From
$1,335
NZ $1,001 per person

Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island)

12 days
From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
4.4
22 traveler reviews
From
$1,335
-25%
NZ $1,001 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Plan your adventure:
In-depth Cultural
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Fully Guided
An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 18-35
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Explore Hanoi's vibrant nightlife and cuisine
  • Kayak through the stunning Lan Ha Bay
  • Cycle around historic Ninh Binh with a guide
  • Enjoy a local family dinner in Hue
  • Tour Hoi An's ancient streets and markets

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Hanoi
  2. Day 2 Hanoi
  3. Day 3 Cat Ba
  4. Day 4 Ninh Binh
  5. Day 5 Ninh Binh - Overnight Train
  6. Day 6 Hue
  7. Day 7 Hoi An
  8. Day 8 Hoi An
  9. Day 9 Quy Nhon
  10. Day 10 Quy Nhon - Overnight Train
  11. Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City
  12. Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Customer Photos

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Number of tours

1,652

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

12 hours

Response rate

88%

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and...

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Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Accommodation
    Good
    3.8
  • Food
    Excellent
    4.4
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island) reviewer 1
    · July 23rd, 2024
    Amazing experience. Great itinerary put...
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    Hi Zade, thank you for sharing your trip experience with us! These pictures are a very cool cross section of what to expect while in Vietnam. We are thrilled to hear that Tuyet was a great guide and we will pass along your kind words. We hope to see... Show more
    Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island) customer review photo 1Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island) customer review photo 2Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island) customer review photo 3Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island) customer review photo 4Essential Vietnam (including Cat Ba Island) customer review photo 5
    Trip date: July 2024
  • TK
    · January 17th, 2020
    Really enjoyable and well structured tour. Tuan...
    Show more
    Intrepid Travel commented on this review
    We're so glad you enjoyed your time in Vietnam Tarik! We will pass on your great feedback to your local leader Tuan as well.
    Trip date: January 2020
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Professional Service, Excellent Guidance from tour leader - ""Lucky"" who provided us with adequate support and filled our heads with knowledge about Vietnamese culture and history. A truly memorable experience, enjoying the sights and sounds of this incredible country
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Really good guide and lots of things to do.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    I gave this score as I believe this tour was an amazing experience and I would like others to discover Vietnam the way I did.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Organises the basic of the trip and very flexible with activities. As well as the limit on the age group was good for solo travellers and meeting new people on the trip. Going to a different country with foreign language the tour leader made the whole experience safe and gave great recommendation and suggestions not to do due to the risks
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Lucky was amazing and so helpful. He made us feel like a family and was sooo funny
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Tour guide was highly knowledgeable and very fitting for the experience. I would highly recommend intrepid to my friends and family if all the guides are the same as Uoc.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    This was my very first experience travelling with Intrepid and I feel it was memorable mainly because of our Team Leader - Thao. He made sure we enjoyed every second of the tour and bonded with us extremely well. I would recommend Thao to be included in all the Vietnam tours. I would recommend all my friends to choose Intrepid whenever they're travelling to Vietnam. The whole experience created was very balanced. We indulged in the local culture, explored new places, ate local food, and made friends for a lifetime.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018
  • A
    · September 18th, 2019
    Very well organised and plenty of free time to do activities to suit one’s interest.
    Show more
    Trip date: December 2018

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Upcoming departures
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Ends in1d1h50m11s
  • From Sunday
    21 Sep, 2025
    To Thursday
    2 Oct, 2025
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    NZ $1,530 per person
  • From Sunday
    28 Sep, 2025
    To Thursday
    9 Oct, 2025
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    NZ $1,540 per person
  • 1 Other Unavailable Departure
  • -15%
    From Thursday
    2 Oct, 2025
    To Monday
    13 Oct, 2025
    English
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    Departure on request
    From:
    $1,335
    NZ $1,135 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • -10%
    From Sunday
    5 Oct, 2025
    To Thursday
    16 Oct, 2025
    English
    Filling Fast
    Check the availability with the operator
    Departure on request
    From:
    $1,335
    NZ $1,201 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
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    To Thursday
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    NZ $1,201 per person
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    16 Oct, 2025
    To Monday
    27 Oct, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    From:
    $1,335
    NZ $1,001 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • Instant Confirmation
    -10%
    From Sunday
    19 Oct, 2025
    To Thursday
    30 Oct, 2025
    English
    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    $1,335
    NZ $1,201 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Sunday
    26 Oct, 2025
    To Thursday
    6 Nov, 2025
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    NZ $1,560 per person
  • Instant Confirmation
    From Sunday
    2 Nov, 2025
    To Thursday
    13 Nov, 2025
    English
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    NZ $1,560 per person
    Multiple Room Types
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    From Tuesday
    4 Nov, 2025
    To Saturday
    15 Nov, 2025
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    Filling Fast
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    NZ $1,440 per person
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    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • J

    Janet

    Asked on July 31st, 2025

    I've been looking at the tour of Vietnam for travellers between 18-29, including cat ba island, and am very keen on joining. However I have to be in Hoi An 6/7 September, and can only make the trip departing Hanoi on the 31st of August. Would it be possible for me to hop off in Hoi an (and not go to Ho Chi Minh), and is there anyway I could do this without paying for the remaining days?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten August 2025

      We can check with our local operators regarding your request to be dropped off at Hoi an. However since the tour is sold as a package we are unfortunately unable to adjust the price for the unused days.

  • J

    Justin

    Asked on June 18th, 2025

    Is daily breakfast included in the price? Also, I am a strict vegetarian (i.e., no eggs, no seafood and no meat of any type).

    Meals
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten June 2025

      For this trip there are only 3 meals included (2 lunches and 1 dinner). A vegetarian diet is possible in Vietnam however, its best to note that options may be limited especially in smaller villages.

  • A

    Alex

    Asked on March 31st, 2025

    Is there a way to get a deal if my friend and I both book on this tour?

    Price / Availability
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten April 2025

      Our trip prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing. We cannot offer a discount or a lower price than the listed price.

  • A

    Andrew

    Asked on December 15th, 2024

    Can I check into the hotel early in Hanoi?

    Accommodation
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      In some destinations, we provide day rooms for shared group use before check-in time; however, if you booked a Single Supplement, it won't apply to these day rooms.

  • C

    Carolyn

    Asked on December 12th, 2024

    We're a 55+ couple, one with mobility issues. I don't see a version of this trip for us, or am I missing it?

    Age Range
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      This specific itinerary is just for 18 - 25 year old's however, we do offer a few different variations for all ages. Here are some recommendations: Vietnam Express Southbound, Classic Vietnam, Scenic Vietnam. We can assist in recommending the best fitted itinerary based on mobility issues.

  • P

    Pat

    Asked on December 1st, 2024

    Are there any specific travel documents required for the tour?

    Visa
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten December 2024

      You do not need specific travel documents; a copy of your TourRadar confirmation notification will suffice to join the tour.

  • L

    Louise

    Asked on November 23rd, 2024

    I am looking to travel in April 2025. I am looking at tours with a single private room. Is the single room available and how much is the single supplement charge?

    Accommodation
    Single supplement
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten November 2024

      A single supplement is available for $275 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.

  • R

    Rosalie

    Asked on September 19th, 2024

    What are the included services for the Essential Vietnam tour?

    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten September 2024

      The tour includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, transport by boat, overnight sleeper train, private minibus, hotel stays, and various planned activities like kayaking and local tours.

  • M

    Mees

    Asked on July 27th, 2024

    Are there any activities included in the tour price, and can additional activities be purchased?

    Price / Availability
    Tour Details
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten July 2024

      Some activities are included, but additional services need to be paid for on the ground.

  • A

    Anastasia

    Asked on April 26th, 2024

    What should I do if there's a problem like airline delays?

    Travel Support
    • Intrepid TravelOperatorWritten April 2024

      Please contact the local service provider detailed in your Essential Trip Information for any issues.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Intrepid Travel with your enquiry, they usually respond within 12 hours.
From
$1,335
-25%
NZ $1,001 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 16391

  • Currency
    Dong
    Vietnam
  • Plugs & Adapters

    As a traveler from New Zealand you will need an adaptor for type G.

    Type G
    Vietnam
  • Vaccines
    • These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
    • Typhoid - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Hepatitis A - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Cholera - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
    • Tuberculosis - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 3 months before travel.
    • Hepatitis B - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 2 months before travel.
    • Rabies - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 1 month before travel.
    • Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Vietnam. Ideally 10 days before travel.
    • Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for Vietnam. Ideally 1 month before travel.
  • Visa
    • Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
    • Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
  • Payment information
    • For any tour departing before November 13th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 13th, 2025, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Accessibility
    Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

Select departure month

2025

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec