Trips

Hanoi

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. An airport arrival transfer is included. This transfer is only valid if arriving on day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 15 days prior to travel (note - we may not be able confirm request made within 15 days of travel). Once you have provided your details a transfer representative will be booked to meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive early, why not get your first taste of Vietnam exploring the lovely, laidback capital. You can stroll the tree-lined boulevards to get a sense of the old days, wander the Old Quarter to uncover ancient temples and a rich, religious culture or head to the Temple of Literature, an oasis of calm right at the heart of Hanoi.

Hanoi

The capital of Vietnam is a charming city with a population of over six million. Hanoi is famous for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, verdant public parks and its thriving Old Quarter, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. As Vietnam develops to compete with other South-East Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets in its still surface. Today we enjoy a full day Hanoi city tour including lunch with our old friends at KOTO - who provide opportunities for Hanoi's disadvantaged youth with life skills and employment opportunities. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. In the evening we will head to a water puppet show, a form of traditional Vietnamese entertainment that started in rice fields centuries ago.

Halong Bay

Travel by private minibus to the spectacular World Heritage site of Halong Bay (approx 4 hrs). Halong Bay is a breathtaking secluded harbour with 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald waters of Bac Bo Gulf. One of Vietnam's most scenic regions, this area of about 1,500 sq km is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottos, created over thousands of years by waves and wind. Board our private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famed South China Sea, as well as to explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a night sky alive with stars. Our sailing junk has twin-share cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where we enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner. BOAT SHORTAGE: Due to recent unforeseen late changes by local authorities in Halong Bay a large proportion of boats are now no longer permitted to stay overnight, thus resulting in a shortage of boats. To ensure we can accommodate all Intrepid travellers overnight on a boat we are occasionally using a larger boat (approx. 12 cabins) and splitting our groups across different boats. An Intrepid group leader will be present on each boat, and the route taken and inclusions on board will remain the same.

Halong Bay

Take a bus back to Hanoi (approx 3.5 hrs). With a vibrant Old Quarter to explore, delicious food to discover and a city where ancient meets modern with ease, no wonder Hanoi is a favourite with travellers. Board an overnight train to Da Nang. Although conditions are basic, overnight trains are a true Intrepid experience and the best way to travel long distances with the locals. Sleeper trains typically have four berth compartments (occasionally six berth depending on seasonal variations), which have bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. On occasion, passengers of different genders will be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with local travellers or travellers who are not part of your group. Most trains have a dining carriage serving simple food, but some travellers take the opportunity to stock up on fresh bread, cheese and fruit prior to departure.

Hoi An

Arrive in Danang and travel by minibus to Hoi An (approx 1 hr). Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it. It's also a shopping mecca – with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring, with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. On arrival, your tour leader will take you on an orientation walk around the Ancient Town, so you can get your bearings. Make sure to experience one of the true highlights of Vietnam - the food. Speak to your leader about arranging a cooking lesson and learn about the many layers of fresh herbs and flavours that can be found in this fresh cuisine.

Hoi An

This morning we all enjoy breakfast before we head out to visit the Children's Hope in Action Centre. CHIA is a community-based project supported by The Intrepid Foundation, that provides a range of services for disadvantaged children in the wider Quang Nam province where many families are barely surviving on less than three dollars per day. The afternoon is free. The backstreet and waterways in and around Hoi An are fascinating places to explore - emerald rice paddies, friendly locals and beautiful landscapes abound.

Hoi An

Today we have left free so you can soak up the atmosphere of Hoi An before we leave it behind. You have time here to explore the beautifully restored and preserved Chinese shop houses, enjoy the vibrant and busy market, visit Cua Dai Beach, cycle to the rice fields and browse the array of art galleries. The backstreet and waterways in and around Hoi An are fascinating places to explore - emerald rice paddies, friendly locals and beautiful landscapes abound.

Ho Chi Minh City

Take a short flight to the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City (approx 1 hr). A tasty local-style lunch awaits at the Ben Thanh Market then take time to explore the winding streets. Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds, and is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Much of city life takes place on the busy streets lined with shops, stalls and vendors, who have their wares spread out on the footpath and sell everything from soup to sophisticated electronics. Quite a contrast to its more sedate northern counterpart, the city's food is spicier, sweeter and more varied, with an abundance of great restaurants to choose from for our evening meals or take to the streets to tackle the culinary delights of the street food stalls.

Ho Chi Minh

Board the boat to Ben Tre to see coconut candy factory and sample the local candies for which this region is famous. Take the opportunity to take a tuk-tuk around this remote village with a stop to sample tropical fruits, and visit to a honey farm, to learn more about local rural life. Then visit a nearby restaurant in the heart of the delta, where you can sample some of the regional specialities such as the famous elephant-ear fish. After lunch, board sampans (small rowing boats) and paddle past the many water coconut trees that populate the Mekong Delta. Boarding our main private boat, cruise through more major waterways, arriving in My Tho town. Here our bus awaits to take us back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Phnom Penh

Sua s'dei! Welcome to Cambodia. Today, you will take a flight to Phnom Penh. The sensational ruins of Angkor may be the main attraction, but Cambodia’s exquisite temples, secluded beaches, charming villages and magical markets deserve lots of attention too. With genuine locals always ready to share a sincere smile, Cambodia will steal your heart and enrich your spirit. Arrive in the heat, hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Once considered the Paris of the East it is an exciting and absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Decimated by years of civil war the city has stepped out of the shadows and the charm of yesteryear is re-emerging. A Mekong River boat cruise gives us a different view of Phnom Penh - it's a chance to check out the colourful river traffic as well as the vibrant life along the banks. If you're in the mood for shopping, stop in at the art deco-designed Psar Thmei (Central Market) which is a great place for browsing, or travel out to Psar Tuol Tom Pong (the Russian Market) for the best range of local souvenirs. A welcome group meeting will be held today with your leader for the Cambodia section of the trip with an optional group dinner after the meeting. Accommodation in Phnom Penh at a well-located family style hotel.

Phnom Penh

This morning we explore the historic buildings in the Riverfront area by Cylco, a type of bicycle rickshaw. In the afternoon we journey by Remork ( local tuk tuk) and local boat to a Mekong Island to experience the lifestyle of the people who make their living from silk weaving, agriculture and aquaculture. We finish the day by taking a boat cruise to enjoy the sunset at the junction of the Tonle Bassac, Tonle Sap and the mighty Mekong Rivers.

Siem Reap

Today after breakfast we check out of our hotel and a short flight takes us to Siem Reap (approx 1 hour). Siem Reap is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park which is roughly 7 kilometres away. However, the town itself is worth exploring with day and night markets, Khmer massage and spa treatments, a variety of great cafes and restaurants, and even fish massage! The small but expanding town of Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor. This is the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. The markets are a great place to shop or to try some cheap, delicious street food. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs; wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues are a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes. There's also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you're lucky you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening.