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SHORTLIST

Vietnam Express Northbound

Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hotspots with this ten-day small-group adventure. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, you’ll see naturally beautiful landscapes and history-soaked monuments, tucking into all the deliciously local cuisine in between. Traverse the country from South to North like a local and paddle through the waterways of the Mekong Delta, explore villages in a tuk-tuk, cruise through the World Heritage-listed waters of Ha Long Bay, wander the car-free streets of Hoi An on foot and discover the imperial icons of Hue from the back of a motorbike. With the guidance of your expert local leader, you’ll discover secrets to this Southeast Asian gem that you simply won’t find in a guidebook.

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 6 (Sleeper Train) and Day 8 (Overnight Boat) 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.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$1,512
Number of Days
10
Start Location
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
End Location
Hanoi, Vietnam
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Standard
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 with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip dsn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, you might want to arrive a day or two early to see the sights. This city has a French influence, so there’s plenty of delicious coffee spots and Bahn mi shops to keep you occupied. Maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. After the meeting tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers and the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine over an optional group dinner.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City
Today you'll travel south by private minibus and spend the day exploring the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat and traverse the intricate waterways – soak up the tranquil surroundings as you float through this fertile landscape, often referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit the coconut gardens, stopping at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams before paddling in sampans (small rowing boats). Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages, learning about rural life and how the locals make their living. Then, have lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the delta, sampling regional specialties like elephant ear fish. After the cruise, return via bus to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 3: Hoi An
This morning, say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly north to Danang. From here you’ll take a bus to Hoi An, with the five spectacular peaks of the Marble Mountains as a backdrop. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of the town, influenced over the years by Europe, China and Vietnam. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and the outside influences can be seen all over its architecture, with pagodas and assembly halls found across the town. Wander the ancient streets that look much like they did over a century ago and take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Then, your night is free to hit one of the waterside restaurants.
Day 4: Hoi An
Enjoy a free day in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours. For those still feeling adventurous, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. You also have the option to head out on a daytrip to My Son Cham – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation.
Day 5: Hue
Leave Hoi An today and journey across the dramatic Hai Van Pass – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a quick photo stop on the way, then continue to Hue – the former imperial capital of Vietnam. When you arrive, join your leader for a tour of the Imperial Citadel – this fortress houses the Imperial City and the citadel-within-a-citadel, the Forbidden Purple City. This icon was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam/American War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction that was caused. In your free time you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food.
Day 6: Hue
Today’s adventure will be on the back of a motorbike! You’ll have your own driver who will take you around the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. This site dates back to 1601 and is still an active Buddhist monastery. Here, you’ll also see the car left by a monk who set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Ride to a special lunch spot at a Buddhist monastery and sit down to a vegetarian feast, then drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which is set on a lake surrounded by frangipani bushes and pine trees. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and beautiful Old Quarter. Soak up some free time to relax, then take a walking tour through the city. In your free time, maybe wander through the '36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter, chill out by the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.
Day 8: Halong Bay
Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places, a secluded bay of emerald waters flecked with limestone islands and caves. When you arrive, you’ll hop on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and the surrounding rock formations. In the warmer months, perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. On board, there’ll be a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Spend the night on the boat, maybe having a drink with your fellow travellers at the bar, beneath a sky alive with starlight.
Day 9: Hanoi
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay – if you’re keen, you could watch the sunrise from the deck this morning, watching the bay come alive with eagles, fishermen and sunlight. Then, visit The Green Life Centre – this organisation is committed to turning Ha Long Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skilfully turning them into 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. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Hanoi's sights or relax at a cafe. Maybe stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter. Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant – an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth with careers in the hospitality industry.
Day 10: Hanoi
Today, your exploration of Vietnam comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today and you can leave at any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Hanoi, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private minibus, Taxi, Motorbike, Sampan, Tuk-tuk.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night).
  • Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour.
  • Mekong Delta - Lunch.
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour.
  • Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit.
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc.
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike.
  • Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda.
  • Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda.
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature.
  • Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house.
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour.
  • Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise.
  • Halong Bay - Cave entry.
  • Hanoi - KOTO dinner.
  • Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
20 Jan 2026 29 Jan 2026 6 $2,007
25 Jan 2026 03 Feb 2026 8 $2,007
06 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026 10 $2,075
08 Feb 2026 17 Feb 2026 2 $2,385
10 Feb 2026 19 Feb 2026 7 $2,175
13 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 14 $1,512
15 Feb 2026 24 Feb 2026 7 $2,175
17 Feb 2026 26 Feb 2026 10 $2,055
22 Feb 2026 03 Mar 2026 1 $2,350
24 Feb 2026 05 Mar 2026 11 $2,160
27 Feb 2026 08 Mar 2026 10 $2,135
01 Mar 2026 10 Mar 2026 1 $2,375
03 Mar 2026 12 Mar 2026 6 $2,235
06 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026 7 $2,245
08 Mar 2026 17 Mar 2026 1 $2,385
10 Mar 2026 19 Mar 2026 8 $2,270
15 Mar 2026 24 Mar 2026 1 $2,385
20 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026 10 $2,270
26 Mar 2026 04 Apr 2026 8 $2,320
27 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 13 $2,270
29 Mar 2026 07 Apr 2026 1 $2,300
31 Mar 2026 09 Apr 2026 8 $2,250
03 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 6 $2,230
05 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 3 $2,385
07 Apr 2026 16 Apr 2026 7 $2,300
10 Apr 2026 19 Apr 2026 12 $2,270
11 Apr 2026 20 Apr 2026 14 $2,270
12 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026 12 $2,300
14 Apr 2026 23 Apr 2026 6 $2,360
17 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 8 $2,300
19 Apr 2026 28 Apr 2026 8 $2,295
21 Apr 2026 30 Apr 2026 6 $2,280
25 Apr 2026 04 May 2026 9 $2,285
26 Apr 2026 05 May 2026 10 $2,230
28 Apr 2026 07 May 2026 14 $2,230
03 May 2026 12 May 2026 5 $2,300
05 May 2026 14 May 2026 13 $2,160
10 May 2026 19 May 2026 15 $2,160
17 May 2026 26 May 2026 6 $2,290
19 May 2026 28 May 2026 11 $2,130
31 May 2026 09 Jun 2026 14 $2,095
02 Jun 2026 11 Jun 2026 16 $2,095
09 Jun 2026 18 Jun 2026 16 $2,095
14 Jun 2026 23 Jun 2026 15 $2,095
21 Jun 2026 30 Jun 2026 10 $2,110
28 Jun 2026 07 Jul 2026 6 $2,130
05 Jul 2026 14 Jul 2026 16 $2,095
07 Jul 2026 16 Jul 2026 16 $2,095
12 Jul 2026 21 Jul 2026 16 $2,095
19 Jul 2026 28 Jul 2026 10 $2,160
21 Jul 2026 30 Jul 2026 14 $2,160
26 Jul 2026 04 Aug 2026 12 $2,160
31 Jul 2026 09 Aug 2026 16 $2,160
02 Aug 2026 11 Aug 2026 14 $2,095
04 Aug 2026 13 Aug 2026 14 $2,095
09 Aug 2026 18 Aug 2026 14 $2,095
11 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 16 $2,095
16 Aug 2026 25 Aug 2026 12 $2,095
18 Aug 2026 27 Aug 2026 16 $2,095
23 Aug 2026 01 Sep 2026 16 $2,095
25 Aug 2026 03 Sep 2026 16 $2,095
30 Aug 2026 08 Sep 2026 16 $2,095
01 Sep 2026 10 Sep 2026 16 $2,095
04 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026 16 $2,160
06 Sep 2026 15 Sep 2026 12 $2,160
08 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026 16 $2,160
11 Sep 2026 20 Sep 2026 16 $2,230
13 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026 8 $2,230
15 Sep 2026 24 Sep 2026 16 $2,230
18 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 14 $2,230
20 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 16 $2,230
22 Sep 2026 01 Oct 2026 16 $2,230
25 Sep 2026 04 Oct 2026 14 $2,160
27 Sep 2026 06 Oct 2026 11 $2,185
29 Sep 2026 08 Oct 2026 16 $2,160
02 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 16 $2,160
04 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026 13 $2,095
06 Oct 2026 15 Oct 2026 16 $2,095
09 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 14 $2,095
11 Oct 2026 20 Oct 2026 16 $2,095
13 Oct 2026 22 Oct 2026 14 $2,095
16 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 16 $2,095
18 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026 14 $2,095
20 Oct 2026 29 Oct 2026 16 $2,095
25 Oct 2026 03 Nov 2026 16 $2,095
27 Oct 2026 05 Nov 2026 15 $2,160
30 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 16 $2,160
03 Nov 2026 12 Nov 2026 7 $2,220
06 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026 14 $2,230
08 Nov 2026 17 Nov 2026 13 $2,280
10 Nov 2026 19 Nov 2026 16 $2,270
13 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 15 $2,270
15 Nov 2026 24 Nov 2026 16 $2,270
17 Nov 2026 26 Nov 2026 16 $2,270
20 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 16 $2,270
21 Nov 2026 30 Nov 2026 16 $2,270
22 Nov 2026 01 Dec 2026 16 $2,270
24 Nov 2026 03 Dec 2026 16 $2,270
27 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 14 $2,270
28 Nov 2026 07 Dec 2026 16 $2,270
29 Nov 2026 08 Dec 2026 15 $2,230
04 Dec 2026 13 Dec 2026 16 $2,230
06 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 16 $2,160
11 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 16 $2,160
13 Dec 2026 22 Dec 2026 16 $2,160
15 Dec 2026 24 Dec 2026 16 $2,160
18 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 16 $2,160
20 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 16 $2,230
22 Dec 2026 31 Dec 2026 16 $2,230
25 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 16 $2,230
26 Dec 2026 04 Jan 2027 16 $2,230
28 Dec 2026 06 Jan 2027 16 $2,230
29 Dec 2026 07 Jan 2027 16 $2,230
31 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 16 $2,230
01 Jan 2027 10 Jan 2027 16 $2,180
03 Jan 2027 12 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
05 Jan 2027 14 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
08 Jan 2027 17 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
10 Jan 2027 19 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
12 Jan 2027 21 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
17 Jan 2027 26 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
19 Jan 2027 28 Jan 2027 16 $2,310
24 Jan 2027 02 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
26 Jan 2027 04 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
31 Jan 2027 09 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
02 Feb 2027 11 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
05 Feb 2027 14 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
07 Feb 2027 16 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
09 Feb 2027 18 Feb 2027 16 $2,310
12 Feb 2027 21 Feb 2027 16 $2,350
14 Feb 2027 23 Feb 2027 16 $2,350
16 Feb 2027 25 Feb 2027 16 $2,350
19 Feb 2027 28 Feb 2027 16 $2,350
21 Feb 2027 02 Mar 2027 16 $2,350
23 Feb 2027 04 Mar 2027 16 $2,350
26 Feb 2027 07 Mar 2027 16 $2,350
28 Feb 2027 09 Mar 2027 16 $2,350
02 Mar 2027 11 Mar 2027 16 $2,350
05 Mar 2027 14 Mar 2027 16 $2,310
07 Mar 2027 16 Mar 2027 16 $2,310
09 Mar 2027 18 Mar 2027 16 $2,310
12 Mar 2027 21 Mar 2027 16 $2,310
14 Mar 2027 23 Mar 2027 16 $2,310
16 Mar 2027 25 Mar 2027 16 $2,310
19 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 16 $2,240
21 Mar 2027 30 Mar 2027 16 $2,240
23 Mar 2027 01 Apr 2027 16 $2,240
25 Mar 2027 03 Apr 2027 16 $2,310
26 Mar 2027 04 Apr 2027 16 $2,310
28 Mar 2027 06 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
30 Mar 2027 08 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
02 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
04 Apr 2027 13 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
06 Apr 2027 15 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
09 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
10 Apr 2027 19 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
11 Apr 2027 20 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
13 Apr 2027 22 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
16 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
18 Apr 2027 27 Apr 2027 16 $2,350
20 Apr 2027 29 Apr 2027 16 $2,310
23 Apr 2027 02 May 2027 16 $2,310
24 Apr 2027 03 May 2027 16 $2,310
25 Apr 2027 04 May 2027 16 $2,310
27 Apr 2027 06 May 2027 16 $2,310
02 May 2027 11 May 2027 16 $2,310
04 May 2027 13 May 2027 16 $2,240
09 May 2027 18 May 2027 16 $2,240
11 May 2027 20 May 2027 16 $2,240
16 May 2027 25 May 2027 16 $2,180
18 May 2027 27 May 2027 16 $2,180
23 May 2027 01 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
25 May 2027 03 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
30 May 2027 08 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
