Vietnam Discovery
Vietnam Discovery
Vietnam Discovery
15 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City and ending in Hanoi
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City – Overnight Train, Hoi An, Hue, Hue – Overnight Train, Hanoi, Pu Luong, Cat Ba Island
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TVRN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Trace Vietnam’s eastern coastline on this 15-day adventure, seeing the country from south to north and discovering the many natural and heritage wonders along the way. From the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City all the way up to old-world Hanoi, you'll experience tumultuous history, architectural charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery on your adventure. Take a boat cruise along the Mekong Delta, tour the backstreets of Hoi An with a local, enjoy a rural homestay in Pu Luong and explore the beautiful karsts of Lan Ha Bay.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As you won’t be spending much time in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s recommended that you arrive a few days early to see more of this fascinating city. If you do arrive early, head to see the ancient pagodas and cathedrals near the former Presidential Palace, historic Dong Khoi Street and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). After your meeting, why not head out with your new fellow travellers for an optional dinner and tuck into some delicious local cuisnine.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Mekong Delta
Location: Mekong Delta
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
This morning, head away from the city and make your way to the province of Ben Tre, where you’ll get on a boat to tour the canals of the Mekong Delta. This fertile area is famous for its abundance of fruit, flower and rice crops, and is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. During your boat ride you’ll visit some cottage industries along the river before heading to your guesthouse. Tonight's homestay, close to the delta and hosted by a Vietnamese family, will be one of the highlights of your trip, giving you a taste of community life as well as the chance to enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City – Overnight Train
Location: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City – Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Meals Included: breaksfast
Rise early to the sounds of the river coming alive, and enjoy a simple breakfast before boarding the boat back down the delta and catching a bus back to Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy some free time in Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon, perhaps with a visit to the War Remnants Museum or Reunification Palace. If you haven’t already, head to Ben Thanh Market for some delicious street food, colourful shopping and even more colourful characters. This evening, board an overnight train bound for Danang. Trains are a common form of transport in Vietnam, so sit back and relax into this local experience.
Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Danang by train and travel by minibus to Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site that continues to undergo restoration work today. It was a major trading port with the West from the 17th century. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago. Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk through the Old Town and visit some of the city's major attractions. A sightseeing pass is included in your tour so you can visit a selection of the major sights. Hoi An is also a shopping haven, so head down to the markets and street stalls to browse paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. It’s also famous for its tailors who can make beautiful items to order, and with almost three full days here you have the chance to have some unique pieces whipped up.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Wake up for a free morning to do as you please. It’s a great opportunity to take a trip out to the My Son temples – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation. In the afternoon, swap walking for cycling with a bike ride through the countryside near Hoi An. There's no better way to explore the peaceful area than on two wheels. You’ll see places few tourists get the chance to see among the green rice paddies and small creeks, which will give you a true insight into rural life in Vietnam.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
You’ve got another day to explore this historic haven. Perhaps book in your final tailoring fitting this morning to make sure the threads you’re getting made fit like a glove, or hire a bike for a lazy ride out to the South China Sea to relax on An Bang or Cua Dai beach. Hoi An is also known for its great food, so you could book yourself in for a cooking class to take some culinary secrets away with you. Most tours include a trip to the local food markets, and some take you on a short boat journey along the Thu Bon River. Let your local leader know what you're into and they will be able to recommend some activities to suit.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
Bid farewell to Hoi An this morning and make your way to Hue. The drive in a private vehicle will take around 5 hours. You’ll be travelling on the incredible Hai Van Pass, through lush mountains and past scenic lookouts, and there’ll be some good places for a photo stop. Once in Hue, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore. Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and has a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil enclaves. Perhaps visit the Dong Ba Market, which sells everything imaginable and is a great place to spend some time. It’s important to know that Hue is renowned for its cuisine, with some delicious dishes originating from this region, including bun bo hue (Hue’s delicious take on pho), and banh khoai (a filled turmeric crepe). Time to give your tastebuds a workout.
Day 8: Hue – Overnight Train
Location: Hue – Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Enjoy a free day in Hue. Perhaps visit the Imperial Citadel which includes the Forbidden Purple City that was almost totally destroyed during the Vietnam War. The gaping holes left by bombs give you an idea of how much destruction occurred in this country. If you'd rather take to the water, hop on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River and then visit Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. Here you’ll see an active Buddhist monastery dating back to 1601 and a car belonging to the monk who tragically set himself alight in public to protest against the treatment of Buddhists. You may also like to visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees. This evening, take another overnight train bound for Hanoi.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Hanoi at about 5 am and transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve dropped off your bags and freshened up, embark on a walking tour of Vietnam’s charming capital. Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter – locally known as this because of each street originally selling a specific type of product. Continue to the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, making sure you check out the unique architecture along the way. Hanoi has a French provincial feel left over from colonial times, but it also has a Buddhist influence and striking modern buildings. The rest of the day is yours to explore Hanoi as you please. In the evening, why not get your group together and head out to a bustling night market for some local fare. Sitting on plastic stools and eating on the roadside is a rite of passage in Vietnam.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Pu Luong
Location: Pu Luong
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: lunch, dinner
Today, visit The Intrepid Foundation partner Vun Art – a local organisation empowering people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing job training and employment opportunities. See how they produce tote bags and art pieces from the discarded silk that comes from Van Phuc Silk Village. Vun Art also aims to reduce climate impact by reusing these scraps and in the process, keeping traditional art alive. After, travel to Pu Luong – one of the most beautiful sites in rural Vietnam with expansive rice paddy fields surrounded by the national park. When you arrive at your homestay accommodation, you’ll have rooms boasting views of the rice fields. Have a quick lunch then head out for a trek in the middle of this natural paradise. You’ll see the water wheel in the village, locals working in the fields, and visit a few local tribes, learning about their culture and customs firsthand. After, maybe take a refreshing swim in the onsite swimming pool, watch the sunset over the terraced fields or wander the grounds on your own.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Say goodbye to the peaceful bliss in Pu Luong and head back to Hanoi. On the way, stop at Cam Luong Angelfish Stream and learn about how these fish became holy through a local legend. Then, continue your journey to Hanoi. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time – maybe explore the Old Quarter, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or sit in a café for some people watching. You could also visit Ho Chi Minh Complex or ask your leader for some good restaurant recommendations.
Day 12: Cat Ba Island
Location: Cat Ba Island
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning you'll travel by bus and ferry to beautiful Cat Ba Island before midday. There's no time to waste, so begin exploring the stunning waters of Lan Ha Bay around Cat Ba. Located in the greater Ha Long Bay area, Lan Ha Bay is one of Vietnam’s most scenic places, where limestone islands and caves rise from the emerald waters. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your own pace, so perhaps get active on a hike, or just enjoy a dip at one of the beaches. Have a relaxing evening on Cat Ba Island.
Day 13: Cat Ba Island
Location: Cat Ba Island
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
Rise and shine! Perhaps start your morning with a refreshing swim or a Vietnamese coffee (or both). Make sure you soak up as much sun and sand as possible, because this afternoon it's back to Hanoi by ferry and bus. Tonight, you may want to head out for an optional dinner with your fellow travellers, sharing some memories and laughs over a local meal and beer.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, its recommended that you spend an extra day or two here – just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.
Day 15: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
There are no activities planned for today and you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time after check-out. With so much to see and do in Hanoi, we recommend that you spend an extra day or two here, and we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (10 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights) -
Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise, Lunch and Homestay
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Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
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Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
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Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
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Da Bac - Homestay and activities
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Da Bac - Sung Cave hike
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Da Bac - Sung village to Da Bia hike
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Da Bac - Hoa Binh Reservoir Cruise
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Da Bia - Muong Tribe Lunch
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Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Included Activities
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise and Homestay
- Mekong Delta - Boat Cruise Lunch
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Hoi An - Countryside bicycle hire
- Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
- Da Bac - Homestay and activities
- Da Bac - Sung Cave hike
- Da Bac - Sung village to Da Bia hike
- Da Bac - Hoa Binh Reservoir Cruise
- Da Bia - Muong Tribe Lunch
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
Transport
- 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.
Accommodation
- HOTELS:
- 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. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train 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.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes days 3, 8 (overnight trains), day 2 (guesthouse), and Days 10 (homestay) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
We cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are shared and basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile.
You'll be spending two nights with local families on this trip. While during these homestays the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!).
Your visit to Hoi An includes a bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside. The ride isn’t strenuous, but you will need a basic level of fitness to take part.
Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom, flexibility and unexpected delights, but it does require a level of independence. Be sure to budget a little extra for your chosen activities, with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course! -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions