Real Vietnam

15 Days | Dive into the real Vietnam, a street food paradise filled with natural wonders

5 out of 5 based on 67 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
GBP ÂŁ689
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, you’ll experience authentic Vietnam on this epic 15-day adventure from south to north. See how the locals live on the Mekong Delta, discover the rich history in Hoi An and taste some amazing food in Hue. Drift on the emerald waters around Cat Ba Island by boat and go for a snoop through some of Hanoi's many markets. Enjoy unique homestays, explore national parks, eat your weight in fresh street eats and cycle through the countryside. This is the make-em-jealous, full-on, once-in-a-lifetime trip up the coast of Vietnam you've been waiting for.

Trip overview

Map of Real Vietnam including Vietnam
Start
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Finish
Hanoi, Vietnam
Theme
18 to 35s
Destinations
Vietnam
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
TVYB
This trip generates 72 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

Why you'll love this trip
  • Bliss out on a luxurious 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.
  • Jump on a bike and pedal around charming Hoi An – the best way to see the town and surrounding countryside. The food here is also delicious, so make sure you stop along the way to sample some!
  • See limestone karsts, blue-green waters, caves and jungle on Cat Ba Island – this place feels a lot like paradise, and you’ll be kayaking your way through its hidden bays.
  • Experience local life in the Mekong Delta – get to know the local families, participate in community-based activities and enjoy a traditional meal.
  • Tick Hanoi off your bucket list – walk the busy streets, try the famous banh mi and egg coffee and maybe even take a seat at a rooftop bar and order a pho cocktail. You'll have loads of free time to discover this place at your own pace, too!

Is this trip right for you?
  • You’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. You'll also be spending two nights with local families. While the accommodation is shared and basic, this is a great opportunity to connect with the local people (and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals!). Many travellers list these homestay experiences as the highlight of their Vietnam adventure and ease into the night very quickly.
  • Vietnamese roads can be hectic and intimidating to cross. Never fear – your leader will show you how to do it like a local in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
  • 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 and do your own activities. Your leader will always be there to give you tips and suggestions.

Itinerary

Map of Real Vietnam including Vietnam

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Boat, Private minibus, Overnight sleeper train

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nights), Homestay (2 nights), Hotel (9 nights), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)

Activities
  • Mekong Delta - Homestay and Boat Cruise
  • Ho Chi Minh City - Orientation Walk
  • Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
  • Hoi An - Countryside bicycle tour
  • Hue - Home cooked dinner
  • Hue - Street food breakfast
  • Hanoi - Old Quarter & French Quarter Walking Tour
  • Hanoi - Banh Mi Lunch
  • Pu Luong - Homestay and Village Walk
  • Hanoi - Vun Art Visit
  • Cat Ba Island - Kayaking
  • Cat Ba Island - Boat trip on Lan Ha Bay
Optional activities
  • 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 - USD45
  • Hoi An - My Son Cham tour (entrance fee, guide and transport included) - USD45
  • Hue - Imperial City Full Day Tour - USD69
  • Hue - Perfume River cruise & Thien Mu Pagoda - VND220000
  • Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc - VND150000
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (without lunch) - USD23
  • Hue - Highlights & back streets by motorbike (with lunch) - USD28
  • Quang Tri - Hien Luong Bridge - VND40000
  • Quang Tri - Vinh Moc Tunnels - VND40000
  • Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park - Paradise Cave - VND250000
  • Suoi Mooc - Kayaking and Swimming - VND180000
  • Phong Nha Ke-Bang National Park - Phong Nha Cave - VND150000
  • Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex - VND80000
  • Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Army Museum - VND20000
  • Hanoi - Women's Museum - VND30000
  • Hanoi - Temple of Literature - VND70000
  • Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
  • Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology - VND40000
  • Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport), for internal train tickets. Ticketing 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 a new ticket.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 and 11 (homestays), Days 3 and 9 (overnight trains) and Day 8 (guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 67 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Jenna · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 24 Oct 2024

Dion · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 24 Oct 2024

Gentry · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 24 Oct 2024

Mark · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 24 Oct 2024

Hirunee · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 21 Sep 2024
Real Vietnam
From
GBP ÂŁ689