SMALL GROUP TOUR • HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Essential Vietnam
From World Heritage-listed islands to hole-in-the-wall bars, experience the absolute best of Vietnam from north to south. Cruise through the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, pedal through the limestone peaks of Ninh Binh, savour home-cooked meals in imperial Hue, harvest your own lunch herbs in lantern-lit Hoi An, and discover the buzzing street-food and coffee culture of vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.
Tour operator: Intrepid
Local tax: No local tax due
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit
Departure airport: Glasgow (alternative regional airports available on request)
Other Departure Dates: September 2026 – December 2028
Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island
Cruise the calm, jade-green waters of Lan Ha Bay. Hop into a kayak to explore hidden sea caves, secluded lagoons, and dramatic limestone karsts towering out of the sea.
Hoi An Garden-to-Table
Explore lantern-lit streets, order custom-tailored clothes, and join a local chef to harvest organic produce directly from community gardens for an authentic Vietnamese cooking lunch.
Ninh Binh & Hoa Lu Cycling
Cycle past dramatic karst peaks and lush emerald rice paddies in UNESCO-listed Ninh Binh. Visit the ancient Dinh and Le temples in the former royal capital of Hoa Lu.
YOUR VIETNAMESE ADVENTURE
From heritage-listed bays to lively street-food alleys.
As you slink from old-world Hanoi through ancient Hue, past historic Hoi An and down to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll quickly realise that the Vietnamese know a thing or two about delicious food. Pho, banh mi, fresh rice paper rolls, and fragrant herbs await you at every stop.
Balance on tiny streetside stools in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a crisp bia hoi, relax aboard comfortable sleeper trains, cycle through peaceful rural landscapes, and sip rich Vietnamese drip coffee while listening to local tales. With a passionate local leader by your side, you’ll uncover Vietnam’s rich heritage and warm hospitality.
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Your 12-day journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
Hanoi, Vietnam
Arrive in historic Hanoi. Meet your trip leader and group, then pull up a tiny plastic stool in the bustling Old Quarter to soak in the energy and enjoy a refreshing local bia hoi.
Hanoi to Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay
Travel to Cat Ba Island and embark on a scenic boat trip through stunning Lan Ha Bay. Grab a paddle and kayak through towering limestone karsts, peaceful lagoons, and secluded beaches.
Cat Ba Island to Ninh Binh
Take the ferry back to the mainland and journey to the picturesque countryside of Ninh Binh. Settle into your lodge surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks and riverways.
Ninh Binh & Overnight Sleeper Train to Hue
Hop on a bicycle to tour rural villages and visit the ancient temples of King Dinh and King Le in Hoa Lu. Later, board an authentic overnight sleeper train bound south for Hue.
Hue
Arrive in the historic imperial capital of Hue. Spend the day exploring royal tombs or the riverside citadel, before gathering for a special home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Hue to Hoi An
Take in spectacular coastal views over the iconic Hai Van Pass as you travel south to Hoi An. Check into your hotel and take an evening stroll along the enchanting, lantern-lit canals.
Hoi An Heritage & Garden-to-Table
Take a walking tour of Hoi An’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Visit an organic herb garden with a local chef to harvest ingredients, then sit down for a delicious garden-to-table lunch.
Hoi An (Free Day)
Enjoy free time to order bespoke tailor-made clothes, rent a bicycle to ride out to An Bang Beach, take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, or relax in riverside cafes.
Hoi An & Overnight Sleeper Train to Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An before boarding your second overnight sleeper train, heading south towards the bustling southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City Market & Coffee Experience
Arrive in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Tour a bustling local market, sample authentic street-food delicacies, and sit down for a rich, traditional Vietnamese drip coffee tasting.
Ho Chi Minh City (Free Day)
Spend a full free day exploring the War Remnants Museum, browsing Ben Thanh Market, or taking an optional excursion to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City
Your unforgettable 12-day journey through Vietnam concludes after breakfast. Depart at any time to catch your return flight home to Glasgow.
HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS
Your package highlights
11 nights’ accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Lodge (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
3 included meals: 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Expert local leader guiding your small group throughout
Cat Ba Island – Scenic boat trip cruising across Lan Ha Bay
Cat Ba Island – Guided kayaking amongst limestone islands & sea caves
Hoa Lu – Temple of King Dinh and King Le heritage cultural visit
Ninh Binh – Guided countryside bicycle tour through rural landscapes
Hue – Authentic home-cooked dinner experience with a local host
Hoi An – Guided Old Town heritage walking tour
Hoi An – Garden-to-Table culinary experience with a local chef
Ho Chi Minh City – Guided local market visit and street food orientation
Ho Chi Minh City – Traditional Vietnamese coffee tasting experience
All internal transport including overnight sleeper trains, private buses, and ferries
Full financial protection with ABTA & ATOL package holiday bonding
READY TO DISCOVER VIETNAM?
Talk to our
Vietnam travel experts.
Secure your place with just a £1pp deposit. Contact our specialists today to secure your preferred departure date between September 2026 and December 2028.
Terms, conditions & important information
Pricing: From £1,669 per person based on twin/double share. Lead-in pricing based on 7th August 2027 departure from Glasgow. Prices vary by seasonal departure date, flight class, and UK departure airport availability.
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit.
Departures: Flexible departure dates available from September 2026 through to December 2028. Departures from Glasgow and major UK regional airports on request.
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel. ABTA & ATOL bonded package holiday.
Solo Travellers: Solo travellers have the option to share a room with a traveller of the same gender at no extra cost. Single room occupancy is available on request for an additional £110.
Accommodation: 8 nights hotel, 1 night lodge, and 2 nights aboard comfortable overnight sleeper trains.
Standard Intrepid Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. E&OE.