intrepid travel vietnam southbound

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Intrepid Travel

Vietnam express southbound.

Vietnam Express Southbound Discover the essence of captivating Vietnam on this ten-day tour through backstreets, villages, cities and waterways. Trace the east coast on this fast-paced adventure and take in World Heritage-listed landscapes and towns, feel the buzz of bustling cities and fuel yourself with banh mi and condensed milk coffee. As lively as it is lovely, Vietnam can seem an intimidating place to travel, but our local leaders will guide you to the best street food (and tell you how to order it), introduce you to fishermen on the Mekong Delta and give you the inside scoop on the best tailors in Hoi An. This is an adventure full of life, colour and flavour that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation.

• Hanoi – KOTO dinner
• Halong Bay – Overnight Boat Cruise
• Halong Bay – Cave entry
• Halong Bay – The Green Life Visit
• Hue – Imperial City entrance and guided visit
• Hue – Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
• Hue – Highlights & back streets by motorbike
• Hue – Thien Mu Pagoda
• Hue – Motorbike Tour Lunch
• Hoi An – Old Town walking tour
• Ho Chi Minh City – War Remnants Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City – City tour
• Mekong Delta – Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
• Mekong Delta – Lunch
• Fall in love with Vietnam one bite at a time, from pho, slurped on a busy street corner to a vegetarian feast in a Buddhist nunnery.
• Sail through Halong Bay’s limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay’s discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.
• Travel like a local on a motorbike tour, riding pillion and taking in the historical pagodas, bridges and villages of Hue.
• Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river’s myriad waterways.
• Wander through the remarkably well-preserved streets of Hoi An’s Old Town on a guided tour, where elegant wooden buildings line the canals.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, WildAct. Donations help them run educational programs that aim to stop the illegal hunting of threatened migratory birds in Vietnam.

Booking Dates 06/21/2023 through 12/28/2024 Travel Dates 06/21/2023 through 12/31/2024

The Mekong is a river in Southeast Asia. It is the world’s 10th-longest river and the 7th-longest in Asia. Its estimated length is 4,909 km (3,050 mi), and it drains an area of 795,000 km2 (307,000 sq mi), discharging 475 km3 (114 cu mi) of water annually.

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• South East Asia

Vietnam Express Southbound

10 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hanoi – Overnight train, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:.

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Adventure Tours

Cultural , Foodie and Wine Tours , History

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion , Sightseeing

NB: Prices correct on 02-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

Discover the essence of captivating Vietnam on this ten-day tour through backstreets, villages, cities and waterways. Trace the east coast on this fast-paced adventure and take in World Heritage-listed landscapes and towns, feel the buzz of bustling cities and fuel yourself with banh mi and condensed milk coffee. As lively as it is lovely, Vietnam can seem an intimidating place to travel, but your local leaders will guide you to the best street food (and tell you how to order it), introduce you to fishermen on the Mekong Delta and give you the inside scoop on the best tailors in Hoi An. This is an adventure full of life, colour and flavour that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation.

Fall in love with Vietnam one bite at a time, from pho, slurped on a busy street corner to a vegetarian feast in a Buddhist nunnery.

Sail through Halong Bay’s limestone karsts and island caves and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.

Travel like a local on a motorbike tour, riding pillion and taking in the historical pagodas, bridges and villages of Hue.

Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river’s myriad waterways.

Wander through the remarkably well-preserved streets of Hoi An’s Old Town on a guided tour, where elegant wooden buildings line the canals.

Sail through Halong Bay's limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay's discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.

Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river's myriad waterways.

Wander through the remarkably well-preserved streets of Hoi An's Old Town on a guided tour, where elegant wooden buildings line the canals.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, WildAct. Donations help them run educational programs that aim to stop the illegal hunting of threatened migratory birds in Vietnam.

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Day 1: Hanoi

Location: hanoi, accommodation: hotel, meals included: dinner.

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at the hotel and is followed by a group dinner at KOTO restaurant. This organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do. Consider booking the Hanoi Street Food Experience at 9 am (see urbanadventures.com/en for details). You'll get to sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine like a true local, stroll through the hidden alleyways and bustling markets and take in a spectacular view of Hoan Kiem lake from a secret café. Or maybe take it at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter to admire the city’s French-colonial architecture. Included Activities: - Hanoi - KOTO dinner Optional Activities: - Hanoi - Women's Museum - Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - Hanoi - Hanoi Street Food Experience Urban Adventure

Day 2: Halong Bay

Location: halong bay, accommodation: overnight boat, meals included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner.

Travel by private minibus to World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. Board a private boat and cruise the bay, exploring Surprise Cave and perhaps even enjoying a swim from Ti Top Island Beach during the warmer months. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. To end the day, spend an evening aboard the boat beneath the night sky. What better way to get to know your fellow travellers than an old school sleepover in an unforgettable location? Included Activities: - Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise - Halong Bay - Cave entry Optional Activities: - Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour

Day 3: Hanoi – Overnight Train

Location: hanoi – overnight train, accommodation: overnight sleeper train, meals included: breaksfast.

Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay, and before you leave the memorable scenery behind, it’s time for one last stop. The Green Life Centre is committed to turning Halong Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skillfully turning them into beautiful handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. Arrive late this afternoon and enjoy free time until tonight’s train voyage. Be sure to grab a bowl of pho while you’re in town and slurp down this local specialty made from broth, noodles and meat. Maybe chill by Hoan Kiem Lake until you board an overnight train to Hue this evening. Included Activities: - Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit

Location: Hue

Arrive in Hue this morning and transfer to the hotel. Once the imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of the country’s royal past. Enjoy free time in the morning to rest or explore. If you choose the latter (and who can blame you) the bustling Dong Ba Market is a great place to sample some of the specialties that once graced the Nguyen emperors' tables like banh khoai (royal rice cake). Reunite with the group to visit the war-damaged ruins of the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling city-within-a-city which contains the remains of temples, state houses and the emperor’s palace. Included Activities: - Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

See Hue like a local – from the back of a motorbike! Straddle the saddle and whiz around town with a local guide, taking in historic and contemporary sights along the way. Stop at Thanh Toan to see the 18th-century covered bridge and villagers shopping at their local market. Visit the 17th-century active Buddhist monastery of Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, the monk who self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. For lunch, savour a vegetarian feast in a nunnery. Finish at the lakeside royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc before heading back to town. Included Activities: - Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike - Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch

Day 6: Hoi An

Location: hoi an.

This morning travel by bus through coastal rice paddies and the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After a photo stop on the way, arrive into Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An was a major international trading port during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of the beautifully-preserved town retain the feel of centuries past. It's also a shopping mecca, famous for its plethora of tailors. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town to visit a handful of the city's major attractions. You’ll also be given a sightseeing pass so you can further explore select attractions at your leisure. Included Activities: - Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Optional Activities: - Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure

Day 7: Hoi An

Today is a free day to explore Hoi An. Maybe browse the cobbled streets and art galleries or hire a bike and cycle through rice paddies out to Cua Dai Beach. Maybe browse for paintings, ceramics and colourful cloth lanterns in the town’s markets and preserved Chinese shophouses. If you’re craving a new look, you could pay a visit to one of the hundreds of tailors and get something special made. Hoi An is also known for its delicious regional food, so be sure to enjoy a meal at a riverside restaurant or perhaps partake in a cooking class. Optional Activities: - Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City

Location: ho chi minh city.

Today take a short, early morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a fascinating history and is arguably Vietnam’s capital of commerce and culture. After landing, take a sightseeing tour around the city by bus. Pass the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House, then stop in at the War Remnants Museum to discover some of the sobering stories of the 20-year-long Vietnam/American War. Included Activities: - Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - Ho Chi Minh City - City tour Optional Activities: - Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - Ho Chi Minh City - A O show - Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure

Day 9: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

Location: mekong delta – ho chi minh city.

This morning head out on a day trip to explore the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat to Ben Tre to visit the coconut gardens and stop at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, paddle in sampans (small rowing boats) past coconut trees along the Mekong Delta. Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages and learn about rural life and the industry created around coconut products like brooms and coconut fibre mats. Eat lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the Delta, sampling regional specialties such as the famous elephant ear fish. Cruise the major waterways to Ben Tre boat pier, then return by bus to Ho Chi Minh City. This evening, perhaps head out to sample some local specialties as a final farewell with your fellow travellers and leader. Included Activities: - Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour - Mekong Delta - Lunch

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

There are no activities included and you’re free to depart your accommodation at any time as long as you comply with check out time. If you would like to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh City, just speak to your booking agent. Optional Activities: - Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure

What's Included

• Mekong Delta - Lunch

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight Boat (1 night), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

• Hanoi - KOTO dinner

Boat, Motorbike, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private minibus, Taxi, sampan, Tuk-Tuk

• Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
• Halong Bay - Cave entry

Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit

Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

• Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike

• Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
• Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch
• Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
• Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
• Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

International Travel

Included Activities

• Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour Urban Adventure
• Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (lunch included)
• VIETNAM FLIGHTS:
• Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip's departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines.
• UNACCOMPANIED FLIGHTS:
• During peak travel times your group may be required to travel on different flights at different times of the day, and you may be unaccompanied on the internal flight. In this case you will be assisted by additional tour escorts on departure and arrival.
• OVERNIGHT SLEEPER TRAINS IN VIETNAM:
• Compartments will be 4 berth to 6 berth depending on seasonal variations and the group configuration. We aim to secure 4 berth compartments where possible. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Passengers of different genders may be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. On occasion the group may be split between several carriages, however your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip.
• 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.
• 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.

