Scenic Vietnam

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Hanoi)

Destinations visited: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

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Description

Travel to Vietnam and journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City on one of the most fascinating train journeys on earth - aboard the Reunification Express. Out of service for most of the 20th century due to war, the re-establishment of the rail link in 1975 symbolised unity between the Vietnamese people. This trip through Vietnam is far more than just an ordinary rail journey. Chugging along, there's plenty of stops to explore: Vietnam's stately capital Hanoi, the natural wonder of Halong Bay, majestic Hue, charming Hoi An, the beaches and islands of Nha Trang and dynamic Ho Chi Minh City. Experience the scenic, historical, cultural and culinary highlights on this trip through Vietnam. 'All aboard' for a ride you'll never forget!

Highlights

Step back in time in Hoi An.
Dive into the sparkling waters at Nha Trang.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City by cyclo.
Visit Vietnam's imperial Hue.
Explore the evocative Old Quarter of Vietnam's capital.
Hanoi.
Set sail on Halong Bay.
Ride the Reunification Express.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Hanoi

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, and get lost in the whirl of colour, commotion and horn-blowing traffic. Visit the mausoleum of the father of modern Vietnam and end the day at a water puppet show.

Days 3-4 Halong Bay

Have breakfast with the kids at the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation before leaving the frenetic pace of city life behind to visit one of Vietnam's most breathtaking spots, Halong Bay. Spend the evening being rocked to sleep by the boat bobbing on the water. Return to Hanoi and then travel overnight on the Reunification Express, bound for Hue.

Days 5-6 Hue

Disembark at Hue and relive the opulence of imperial Vietnam within the Thai Hoa Palace, see the scars of former wars in the Forbidden Purple City or discover the legacy left behind by the fussy Emperor Tu Duc's tomb. Relax aboard a Perfume River cruise.

Days 7-9 Hoi An

Travel through Vietnam's coastal rice paddies to the fishing village of Lang Co before heading into the mountains and crossing the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. Take a step back in time in the ancient streetscapes of Hoi An. Here there are centuries-old family homes to explore, the wonderful Japanese Covered Bridge to wander across and bowls of Vietnam's mouth-watering cao lau to try.

Days 10-12 Nha Trang

Visit the sweeping beaches of Nha Trang, Vietnam's idyllic bayside destination. Devour a delicious seafood lunch or float in basket boats on the sparkling waters of the South China Sea.

Days 13-15 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a relaxed cyclo tour through hidden Ho Chi Minh City tourist spots. Later, take a rowboat along the Mekong Delta. Learn the secrets of longan honey from a family of beekeepers and gain insight into rural Vietnamese life on a village visit before ending the adventure back in the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nts), Overnight sleeper train (2 nts), Overnight boat (1 nt)

Transport

Private minibus, Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Cycle rickshaw

Budget

Allow USD $250 for meals not included.

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