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Tour Description
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Discover Vietnam’s kaleidoscope of colour, history, cuisine and landscapes on a 15-day Premium adventure. Learn about the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi and get a glimpse of rural life as you cruise through the Mekong Delta. Wander historic temples, spend a night on a junk style boat beneath the stars in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay and tuck into delicious banquets of fresh cuisine while learning what it means to be a local. This journey will take you off the well-trodden track and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. When you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll hop in a private transfer to your hotel before meeting the group at a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After, head out for dinner with your small group and local leader. When you arrive at the restaurant you’ll step straight into a piece of Vietnamese history – originally an opium refinery built in 1861, this building still holds subtle nods to its past. Feast on a menu filled with classics and southern Vietnamese favourites, like pho (noodle soup) and bun thit nuong (grilled pork and noodles).
Day 2: Mekong Delta
Kick off your first full day of the trip with a visit to the Mekong Delta – a network of rivers and canals with floating markets and rice paddies. After breakfast, drive south towards this region via Ben Tre. Here, you’ll board a private boat to cruise the delta, stopping at some coconut gardens to visit a local home where you can sample tropical fruits and coconut jams. After, return to the waterways of the delta on sampans (small rowing boats) and row past the coconut trees and stilt houses that flank the river. Back on land, take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages for a glimpse at rural life and learn how the coconut industry is woven into the community here. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City
Today, see Ho Chi Minh City through the eyes of a local during a bus and walking tour with your leader. Visit the Reunification Palace to learn about the end of the war and then take a sobering trip to the War Remnants Museum after stopping by the Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll the city’s streets and notice the many French buildings along the way, including the main post office and Ho Chi Minh City Hall, modelled on Paris’s Hotel de Ville. The rest of the evening is yours – be sure to ask your leader to recommend some great local spots for dinner. Perhaps pay a visit to renowned TV chef Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam House Restaurant for an elevated modern twist on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An
This morning, head on a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extensive underground network (some 200 kms) of tunnels dug initially by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. They housed hospitals, dwellings and schools and were extensively used for refuge, storage and as a military base. As you explore this labyrinth, your leader will explain more about its history and the 1968 Tet Offensive. A section of the tunnels has been widened to give visitors a feel for what the underground life must have been like. These tunnels will be quite hot and can get claustrophobic, so there’s an option to view them from above ground if you’d like. Later this afternoon, fly to Hoi An, a riverside town in central Vietnam.
Day 5: Hoi An
Join your leader on a walking tour this morning to discover Hoi An’s ancient architecture and unique mix of influences. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to wander around. Start by visiting an opulently decorated historic house that was once home to a prominent trader. Then, cross the Japanese Covered Bridge, stop by the Chinese assembly hall and pay a visit to a local museum to learn more about the history you’ve uncovered on the walk. After, sit down to a lunch with the group. This afternoon you’re free to make the most of Hoi An and its surrounding areas. Your leader can provide suggestions if you need inspiration!
Day 6: Hoi An
Once a significant port of the Champa Kingdom, Hoi An remains home to many Cham descendants today. This morning, your leader will guide you through My Son Cham – a collection of temples constructed by the Kings of Champa that date back to the 4th century. Learn about the ancient architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and see the craters created by American bombs during the war. After exploring the temples, experience an Apsara dance performance, featuring sparkling traditional costumes, panpipes and drums. The afternoon is free for you to explore – maybe visit one of the many tailor shops and get a custom outfit or relax by the pool at your hotel.
Day 7: Hue
Head for Hue this morning, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam’s historic past. On the way, pass through the Hai Van Pass – a scenic mountainous stretch of highway with views across Lang Co beach. Arrive in Hue and discover its eclectic mix of busy streets and peaceful beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost completely destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but its humble, foliage-covered ruins stand as a testament to its proud history. Here, your leader will provide share insights into the devastating damage endured during the war.
Day 8: Hue
Ready your appetite as today you’ll be diving into Hue’s culinary scene. First up, head to a street food eatery for Bun Bo Hue. This spicy noodle soup is usually made with beef and pig knuckles and is an absolute must-try in Hue. Next, meet a local chef and explore a local market where you can taste and smell all the herbs and ingredients that bring local dishes to life while learning about the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. Stop for lunch then continue to the local chef’s home and discover how to cook up dishes using the fresh ingredients from the market. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery and unofficial symbol of Hue that dates back to 1601. You’ll also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees, and the Imperial Citadel.
Day 9: Hanoi
Fly from Hue to Hanoi today. Settle in when you arrive and then get your bearings with a leader-led walk, where you’ll wander the ancient 36 Streets to discover shop-lined alleys that sell everything from souvenirs to silk clothing. In the afternoon, join your group again for a traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is a Northern Vietnamese art form that originated in the Tran Dynasty. Originally performed by blind performers, it was enjoyed by local working-class audiences until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms to be corrupting influences. This style of performance is rare today, but you and your group will be taken to a private clubhouse for an exclusive performance, which is one of the few places where such artists still perform acoustically.
Day 10: Mai Chau
Leave Hanoi this morning in a private coach transfer to Mai Chau. This peaceful town is situated in a valley and surrounded by green mountains, making it famous for its breathtaking scenery and friendly hilltribe communities. Admire the views, fuel up over lunch and visit Vun Art – a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps. Then, spend some time learning the story of the vibrant Muong ethnic group, native to this region, at the Muong Museum. Check into your accommodation in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to unwind and relax.
Day 11: Mai Chau
Today your Leader will take you on a walk through a series of Mai Chau villages. Along the way you’ll pass terraced rice fields and traditional stilted houses, before getting an up-close view of traditional cotton textile making and hearing from a local artisan for insights into Thai garment craftsmanship. Next, you will learn how to make Ruou Can, a traditional fermented rice wine, as well as the cultural significance behind each step of the process. After lunch hosted by a local family, the rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Relax at your hotel or speak with you Leader about optional activities in the area.
Day 12: Hanoi
Head back to Hanoi this morning for a guided half-day tour of the city with your leader, gaining insights into its history during visits to the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary. Enjoy lunch at KOTO restaurant – an Intrepid Foundation supported program that teaches disadvantaged youth hospitality skills. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially if you’re interested in its many lakes and parks. You’ll see that this northern capital can be quieter than its southern counterpart, and the West Lake, north of the main city, is an ideal place to interact with the locals and relax by its banks.
Day 13: Halong Bay
Today you’ll drive to Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage site where karsts and islets create a spectacular sight. There’s no better way to appreciate the bay’s beauty than by boat – your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening. Carefully designed with traditional touches and modern amenities, you can sit back in comfort as you weave through the limestone islets, karsts and caves. Visit some of the local sights, such as a vibrant fishing village to learn about local life or a cave to appreciate its interesting rock formations with you leader, then retire to the boat for a seafood lunch. In the afternoon you will have opportunities to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the beach. This evening, dine on the boat’s deck and watch the sun go down.
Day 14: Hanoi
In the morning, enjoy breakfast on board the boat and perhaps take part in some optional Tai Chi to start off the day. Sail back to the port, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Arriving back in the capital, enjoy some time to wander around and enjoy some of the city’s attractions you may have missed the first time. You can shop on Hang Gai Street or perhaps enjoy some afternoon tea at the Metropole Hotel. In the evening, join your group and leader for a final dinner in a Hanoi restaurant, sharing stories and reflecting on the highlights of your adventure with your newfound friends.
Day 15: Hanoi
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend more time in Hanoi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Departure Dates
| Start Date | End Date | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 2025 | Sep 18, 2025 | $6,290.00 | |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Sep 25, 2025 | $4,944.00 | |
| Sep 18, 2025 | Oct 2, 2025 | $6,180.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2025 | Oct 9, 2025 | $4,586.00 | |
| Sep 27, 2025 | Oct 11, 2025 | $5,534.00 | |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Oct 16, 2025 | $6,425.00 | |
| Oct 9, 2025 | Oct 23, 2025 | $6,705.00 | |
| Oct 16, 2025 | Oct 30, 2025 | $6,725.00 | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Nov 6, 2025 | $6,500.00 | |
| Nov 1, 2025 | Nov 15, 2025 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2025 | Nov 20, 2025 | $7,530.00 | |
| Nov 15, 2025 | Nov 29, 2025 | $6,800.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2025 | Dec 4, 2025 | $6,350.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | Dec 11, 2025 | $6,670.00 | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | Dec 25, 2025 | $6,350.00 | |
| Dec 18, 2025 | Jan 1, 2026 | $6,575.00 | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | Jan 8, 2026 | $6,560.00 | |
| Dec 29, 2025 | Jan 12, 2026 | $7,130.00 | |
| Jan 1, 2026 | Jan 15, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | Jan 17, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jan 8, 2026 | Jan 22, 2026 | $7,290.00 | |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Jan 29, 2026 | $6,890.00 | |
| Jan 22, 2026 | Feb 5, 2026 | $7,535.00 | |
| Jan 29, 2026 | Feb 12, 2026 | $6,890.00 | |
| Feb 5, 2026 | Feb 19, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Feb 7, 2026 | Feb 21, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Feb 24, 2026 | $7,060.00 | |
| Feb 12, 2026 | Feb 26, 2026 | $6,960.00 | |
| Feb 14, 2026 | Feb 28, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Mar 5, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Feb 21, 2026 | Mar 7, 2026 | $6,960.00 | |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Mar 10, 2026 | $7,030.00 | |
| Feb 26, 2026 | Mar 12, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Mar 14, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Mar 19, 2026 | $7,395.00 | |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Mar 21, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | $7,230.00 | |
| Mar 14, 2026 | Mar 28, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Mar 19, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Apr 4, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Mar 26, 2026 | Apr 9, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Apr 11, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Apr 14, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 16, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Apr 18, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Apr 23, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Apr 30, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Apr 23, 2026 | May 7, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Apr 30, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| May 7, 2026 | May 21, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| May 14, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| May 21, 2026 | Jun 4, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Jun 18, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jun 11, 2026 | Jun 25, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jun 25, 2026 | Jul 9, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jul 2, 2026 | Jul 16, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Jul 23, 2026 | Aug 6, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Aug 6, 2026 | Aug 20, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Aug 20, 2026 | Sep 3, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Aug 27, 2026 | Sep 10, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Sep 17, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Sep 10, 2026 | Sep 24, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Sep 17, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Oct 8, 2026 | $6,635.00 | |
| Sep 26, 2026 | Oct 10, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Oct 1, 2026 | Oct 15, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Oct 8, 2026 | Oct 22, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Oct 15, 2026 | Oct 29, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Oct 22, 2026 | Nov 5, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Oct 31, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | $6,895.00 | |
| Nov 5, 2026 | Nov 19, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 7, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 14, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 19, 2026 | Dec 3, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 21, 2026 | Dec 5, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 26, 2026 | Dec 10, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Nov 28, 2026 | Dec 12, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Dec 3, 2026 | Dec 17, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Dec 10, 2026 | Dec 24, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Dec 17, 2026 | Dec 31, 2026 | $7,160.00 | |
| Dec 24, 2026 | Jan 7, 2027 | $6,895.00 | |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Jan 9, 2027 | $6,895.00 | |
| Dec 31, 2026 | Jan 14, 2027 | $6,895.00 | |
| Jan 2, 2027 | Jan 16, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jan 7, 2027 | Jan 21, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Jan 28, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jan 21, 2027 | Feb 4, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jan 28, 2027 | Feb 11, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 4, 2027 | Feb 18, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 6, 2027 | Feb 20, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 9, 2027 | Feb 23, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 11, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 13, 2027 | Feb 27, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 16, 2027 | Mar 2, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 18, 2027 | Mar 4, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 20, 2027 | Mar 6, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 23, 2027 | Mar 9, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 25, 2027 | Mar 11, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Feb 27, 2027 | Mar 13, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 4, 2027 | Mar 18, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Mar 20, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 11, 2027 | Mar 25, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 13, 2027 | Mar 27, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 18, 2027 | Apr 1, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 20, 2027 | Apr 3, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 25, 2027 | Apr 8, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 27, 2027 | Apr 10, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Mar 30, 2027 | Apr 13, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 1, 2027 | Apr 15, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 3, 2027 | Apr 17, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 8, 2027 | Apr 22, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 24, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Apr 29, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 22, 2027 | May 6, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Apr 29, 2027 | May 13, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| May 6, 2027 | May 20, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| May 13, 2027 | May 27, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| May 20, 2027 | Jun 3, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| May 27, 2027 | Jun 10, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jun 3, 2027 | Jun 17, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jun 10, 2027 | Jun 24, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Jul 8, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jul 1, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jul 15, 2027 | Jul 29, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jul 22, 2027 | Aug 5, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Aug 5, 2027 | Aug 19, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Aug 19, 2027 | Sep 2, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Aug 26, 2027 | Sep 9, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Sep 2, 2027 | Sep 16, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Sep 9, 2027 | Sep 23, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Sep 16, 2027 | Sep 30, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Sep 23, 2027 | Oct 7, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Sep 25, 2027 | Oct 9, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Sep 30, 2027 | Oct 14, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Oct 7, 2027 | Oct 21, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Oct 14, 2027 | Oct 28, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Oct 21, 2027 | Nov 4, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Oct 28, 2027 | Nov 11, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Oct 30, 2027 | Nov 13, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 4, 2027 | Nov 18, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 6, 2027 | Nov 20, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 13, 2027 | Nov 27, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 18, 2027 | Dec 2, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 20, 2027 | Dec 4, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 25, 2027 | Dec 9, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Nov 27, 2027 | Dec 11, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Dec 2, 2027 | Dec 16, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Dec 9, 2027 | Dec 23, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Dec 16, 2027 | Dec 30, 2027 | $6,330.00 | |
| Dec 23, 2027 | Jan 6, 2028 | $6,330.00 | |
| Dec 25, 2027 | Jan 8, 2028 | $6,330.00 | |
| Dec 30, 2027 | Jan 13, 2028 | $6,330.00 | |
| Jan 1, 2028 | Jan 15, 2028 | $6,030.00 |