Important Information

• 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 2 (Overnight boat) and Day 3 (Sleeper Train) 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.

Check out our Q&As

Are internal flights included in this tour.

Yes, Hoi An to

Is this trip right for you

In order to see as much as possible, this trip involves some long journeys, including by overnight train where the amenities are shared and basic. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight-train-in-vietnam/ The motorbike tour of Hue has been assessed for safety and is closely monitored (helmets are provided). However, 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. Please consider your suitability for the season you wish to travel in. Check out www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/weather-in-vietnam for more info. Itinerary also runs in reverse, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Enter trip code TVSQ on our website for details. This trip is a great way to see a lot of Vietnam in a relatively short period of time. If you would like a longer tour in Vietnam, maybe check out Best of Vietnam (TVST).You may also want to check out our South East Asia Loop (TTSVC), or our Best of Vietnam & Cambodia (TVSKC) if you have longer time to explore in the region.

What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

What ethical travel credentials does the tour company have.

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Just leaving a review to....

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

I just completed my first...

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

I have just come back...

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

I have travelled with Intrepid...

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

I recently went on an...

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

North American Adventure

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

I have just completed a...

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Cambodia Discovery

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Explore Southern Africa

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

We had a fantastic time...

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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Free date changes.

Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

Transfer as credit to Future Tours

Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

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Vietnam Express Southbound

• Best price guaranteed
• No booking fees
• City sightseeing
• Local culture
• Cultural, religious and historic sites
• Local boat rides
• Customizable
• Booking Type Instant booking
• duration 10 days
• tour type Small group Request as private
• age requirement 15-99 yrs
• max group size 16
• guiding method Fully guided
• Tour Code BM-3628

• Starts Hanoi, Vietnam
• Ends Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Fall in love with Vietnam one bite at a time, from pho, slurped on a busy street corner to a vegetarian feast in a Buddhist nunnery.
• Sail through Halong Bay's limestone karsts and island caves, visit a centre that turns the bay's discarded trash into treasures and spend the night checking out the stars on an overnight cruise.
• Travel like a local on a motorbike tour, riding pillion and taking in the historical pagodas, bridges and villages of Hue.
• Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river's myriad waterways.
• Wander through the remarkably well-preserved streets of Hoi An's Old Town on a guided tour, where elegant wooden buildings line the canals.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, WildAct. Donations help them run educational programs that aim to stop the illegal hunting of threatened migratory birds in Vietnam.
• Day 1: Hanoi
• Day 2: Halong Bay
• Day 3: Hanoi – Overnight train
• Day 6: Hoi An
• Day 7: Hoi An
• Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 9: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
• Hotel (7 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
• 8 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
• Boat , Motorbike , Overnight sleeper train , Plane , Private Minibus , Taxi , Sampan , Tuk-tuk
• An expert tour leader
• Hanoi - KOTO dinner
• Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
• Halong Bay - Cave entry
• Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit
• Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit
• Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
• Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike
• Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
• Hue - Motorbike Tour Lunch
• Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
• Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City - City tour
• Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
• Mekong Delta - Lunch
• Any international flights to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
• Travel insurance is not included in this Vietnam Express Southbound tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
• Sigrid Lechner
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• On Oct 01 2019
• Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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No additional cancellation fees apply for this Vietnam Express Southbound tour. You can cancel the tour up to 60 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 59 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 31 October 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 31 October 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 59 days before trip departure.

Vietnam Express Southbound tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Vietnam Express Southbound tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

• In order to see as much as possible, this trip involves some long journeys, including by overnight train where the amenities are shared and basic. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight-train-in-vietnam/
• The motorbike tour of Hue has been assessed for safety and is closely monitored (helmets are provided). However, 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. Please consider your suitability for the season you wish to travel in. Check out www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/weather-in-vietnam for more info.
• Itinerary also runs in reverse, from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Enter trip code TVSQ on our website for details.
• This trip is a great way to see a lot of Vietnam in a relatively short period of time. If you would like a longer tour in Vietnam, maybe check out Best of Vietnam (TVST).You may also want to check out our South East Asia Loop (TTSVC), or our Best of Vietnam & Cambodia (TVSKC) if you have longer time to explore in the region.

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• Money matters
• Climate and seasonal
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• Itinerary disclaimer
• Finish point instructions
• Important information
• A couple of rules
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Vietnam Express Southbound - Intrepid

Discover the essence of captivating Vietnam on this ten-day tour through backstreets, villages, cities and waterways. Trace the east coast on this fast-paced adventure and take in World Heritage-listed landscapes and towns, feel the buzz of bustling cities and fuel yourself with banh mi and condensed milk coffee. As lively as it is lovely, Vietnam can seem an intimidating place to travel, but your local leaders will guide you to the best street food (and tell you how to order it), introduce you to fishermen on the Mekong Delta and give you the inside scoop on the best tailors in Hoi An. This is an adventure full of life, colour and flavour that introduces you to the highlights of this fascinating nation. From price is based on 07, 13, 15 Oct 24 departures

Hanoi (1 night), Halong Bay (1 night Overnight boat), Hanoi (1 night Overnight sleeper train), Hue (2 nights), Hoi An (2 nights), Ho Chi Minh City (1 night), Mekong Delta & Ho Chi Minh City (1 night) 

Accommodation:7 nights Hotel, 1 night Overnight boat & 1 night Sleeper train. Trip Leader: Professional trip leader. Transport: A range of transport including Boat, Motorbike, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private Minibus, Taxi, Sampan & Tuk-Tuk. Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches  & 2 dinners. Activities & Attractions: Hanoi - KOTO dinner; Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise, Cave entry, The Green Life Visit; Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit, Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, Highlights & back streets by motorbike, Thien Mu Pagoda, Motorbike Tour Lunch; Hoi An - Old Town walking tour; Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum, City tour & Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour.  Additional Travel dates are available in 2024.

Price includes discount of $300, Hurry offer ends 04 Sep 2024.

Travel dates: Specific travel dates apply

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Tour Review: Intrepid Travel Vietnam Express Southbound

Traveling in Vietnam with Intrepid Travel on their Vietnam Express Southbound 10-day tour is everything that’s terrific and transformative about travel. This was my 2nd Intrepid tour, completely different from…

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• Fully Guided
• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Traveled in January 2024

Places You’ll See

• Beatiful and historic Ho Chi Minh City
• A motor bike ride to the Forbidden Purple City
• Picturesque fishing village of Lang Co
• Marvelous lakes and architecture in Hanoi
• Introduction
• Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 2 Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
• Day 3 Hoi An
• Day 4 Hoi An
• Day 6 Hue - Overnight Train
• Day 7 Hanoi
• Day 8 Halong Bay
• Day 9 Hanoi
• Day 10 Hanoi

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Overnight sleeper train

Overnight boat

Customer Photos

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

5 to 99 years old

Response time

Response rate

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.6
• Itinerary Excellent 4.6
• Guide Excellent 4.9
• Transport Excellent 4.5
• Accommodation Excellent 4.4
• Food Excellent 4.7
• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
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• KG Katie · 7th December 2019 I was disappointed at the lack of options for daily excursions and would have preferred a more detailed itinerary and information regarding the included excursions. Overall, the guide was very helpful in helping us plan our own excursions and trying to... Show more Trip date: November 2019
• A Peter K · 18th September 2019 Ha and Yuth were great guides with knowledge and excellent skills to manage group trips. Also the choice of places is the essential of both countries. Also, Loch Sokneang, the local guide in Phnom Penh was very knowledgeable and managed the topic of... Show more Trip date: December 2018
• A Laura J · 18th September 2019 Saw a huge amount of Vietnam in a short space of time that I probably couldn't do by myself Ha was an excellent tour guide--really welcoming and organised Trip date: December 2018
• A Gerard L · 18th September 2019 The trip exceeded my expectations, and with one or two exceptions, was excellent throughout. The Cambodian and Vietnamese guides, Yuth and Ha, were both very helpful with any issues or questions we had, knowledgable about the history of sights visited... Show more Trip date: December 2018

Dates & Availability

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• Upcoming departures
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• January 2026
• February 2026
• August 2026
• September 2026
• October 2026
• November 2026
• December 2026

Space on this tour is not guaranteed. Book this tour to request your place and the operator will confirm availability.

• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 24 Sep, 2024 Thursday 3 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,155 €982 Confirm Dates
• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 29 Sep, 2024 Tuesday 8 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,155 €982 Confirm Dates
• -15% Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 1 Oct, 2024 Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 English Filling Fast €1,155 €982 Confirm Dates

What our customers ask about this tour

The group size can vary from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 16 travelers.

The cost for a single room in pre or post accommodation is $56.00 USD per night.

Activities include Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour, Hoi An Old Town walking tour, Hue Imperial City Full Day Tour, and visits to various cultural and historical sites in Hanoi including the Old Quarter.

Yes, separate single rooms can be booked for each traveler at a rate of $56.00 USD per room per night.

Transfers within the tour, such as to and from the airport, are typically included, however, details can vary so it is recommended to confirm with the booking agent.

We can assist in booking pre-accommodation at the start hotel of this tour, subject to availability at the time of booking.

Pre-night at Riverside Hotel Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, is available at $56 per night for Twin share, which includes breakfast.

The meal inclusions are 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.

The transport modes include Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private minibus, Private vehicle, Taxi, and Motorbike.

Yes, rooms can be shared, or a single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share.

Good to Know

• Currency ₫ Dong Vietnam

As a traveller from USA, Canada you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F. As a traveller from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types A, B, C, E, F, G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Vietnam. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 1st November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 1st November 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Intrepid Travel. Please familiarise yourself with the Intrepid Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Premium Thailand and Vietnam

19 days | explore the hearts of northern thailand and vietnam, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes.

Get to know the essence of local culture as you travel from the city streets to the mountain tops of Northern Thailand – a land of mouth-watering food, stunning landscapes, fascinating history and incredibly hospitable locals. Explore the ancient temples of Ayutthaya, spend time with Lisu hill tribes, meet the experts at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai and uncover the country’s past in Kanchanaburi. Then, hit the streets of bustling Vietnam and take part in enriching local encounters as your leader shows you the soul of this diverse metropolis. Get lost in the districts of Hanoi, cruise past the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay on an overnight cruise, discover the old-world charm of Hoi An and navigate the winding streets of Ho Chi Minh City. With an unbeatable mix of culture, cuisine and history, your Premium journey through two of Southeast Asia’s hotspots will surely surprise and delight.

Trip overview

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders

• Stay in the beautiful Lisu Lodge for your Feature Stay in Thailand. This community-based project employs Lisu villagers and allows you to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying creature comforts.
• Support an important animal welfare initiative, speak with local experts and get close to incredible creatures at the Elephant Nature Park.
• Explore the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with your local leader, who will help you uncover the vibrant mix of influences, from the French to Asian traders, settlers and Indigenous peoples.
• Enjoy an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay on a boat as beautiful as its surroundings for your Feature Stay in Vietnam. Take in spectacular views while enjoying a candle-lit dinner on deck.
• Sit down to a soul-stirring Hat Xam performance, your Exclusive Experience and an art form that dates back over 700 years to the Tran Dynasty.
• In 2023, Tet (Lunar New Year) will run from the 21st to the 27th of January. This is a fascinating and rewarding time to see the region, however you do need to be prepared for some businesses to be closed, tourist sites to be very busy and for transport to be packed as many Vietnamese are travelling around the country. Please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.
• You will visit a number of temples that require a level of modesty. All travellers must bring clothes that cover the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knees. The heat can be challenging, especially in April and May, so please pack accordingly.
• This trip includes a cycling tour around Sukhothai Heritage Park, so confidence on a bicycle will be required. The roads are quiet with minimal traffic, so it’s a leisurely ride.

View the itinerary for departures between 02 August 2024 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to Thailand! Your journey begins in Bangkok, where you’ll be collected at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling into your room, an important welcome meeting will take place at 6pm. Please check for the Intrepid Premium noticeboard in the reception area of the hotel. If you arrive early, take some time to enjoy Bangkok’s irresistible energy. By day you’ll encounter a city steeped with history and tradition, but by night Bangkok is taken over by a flood of music and neon lights. Watch torrents of tuk tuks zip by while traditional khlong boats slowly wind down the Chao Phraya River. After your meeting, join your small group for a welcome dinner at an excellent local restaurant where your leader will introduce you to a food scene that’s bursting with local flavour.

• Ramada Plaza Bangkok Menam Riverside Hotel Bangkok or similar (1 night)
• Complimentary Arrival Transfer
• Bangkok - Welcome Dinner

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Rise early for an optional exclusive experience away from Bangkok’s well-trodden tourist track. Join the locals for to a visit to a temple along the Chao Phraya River, where you’ll ‘make merit’ by bringing an offering to the temple’s monks – a truly unforgettable moment. Today your leader will take you for a day of sightseeing and activities in lively Bangkok. Tour Wat Po, a larger-than-life temple complex in the city - home of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Also visit the majestic Grand Palace and learn about the site which has been the official residence of the kings since the 1700s, and enjoy a boat tour of the city's canals as your leader shows you how Bangkok’s locals live today. The afternoon is free to do as you wish, perhaps check out the art collection at the Jim Thompson house or relax with a Thai massage.

• Bangkok - Grand Palace
• Bangkok - Wat Pho
• Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour
• Bangkok - Temple Merit Making
• Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB200
• Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250

Please note when visiting the Grand Palace you will be required to wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees (long pants or skirts are suitable) plus covered shoes/sneaker (no sandals).

Unleash your creativity and learn about the history of Benjarong, a traditional style of painted Thai porcelain, with a visit to a ceramics community. The name literally means ‘five colours’ (although it’s not unusual to see up to eight) and artists use enamel to create intricate floral and geometric designs. This morning you’ll get to paint your own mug or teacup which will be fired and sent to you to take home as a unique and very special souvenir. There will be time to buy lunch if you wish, before you continue to Kanchanaburi to visit to the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. This prisoner of war cemetery was one of the first museums to attempt to educate the public and keep the memory of the Asian and POW workers who died constructing the infamous Death Railway alive.

• U Inchantree or similar (1 night)
• Benjarong - Ceramics Workshop
• Kanchanaburi - Kanchanaburi War Cemetery
• Kanchanaburi - Bridge over the River Kwai

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Start your day with a visit to Erawan National Park where you can explore the park’s famous seven-level waterfall or simply swim and relax. The falls are regarded as some of the most beautiful in the country, with glacial blue waters rushing through the forest into bamboo-shaded pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Many Allied prisoners of war and conscripted Asian labourers were engaged here to help build a rail route to Myanmar (Burma), including the passage infamously known as Hellfire Pass. Visit the memorial museum of the pass where your leader will provide more information about this chapter in history. Take a historical train journey across a portion of this 'death railway' along the Kwai Noi River and travel over the original wooden viaduct, known as the Krasae Bridge, constructed by the allied POWs. Pass through peaceful and naturally beautiful scenery as you learn of those who lost their lives building this rail route. The evening is yours to explore the town.

• Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park Visit
• Kanchanaburi - Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3 hours.

If you are travelling in September, you will visit Sai Yok Noi Waterfall instead of Erawan National Park. Erawan will be closed for restoration during this time.

This morning head to Ayutthaya, one of the ancient capitals of Siam and a World Heritage site. On the way, visit Baan Nong Khao CBT Village, an agricultural village that is famous for its Pha Khao Mah hand-weaving. Visit the community’s museum, a palm sugar field and a local house to see how desserts featuring this famous Thai ingredient are made. Of course, you’ll get to sample these delicious, sweet treats. Then watch the weavers at work as they use more than 100 colours of yarn to create traditional Thai clothing. Upon arrival in Ayutthaya, explore the photogenic 13th-century ruins of Wat Phra Mahathat and discover rows of Buddhas beheaded by the Burmese. Look out for the displaced Buddha head suspended in the roots of a Banyan tree - one of the country’s most photographed images. Tonight, the past will come to life as you board a traditional rice barge and tuck into a delicious Thai dinner.

• Kantary Hotel Ayutthaya or similar (1 night)
• Baan Nong Khao - Weaving Community Visit
• Ayutthaya - Temple Visit
• Ayutthaya - Traditional Rice Barge Dinner Cruise

Today you will leave Ayutthaya and travel to the town of Phitsanulok by train. Sit back, relax and watch the scenery roll by. After arriving in Phitsanulok, change to a private vehicle and continue on this comfortable journey which will see you arriving in Sukhothai at approximately 5pm. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries. You may like to relax by the pool or unwind with a Thai massage, and for dinner this evening be sure to ask your leader where you can get a bowl of Sukhothai’s famously tasty noodles.

• Legendha Sukhothai Resort or similar (1 night)
• Ayutthaya - Train to Phitsanuloke

Today’s travel time is approximately 5 hours.

Sukhothai, established in the 13th century, was one of the first ancient capitals of Siam. Start your day with an optional alms offering before visiting its famed World Heritage listed historical park, which captures the Golden Age of Thai civilisation. Visit the historical park, which spans the ruins of the town, where you will rent a bicycle and take part in a cycle tour. As you ride around, your leader will let you know more about the history of this former metropolis and its fascinating structures. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful grounds of Sukhothai Park. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town, or you might want to simply read a book by the pool back at your accommodation. This evening, regroup and head to the home of one of our local friends where you’ll enjoy a wonderful homecooked dinner and a unique insight into life in this part of the country.

• Sukhothai - Morning Alms Offering
• Sukhothai - Historical Park Visit and Bike Ride
• Sukhothai - Dinner in a local home

Travel from Sukhothai to the Mae Taeng region. Draped between tranquil rice fields and fruit orchards, you’ll find the enchanting Lisu Lodge, your Feature Stay accommodation. The lodge is a community-based project that trains and employs Lisu villagers from the nearby hill tribe and aims to preserve their cultural heritage. The Lisu people are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group and one of the six main hill tribes of Northern Thailand. Meet the colourfully dressed villagers and learn more about the Lisu way of life - a truly special experience that is sure to be one of your enduring memories of Thailand. The lodge offers gorgeous guestrooms decorated in the traditional Lisu style with modern comforts. Savour unforgettable views of the surrounding hillside and valley, and enjoy a tantalising dinner of Thai food mixed with traditional Lisu dishes. You don’t have to look for a cultural experience here - it’s all around you.

• Lisu Lodge or similar (1 night)

Today’s total driving time is approximately 7 hours.

After breakfast at Lisu Lodge, it’s a quick trip to Muang Kued Village where you will meet with a local villager and enjoy a private guided tour. Learn about village life, the reforestation of the surrounding area and how produce is grown in the village orchards. Explore the organic farm and choose the ingredients for a cooking class where you’ll learn how to cook traditional Thai food. After a delicious lunch, join the villagers for a chance to learn how to weave palm leaves to create ornaments and accessories. You’ll also enjoy a tasty barbeque dinner at the nearby Mae Tamaan Base Camp.

• Muang Kued - Village Visit, Cooking Class, and Handicraft Workshop
• Mae Taeng - Mae Tamaan Base Camp BBQ Dinner

Travel to the Elephant Nature Park - a unique project that provides sanctuary for elephants and other animals. Be greeted by an expert local guide and learn the stories of the rescued elephants and the issues they face in South-East Asia. Feed the elephants from a viewing platform, walk with the expert staff to watch elephants bathe and play, and enjoy a vegetarian buffet lunch. On arrival back in Chiang Mai in the late afternoon, the evening is yours to enjoy your way. You may like to visit the vibrant Night Bazaar or take a stroll around the old town which is bounded by moats. Your guide can give you recommendations on where to go for dinner.

• Smile Lanna Resort or similar (1 night)
• Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park Half Day Trip

Start your day with a caffeine hit and a visit to a sustainable social enterprise with a focus on all things coffee. From here, you will drive to the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Take in stunning views along the scenic and winding mountain road which brings you to an impressive 300-step Naga-guarded stairway. The rewards justify the ascent to the top, with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention the fantastic panoramic views of the city. Return to Chiang Mai where you will have time to relax before an exclusive farewell dinner cooked by a local chef. Dine on delicious traditional northern Thai food like kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef, as you reminisce about the wonderful adventures you’ve had in Northern Thailand.

• Chiang Mai - Akha Ama Coffee Social Enterprise Visit
• Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Visit
• Chiang Mai - Farewell Dinner

Today’s total travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your leader for a welcome dinner at a beautifully decorated restaurant resembling an old-fashioned Vietnamese house. Dive into the world of Vietnamese cuisine as your leader introduces you to a range of classic dishes made with the freshest local ingredients.

• The Ann Hotel Hanoi or similar (1 night)
• Hanoi - Welcome Dinner

Depart Hanoi and travel to Ha Long Bay – one of the great natural treasures of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening – a gloriously beautiful and traditionally decorated junk-style boat featuring modern conveniences. Set sail in total comfort as unforgettable views of scattered islands and towering limestone karsts slowly unfold in front of you. Explore the bay and sit down for a seafood lunch onboard. Learn about the geography of the region, visit Surprise Cave where your leader will point out interesting rock formations and in the warmer months, maybe swim on Ti Top Island Beach or take an optional kayaking tour. Soak in the stunning surroundings with a candlelit seafood dinner on deck before settling in for a night of stargazing and swapping stories.

• Secret Halong Cruise (Feature Stay) or similar (1 night)
• Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
• Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000

Your total travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Your main luggage can be left in the hotel in Hanoi.

Surprise Cave is accessed via staircases, but the pathways inside can be a little uneven and slippery, so good walking shoes or sandals will be useful.

