tuuur.com - Worldwide Trips

Original

Explorer

Vietnam Express Northbound

4.9

Excellent

753 reviews

10 days

Start

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Finish

Hanoi, Vietnam

Trip Code

TVSQ

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 16

Physical Rating

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private minibus, Taxi, Motorbike, Sampan, Tuk-tuk

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

From £762(10 days)

Trip Informations

Why you’ll love this trip

Zoom about the city of Hue on the back of a motorbike and see all the ancient sites with a handy local guide – now this is travelling like a local.

Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of ancient Hoi An and maybe grab a new suit from one of the world-famous tailor shops here.

Spend an unforgettable night on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay – one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage site – and maybe go kayaking between the karsts for a different perspective.

Embrace a slower pace during a private boat tour of the Mekong Delta and meet local craftspeople in the villages that line the river's waterways.

Sample local food wherever you go, including a seafood dinner on Ha Long Bay, vegetarian lunch at a Buddhist nunnery, coconut candy in the Mekong Delta and a final dinner at KOTO restaurant (not to mention the street food).

Is this trip right for you?

You'll cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are shared and basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post tuuur.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight.

The sightseeing tour by motorbike in Hue is great fun with bikes driven safely by professionals (and helmets provided), but alternative transport can be arranged for those who would prefer not to travel by motorbike.

Depending on where you come from, the weather in Vietnam might be hotter and more humid than what you are used to.

This itinerary also runs in reverse direction, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, see trip code TVSF on the website.

You may also want to check out the Best of Cambodia & Vietnam (TKSKC) if you have a longer time to explore the region.

Itinerary

Discover the sights and bites of Vietnam’s backstreets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Go behind the scenes of Vietnam’s hotspots with this ten-day small-group adventure. From the fast-paced hub of Ho Chi Minh City to the charming capital of Hanoi, you’ll see naturally beautiful landscapes and history-soaked monuments, tucking into all the deliciously local cuisine in between. Traverse the country from South to North like a local and paddle through the waterways of the Mekong Delta, explore villages in a tuk-tuk, cruise through the World Heritage-listed waters of Ha Long Bay, wander the car-free streets of Hoi An on foot and discover the imperial icons of Hue from the back of a motorbike. With the guidance of your expert local leader, you’ll discover secrets to this Southeast Asian gem that you simply won’t find in a guidebook.

