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

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.

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?

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.

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).

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.

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

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

Can I check into the hotel early in Hanoi?

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.

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?

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.

Are there any specific travel documents required for the tour?

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

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?

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.

What are the included services for the Essential Vietnam tour?

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.

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

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

From

$915

US $686 per person

Essential Vietnam

12 days

•

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

4.4

22 traveler reviews

View all
Really enjoyable and well structured tour. Accommodation was all very good and the optional paid activities were all good value for money.
Tarik, traveled in January
5.0
View all

From

$915

-25%

US $686 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Landmarks
Hoan Kiem Lake
Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh
Temple of Literature
Fine Arts Museum

Landmarks
Lan Ha Bay
Cat Ba Island

Landmarks
Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
Temple of King Dinh
Temple of King Le

Landmarks
Mua Cave
Hoa Lu
Ngo Dong River

Landmarks
Hue Citadel
Forbidden Purple Palace
Perfume River
Thien Mu Pagoda
Dong Ba Market
Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

Landmarks
Japanese Covered Bridge
Hoi An Old Town

Landmarks
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Hoi An Central Market
Hoi An Old Town

Landmarks
Banh It Tower
Cahn Tien Tower
Eo Gio

Landmarks
Con Chim Ecological Zone
Ky Co Beach
Hon Kho Island

Landmarks
Pham Ngu Lao Street

Landmarks
Cu Chi Tunnels
Mekong Delta
Phu Quoc Island

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

4.5

(11,994 reviews)

Number of tours

874

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

7 hours

Response rate

84%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

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
Tour Operator
4.5

Zade
July 23rd, 2024
5
Amazing experience. Great itinerary put together by our guide / Intrepid, beautiful country sights all throughout...
Amazing experience. Great itinerary put together by our guide / Intrepid, beautiful country sights all throughout Vietnam, fun group activities and everything you could really want out of a trip. Our tour guide Tuyet was a very lovely and easy to get along with host, and i had a blast all-throughout the whole trip. Could highly recommend to another :)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
T
Tarik
January 17th, 2020
5
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
Samual P
September 18th, 2019
4.2
Professional Service, Excellent Guidance from tour leader - ""Lucky"" who provided us with adequate support and...
Show more
Traveled in December 2018
A
Sam S
September 18th, 2019
4.2
Really good guide and lots of things to do.
Traveled in December 2018
A
Gemma J
September 18th, 2019
4.5
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
Evelyn C
September 18th, 2019
4.7
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
Alanna H
September 18th, 2019
4
Lucky was amazing and so helpful. He made us feel like a family and was sooo funny
Traveled in December 2018
A
Adrian D
September 18th, 2019
5
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
Tulika J
September 18th, 2019
4.8
This was my very first experience travelling with Intrepid and I feel it was memorable mainly because of our Team...
This was my very first experience travelling with Intrepid and I feel it was memorable mainly because of our Team Leader - Thao. He made sure we enjoyed every second of the tour and bonded with us extremely well. I would recommend Thao to be included in all the Vietnam tours. I would recommend all my friends to choose Intrepid whenever they're travelling to Vietnam. The whole experience created was very balanced. We indulged in the local culture, explored new places, ate local food, and made friends for a lifetime.Show more
Traveled in December 2018
A
Vidhya G
September 18th, 2019
4
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

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends in2d2h40m17s

From Sunday
22 Mar, 2026
To Thursday
2 Apr, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $1,030 per person
Multiple Room Types
-10%
From Thursday
26 Mar, 2026
To Monday
6 Apr, 2026
English
Filling Fast
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$950
US $855 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
29 Mar, 2026
To Thursday
9 Apr, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $1,085 per person
Multiple Room Types
-15%
From Thursday
2 Apr, 2026
To Monday
13 Apr, 2026
English
Filling Fast
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$950
US $808 per person
Multiple Room Types
From Sunday
5 Apr, 2026
To Thursday
16 Apr, 2026
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
US $1,085 per person
See Similar Tours For These Dates
Instant Confirmation
-15%
From Sunday
12 Apr, 2026
To Thursday
23 Apr, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$870
US $740 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-25%
From Thursday
16 Apr, 2026
To Monday
27 Apr, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$915
US $686 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
-15%
From Sunday
19 Apr, 2026
To Thursday
30 Apr, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$915
US $778 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
26 Apr, 2026
To Thursday
7 May, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,015 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Sunday
3 May, 2026
To Thursday
14 May, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $980 per person
Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

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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.

From

$915

-25%

US $686 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

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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 May 14th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 14th, 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
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Intrepid Travel. Please familiarize yourself with the Intrepid Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
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.
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Essential Vietnam

Itinerary

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Sustainability Initiatives

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

Travel Insurance

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Vietnam

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