historical temples, and unwind on Vietnam’s scenic coastline. With included meals, accommodation, and transport, this tour is an effortless way to explore Vietnam’s diverse landscapes and welcoming communities. The main draw? A comprehensive, comfort-focused itinerary that captures Vietnam’s warmth, flavor, and fascinating history.

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 meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After your meeting, make your way out for dinner as a group for the fresh flavours and rich sauces that make up the delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

included:Complimentary Arrival Transfer, Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

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 offers a glimpse of what life was like during the war. Like an underground maze that stretches over 120 km, the tunnels are complete with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals and command centres. Your trip through history doesn’t stop there, you’ll head back to Ho Chi Minh City to discover the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. In the afternoon, you’ll be free to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps gather some of your newfound travel buddies and explore Notre Dame, the Post Office or Reunification Palace.

included:Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels with war veteran, Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 Vietnam’ for its abundance of rice paddies, fruit and flower orchards. During the boat trip, you’ll stop to sample some of the fresh tropical fruit and visit a selection of cottage industries in the area. Then, you’ll get your first taste of Vietnamese hospitality and tuck into a home-cooked Vietnamese-style lunch at a local family home. Then, around sunset, you’ll make your way to your guesthouse to spend the night with the locals and enjoy another wonderful meal featuring regional specialties.

included:Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers, Mekong Delta - Home-cooked lunch

accommodation:Guesthouse

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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 fellow travellers – your group leader will know where to go for meals of any budget. Then, you might like to check out one of the city’s vibrant rooftop bars.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 that Central Vietnam is famed for. After lunch, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. The city was a major trading port with the west during the 16th and 17th-centuries, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Japan. Today, the city is being restored and looks much like it did over a century ago. You'll see Chinese temples, Japanese pagodas, French-inspired houses, wooden shops and old canals during your walk. After, you may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more.

included:Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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 bike ride and a sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Vietnam is, of course, known for its delicious food, and Hoi An is no exception. To unlock the flavours of Hoi An's vibrant Old Town on the Hoi An Food Adventure.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 an optional Vietnamese cooking class, or a visit to the ruins of My Son – Vietnam's most important Cham site. Set in a verdant valley, surrounded by hills and overlooked by the massive Cat's Tooth Mountain, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples here reflect the cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation that flourished in this region between the 4th and 12th-century.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 – Vietnam’s former Imperial capital. Here you’ll take a step into the past as you visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. As the name suggests, The Forbidden Purple City was once reserved only for the personal use of the emperor and his concubines. It was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war and now serves as a reminder of centuries past – the crumbling palaces tell a fascinating story if you look carefully. After a little time to explore, the evening will be at your leisure to relax and simply enjoy this poetic place.

included:Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 work up an appetite, so you’ll be treated to a delicious vegetarian feast at a local nunnery for lunch. Make one final stop at the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its lake, frangipani and pine trees. After a big day of exploring the sights, the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish. Be sure to ask your leader which of Hue’s favourites you should seek out for dinner – it’s not known as Vietnam’s culinary capital for nothing!

included:Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue - Vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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, take a half-day tour of Hanoi that captures the beauty and the history of the laidback, tree-lined capital. You’ll visit major sights including the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. You’ll also pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and enter the ’36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter – a series of interwoven lanes and roads that historically sell a certain product in each street. Silk, bamboo, ceramics, kitchen products – and upwards of 32 more!

included:Hanoi - KOTO lunch, Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house, Hanoi - Temple of Literature

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 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 Phuong National Park, to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife – a non-for-profit organisation focusing on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife. A veterinarian will guide you through the park, teaching you about their conservation project and how they protect endangered species like pangolins, monkeys, otters and leopard cats that are at risk. SVW is one of the newest Intrepid Foundation supported projects in Vietnam. Then, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy dishes like grilled beef wrapped with guise leaves, spring rolls and fried fish with tomato sauce. Top off the day in this scenic spot with a visit to the Dinh and Le Temples, which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two of the former emperors of Vietnam.

included:Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh - Home Cooked Lunch, Cuc Phuong NP - Save Vietnam's Wildlife (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visit

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

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, action-packed afternoon in the Thung Nham ecotourism zone, just outside of Ninh Binh. First, you’ll take a traditional rowboat to discover the largest natural bird garden in northern Vietnam. Float peacefully along the calm waters as you’re surrounded by towering mountains, lush greenery and, of course, a mass of beautiful birds. Then, you’ll explore the cave system that features But Cave and Tien Ca Cave. From here, your journey will take you to spiritual sights that include the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Gii Dai Temple and Linh Than Mieu. Unwind as you explore the Thung Nham flower paradise, nursery and vegetable garden.

included:Ninh Binh - Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

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 surrounding rock formations, and in the warmer months, you can go kayaking or opt for a swim at Ti Top Island. You’ll spend the night on a traditional cruising boat, under the moon and stars of a clear night sky. The sailing junk (traditional sailing boat) has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where you’ll have all your meals, including a fresh seafood lunch and dinner. For sunset, maybe grab a drink at the bar and head out on the deck with your travel buddies for a gorgeous night!

included:Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

accommodation:Overnight boat

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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. When you arrive in Hanoi, you’ll head out for a traditional water-puppet performance hosted by a local family, who are experts in this art form. Tonight, gather as a group and tuck into dinner together, maybe trying the traditional cha ca la vong (a fish dish filled with fresh herbs and noodles). Enjoy this evening with your group as you reminisce on the highlights of your Vietnam adventure.

included:Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour, Hanoi - Local water puppet performance

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

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.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

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

Meals

14 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 4 Dinners

Transport

Boat, Plane, Private vehicle, Taxi

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival TransferHo Chi Minh City - Welcome DinnerHo Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels with war veteranHo Chi Minh City - War Remnants MuseumMekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producersMekong Delta - Home-cooked lunchHoi An - Old Town walking tourHue - Imperial City entrance and guided visitHue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu DucHue - Thien Mu PagodaHue - Vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunneryHanoi - KOTO lunchHanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt houseHanoi - Temple of LiteratureNinh Binh - Hoa LuNinh Binh - Home Cooked LunchCuc Phuong NP - Save Vietnam's Wildlife (The Intrepid Foundation partner) visitNinh Binh - Thung Nham Ecotourism ZoneHalong Bay - Overnight Boat CruiseHanoi - Old Quarter TourHanoi - Local water puppet performance

What's Excluded

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