Vietnam Discovery

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Ho Chi Minh City)

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 trace its mystical eastern coastline, traversing the country from south to north and discovering the many attractions that lie along the way. From the modern chaos of Ho Chi Minh City all the way up to old-world Hanoi, you'll experience tumultuous history, colonial charm, vibrant colours, delicious food and inspiring scenery on this Vietnam holiday.

Highlights

Cruise stunning Halong Bay.
Explore imperial Hue .
Travel to Hanoi and experience a fusion of French and Vietnamese .
Stay on Cat Ba Island.
Relax on the beaches of Nha Trang .
Discover the abundance of Ho Chi Minh attractions.
Take a bike tour through paddy fields.
Stroll the atmospheric streets of Hoi An.

Itinerary

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Perhaps arrive early to visit Ho Chi Minh tourist spots including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum.

Days 2-3 Mekong Delta

Cruise the mighty Mekong River before spending the night with local friends on a homestay by the water.

Days 4-5 Nha Trang

Bask on Nha Trang's golden beaches, take a boat trip to nearby islands or head out to the nearby mud baths. Then, in the evening, feast upon sumptuous seafood.

Days 6-8 Hoi An

Almost untouched by time, Hoi An is enthralling. Wander through the atmospheric Phung Hung Old House or check out the carp-shaped rainspouts on the Quan Cong Temple roof. Get a dose of rustic rural charm on a bike ride through the countryside or indulge in a spot of shopping.

Days 9-11 Hue

Travel from Hoi An to Hue. As well as an array of ancient imperial ruins, Hue is also the birthplace of degustation-style Vietnamese cuisine and the centre of Vietnamese Buddhism. Why not visit some of the city's sacred temples on a cyclo tour.

Day 12 Hanoi

Soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter on an orientation walk. Afterwards, take to the streets of Hanoi shopping - perhaps check out the eclectic Pho Hang Gai or Dong Xuan Market. If time permits, a water puppet show is a great way to cap off the day.

Day 13 Halong Bay

Stop by a local initiative that supports people living with disabilities. Cruise past spectacular limestone karsts rising out of the sea in Halong Bay, and spend the night on jungle-covered Cat Ba Island.

Days 14-15 Hanoi

There's time for a final Vietnamese feast on return to Hanoi.

Group Size

Maximum of 16 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (10 nts), Overnight sleeper train (3 nts), Homestay (1 nt)

Transport

Boat, Private vehicle, Overnight sleeper train, Private minibus, Ferry

Budget

Allow USD $250 for meals not included.

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