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Vietnam Discovery

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Vietnam Discovery

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Description

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.

Trip Name
Vietnam Discovery
Last Updated
2024-09-02
Days
15
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • After spending time admiring Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town, hop on a bike and pedal beside rice fields and through small villages on a guided bicycle tour of the surrounding countryside.
  • Spend two days on Cat Ba Island relaxing on tiny beaches, hiking through verdant jungle and kayaking around karst-studded Lan Ha Bay. It’s just like Ha Long, but with fewer tourists!
  • Cruise around the backwater canals of the Mekong Delta – the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam – and discover rural life and local interactions along the shores with your small group.
  • Explore the 36 streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as the Dong Xuan Market and Hoan Kiem Lake, taking in the unique mixture of French and Buddhist architecture.
  • Bliss out on an immersive homestay in the National Park of Pu Luong – wake up to the serenity of quiet, terraced rice paddy fields, trek the local land to take in the scenery and meet some local tribes to learn about their culture.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Save Vietnam's Wildlife. Donations help them provide support for endangered wildlife and protect critical animal habitats in Vietnam. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City
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.
Day 2 - Mekong Delta
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.
Day 3 - Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City – Overnight Train
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.
Day 4 - Hoi An
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.
Day 5 - Hoi An
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.
Day 6 - Hoi An
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.
Day 7 - Hue
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
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.
Day 9 - Hanoi
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.
Day 10 - Pu Luong
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.
Day 11 - Hanoi
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
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
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.
Day 14 - 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, 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
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).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-11-202406-12-2024AUD $ 1,530-
29-11-202413-12-2024AUD $ 1,252-
06-12-202420-12-2024AUD $ 1,644-
20-12-202403-01-2025AUD $ 1,780-
27-12-202410-01-2025AUD $ 1,588-
03-01-202517-01-2025AUD $ 1,985-
17-01-202531-01-2025AUD $ 1,624-
07-02-202521-02-2025AUD $ 1,672-
21-02-202507-03-2025AUD $ 1,686-
07-03-202521-03-2025AUD $ 1,758-
14-03-202528-03-2025AUD $ 1,738-
28-03-202511-04-2025AUD $ 1,738-
11-04-202525-04-2025AUD $ 1,738-
25-04-202509-05-2025AUD $ 1,672-
09-05-202523-05-2025AUD $ 1,672-
20-06-202504-07-2025AUD $ 1,610-
04-07-202518-07-2025AUD $ 1,610-
25-07-202508-08-2025AUD $ 1,610-
15-08-202529-08-2025AUD $ 1,610-
05-09-202519-09-2025AUD $ 1,610-
26-09-202510-10-2025AUD $ 1,610-
10-10-202524-10-2025AUD $ 1,672-
24-10-202507-11-2025AUD $ 1,672-
07-11-202521-11-2025AUD $ 1,672-
21-11-202505-12-2025AUD $ 1,738-
05-12-202519-12-2025AUD $ 1,738-
19-12-202502-01-2026AUD $ 1,830-
26-12-202509-01-2026AUD $ 1,830-
02-01-202616-01-2026AUD $ 1,780-
16-01-202630-01-2026AUD $ 1,780-
06-02-202620-02-2026AUD $ 1,850-
20-02-202606-03-2026AUD $ 1,850-
06-03-202620-03-2026AUD $ 1,850-
13-03-202627-03-2026AUD $ 1,920-
27-03-202610-04-2026AUD $ 1,920-
10-04-202624-04-2026AUD $ 1,920-
24-04-202608-05-2026AUD $ 1,920-
08-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 1,850-
19-06-202603-07-2026AUD $ 1,850-
03-07-202617-07-2026AUD $ 1,780-
24-07-202607-08-2026AUD $ 1,780-
14-08-202628-08-2026AUD $ 1,780-
04-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 1,780-
25-09-202609-10-2026AUD $ 1,780-
09-10-202623-10-2026AUD $ 1,780-
23-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 1,850-
06-11-202620-11-2026AUD $ 1,850-
20-11-202604-12-2026AUD $ 1,920-
04-12-202618-12-2026AUD $ 1,920-
18-12-202601-01-2027AUD $ 1,920-
25-12-202608-01-2027AUD $ 1,920-

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 night),Homestay (1 night),Hotel (10 nights),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Transport

Boat,Overnight sleeper train,Private minibus,Taxi,Train

Map

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