tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Basix

18 to 35s

Essential Vietnam

4.9

Excellent

406 reviews

12 days

Start

Hanoi, Vietnam

Finish

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Trip Code

TVYE

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Lodge (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

From £532(12 days)

Trip Informations

As you slink from old-world Hanoi through ancient Hue, past historic Hoi An and to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you'll quickly realise that the Vietnamese know a thing or two about delicious food. Pho, banh mi, rice paper rolls – oh my! On this 12-day trip from north to south, you’ll be cruising, riding, relaxing, kayaking, drinking, exploring and enjoying all the Vietnamese hospitality. From sailing on the calm waters of Cat Ba Island to picking your own lunch ingredients from a local chef’s garden, you’ll discover that this place is even richer in culture and city hotspots than you thought.

Why you’ll love this trip

Chill out in Hoi An where you can get some sweet threads tailor-made before you head out to pick your own ingredients for lunch during a garden-to-table experience with a local chef.

Sit down for a cup of strong Vietnamese coffee, tuck into some delicious street eats and listen to stories from your trip leader about the city’s vibrant culture and history after touring a busy Ho Chi Minh City market.

Balance on a tiny streetside stool in Hanoi's Old Quarter, soaking up the bustling vibes and watching motorbikes zoom past. Then, maybe explore the local nightlife with a bia hoi in hand.

Take in the views of Lan Ha Bay by kayak as you explore the limestone islands during your visit to Cat Ba Island. Who'd have thought green seas and giant mossy rocks could be so pretty?

Cycle around the ancient temples and expansive fields in Ninh Binh – a protected UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. With loads of free time, you can hike to Mua Cave or take a boat down in Tam Coc to the nearby caves.

Is this trip right for you?

You’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are shared and basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here:  https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight . https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight (https://www.tuuur.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight)

This trip is for travellers who appreciate a bit of independence. You'll get plenty of free time in each location to make your own choices, do your own activities and eat where you like. Your leader is always there to give you tips and suggestions.

This trip is part of a longer itinerary. You might be joining travellers who have already spent some time together. If you have more time to explore, you might like to check out our Epic South East Asia (TTYAC) or Epic Vietnam to Cambodia (TVYSC) trips.

Itinerary

From World Heritage-listed islands to hole-in-the-wall bars, you’ll see all the essentials in Vietnam

