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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

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From
$885
US $752 per person

18 to 35s Essential Vietnam

12 days
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
4.4 (22 reviews)
From
$885
-15%
US $752 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Hanoi

    Hanoi

    Optional Activities

    • Explore local streets and sights
    • Food and drinks at roadside stalls
    • Bia hoi beer experience
    • Watch motorbike traffic
    • Visit nightlife and cocktail bars
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  3. Day 2

    Hanoi

    Hanoi

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
    • Explore shaded boulevards and public parks
    • Sample street food like spring rolls
    • Visit Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
    • Visit Temple of Literature
    • Visit Fine Arts Museum
    • Lunch at KOTO (social enterprise)
    • Explore architecture at sunset
    Landmarks
    Hoan Kiem Lake
    Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
    Temple of Literature
    Fine Arts Museum
  4. Day 3

    Hanoi to Cat Ba

    Hanoi to Cat Ba
    Meals
    Lunch (Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef)

    Included Activities

    • Bus and ferry transfer to Cat Ba Island
    • Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay with seafood lunch
    • Kayaking through Lan Ha Bay
    Landmarks
    Cat Ba Island
    Lan Ha Bay
    Ha Long Bay
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 4

    Cat Ba to Ninh Binh

    Cat Ba to Ninh Binh

    Included Activities

    • Ferry transfer back to mainland
    • Cycling tour with local guide
    • Visit ancient citadel ruins
    • Visit Temple of King Dinh and King Le
    Landmarks
    Hoa Lu
    Temple of King Dinh
    Temple of King Le
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 5

    Ninh Binh

    Ninh Binh

    Optional Activities

    • Hike to Mua Cave and mountain peak
    • Boat tour through limestone karsts and caves
    • Visit filming locations from King Kong
    Landmarks
    Mua Cave
    Hoa Lu
    Ngo Dong River
  7. Day 6

    Hue

    Hue
    Meals
    Dinner (Freshly prepared home cooked dinner at local family home)

    Included Activities

    • Home cooked dinner at local family home

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Hue's walled citadel
    • Visit Forbidden Purple Palace
    • Dragon boat cruise on Perfume River
    • Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
    • Browse Dong Ba Market
    • Try banh khoai royal rice dish
    • Cycle to royal tombs
    • Visit tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
    Landmarks
    Hue Citadel
    Forbidden Purple Palace
    Perfume River
    Thien Mu Pagoda
    Dong Ba Market
    Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  8. Day 7

    Hue to Hoi An

    Hue to Hoi An

    Included Activities

    • Private bus transfer to Hoi An
    • Walking tour of Old Town

    Optional Activities

    • Visit historic trader's house
    • Visit Japanese Covered Bridge
    • Visit Chinese assembly hall
    • Visit museum
    • Play bingo in town square
    Landmarks
    Japanese Covered Bridge
    Hoi An Ancient Town
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  9. Day 8

    Hoi An

    Hoi An
    Meals
    Lunch (Freshly prepared lunch using ingredients picked during garden tour)

    Included Activities

    • Cycling to Tra Que Vegetable Village
    • Garden-to-Table experience with local chef
    • Freshly prepared lunch using picked ingredients

    Optional Activities

    • Browse Central Market for paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns
    • Visit local tailors for same-day custom clothing
    Landmarks
    Tra Que Vegetable Village
    Central Market
  10. Day 9

    Hoi An to Quy Nhon

    Hoi An to Quy Nhon

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Banh It Tower
    • Visit Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower)
    • Take food tour with local specialities
    • Hike at Eo Gio
    • Explore local restaurants
    Landmarks
    Banh It Tower
    Cahn Tien Tower
    Eo Gio
  11. Day 10

    Quy Nhon

    Quy Nhon

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone
    • Fishing at Con Chim
    • Stand-up paddleboarding
    • Visit Ky Co Beach
    • Day trip to Hon Kho Island
    Landmarks
    Con Chim Ecological Zone
    Ky Co Beach
    Hon Kho Island
  12. Day 11

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Included Activities

    • Local market visit
    • Local coffee experience

    Optional Activities

    • Explore early morning markets
    • Try banh da xuc hen (fried clams with rice crackers)
    • Try banh xeo (savoury stuffed crepes)
    • Dinner and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street
    Landmarks
    Pham Ngu Lao Street
  13. Day 12

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
    • Explore Mekong Delta
    • Day trip to Phu Quoc Island
    • Further Ho Chi Minh City exploration
    Landmarks
    Cu Chi Tunnels
    Mekong Delta
    Phu Quoc Island

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

What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator
Rating
4.5 (12,143 reviews)
Response time
7 hours
Response rate
92%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

4.4
Overall rating based on 22 Reviews
  • Itinerary
    4.4
  • Transport
    4.4
  • Guide
    4.8
  • Accommodation
    3.8
  • Food
    4.4
  • 4.5

