SHORTLIST

Premium Vietnam in Depth

Discover Vietnam’s kaleidoscope of colour, history, cuisine and landscapes on a 15-day Premium adventure. Learn the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, explore the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi and get a glimpse of rural life as you cruise through the Mekong Delta. Experience historic temples, spend a night on a junk style boat beneath the stars in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, enjoy delicious banquets of fresh cuisine and learn what it means to be a local. This journey will take you off the well-trodden track and leave you with memories for a lifetime.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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 Day 13 (boat) 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 flights. 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. 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 12 and 13 to provide you the best possible experience. The route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$5,157
Number of Days
15
Start Location
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End Location
Hanoi, Vietnam
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. You’ll then have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore the city at your own pace. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your small group and local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – this building was an old opium refinery station built in 1861, and nods to its past are still visible today. Here, you’ll feast on a menu bursting with classic dishes and southern Vietnamese favourites.
Day 2: Mekong Delta
After breakfast, drive south towards the Mekong Delta via the region of Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat and cruise the delta, stopping off at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you’ll sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry plays into local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant then return to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, you’ll see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the famous Reunification Palace and hear the story of the end of the war, take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum and stop by the beautiful Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and its many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and the gorgeous Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader for recommendations on some great local spots for dinner.
Day 4: Hoi An
This morning after breakfast, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kilometres) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They contained hospitals, dwellings and schools and were used extensively for refuge and storage, as well as being a military base. As you explore this extraordinary labyrinth your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow visitors to get a feel for what the underground life must have been like. Please note that these tunnels will be hot and can get claustrophobic, so there is an option if you’d like to view from above ground. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An.
Day 5: Hoi An
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover the Hoi An’s stunning architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. Start with a visit to an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you uncovered on your walk. Afterwards, sit down to a delicious lunch with the group. This afternoon you are free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader will be able to help with suggestions for extra activities in Hoi An and the nearby countryside.
Day 6: Hoi An
A significant port of the Champa Kingdom for centuries, many Cham descendants are still living in Hoi An today. This morning your leader will guide you around My Son Cham, a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa and dating back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO site, and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes, and drums. The afternoon is free for more exploration, or to relax by the pool at your hotel.
Day 7: Hue
Depart Hoi An today bound for Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. En route, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of frenetic streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon you will visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins remain a testament to its proud history. Here your leader will provide some insight into the horrific damage endured during the war.
Day 8: Hue
Loosen your belt and ready your appetite as today you will be diving into Hue’s fabulous culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for a seriously tasty breakfast – Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try while in Hue. Then, meet with a local chef and explore a bustling local market where you will taste and smell all the wonderful herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life, while learning more about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine along the way. Stop for lunch and enjoy some of Hue’s most celebrated dishes. Continue to the local chef’s delightful home where you will learn how to cook up some simple and delicious dishes using the fresh ingredients you picked up at the market. Take your new knowledge and local recipes back home with you so you can recreate meals that will take you straight back to Vietnam. Later in the afternoon, take a visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of Hue. The Pagoda is an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601. You will also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
Day 9: Hanoi
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Your departure will mostly likely be in the morning but can vary a little depending on flight schedules. Settle in on arrival, then your leader will guide you through the ancient 36 Streets to discover a varied selection of shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewellery and embroidered tablecloths. In the afternoon, you will be treated to a traditional Hat Xam performance – this is truly an experience like no other. Hat Xam is an artform 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, this style of performance occurs rarely, but you and your group will be taken to a private club house for an exclusive performance; one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically. The performance includes some story telling aspects and possibly interaction with guests, so be ready to get involved!
Day 10: Mai Chau
Depart Hanoi this morning and take a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. The peaceful town is situated in a stunningly beautiful valley. Surrounded by green mountains, it’s famed for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe peoples. Admire the valley views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Then, spend some time learning the story of the vibrant Muong ethnic group who are native to this region of Northern Vietnam at the Muong Museum. In the afternoon, check into your accommodation and enjoy free time to unwind and relax.
Day 11: Mai Chau
Today your Leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile making and hearing from a local artisan for insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you will learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with you Leader about optional activities in the area.
Day 12: Hanoi
This morning you will return to Hanoi where you will enjoy a guided half-day tour of Hanoi with your leader, gaining insights to the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Enjoy a delicious lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. Enjoy a free evening for further explorations. Walking is a great way to explore the city and its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this enchanting northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.
Day 13: Halong Bay
Today you will drive to Halong Bay – this World Heritage listed wonder is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular sights. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than on board a junk-style boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in complete comfort as you weave through stunning limestone islands, karsts and caves. Stop by Surprise Cave to discover its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a marvellous seafood lunch. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from Ti Top Island. There is also the option for kayaking to get up close to the towering limestone karsts. This evening’s dinner is sure to be a standout – dine on the deck of the boat by candlelight and watch the sun go down over the magnificent landscape.
Day 14: Hanoi
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board the boat and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.
Day 15: Hanoi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to stay on in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation for you ahead of time (subject to availability).
Inclusions
  • Meals: 14 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners.
  • Transport: Boat, Plane, Private Minibus.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights), Overnight boat (1 night).
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Welcome Dinner.
  • Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour.
  • Hoi An - My Son Tour.
  • Hue - Imperial City half day guided tour.
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda.
  • Hue - Market Tour and Cooking Class.
  • Hue - Bun Bo Hue breakfast.
  • Hanoi - Hat Xam performance.
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Tour.
  • Mai Chau – Muong Museum.
  • Mai Chau - Vun Art NGO Visit.
  • Mai Chau - Village Visit.
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature.
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house.
  • Hanoi - KOTO lunch.
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise.
  • Hanoi - Farewell Dinner.
  • Halong Bay - Tai Chi.
Departure dates
Start End Availability Price NZD
12 Sep 2024 26 Sep 2024 1 $6,290
26 Sep 2024 10 Oct 2024 6 $5,260
02 Oct 2024 16 Oct 2024 4 $5,260
10 Oct 2024 24 Oct 2024 1 $6,365
17 Oct 2024 31 Oct 2024 3 $6,075
31 Oct 2024 14 Nov 2024 1 $6,075
07 Nov 2024 21 Nov 2024 3 $6,020
14 Nov 2024 28 Nov 2024 10 $6,065
18 Nov 2024 02 Dec 2024 4 $6,245
21 Nov 2024 05 Dec 2024 5 $6,185
24 Nov 2024 08 Dec 2024 8 $6,065
28 Nov 2024 12 Dec 2024 8 $6,065
05 Dec 2024 19 Dec 2024 11 $6,065
18 Dec 2024 01 Jan 2025 9 $6,065
25 Dec 2024 08 Jan 2025 9 $6,065
30 Dec 2024 13 Jan 2025 7 $6,065
02 Jan 2025 16 Jan 2025 12 $6,030
05 Jan 2025 19 Jan 2025 12 $6,030
09 Jan 2025 23 Jan 2025 1 $6,570
16 Jan 2025 30 Jan 2025 3 $6,210
23 Jan 2025 06 Feb 2025 11 $5,728
01 Feb 2025 15 Feb 2025 9 $5,728
06 Feb 2025 20 Feb 2025 5 $6,395
08 Feb 2025 22 Feb 2025 8 $6,270
13 Feb 2025 27 Feb 2025 7 $6,270
15 Feb 2025 01 Mar 2025 9 $5,956
20 Feb 2025 06 Mar 2025 9 $6,270
22 Feb 2025 08 Mar 2025 10 $6,270
25 Feb 2025 11 Mar 2025 9 $6,270
27 Feb 2025 13 Mar 2025 1 $6,585
01 Mar 2025 15 Mar 2025 7 $6,510
06 Mar 2025 20 Mar 2025 4 $6,705
08 Mar 2025 22 Mar 2025 8 $6,510
13 Mar 2025 27 Mar 2025 6 $6,575
15 Mar 2025 29 Mar 2025 9 $6,510
20 Mar 2025 03 Apr 2025 12 $6,510
22 Mar 2025 05 Apr 2025 12 $6,510
27 Mar 2025 10 Apr 2025 8 $6,510
29 Mar 2025 12 Apr 2025 12 $6,510
03 Apr 2025 17 Apr 2025 10 $6,510
05 Apr 2025 19 Apr 2025 12 $6,510
10 Apr 2025 24 Apr 2025 12 $6,510
12 Apr 2025 26 Apr 2025 12 $6,510
17 Apr 2025 01 May 2025 12 $6,510
19 Apr 2025 03 May 2025 12 $6,510
24 Apr 2025 08 May 2025 10 $6,270
26 Apr 2025 10 May 2025 12 $6,270
01 May 2025 15 May 2025 12 $6,030
15 May 2025 29 May 2025 12 $6,030
22 May 2025 05 Jun 2025 12 $6,030
05 Jun 2025 19 Jun 2025 12 $6,030
12 Jun 2025 26 Jun 2025 12 $6,030
26 Jun 2025 10 Jul 2025 12 $6,030
03 Jul 2025 17 Jul 2025 12 $6,030
17 Jul 2025 31 Jul 2025 11 $6,030
24 Jul 2025 07 Aug 2025 12 $6,030
07 Aug 2025 21 Aug 2025 12 $6,030
14 Aug 2025 28 Aug 2025 12 $6,030
28 Aug 2025 11 Sep 2025 12 $6,030
04 Sep 2025 18 Sep 2025 12 $6,030
11 Sep 2025 25 Sep 2025 12 $6,030
18 Sep 2025 02 Oct 2025 12 $6,030
25 Sep 2025 09 Oct 2025 12 $6,270
27 Sep 2025 11 Oct 2025 12 $6,270
02 Oct 2025 16 Oct 2025 12 $6,270
09 Oct 2025 23 Oct 2025 12 $6,270
16 Oct 2025 30 Oct 2025 10 $6,270
23 Oct 2025 06 Nov 2025 12 $6,270
30 Oct 2025 13 Nov 2025 12 $6,270
01 Nov 2025 15 Nov 2025 12 $6,270
06 Nov 2025 20 Nov 2025 12 $6,510
13 Nov 2025 27 Nov 2025 12 $6,510
15 Nov 2025 29 Nov 2025 11 $6,510
20 Nov 2025 04 Dec 2025 12 $6,510
27 Nov 2025 11 Dec 2025 12 $6,510
29 Nov 2025 13 Dec 2025 12 $6,510
04 Dec 2025 18 Dec 2025 12 $6,510
11 Dec 2025 25 Dec 2025 12 $6,510
18 Dec 2025 01 Jan 2026 12 $6,270
25 Dec 2025 08 Jan 2026 12 $6,270
27 Dec 2025 10 Jan 2026 12 $6,270
29 Dec 2025 12 Jan 2026 12 $6,270
01 Jan 2026 15 Jan 2026 12 $6,330
03 Jan 2026 17 Jan 2026 12 $6,330
08 Jan 2026 22 Jan 2026 12 $6,330
15 Jan 2026 29 Jan 2026 10 $6,330
22 Jan 2026 05 Feb 2026 12 $6,330
29 Jan 2026 12 Feb 2026 12 $6,330
31 Jan 2026 14 Feb 2026 12 $6,330
05 Feb 2026 19 Feb 2026 12 $6,585
07 Feb 2026 21 Feb 2026 12 $6,585
12 Feb 2026 26 Feb 2026 12 $6,585
14 Feb 2026 28 Feb 2026 12 $6,585
19 Feb 2026 05 Mar 2026 12 $6,585
21 Feb 2026 07 Mar 2026 12 $6,585
26 Feb 2026 12 Mar 2026 12 $6,585
28 Feb 2026 14 Mar 2026 12 $6,585
05 Mar 2026 19 Mar 2026 12 $6,835
07 Mar 2026 21 Mar 2026 12 $6,835
12 Mar 2026 26 Mar 2026 12 $6,835
14 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026 12 $6,835
19 Mar 2026 02 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
21 Mar 2026 04 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
26 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
28 Mar 2026 11 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
02 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
04 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
09 Apr 2026 23 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
11 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
16 Apr 2026 30 Apr 2026 12 $6,835
18 Apr 2026 02 May 2026 12 $6,585
23 Apr 2026 07 May 2026 12 $6,585
25 Apr 2026 09 May 2026 12 $6,585
30 Apr 2026 14 May 2026 12 $6,585
14 May 2026 28 May 2026 12 $6,330
21 May 2026 04 Jun 2026 12 $6,330
04 Jun 2026 18 Jun 2026 12 $6,330
11 Jun 2026 25 Jun 2026 12 $6,330
25 Jun 2026 09 Jul 2026 12 $6,330
02 Jul 2026 16 Jul 2026 12 $6,330
16 Jul 2026 30 Jul 2026 12 $6,330
23 Jul 2026 06 Aug 2026 12 $6,330
06 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 12 $6,330
20 Aug 2026 03 Sep 2026 12 $6,330
27 Aug 2026 10 Sep 2026 12 $6,330
03 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 12 $6,330
10 Sep 2026 24 Sep 2026 12 $6,330
17 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 12 $6,330
24 Sep 2026 08 Oct 2026 12 $6,330
26 Sep 2026 10 Oct 2026 12 $6,585
01 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 12 $6,585
08 Oct 2026 22 Oct 2026 12 $6,585
15 Oct 2026 29 Oct 2026 12 $6,585
22 Oct 2026 05 Nov 2026 12 $6,585
29 Oct 2026 12 Nov 2026 12 $6,585
31 Oct 2026 14 Nov 2026 12 $6,585
05 Nov 2026 19 Nov 2026 12 $6,835
07 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026 12 $6,835
14 Nov 2026 28 Nov 2026 12 $6,835
19 Nov 2026 03 Dec 2026 12 $6,835
26 Nov 2026 10 Dec 2026 12 $6,835
28 Nov 2026 12 Dec 2026 12 $6,835
03 Dec 2026 17 Dec 2026 12 $6,835
10 Dec 2026 24 Dec 2026 12 $6,835
17 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2026 12 $6,835
24 Dec 2026 07 Jan 2027 12 $6,585
26 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 12 $6,585
31 Dec 2026 14 Jan 2027 12 $6,585