01 Jun 2027 10 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
08 Jun 2027 17 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
13 Jun 2027 22 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
15 Jun 2027 24 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
20 Jun 2027 29 Jun 2027 16 $2,180
27 Jun 2027 06 Jul 2027 16 $2,180
29 Jun 2027 08 Jul 2027 16 $2,180
04 Jul 2027 13 Jul 2027 16 $2,180
06 Jul 2027 15 Jul 2027 16 $2,240
11 Jul 2027 20 Jul 2027 16 $2,240
13 Jul 2027 22 Jul 2027 16 $2,240
18 Jul 2027 27 Jul 2027 16 $2,240
20 Jul 2027 29 Jul 2027 16 $2,310
25 Jul 2027 03 Aug 2027 16 $2,240
27 Jul 2027 05 Aug 2027 16 $2,240
30 Jul 2027 08 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
01 Aug 2027 10 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
03 Aug 2027 12 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
08 Aug 2027 17 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
10 Aug 2027 19 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
15 Aug 2027 24 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
17 Aug 2027 26 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
22 Aug 2027 31 Aug 2027 16 $2,180
24 Aug 2027 02 Sep 2027 16 $2,180
29 Aug 2027 07 Sep 2027 16 $2,180
31 Aug 2027 09 Sep 2027 16 $2,180
03 Sep 2027 12 Sep 2027 16 $2,180
05 Sep 2027 14 Sep 2027 16 $2,180
07 Sep 2027 16 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
10 Sep 2027 19 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
12 Sep 2027 21 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
14 Sep 2027 23 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
17 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
19 Sep 2027 28 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
21 Sep 2027 30 Sep 2027 16 $2,240
24 Sep 2027 03 Oct 2027 16 $2,240
26 Sep 2027 05 Oct 2027 16 $2,240
28 Sep 2027 07 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
01 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
03 Oct 2027 12 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
05 Oct 2027 14 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
08 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
10 Oct 2027 19 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
12 Oct 2027 21 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
15 Oct 2027 24 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
17 Oct 2027 26 Oct 2027 16 $2,180
19 Oct 2027 28 Oct 2027 16 $2,240
24 Oct 2027 02 Nov 2027 16 $2,240
26 Oct 2027 04 Nov 2027 16 $2,240
29 Oct 2027 07 Nov 2027 16 $2,240
02 Nov 2027 11 Nov 2027 16 $2,310
05 Nov 2027 14 Nov 2027 16 $2,310
07 Nov 2027 16 Nov 2027 16 $2,310
09 Nov 2027 18 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
12 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
14 Nov 2027 23 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
16 Nov 2027 25 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
19 Nov 2027 28 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
20 Nov 2027 29 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
21 Nov 2027 30 Nov 2027 16 $2,350
23 Nov 2027 02 Dec 2027 16 $2,350
26 Nov 2027 05 Dec 2027 16 $2,350
27 Nov 2027 06 Dec 2027 16 $2,310
28 Nov 2027 07 Dec 2027 16 $2,310
03 Dec 2027 12 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
05 Dec 2027 14 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
10 Dec 2027 19 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
12 Dec 2027 21 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
14 Dec 2027 23 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
17 Dec 2027 26 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
19 Dec 2027 28 Dec 2027 16 $2,240
21 Dec 2027 30 Dec 2027 12 $2,240
24 Dec 2027 02 Jan 2028 16 $2,350
25 Dec 2027 03 Jan 2028 16 $2,350
27 Dec 2027 05 Jan 2028 16 $2,350
28 Dec 2027 06 Jan 2028 16 $2,350
30 Dec 2027 08 Jan 2028 16 $2,350
02 Jan 2028 11 Jan 2028 16 $2,180
04 Jan 2028 13 Jan 2028 16 $2,180