DAY 1
Day 1 • Hanoi
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure kicks off in Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital – with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, wander these gorgeous streets and see the sights. Tonight, maybe grab your new group and see who’s up for some food and a fresh bia hoi at a roadside stall or watch the motorbikes zoom by. Hanoi is also a great place for local beer and cocktail bars, so maybe hit the nightlife and discover what this city has to offer after sundown. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Hanoi
Today is a free day in Hanoi to explore however you’d like. Maybe check out your reflection in the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, wander along shaded boulevards or relax in a public park with some delicious street food (spring rolls inside rice paper rolls, anyone?). Museum-wise, you could visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, drop into the serene Temple of Literature or get arty at the city's Fine Arts Museum. Maybe head to KOTO for lunch – this organisation is dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth. Later, maybe explore the centuries-old architecture as the sun goes down.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
DAY 3
Day 3 • Cat Ba
Travel by bus and ferry to Cat Ba Island – the largest island in Lan Ha Bay, connected to the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. With thousands of little limestone islands scattered around, this area is one of those quintessential Vietnamese scenes in which bright green water is dotted with traditional junk boats and limestone karsts. Take a cruise around Lan Ha Bay and enjoy a seafood lunch prepared by your onboard chef. What could be better? This afternoon, hop off the boat to get up close and personal with this other-worldly landscape by kayak. Paddle through serene waters and then watch the sunset over this awe-inspiring landscape. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Lunch
Included activities
Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Ninh Binh
This morning, take a ferry back to the mainland and head to Ninh Binh province – once the site of Vietnam’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, which is now a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Join a local guide on a cycling tour to visit the ancient citadel. This once covered 300 hectares (741 acres) of land, however the passage of time has left few remains of the once glorious capital. You’ll visit the 17th-century temples built in honour of King Dinh and King Le among other temples, pagodas, monuments and lush grounds surrounded by mountains.
Accommodation
Lodge (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le
Ninh Binh - Bike Tour
DAY 5
Day 5 • Ninh Binh - Overnight Train
The day is yours to explore the many other wonders of Ninh Binh. You might like to lace up your hiking boots and trek to Mua Cave. While the cave sits at the base of a mountain, be sure to make the trek up the 500 steps to the mountain peak for amazing views of Hoa Lu and Ngo Dong River. Or maybe get out on the water and take a boat tour past limestone karst peaks, caves, temples and maybe even filming locations from a King Kong movie. Tonight, board an overnight train to Hue. Your travel time tonight will be approximately 13 hours.
Accommodation
Overnight Train (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) - USD12
Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) - USD21
Special information
Your travel time tonight will be approximately 13 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Hue
Arrive by train in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. You have today free to do as you please. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring Hue’s massive walled citadel and the Forbidden Purple Palace that's enclosed within. Maybe jump on board a dragon boat and enjoy a cruise up the Perfume River to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda. You could also check out Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and some tasty street food. This is a good place to try the dish that Emperor Nguyen used to feast on – the banh khoai royal rice. If you like being on two wheels, maybe cycle out to one of the royal tombs like the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc (one of the most well-preserved examples of its kind). Tonight, head into the home of a local family and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner. You’ll be chatting and laughing over your chopsticks in no time!
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Dinner
Included activities
Hue - Home cooked dinner
Optional activities
Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000
DAY 7
Day 7 • Hoi An
Continue along the coast to Hoi An by private bus. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walking tour of this unique town which has been influenced over the years by Europe, China, Vietnam and Japan. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and its old-school flavour is written all over its architecture. For a small town, it's pretty lively. The tour will take you down the streets that are being restored and look a lot like they did 100 years ago, then you’ll discover some of the more chilled out spots. Check out a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Later, maybe play bingo with your leader in a town square – a popular local past time. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Optional activities
Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
Hoi An - Cooking class - USD35
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Hoi An
Start the day by cycling through the beautiful surroundings of Hoi An to Tra Que Vegetable Village, visiting the organic vegetable and herb garden of a local chef. This village was established over 500 years ago and has become a thriving agricultural hub known for its produce. See, smell and taste what makes Vietnamese food so delicious during a tour of the gardens. Then, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch using some of the ingredients you picked during your tour. Much of the food waste here is composted, recycled or reused. The rest of the afternoon is free for your own exploring. Maybe wander to the Central Market and browse the paintings, woodwork, ceramics and lanterns. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors, so if you’ve been wearing the same shirt every day (who hasn’t), why not hit one of the same-day tailors and get yourself something new? Tonight, maybe wander the lantern-lit streets for some great photo ops. You’ll get the chance to help collect ingredients for today’s lunch. Please advise your booking agent of any dietary requirements to ensure this can be requested in advance.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Lunch
Included activities
Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef
Optional activities
Hoi An - Cooking class - USD35
Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (from) - USD73
Special information
You’ll get the chance to help collect ingredients for today’s lunch. Please advise your booking agent of any dietary requirements to ensure this can be requested in advance.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Quy Nhon
This morning, say goodbye to Hoi An and drive to Quy Nhon – a coastal city in the Binh Dinh province. When you arrive, you have a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace. There are plenty of optional activities you can take on today to explore the beautiful location – maybe visit Banh It Tower, taking in stunning scenery from the top of the hill, or visit the Cahn Tien Tower (Bronze Tower). Take a food tour, trying some local specialities like banh xeo tom nhay (a crunchy pancake with fresh prawn), nem nuong (grilled pork sausage) or bun ca (fish noodle soup). Maybe take a trip to Eo Gio for a hike and coastal views. There are also lots of great local restaurants you can hang out at – ask your leader for recommendations! Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Quy Nhon - Eo Gio Hike - VND22000
Quy Nhon - Canh Tien Tower - VND15000
Quy Nhon - Banh It Tower - VND15000
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5.5 hours.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Quy Nhon - Overnight Train
Today is a free day in Quy Nhon to take on any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to do yesterday. You might like to head to the Con Chim Ecological Zone, where you can go fishing or stand up paddleboarding. You could also head to Ky Co Beach or take a day trip to Hon Kho Island for a swim in the blue-green waters. Tonight, you’ll take an overnight train, so maybe grab some snacks this afternoon for the journey. As you make your way to Ho Chi Minh City, maybe play a few (or many) rounds of cards or get stuck into a good book. As the light changes outside, you can watch the everchanging scenery pass you by, showing you a glimpse into what rural life is like in Vietnam. Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 12.5 hours. Ky Co Beach and Hon Kho Island daytrips are available in the dry season only (March to September).
Accommodation
Overnight Train (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Quy Nhon - Eo Gio Hike - VND22000
Quy Nhon - Con Chim Ecological Zone - USD31
Quy Nhon - Banh It Tower - VND15000
Quy Nhon - Canh Tien Tower - VND15000
Special information
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 12.5 hours.
Ky Co Beach and Hon Kho Island daytrips are available in the dry season only (March to September).
DAY 11
Day 11 • Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a whirl of sights and sounds. You can still see the French influence in the top-notch baguettes and coffee. Compared to the north, the food here is spicier, sweeter and more varied. Maybe take advantage of the early morning by checking out the markets and tucking into a bowl of pho with the local traders. With your group, you’ll visit a local market, where you can browse the street foods – maybe try some banh da xuc hen (fried clams with rice crackers) or banh xeo (savoury stuffed crepes). Then, try the iconic Saigon cafe sua da (iced coffee with condensed milk) amid the market’s everyday bustle as your leader shares stories about life in Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight, why not get your group together for a meal and some drinks on Pham Ngu Lao Street?
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Ho Chi Minh City – Local Market Visit
Ho Chi Minh City - Local Coffee Experience
Optional activities
Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000
Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000
DAY 12
Day 12 • Ho Chi Minh City
With no planned activities today, your trip comes to an end. There’s lots to see and do in Vietnam – The Cu Chi Tunnels are an interesting daytrip, plus the city is a great springboard to head down to the Mekong Delta or to Phu Quoc Island. Ask your group leader for more recommendations. If you’d like to spend more time here and need further accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. If you do decide to spend some extra time in Vietnam, why not book one of our Urban Adventures tours! Find out more at .
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Optional activities
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39
Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59
Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD29
Special information
If you do decide to spend some extra time in Vietnam, why not book one of our Urban Adventures tours! Find out more at
.

Inclusions

Meals

2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Lodge (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Included activities

Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay

Cat Ba Island - Kayaking

Hoa Lu - Temple of King Dinh and King Le

Ninh Binh - Bike Tour

Hue - Home cooked dinner

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef

Ho Chi Minh City – Local Market Visit

Ho Chi Minh City - Local Coffee Experience

Optional activities

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29

Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000

Ninh Binh - Mua Cave Hike (entrance fee and taxi) - USD12

Ninh Binh - Trang An Boat Trip (entrance fee, boat, taxi) - USD21

Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23

Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28

Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000

Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39

Hoi An - Cooking class - USD35

Hoi An - Private Hoi An: My Son Discovery (from) - USD73

Quy Nhon - Eo Gio Hike - VND22000

Quy Nhon - Canh Tien Tower - VND15000

Quy Nhon - Banh It Tower - VND15000

Quy Nhon - Con Chim Ecological Zone - USD31

Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum - VND40000

Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace - VND40000

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnel Experience Urban Adventure - USD39

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Discovery Urban Adventure - USD59

Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Street Food by Night Urban Adventure - USD29

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Thursday Jun 11, 2026

Monday Jun 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Sunday Jun 14, 2026

Thursday Jun 25, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Jun 18, 2026

Monday Jun 29, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£732£622

Sunday Jun 21, 2026

Thursday Jul 02, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£699£594

Thursday Jun 25, 2026

Monday Jul 06, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£721£612

Sunday Jun 28, 2026

Thursday Jul 09, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Jul 02, 2026

Monday Jul 13, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£732£658

Sunday Jul 05, 2026

Thursday Jul 16, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Jul 09, 2026

Monday Jul 20, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£715

Sunday Jul 12, 2026

Thursday Jul 23, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Jul 16, 2026

Monday Jul 27, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 15 spaces left

£715

Sunday Jul 19, 2026

Thursday Jul 30, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Thursday Jul 23, 2026

Monday Aug 03, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£710

Sunday Jul 26, 2026

Thursday Aug 06, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£721£612

Thursday Jul 30, 2026

Monday Aug 10, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 16 spaces left

£688

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available 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. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. 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.

Reviews (391)

5 stars

363

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Ximena

May 29, 2026

It’s a pretty good tour, it has a pretty good balance between free time and activities with the rest of the group.

Caitlin

May 28, 2026

Amazing trip! Thanks to Phong for making it so enjoyable!

Michael

May 28, 2026

This was my first Intrepid tour and it exceeded my expectations. Our leader Phong was excellent, the itinerary and activities were well planned and I met some amazing people.

Pamela

May 24, 2026

I had an amazing experience on this trip through Vietnam. The itinerary was well balanced with great activities, beautiful scenery, local experiences, and plenty of opportunities to explore. The included activities and local guides were excellent, and I really appreciated the focus on supporting local businesses and sustainable practices like refillable water stations. What truly made the trip unforgettable was our leader, Thuan (Nick). He is by far the best tour leader I’ve ever had — approachable, funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring. He shared the history and culture of Vietnam in such an engaging and honest way that made everything memorable and meaningful. He also encouraged us to be active, adventurous, and fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The trip had a positive impact on both my physical and mental wellbeing. I felt relaxed, connected with nature, and able to completely switch off from work and daily stress. I came home with wonderful memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Vietnam and its culture. Highly recommend this trip and especially Thuan (Nick) as a leader!

James

May 21, 2026

Vietnam felt alive from start to finish chaotic cities, coastal calm, overnight trains, rooftop conversations, street food, running, history and constant movement. The It was a great shared experience and physical movement. I returned tired but energised, reflective, and more aware of the environments and rhythms that suit me best. Binh is a great leader

Darragh

May 20, 2026

Jasmine

May 13, 2026

This trip is a great way to experience how diverse Vietnam is. Traveling from North to the South I experienced the culture and different environments, had amazing food and good company, can definitely recommend!

Sanjam

May 13, 2026

Luca

May 09, 2026

Ben

May 05, 2026

I had a great time with 3 of my friends. Our tour guide Ngang was very friendly and the rest of our group was really fun

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