DAY 1
Day 1 • Ho Chi Minh City
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. As this trip doesn’t spend much time in Ho Chi Minh City, you might want to arrive a day or two early to see the sights. This city has a French influence, so there’s plenty of delicious coffee spots and Bahn mi shops to keep you occupied. Maybe head to Pham Ngu Lao Street to see the local open-aired market, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda or take an Urban Adventure with an expert local guide. After the meeting tonight, why not get to know your fellow travellers and the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine over an optional group dinner. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
Day 2 • Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Today you'll travel south by private minibus and spend the day exploring the Mekong Delta. Board a private boat and traverse the intricate waterways – soak up the tranquil surroundings as you float through this fertile landscape, often referred to as ‘the rice bowl of Vietnam’. Disembark at Ben Tre and visit the coconut gardens, stopping at a local home to sample tropical fruits and coconut jams before paddling in sampans (small rowing boats). Take a tuk-tuk tour around the villages, learning about rural life and how the locals make their living. Then, have lunch at a restaurant in the heart of the delta, sampling regional specialties like elephant ear fish. After the cruise, return via bus to Ho Chi Minh City. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour
Mekong Delta - Lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
DAY 3
Day 3 • Hoi An
This morning, say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly north to Danang. From here you’ll take a bus to Hoi An, with the five spectacular peaks of the Marble Mountains as a backdrop. Once in Hoi An, your leader will take you on a walking tour of the town, influenced over the years by Europe, China and Vietnam. The town was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and the outside influences can be seen all over its architecture, with pagodas and assembly halls found across the town. Wander the ancient streets that look much like they did over a century ago and take in a historic house (formerly home to a prominent trader), the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. Then, your night is free to hit one of the waterside restaurants. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Hoi An - Old Town walking tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
DAY 4
Day 4 • Hoi An
Enjoy a free day in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An. You may like to wander the Central Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. Hoi An is also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours. For those still feeling adventurous, why not hire a bicycle and tour the surrounding countryside? This is one of the best ways to get an insight into rural Vietnam. You also have the option to head out on a daytrip to My Son Cham – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed temple complex that reflects the rich cultural traditions of the Cham civilisation.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39
Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience - USD69
DAY 5
Day 5 • Hue
Leave Hoi An today and journey across the dramatic Hai Van Pass – a sometimes bumpy but incredibly scenic stretch of highway with views of Lang Co Beach. Make a quick photo stop on the way, then continue to Hue – the former imperial capital of Vietnam. When you arrive, join your leader for a tour of the Imperial Citadel – this fortress houses the Imperial City and the citadel-within-a-citadel, the Forbidden Purple City. This icon was almost completely destroyed during the Vietnam/American War, and the ruins and holes left by bombs are a reminder of the destruction that was caused. In your free time you might like to visit Dong Ba Market, which offers locally made goods, fresh produce and tantalising street food. Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
DAY 6
Day 6 • Hue - Overnight Train
Today’s adventure will be on the back of a motorbike! You’ll have your own driver who will take you around the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda – the unofficial symbol of Hue. This site dates back to 1601 and is still an active Buddhist monastery. Here, you’ll also see the car left by a monk who set himself alight to protest the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. Ride to a special lunch spot at a Buddhist monastery and sit down to a vegetarian feast, then drive to the royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, which is set on a lake surrounded by frangipani bushes and pine trees. In the evening, board an overnight train to Hanoi. Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 13 hours. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true Tuuur experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Shared day use hotel rooms are available today after check-out if you would like to freshen up or organise your luggage. There is one room provided between up to 6 members of the group. Single supplements exclude day rooms. This motorbike activity has been assessed for safety and is closely monitored. To participate please ensure your travel insurance covers riding pillion on a motorbike up to 125cc. If you prefer not to participate, please let your leader know and they will arrange car transportation (cost included). Sleeper trains typically have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Depending on the group's configuration, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.
Accommodation
Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike
Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda
Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda
Special information
Your travel time on the overnight train will be approximately 13 hours.
Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true Tuuur experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals.
Shared day use hotel rooms are available today after check-out if you would like to freshen up or organise your luggage. There is one room provided between up to 6 members of the group. Single supplements exclude day rooms.
This motorbike activity has been assessed for safety and is closely monitored. To participate please ensure your travel insurance covers riding pillion on a motorbike up to 125cc. If you prefer not to participate, please let your leader know and they will arrange car transportation (cost included).
Sleeper trains typically have four or six berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Depending on the group's configuration, you may have to share with people of different genders or passengers who aren’t part of the group. Your leader will coordinate and give further information on the trip. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but we recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before departure.
DAY 7
Day 7 • Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi early this morning and transfer to your hotel. Vietnam’s capital is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, public parks and beautiful Old Quarter. Soak up some free time to relax, then take a walking tour through the city. In your free time, maybe wander through the '36 Streets’ of the historic Old Quarter, chill out by the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit the Fine Arts Museum. This museum plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s ethnic communities. Prior to standard hotel check in this morning, shared day use rooms are provided with one room for up to six members of the group. Single supplements exclude day rooms.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Hanoi - Temple of Literature
Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house
Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour
Special information
Prior to standard hotel check in this morning, shared day use rooms are provided with one room for up to six members of the group. Single supplements exclude day rooms.
DAY 8
Day 8 • Halong Bay
Travel by private minibus to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. This is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places, a secluded bay of emerald waters flecked with limestone islands and caves. When you arrive, you’ll hop on a cruise to explore Surprise Cave and the surrounding rock formations. In the warmer months, perhaps go kayaking or opt for a swim from Ti Top Island. On board, there’ll be a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner. Spend the night on the boat, maybe having a drink with your fellow travellers at the bar, beneath a sky alive with starlight. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. The boat has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. It is recommended to pack a smaller overnight bag to take to Ha Long Bay for ease of boarding and disembarking. You can store your main luggage in Hanoi for tonight. There are restrictions on the number of boats that are permitted to stay in the bay overnight, sometimes resulting in a shortage. To ensure all Tuuur travellers can enjoy the experience of a night on the water, occasionally you will stay on a larger boat (with approximately 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case an Tuuur group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.
Accommodation
Overnight boat (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise
Halong Bay - Cave entry
Optional activities
Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
The boat has twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities.
Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery.
It is recommended to pack a smaller overnight bag to take to Ha Long Bay for ease of boarding and disembarking. You can store your main luggage in Hanoi for tonight.
There are restrictions on the number of boats that are permitted to stay in the bay overnight, sometimes resulting in a shortage. To ensure all Tuuur travellers can enjoy the experience of a night on the water, occasionally you will stay on a larger boat (with approximately 12 cabins) and share your boat with another group. Or your group may be split across different vessels, in which case an Tuuur group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.
DAY 9
Day 9 • Hanoi
Wake up on the waters of Ha Long Bay – if you’re keen, you could watch the sunrise from the deck this morning, watching the bay come alive with eagles, fishermen and sunlight. Then, visit The Green Life Centre – this organisation is committed to turning Ha Long Bay’s trash into treasure by collecting discarded items and skilfully turning them into handicrafts. Meet the team behind this important cause and learn how to transform rubbish into a useful and reusable bag. After your visit, return by bus to Hanoi. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Hanoi's sights or relax at a cafe. Maybe stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars in the Old Quarter. Tonight, there will be a farewell dinner at KOTO restaurant – an organisation that supports disadvantaged youth with careers in the hospitality industry. Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Hanoi - KOTO dinner
Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
DAY 10
Day 10 • Hanoi
Today, your exploration of Vietnam comes to an end. There are no activities planned for today and you can leave at any time after checking out. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Hanoi, and it’s recommended that you do, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time. If you’re thinking of staying an extra few days to explore Northern Vietnam, check out our Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) for an off-the-beaten-path discovery of Pu Long and Ninh Binh. Or you can try our Hiking In Sapa (TVAG) for dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourful hilltribes.
Meals
Breakfast
Optional activities
Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29
Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000
Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000
Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) - USD355
Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) - USD432
Special information
If you’re thinking of staying an extra few days to explore Northern Vietnam, check out our Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) for an off-the-beaten-path discovery of Pu Long and Ninh Binh. Or you can try our Hiking In Sapa (TVAG) for dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourful hilltribes.

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Boat, Overnight sleeper train, Plane, Private minibus, Taxi, Motorbike, Sampan, Tuk-tuk

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Overnight boat (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Included activities

Mekong Delta - Mekong Delta Day Trip & Village Tuk-Tuk Tour

Mekong Delta - Lunch

Hoi An - Old Town walking tour

Hue - Imperial City entrance and guided visit

Hue - Royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

Hue - Highlights & back streets tour by motorbike

Hue - Vegetarian Lunch at Pagoda

Hue - Thien Mu Pagoda

Hanoi - Temple of Literature

Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda & HCM stilt house

Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour

Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Halong Bay - Cave entry

Hanoi - KOTO dinner

Halong Bay - The Green Life Visit

Optional activities

Hoi An - Food Adventure Urban Adventure - USD39

Hoi An - Private Bike, Boat and Dinner Experience - USD69

Halong Bay - Kayaking Tour - VND250000

Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure - USD29

Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison - VND50000

Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum - VND30000

Hanoi - Ninh Binh Mini Adventure (TVAN) - USD355

Hiking in Sapa (TVAG) - USD432

Dates and availability

Starting

Ending

Remaining

Prices From

Sunday Feb 01, 2026

Tuesday Feb 10, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Friday Feb 06, 2026

Sunday Feb 15, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 8 spaces left

£1,045£888

Sunday Feb 08, 2026

Tuesday Feb 17, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Tuesday Feb 10, 2026

Thursday Feb 19, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 6 spaces left

£1,095£930

Friday Feb 13, 2026

Sunday Feb 22, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 14 spaces left

£1,089£762

Sunday Feb 15, 2026

Tuesday Feb 24, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,095£985

Tuesday Feb 17, 2026

Thursday Feb 26, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 9 spaces left

£1,034£827

Sunday Feb 22, 2026

Tuesday Mar 03, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,188

Tuesday Feb 24, 2026

Thursday Mar 05, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 1 space left

£1,034

Friday Feb 27, 2026

Sunday Mar 08, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,078£970

Sunday Mar 01, 2026

Tuesday Mar 10, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Tuesday Mar 03, 2026

Thursday Mar 12, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 5 spaces left

£1,122£1,010

Friday Mar 06, 2026

Sunday Mar 15, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 7 spaces left

£1,128£1,015

Sunday Mar 08, 2026

Tuesday Mar 17, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - Sold Out

Tuesday Mar 10, 2026

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

Trip size max: 16 - 2 spaces left

£1,144

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 6 (Sleeper Train) and Day 8 (Overnight Boat) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Rooms booked only for day use are also excluded.

