Vietnam adventure holiday
| country: | Vietnam |
| location: | Mekong Delta, North Vietnam, South Vietnam |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | Departs selected Sundays and wednesdays per month throughout the year |
| price: | From £810 (15 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
From south to north, Vietnam is a kaleidoscope of wonderful people and picturesque landscapes. Imagine exploring the beautiful lakes and boulevards of Hanoi, or learning the mysteries of the Viet Minh in Ho Chi Minh City - and what better way to get to know the locals than to be their guests in a Mekong Delta homestay? Experience historical temples, spectacular scenery, delicious banquets and lively cities all with a touch of comfort on this 15-day adventure.
day-by-day itinerary
| Days 1-2: | Ho Chi Minh City. Daily life overflows onto the streets, into the French-style cafes and quietens in the peaceful pagodas of Ho Chi Minh City. Take it all in with a cyclo tour of the city and stop by the sobering War Remnants Museum. Clamber into the mind-boggling Cu Chi Tunnels - be warned, it's a tight fit. |
| Days 3-4: | Mekong Delta. Cruise the maze of waterways criss-crossing the fertile Mekong Delta before enjoying traditional hospitality at a rural homestay. Awaken early the following morning to mingle with locals at the floating markets. |
| Days 5-6: | Nha Trang. Stunning mountains, squeaky sand and a shimmering sea make Nha Trang the perfect place for a beach break. Jump on a cyclo tour, then cruise the nearby islands, stopping to swim and snorkel in the balmy sea. Feast on the day's catch then experience the town's famed nightlife. |
| Days 7-9: | Hoi An. A renowned port in the 16th and 17th centuries, Hoi An still retains an enchanting sense of centuries past. Wander beneath crab-shell ceilings, venture into charming courtyards inside ancient family homes or perhaps cycle through the surrounding countryside. |
| Days 10-11: | Hue. Stop at lovely Lang Co Beach for lunch en route to the walled city of Hue, once the exclusive domain of Vietnam's royal rulers. See the ruins of the Imperial Citadel and a spectacular royal tomb before embarking upon a river cruise. |
| Day 12: | Hanoi. Despite the throngs of bicycles, cyclos and motorbikes, Hanoi retains its French-provincial air. Visit the Temple of Literature and the Fine Arts Museum before attending an evening water puppet performance. |
| Day 13: | Halong Bay. Start the day with breakfast at KOTO, an Intrepid-supported organisation that trains disadvantaged young people in restaurant management and hospitality. Visit a handicraft centre that assists locals living with disabilities, then board a junk boat to cruise the jade waters of Halong Bay. Discover secluded beaches, secret grottoes and soaring karst peaks, and dine overlooking the incredible scenery. |
| Days 14-15: | Hanoi. Stop by villages to see artisans crafting traditional ceramics. Hit the hectic streets of Hanoi and stroll through the Old Quarter, a collection of around 50 streets where anything and everything is for sale. Perhaps celebrate the end of the journey over a final feast. |
travellers' tales
Vietnam was amazing. The trip really opened my eyes to a totally different culture. I have been to South East Asia before but I had not seen such poverty as that of Vietnam. Yet, the Vietnamese people were so happy & friendly and such hard workers. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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This trip introduces travellers to the wonderful country of Vietnam, taking in all the highlights with the added comfort of superior hotels. In true Intrepid style there are also plenty of opportunities to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.
In the southern Mekong Delta region the group stays overnight with a local family. This is a unique experience that allows travellers to experience the local culture first-hand. There's a visit to local cottage industries where travellers can purchase locally made goods, thereby supporting the communities. There is also a visit to a snake farm to learn about this wildlife. In Hanoi the itinerary includes a performance of the famous Water Puppets. Nearby Halong Bay is also a major highlight with beautiful natural scenery. The north west highlands allow full appreciation of Vietnam's stunning natural landscape as the group walks through the local countryside. One night is spent in a White Thai village house on stilts - a very special experience that affords observation of the local lifestyle of these minority people. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |