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Essential Vietnam

12 days
•
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
4.4
22 reviews
  • Fishing boats on calm waters under a stunning, colorful sunset.
  • Beautiful landscape with limestone cliffs and a boat on the water.
  • Group of people enjoying a night out at a nightclub.
  • Two women enjoying and laughing in a vibrant market.
    View all

  • The whole experience created was very balanced. I would recommend all my friends to choose Intrepid whenever they're travelling to Vietnam.

    T
    Tulika J, traveled in September
    4.8
  • Group of friends cheering with drinks at a lively street venue.
  • Young people buying street food from a vendor and smiling.
  • Tourists in traditional hats enjoying a boat ride.
  • Vibrant lanterns displayed at a market during nighttime.
  • Group of friends choosing souvenirs in a vibrant night market.
    View all
From
$880
-15%
US $748 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 Date

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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
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Jul
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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

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Best price guarantee Learn More

Intrepid Travel

4.5(12,055 reviews)

Replies within 4 hours •92% response rate

Platinum Operator
Intrepid Travel
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour
Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
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. Day 1

    Hanoi

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Hanoi streets and sights
    • Dine at roadside bia hoi stalls
    • Visit local beer and cocktail bars
    • Watch motorbike traffic and city nightlife
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Hanoi

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake
    • Explore Temple of Literature
    • Visit Fine Arts Museum
    • Lunch at KOTO (social enterprise for disadvantaged youth)
    • Visit Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
    • Street food - spring rolls and rice paper rolls
    • Hanoi - Citadels, Karsts & Cycle Urban Adventure
    • Hanoi - Village Discovery by Bike Urban Adventure
    Landmarks
    Hoan Kiem Lake
    Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
    Temple of Literature
    Fine Arts Museum
  3. Day 3

    Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

    Meals
    Lunch (Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef)

    Included Activities

    • Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
    • Seafood lunch prepared by onboard chef
    • Kayaking through Lan Ha Bay
    Landmarks
    Lan Ha Bay
    Cat Ba Island
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Ninh Binh

    Included Activities

    • Ferry to mainland
    • Cycling tour to ancient citadel
    • Visit Temple of King Dinh and King Le
    • Visit temples, pagodas and monuments in Hoa Lu
    Landmarks
    Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
    Temple of King Dinh
    Temple of King Le
    Itinerary Image 1
  5. Day 5

    Ninh Binh

    Included Activities

    • Overnight train to Hue

    Optional Activities

    • Hiking to Mua Cave
    • Trek up 500 steps to mountain peak
    • Boat tour past limestone karst peaks and caves
    Landmarks
    Mua Cave
    Hoa Lu
    Ngo Dong River
  6. Day 6

    Hue

    Meals
    Dinner (Freshly prepared home-cooked dinner with local family)

    Included Activities

    • Home-cooked dinner with local family

    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 (Emperor Nguyen's dish)
    • Cycle to royal tombs
    • Visit tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
    • Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda
    • Hue - Hue Royal Street Eat by Cyclo Urban Adventure
    • Hue - Hue Discovery Urban Adventure
    Landmarks
    Hue Citadel
    Forbidden Purple Palace
    Perfume River
    Thien Mu Pagoda
    Dong Ba Market
    Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
  7. Day 7

    Hue to Hoi An

    Included Activities

    • Old Town walking tour

    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 Old Town
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  8. Day 8

    Hoi An

    Meals
    Lunch (Freshly prepared lunch using ingredients picked during garden tour at Tra Que Vegetable Village)

    Included Activities

    • Cycling tour to Tra Que Vegetable Village
    • Garden-to-table experience with local chef
    • Freshly prepared lunch using picked ingredients
    • Old Town walking tour

    Optional Activities

    • Browse Central Market
    • Visit same-day tailors
    • Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure
    • Hoi An - Hoi An Walking & Cooking Class Urban Adventure
    • Hoi An - Hoi An Boat & Bike Urban Adventure
    • Hoi An - My Son Cham day trip
    Landmarks
    Tra Que Vegetable Village
    Hoi An Central Market
    Hoi An Old Town
  9. Day 9

    Quy Nhon

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Banh It Tower
    • Visit Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower)
    • Food tour - banh xeo tom nhay (crunchy pancake with fresh prawn)
    • Food tour - nem nuong (grilled pork sausage)
    • Food tour - bun ca (fish noodle soup)
    • Hike at Eo Gio for coastal views
    Landmarks
    Banh It Tower
    Cahn Tien Tower
    Eo Gio
  10. Day 10

    Quy Nhon

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone for fishing
    • Visit Con Chim Ecological Zone for stand-up paddleboarding
    • Visit Ky Co Beach
    • Day trip to Hon Kho Island for swimming
    Landmarks
    Con Chim Ecological Zone
    Ky Co Beach
    Hon Kho Island
  11. Day 11

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Meals
    Lunch (Local market experience with street food)

    Included Activities

    • Transfer to hotel
    • Local market visit
    • Local coffee experience

    Optional Activities

    • Early morning market exploration
    • Try pho with local traders
    • Browse street foods - banh da xuc hen (fried clams with rice crackers)
    • Browse street foods - banh xeo (savoury stuffed crepes)
    • Group meal and drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street
    • HCMC - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure
    • Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure
    • Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure
    Landmarks
    Pham Ngu Lao Street
  12. Day 12

    Ho Chi Minh City

    Optional Activities

    • Cu Chi Tunnels daytrip
    • Mekong Delta visit
    • Phu Quoc Island visit
    Landmarks
    Cu Chi Tunnels
    Mekong Delta
    Phu Quoc Island

Want to read it later?

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(12,055 reviews)
Response time
4 hours
Response rate
92%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

  • A traditional Southeast Asian conical hat on a boat in a palm-lined river.
  • A cat lying on a flip-flop shoe indoors.
  • Blurry image of lit lanterns floating on water at night.
  • A golden dragon bridge spanning over a river.
  • A parked motorcycle on a tiled sidewalk.

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
  • Tour Operator
    4.5

Sort by

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Highest first
Lowest first

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Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
  • Essential Vietnam reviewer 1
    July 23rd, 2024
    Amazing experience. Great itinerary put together by our guide / Intrepid, beautiful country sights all throughout...
    Show more
    • A traditional Southeast Asian conical hat on a boat in a palm-lined river.
    • A golden dragon bridge spanning over a river.
    • A parked motorcycle on a tiled sidewalk.
    • Blurry image of lit lanterns floating on water at night.
    • A cat lying on a flip-flop shoe indoors.
    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
  • T
    January 17th, 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
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Professional Service, Excellent Guidance from tour leader - ""Lucky"" who provided us with adequate support and...
    Show more
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Really good guide and lots of things to do.
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 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
  • A
    September 18th, 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
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Lucky was amazing and so helpful. He made us feel like a family and was sooo funny
    Traveled in December 2018
  • A
    September 18th, 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
  • A
    September 18th, 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
  • A
    September 18th, 2019
    Very well organised and plenty of free time to do activities to suit one’s interest.
    Traveled in December 2018

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

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2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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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 in0d0h43m18s
  • From Sunday
    10 May, 2026
    To Thursday
    21 May, 2026
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    US $960 per person
  • -15%
    From Thursday
    14 May, 2026
    To Monday
    25 May, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $880
    US $748 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -15%
    From Sunday
    17 May, 2026
    To Thursday
    28 May, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $880
    US $748 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -15%
    From Sunday
    24 May, 2026
    To Thursday
    4 Jun, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $880
    US $748 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    28 May, 2026
    To Monday
    8 Jun, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    $880
    US $748 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Sunday
    31 May, 2026
    To Thursday
    11 Jun, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $965
    US $820 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Sunday
    7 Jun, 2026
    To Thursday
    18 Jun, 2026
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $895 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    18 Jun, 2026
    To Monday
    29 Jun, 2026
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    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $915
    US $778 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Sunday
    21 Jun, 2026
    To Thursday
    2 Jul, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $885
    US $752 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -15%
    From Thursday
    25 Jun, 2026
    To Monday
    6 Jul, 2026
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $915
    US $778 per person
    Multiple Room Types

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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 TravelOperator•Written 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 4 hours.
From
$880
-15%
US $748 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 Date

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

Intrepid Travel

4.5(12,055 reviews)

Replies within 4 hours •92% response rate

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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 July 5th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 5th, 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
  • 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.
  • People also viewed

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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