2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight tickets. 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 new tickets.

3. This trip includes a domestic flight. Checked luggage allowance is a maximum of 20 kilograms, plus up to 7 kilograms carry on luggage. Any excess luggage charges will need to be paid directly to the airline at check-in.

Reviews (720)

5 stars

677

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

Donovan

Jan 14, 2026

This trip changed my life, my first solo trip overseas could not have been better, it was easy, safe and incredibly fun, I cannot express through words how amazing this trip was for me TLDR: DO IT

richard

Jan 11, 2026

My trip with Intrepid through Vietnam was excellent and great value. Great locations and with nice people. Our guide Thoung was amazing and made sure the tour the best it could be for all. All we had to do was enjoy as Thoung ensured everything was managed perfertly. This was my first group tour and I would definately recommend Intrepid and will tour with them again. Richard

mary

Jan 08, 2026

Fantastic trip with an excellent tour guide who catered for each individuals needs. I would highly recommend to family and friends. Brilliant variety of experiences, delicious food, comfortable and clean accommodation.

Katherine

Jan 08, 2026

Travelling Vietnam with Intrepid was a once in a lifetime experience I was hesitant to travel with a group but they were the nicest likeminded easy going people. I loved getting to know everyone and sharing the experience. Vietnam is an amazing country with wonderful people, incredible food and soo much history and culture.

Kevin

Jan 08, 2026

Amazing trip, I’d happily recommend, very well organised with lots of activities, communication and leadership from Intrepid trip leader exceptional.

Brittainy

Jan 07, 2026

Title: An Unforgettable 10 Days from HCMC to Hanoi! I just returned from the 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound trip, and I am still buzzing from the experience. If you are looking to see the soul of Vietnam in a short window of time, this is the way to do it. The Leader: A True Local Legend While the itinerary was packed with highlights, what truly elevated this trip from "good" to "extraordinary" was our local leader Jay. He was absolutely exquisite at his job. Not only was his logistical management seamless—transitioning us from the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City to the serenity of Ha Long Bay without a single hiccup—but his storytelling brought the history of his country to life. Whether he was guiding us through the narrow alleys of Hoi An or explaining the imperial history of Hue, his passion and humor were infectious. He didn't just show us Vietnam; he made us feel it. The Group: The Best Travel Mates Ever I also have to mention the incredible group of people I traveled with. I was a bit nervous about the "small group" dynamic, but I ended up with the best travel mates I could have asked for. We were a diverse mix from all over the world, but we clicked instantly. From laughing over "egg coffees" in Hanoi to the unforgettable karaoke overnight boat stay in Ha Long Bay, the camaraderie made every moment better. Having a group of like-minded, adventurous people to share these meals and memories with was the highlight of my year. Highlights of our trip: The Mekong Delta: Getting a glimpse into rural life and the coconut gardens. Hue by Motorbike: One of the most exhilarating ways to see the ancient citadel. Hoi An Tailors: Getting custom clothes made while exploring the most beautiful town in the world. Ha Long Bay: Waking up to the limestone karsts was a "pinch me" moment. The Verdict: If you get a chance to do this trip, take it. Between the world-class leadership and the lifelong friendships made, it was easily the best travel decision I’ve ever made. Thank you, Intrepid, for an experience I’ll never forget!

Andrea

Jan 05, 2026

The Northbound Vietnam trip was fa. Lots of great sites, food and experiences. Our group leader Ha was the best! Thoroughly recommend this trip!

Anatoli

Jan 04, 2026

Vietnam is amazing and the people are wonderful.

Kelly

Jan 03, 2026

Our 10 day trip of Vietnam ended up exceeding our expectations. The trip Leader, Jay, was able to unite a group of strangers by caring for us as individuals to ensure we were safe and enjoyed each moment. The trip was able to be adjusted to suit each persons preferences. We departed in tears of gratitude for the new friends we made in a beautiful location.

Samantha

Dec 28, 2025

Northbound Vietnam was absolutely magnificent, a feast for the senses with a jam packed itinerary, good quality accommodation, excellent guide Vera (10/10), stunning food, scenery and great activities the motorbikes were exhilarating! What started with a group of strangers ended with a group of friends - the best experience of my life!

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