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SHORTLIST

Premium Vietnam in Depth

Discover Vietnam’s kaleidoscope of colour, history and cuisine on a 15-day Premium adventure through the country’s varied landscapes. Learn about the history of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels led by a war veteran, visit the beautiful lakes and boulevards of bustling Hanoi and get a glimpse of rural life as you cruise through the Mekong Delta. Wander historic temples, spend a night on a traditional boat beneath the stars in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay and tuck into delicious banquets of fresh cuisine while learning what it means to be a local. This journey will take you off the well-trodden track and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. Fast track arrival and 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
$5,602
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
Premium
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City where you’ll meet a local representative at the airport for the private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet the group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm, then head out for dinner with your local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant, you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – originally an opium refinery built in 1861, this building still holds subtle nods to its past. Feast on a menu filled with classics and southern Vietnamese favourites, like pho (noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noodles).
Day 2: Mekong Delta
Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can 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 is woven into the community here. Have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 km) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. As you explore this labyrinth, you’ll be guided by a war veteran who will share a first-hand account of life during the war. He will also share his in-depth knowledge of the tunnel system. Your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what underground life must have been like. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps visit the renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated, modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 4: Hoi An
This morning, see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about the end of the war and then take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum after stopping by the Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and notice the many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’ Hotel de Ville. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An – a riverside town in central Vietnam.
Day 5: Hoi An
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover Hoi An’s heritage-listed ancient architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low-tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, 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’ve uncovered on the walk. After, sit down to a lunch with the group. This afternoon, you’re free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader can provide suggestions if you need inspiration!
Day 6: Hoi An
Once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom, Hoi An remains home to many Cham descendants today. This morning, your leader will guide you through the My Son Sanctuary – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples and serene surroundings, experience an Apsara dance performance featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes and drums. When you return to Hoi An, the afternoon is free for you to explore further – maybe visit one of the many tailor shops and get a custom outfit or relax by the pool at your hotel.
Day 7: Hue
Head for Hue this morning – the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. On the way, 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 busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, 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 stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.
Day 8: Hue
Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for bun bo Hue (this spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try). Next, meet a local chef and explore the market where you can taste and smell all the herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life while learning about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. Stop for lunch, then continue to the chef’s home and discover how to cook up dishes using the fresh ingredients from the market. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda – an active Buddhist monastery and unofficial symbol of Hue that dates back to 1601. You’ll 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. Settle in when you arrive and then get your bearings with a leader-led walk, where you’ll wander the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is a Northern Vietnamese art form that originated in the Tran Dynasty. Originally performed by blind performers, it was enjoyed by local working-class audiences until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. This style of performance is rare today, but you and your group will be taken to a private clubhouse for an exclusive performance, which is one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically.
Day 10: Mai Chau
Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hill tribe communities. Admire the 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, native to this region, at the Muong Museum. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some 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 a local artisan’s insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you'll learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After a 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 your leader about optional activities in the area.
Day 12: Hanoi
Head back to Hanoi this morning for a guided half-day tour of the city with your leader, gaining insights into the city’s history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you're interested in its many lakes and parks. You'll see that this 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’ll drive to Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than by boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in comfort as you weave through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. The sights you will visit vary, but you may stop at a vibrant fishing village to learn about local life or a cave to appreciate its interesting rock formations with your leader, then you’ll retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck and watch the sun go down.
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 that 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. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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.
  • Fast Track Airport Service on Arrival.
  • Mekong Delta - Boat cruise with visits to local producers.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels with war veteran.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum.
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace.
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour.
  • Hoi An - My Son Tour.
  • Hoi An – Aspara Dance Performance.
  • Hue – Hai Van Pass.
  • 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.
  • Mai Chau – Rice Wine Producer.
  • Mai Chau – Artisan Textile Workshop.
  • Main Chau – Local Family Lunch.
  • 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
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
24 Feb 2026 10 Mar 2026 1 $6,790
05 Mar 2026 19 Mar 2026 2 $6,850
14 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026 1 $6,965
19 Mar 2026 02 Apr 2026 2 $6,795
26 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 5 $5,602
28 Mar 2026 11 Apr 2026 5 $5,653
31 Mar 2026 14 Apr 2026 5 $5,602
04 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 6 $5,602
07 May 2026 21 May 2026 7 $6,290
14 May 2026 28 May 2026 8 $6,125
04 Jun 2026 18 Jun 2026 10 $6,120
02 Jul 2026 16 Jul 2026 8 $5,820
06 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 11 $5,820
27 Aug 2026 10 Sep 2026 8 $6,120
03 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 6 $6,125
10 Sep 2026 24 Sep 2026 10 $6,120
24 Sep 2026 08 Oct 2026 11 $6,120
26 Sep 2026 10 Oct 2026 10 $6,290
01 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 9 $6,290
08 Oct 2026 22 Oct 2026 7 $6,460
15 Oct 2026 29 Oct 2026 10 $6,460
22 Oct 2026 05 Nov 2026 10 $6,590
29 Oct 2026 12 Nov 2026 10 $6,590
31 Oct 2026 14 Nov 2026 9 $6,590
05 Nov 2026 19 Nov 2026 12 $6,590
07 Nov 2026 21 Nov 2026 4 $6,500
19 Nov 2026 03 Dec 2026 12 $6,460
21 Nov 2026 05 Dec 2026 11 $6,460
28 Nov 2026 12 Dec 2026 12 $6,290
03 Dec 2026 17 Dec 2026 12 $6,120
17 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2026 8 $6,120
24 Dec 2026 07 Jan 2027 10 $6,290
26 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 12 $6,290
31 Dec 2026 14 Jan 2027 8 $6,290
02 Jan 2027 16 Jan 2027 12 $6,520
07 Jan 2027 21 Jan 2027 12 $6,520
14 Jan 2027 28 Jan 2027 10 $6,520
21 Jan 2027 04 Feb 2027 10 $6,710
28 Jan 2027 11 Feb 2027 12 $6,710
04 Feb 2027 18 Feb 2027 12 $6,710
06 Feb 2027 20 Feb 2027 12 $6,710
09 Feb 2027 23 Feb 2027 12 $6,710
11 Feb 2027 25 Feb 2027 12 $6,710
13 Feb 2027 27 Feb 2027 11 $6,710
16 Feb 2027 02 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
18 Feb 2027 04 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
20 Feb 2027 06 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
23 Feb 2027 09 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
25 Feb 2027 11 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
27 Feb 2027 13 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
04 Mar 2027 18 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
06 Mar 2027 20 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
11 Mar 2027 25 Mar 2027 11 $6,835
13 Mar 2027 27 Mar 2027 12 $6,835
18 Mar 2027 01 Apr 2027 12 $6,835
20 Mar 2027 03 Apr 2027 12 $6,835
25 Mar 2027 08 Apr 2027 12 $6,710
27 Mar 2027 10 Apr 2027 12 $6,710
30 Mar 2027 13 Apr 2027 12 $6,710
01 Apr 2027 15 Apr 2027 12 $6,710
03 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027 12 $6,710
08 Apr 2027 22 Apr 2027 12 $6,520
10 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 12 $6,520
15 Apr 2027 29 Apr 2027 12 $6,520
22 Apr 2027 06 May 2027 12 $6,520
29 Apr 2027 13 May 2027 12 $6,520
06 May 2027 20 May 2027 12 $6,330
13 May 2027 27 May 2027 12 $6,330
20 May 2027 03 Jun 2027 12 $6,330
27 May 2027 10 Jun 2027 12 $6,330
03 Jun 2027 17 Jun 2027 12 $6,330
10 Jun 2027 24 Jun 2027 12 $6,330
24 Jun 2027 08 Jul 2027 12 $6,330
01 Jul 2027 15 Jul 2027 12 $6,330
15 Jul 2027 29 Jul 2027 12 $6,330
22 Jul 2027 05 Aug 2027 12 $6,330
05 Aug 2027 19 Aug 2027 12 $6,330
19 Aug 2027 02 Sep 2027 12 $6,330
26 Aug 2027 09 Sep 2027 12 $6,330
02 Sep 2027 16 Sep 2027 12 $6,330
09 Sep 2027 23 Sep 2027 12 $6,330
16 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 12 $6,330
23 Sep 2027 07 Oct 2027 12 $6,330
25 Sep 2027 09 Oct 2027 12 $6,520
30 Sep 2027 14 Oct 2027 12 $6,520
07 Oct 2027 21 Oct 2027 12 $6,520
14 Oct 2027 28 Oct 2027 12 $6,710
21 Oct 2027 04 Nov 2027 12 $6,710
28 Oct 2027 11 Nov 2027 12 $6,835
30 Oct 2027 13 Nov 2027 12 $6,835
04 Nov 2027 18 Nov 2027 12 $6,835
06 Nov 2027 20 Nov 2027 12 $6,835
13 Nov 2027 27 Nov 2027 12 $6,835
18 Nov 2027 02 Dec 2027 12 $6,710
20 Nov 2027 04 Dec 2027 12 $6,710
25 Nov 2027 09 Dec 2027 12 $6,710
27 Nov 2027 11 Dec 2027 12 $6,520
02 Dec 2027 16 Dec 2027 12 $6,520
09 Dec 2027 23 Dec 2027 12 $6,330
16 Dec 2027 30 Dec 2027 12 $6,330
23 Dec 2027 06 Jan 2028 12 $6,520
25 Dec 2027 08 Jan 2028 12 $6,520
30 Dec 2027 13 Jan 2028 12 $6,520
01 Jan 2028 15 Jan 2028 12 $6,210
06 Jan 2028 20 Jan 2028 12 $6,030
13 Jan 2028 27 Jan 2028 12 $6,030
18 Jan 2028 01 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
20 Jan 2028 03 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
27 Jan 2028 10 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
01 Feb 2028 15 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
05 Feb 2028 19 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
08 Feb 2028 22 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
10 Feb 2028 24 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
12 Feb 2028 26 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
15 Feb 2028 29 Feb 2028 12 $6,030
17 Feb 2028 02 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
19 Feb 2028 04 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
22 Feb 2028 07 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
26 Feb 2028 11 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
02 Mar 2028 16 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
04 Mar 2028 18 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
11 Mar 2028 25 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
16 Mar 2028 30 Mar 2028 12 $6,030
18 Mar 2028 01 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
23 Mar 2028 06 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
25 Mar 2028 08 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
28 Mar 2028 11 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
30 Mar 2028 13 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
01 Apr 2028 15 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
06 Apr 2028 20 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
08 Apr 2028 22 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
13 Apr 2028 27 Apr 2028 12 $6,030
20 Apr 2028 04 May 2028 12 $6,030
27 Apr 2028 11 May 2028 12 $6,030
04 May 2028 18 May 2028 12 $6,030
11 May 2028 25 May 2028 12 $6,030
25 May 2028 08 Jun 2028 12 $6,030
08 Jun 2028 22 Jun 2028 12 $6,030
22 Jun 2028 06 Jul 2028 12 $6,030
29 Jun 2028 13 Jul 2028 12 $6,030
13 Jul 2028 27 Jul 2028 12 $6,030
27 Jul 2028 10 Aug 2028 12 $6,030
10 Aug 2028 24 Aug 2028 12 $6,030
31 Aug 2028 14 Sep 2028 12 $6,030
07 Sep 2028 21 Sep 2028 12 $6,030
14 Sep 2028 28 Sep 2028 12 $6,030
21 Sep 2028 05 Oct 2028 12 $6,030
23 Sep 2028 07 Oct 2028 12 $6,030
28 Sep 2028 12 Oct 2028 12 $6,030
05 Oct 2028 19 Oct 2028 12 $6,030
12 Oct 2028 26 Oct 2028 12 $6,030
19 Oct 2028 02 Nov 2028 12 $6,030
26 Oct 2028 09 Nov 2028 12 $6,030
28 Oct 2028 11 Nov 2028 12 $6,030
02 Nov 2028 16 Nov 2028 12 $6,030
04 Nov 2028 18 Nov 2028 12 $6,030
11 Nov 2028 25 Nov 2028 12 $6,030
18 Nov 2028 02 Dec 2028 12 $6,030
23 Nov 2028 07 Dec 2028 12 $6,030
30 Nov 2028 14 Dec 2028 12 $6,030
07 Dec 2028 21 Dec 2028 12 $6,030
14 Dec 2028 28 Dec 2028 12 $6,030
21 Dec 2028 04 Jan 2029 12 $6,030
28 Dec 2028 11 Jan 2029 12 $6,030
30 Dec 2028 13 Jan 2029 12 $6,030