Your junk-style boat has twin-share cabins with en suite facilities and air-conditioning. Due to the limited cabins on board, the single supplement is excluded, and accommodation will be on a twin-share basis.

Local authorities permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Ha Long Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you’ll stay on a larger boat (with up to 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case a group leader will be present on each boat. The route taken and inclusions on board will be the same.

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast and maybe take part in some Tai Chi on board the boat before returning to Hanoi. This afternoon, you’ll take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience and sit down to a soul-stirring traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is an art form of Northern Vietnam dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Originally, this was performed by blind performers and was enjoyed by local working-class audiences right up until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house and treated to an exclusive show in one of the few places where artists still sing acoustically. The performance takes around 60 minutes, and includes possible interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!

• Hanoi - Hat Xam performance
• Halong Bay - Tai Chi
• Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD40

This morning, you’ll get to know Hanoi on a half-day tour with your leader. Discover a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side as your leader shares knowledge on the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. You'll also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, which held American POWs. Today’s lunch is extra special as you’ll visit the fantastic KOTO cafe – a social enterprise that provides hospitality training and experience to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam and offers a creative menu of Vietnamese dishes made with local ingredients. This afternoon you’ll say goodbye to Hanoi and fly south to Danang. Drive on to Hoi An and take in views of lush scenery along the way. The rest of the day is yours to epxlore or chill out in the hotel’s pool.

• Mulberry Collection Silk Eco or similar (1 night)
• Hanoi - Temple of Literature
• Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO
• Hanoi - Hoa Lo Prison

Your total travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Set off on a walking tour of Hoi An’s Old Town and discover a blend of traditional treasures and cultural influences from historical traders. Your leader will discuss the city’s history as you wander the pagoda lined streets, visit a Chinese assembly hall, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, enter the ornately decorated historic house of a former trader and check out a local museum. Hoi An was once a great trading port for pottery, and centuries-old pottery villages still exist to this day. No trip to Vietnam is complete without trying its famed coffee – your leader will take you to a local coffee shop, where you can savour a delicious brew as you watch the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. Maybe try a traditional egg coffee or a refreshing iced coconut coffee. Your afternoon is free for your own explorations.

• Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
• Hoi An - Farm to Table dining experience at Tra Que Village and Mua restaurant - USD84

The morning is free for you to enjoy more of Hoi An and the surrounding area. Maybe browse the market for silk and other materials or collect any garments that you might have had crafted by the efficient tailors or hire a bicycle and ride along the lanes and out to a nice nearby beach. Your leader will have great recommendations for places to eat and drink. In the afternoon, transfer back to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening – the bustling food stalls at Cho Ben Thanh market might beckon you over with the sweet and savoury aromas of pho and bun mam.

• Paragon Saigon Hotel or similar (1 night)

Rooms in Ho Chi Minh City are compact given the style of the buildings and the central location.

Head out of the city to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. Enter a widened section of the tunnels with your leader who will help you imagine what life underground must have been like and explain how the tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation and schools, and were used for refuge, storage and as a military base for the Viet Cong. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a tour of the dynamic city where daily life plays out on the streets. Your leader will take you to the Reunification Palace – formally the Presidential Palace and the site of South Vietnam’s surrender in 1975 – before visiting the War Remnants Museum. In the evening, maybe spend some time with your fellow travellers and enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant. Your leader will have some great options!

• Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
• Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City - Notre Dame Cathedral

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Ho Chi Minh city, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

• Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD73

17 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners

Boat, Plane, Private Minibus, Train, Bicycle

Hotel (15 nights), Lodge (2 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)

• Arrival airport transfer
• Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
• Luggage transfer
• Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
• 24/7 on-ground support

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes the Halong Bay boat overnight where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.  3. This trip includes domestic and international flights as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. 4. Full name exactly as per passport required at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on the passport), for internal flights. Ticketing 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 a new ticket. 5. Due to limited luggage space in our vehicles, please ensure that you are packing light and compact. Large, bulky suitcases are unsuitable for this trip. Please refer to the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for details.  6. Local authorities only permit a limited number of boats to stay overnight in Halong Bay. To ensure all travellers can be accommodated on board available boats, on rare occasions you may stay on a larger boat and share your boat with another group. Otherwise, we may swap the activities and destinations of Days 13 and 14 to provide you the best possible experience. The route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same. 7. Flight schedules within South East Asia are currently limited. Whenever possible, you will be on a direct fight. However, some flights may require a stop. 8. On the TTPVC231111 and TTPVC231114 departures, the Thailand Feature Stay will be Sibsan Resort, rather than Lisu Lodge, in Mae Taeng.

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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