Explore Vietnam
11 Days Starting in Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting: Hanoi, Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh – Overnight train, Hue, Hoi An , Hoi An, Overnight Train, Ho Chi Minh City
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TVRR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99 years
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Get a taste of adventure over 11 days in Vietnam. This escapade from north to south takes you from French-influenced Hanoi to heaving Ho Chi Minh City on a journey that balances local guidance with freedom to explore independently. Discover the countryside around Hue by bicycle, kayak between limestone karsts off the coast of Cat Ba Island and chill out in Ninh Binh. Let an expert local leader show you around this vivacious nation so you can see the real Vietnam.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you happen to arrive early, take the day at your own pace and wander the Old Quarter admiring the city’s French-colonial architecture and manicured parks, or simply enjoy some street food.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Hotel
This morning, visit Vun Art center first, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Hear from them about the great things that they do and then follow your leader to visit the nearby flower and flea market to gain some insights into local life that you'll not see in tourist areas. Then enjoy some free time in Hanoi today. Perhaps check out one of the city’s museums, like the Museum of Ethnology which offers an insight into the different ethnic groups and cultures in Vietnam, or the Fine Arts Museum which houses a collection of more than 2000 pieces, some dating back to the 11th century. Alternatively, you might like to wander the grounds of the Temple of Literature, a historical complex in Hanoi. Tonight, you might like to meet up with some of your fellow travellers and try out a local dish like pho or Bahn Mi – enjoy!
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Cat Ba
Location: Cat Ba
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: lunch
An early start is necessary to get the most out of your day. Take a 7.30 am bus ride and ferry transfer to the steep karsts and tiny beaches of Cat Ba Island, arriving before midday – you’ll have a quick stop to stretch your legs en route. The largest of all the islands in World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, charming Cat Ba will be your base for exploring the limestone cliffs and turquoise water that defines this area. Get acquainted with this stunning spot with an afternoon cruise around the bay, enjoying lunch on the boat while floating past the karsts covered in emerald-green foliage. Later, get closer to the water and explore on a kayak, perhaps stopping at one of Cat Ba’s many beaches for a swim. Stay overnight on Cat Ba Island and enjoy the sunset with a cold beer.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Ninh Binh
Location: Ninh Binh
Accommodation: Hotel
Today, you’ll travel to the UNESCO protected Ninh Binh. A naturally beautiful area, often referred to as ‘Ha Long Bay on land’, with its winding river etched between towering limestone mountains. Today, you’ll enjoy a cycling tour where you’ll discover Ninh Binh in a fresh way that gets your blood pumping and takes you off the beaten track. You’ll get a chance to explore Hoa Lu – the temple of King Dinh and King Le which were built in the 10th century and dedicated to two the two kings of Vietnam. The ancient citadel once covered 300 hectares of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of this once glorious capital of the Vietnam.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Ninh Binh – Overnight Train
Location: Ninh Binh – Overnight train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Today, you’ll have a free day to explore Ninh Binh at your leisure. You might like to hike to Mua Cave – located underneath Mua Mountain, this culturally significant and naturally beautiful spot is well worth the visit. If hiking doesn’t take your fancy, a boat trip to Trang An might be just the thing to fill your day. A series of limestone mountains, some 250 million years old, tower over lakes, caves and valleys below. After a day of activities of your own choosing, you’ll meet with your group in the evening to take an overnight train to Hue.
Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Hue
Location: Hue
Accommodation: Hotel
As the former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam's royal past and is a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. Packed with historic monuments, Hue is also perfectly located to explore the surrounding countryside, which features stunning scenery, quaint villages and the peaceful Tam Giang Lagoon. The bustling Dong Ba Market offers a plethora of goods and foods to see and sample, and it's a good place to try some of the specialities that graced the Nguyen emperors' banquet tables, such as the banh khoai – a royal rice cake. Here you have a free day, which you could easily spend exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace enclosed within. Perhaps jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu pagoda, or cycle out to one of the Royal tombs such as the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Otherwise, set off on an optional motorcycle tour of the sights in Hue and some surrounding villages.
Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Continue on your journey and travel to the World Heritage-listed town of Hoi An, where on arrival, your leader will take you on an orientation walk around town. The city was a major trading port with the west from the 17th century onwards, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today, the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. It’s also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within 24 hours, so be sure to check that out!
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Hoi An
Location: Hoi An
Accommodation: Hotel
Enjoy a free day to further explore Hoi An. Perhaps take a cruise up the Thu Bon River or learn the secrets of cooking delicious Vietnamese dishes. Visit some of the main art galleries or simply wander around the beautifully restored Chinese shop houses. There’s also the option of cycling around the surrounding countryside – a truly relaxing way to get off the beaten track and see rural Vietnam up close. Your leader will be able to suggest activities to help you get the most out of your time.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Overnight Train
Location: Overnight Train
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Jump on your train to Ho Chi Minh this morning. This 17-hour overnight train takes your through amazing landscapes in southern Vietnam - grab a book, put your headphone on and go along with the ride.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City very early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Today you’ll have plenty of free time to explore Vietnam’s largest city. Ho Chi Minh City has a busy atmosphere and many French influences. In your free time, it’s recommended to visit the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. There’s also the historic Dong Khoi Street, and the chaotic markets of Ben Thanh and Cholon (Chinatown). Ho Chi Minh City has a different style of cuisine to its northern counterpart Hanoi, so be sure to get out for restaurant meals and street food with your travel crew. Your group leader knows all the best people in the right places, so they’ll know of some delectable places to eat, for any budget.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
With no planned activities today, you can depart at any time, provided you comply with the hotel’s internal check-out times. As we don’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City on this tour, why not stay a few extra days to make the most of your time here? You could take a day trip to the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, where you can witness the strategic underground labyrinth that helped the locals during the Vietnam war. Ask your leader for more recommendations or book in on an Urban Adventure. Find out more at https://www.urbanadventures.com/ho-chi-minh-city/products. If you would like to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Optional Activities:
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What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (8 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights) -
Hanoi - Vun Art center visit
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Hanoi - Flower and flea market visit
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Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
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Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
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Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
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Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
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Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
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Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
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Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
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Meals
1 lunches
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Tipping and Gratuities
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.
Included Activities
- Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
- Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay Lunch
- Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
- Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
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 5 & 9 (overnight train) 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
Some travellers find the pace of this trip quite fast as we are covering a lot of destinations in a short amount of time. If you would like a more relaxed pace with more time to explore, you might like to consider a longer trip (see trip code TVRN on our website) or adding additional days in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City before or after your trip.
Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Depending on where you come from, the weather in Vietnam might be hotter and more humid than what you are used to. We recommend checking our guide so you know what temperatures to expect: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/vietnam/weather-in-vietnam -
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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