Sort by

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Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • Zade
    Zade5.0July 2024
    Amazing experience. Great itinerary put together by our guide / Intrepid, beautiful country sights all throughout...
    Show more
    Traveled in July 2024
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    Hi Zade, thank you for sharing your trip experience with us! These pictures are a very cool cross section of what to expect while in Vietnam. We are thrilled to hear that Tuyet was a great guide and we will pass along your kind words. We hope to see you again when you are ready for your next adventure, stay well.
    Show more
  • Tarik5.0January 2020
    Really enjoyable and well structured tour. Tuan was a really helpful and insightful guide and was able to manage the...
    Show more
    Traveled in January 2020
    Reply from: Intrepid Travel
    We're so glad you enjoyed your time in Vietnam Tarik! We will pass on your great feedback to your local leader Tuan as well.
    Show more
  • Samual4.2September 2019
    Professional Service, Excellent Guidance from tour leader - ""Lucky"" who provided us with adequate support and...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Sam4.2September 2019
    Really good guide and lots of things to do.
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Gemma4.5September 2019
    I gave this score as I believe this tour was an amazing experience and I would like others to discover Vietnam the...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Evelyn4.7September 2019
    Organises the basic of the trip and very flexible with activities. As well as the limit on the age group was good for...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Alanna4.0September 2019
    Lucky was amazing and so helpful. He made us feel like a family and was sooo funny
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Adrian5.0September 2019
    Tour guide was highly knowledgeable and very fitting for the experience. I would highly recommend intrepid to my...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Tulika4.8September 2019
    This was my very first experience travelling with Intrepid and I feel it was memorable mainly because of our Team...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • Vidhya4.0September 2019
    Very well organised and plenty of free time to do activities to suit one’s interest.
    Traveled in December 2018

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Dates & Prices

Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 23 Sep, 2026
  • From Sunday
    27 Sep, 2026
    To Thursday
    8 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US$1,050 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • -5%
    From Thursday
    1 Oct, 2026
    To Monday
    12 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $880
    US$836 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • -10%
    From Sunday
    4 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    15 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $880
    US$792 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    22 Oct, 2026
    To Monday
    2 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $895
    US$761 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • From Sunday
    25 Oct, 2026
    To Thursday
    5 Nov, 2026
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$1,065 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    1 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    12 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$960 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • From Thursday
    5 Nov, 2026
    To Monday
    16 Nov, 2026
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$895 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Sunday
    8 Nov, 2026
    To Thursday
    19 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $930
    US$837 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    12 Nov, 2026
    To Monday
    23 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $885
    US$752 per person
    Price based on Shared Room
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Tuesday
    17 Nov, 2026
    To Saturday
    28 Nov, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US$930 per person
    Price based on Shared Room

Want to read it later?

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More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
We couldn't find results
Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts
  • J

    James

    Asked on October 5th, 2025

    I'm 68 but in good shape., the maximum age of 35 is mandatory for this tour? I'm traveling alone.

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten October 2025

      I'm sorry but this particular tour is age-restricted to travellers between 18 and 35 years old. It's not based on fitness level, but rather designed to bring together people of a similar age group and travel style. However, we'd be very happy to suggest a similar itinerary with no age restrictions, suitable for all adult travellers.

  • J

    Janet

    Asked on July 31st, 2025

    I've been looking at the tour of Vietnam for travellers between 18-29, including cat ba island, and am very keen on joining. However I have to be in Hoi An 6/7 September, and can only make the trip departing Hanoi on the 31st of August. Would it be possible for me to hop off in Hoi an (and not go to Ho Chi Minh), and is there anyway I could do this without paying for the remaining days?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten August 2025

      We can check with our local operators regarding your request to be dropped off at Hoi an. However since the tour is sold as a package we are unfortunately unable to adjust the price for the unused days.

  • J

    Justin

    Asked on June 18th, 2025

    Is daily breakfast included in the price? Also, I am a strict vegetarian (i.e., no eggs, no seafood and no meat of any type).

    Meals
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten June 2025

      For this trip there are only 3 meals included (2 lunches and 1 dinner). A vegetarian diet is possible in Vietnam however, its best to note that options may be limited especially in smaller villages.

  • A

    Alex

    Asked on March 31st, 2025

    Is there a way to get a deal if my friend and I both book on this tour?

    Price / Availability
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten April 2025

      Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing. We cannot offer a discount or a lower price than the listed price.

  • A

    Andrew

    Asked on December 15th, 2024

    Can I check into the hotel early in Hanoi?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      In some destinations, we provide day rooms for shared group use before check-in time; however, if you booked a Single Supplement, it won't apply to these day rooms.

  • C

    Carolyn

    Asked on December 12th, 2024

    We're a 55+ couple, one with mobility issues. I don't see a version of this trip for us, or am I missing it?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      This specific itinerary is just for 18 - 25 year old's however, we do offer a few different variations for all ages. Here are some recommendations: Vietnam Express Southbound, Classic Vietnam, Scenic Vietnam. We can assist in recommending the best fitted itinerary based on mobility issues.

  • P

    Pat

    Asked on December 1st, 2024

    Are there any specific travel documents required for the tour?

    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      You do not need specific travel documents; a copy of your TourRadar confirmation notification will suffice to join the tour.

  • L

    Louise

    Asked on November 23rd, 2024

    I am looking to travel in April 2025. I am looking at tours with a single private room. Is the single room available and how much is the single supplement charge?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2024

      A single supplement is available for $275 if you'd prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 5 & 10 (overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability.

  • R

    Rosalie

    Asked on September 19th, 2024

    What are the included services for the Essential Vietnam tour?

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2024

      The tour includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, transport by boat, overnight sleeper train, private minibus, hotel stays, and various planned activities like kayaking and local tours.

  • M

    Mees

    Asked on July 27th, 2024

    Are there any activities included in the tour price, and can additional activities be purchased?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten July 2024

      Some activities are included, but additional services need to be paid for on the ground.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 7 hours.
From
$885
-15%
US $752 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 16391

  • Currency
    Dong
    Vietnam
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type G.

    Type G
    Vietnam
  • Vaccines
    • 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.
  • Visa
    • 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.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 18th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 18th, 2026, 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.
  • Cancellation Policy
    • Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.

      Checking the cancellation terms for this tour…
    • Your money is protected.
      TourRadar is an authorized agent of Intrepid Travel, and we handle payments so you don't have to. Payment is securely transferred to the Operator based on your departure date.
  • Insurance

    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

    Checking which travel protection options are available for you…
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, 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.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec