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The Scoop: What to Know About Intrepid Travel

Local experts, a focus on sustainability, and immersive small group experiences help set intrepid travel apart from other tour operators..

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Intrepid Travel helps travelers see the world in an immersive and impactful way, with a company mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. A leader in responsible travel for 35 years, Intrepid has been recognized by TourScoop as one of the best group travel operators in the world.

In 2018, it became the world’s largest travel company to achieve B Corp certification, and in 2020 it became the first tour operator with near-term science-based climate targets  through the Science Based Targets initiative. Its not-for-profit initiative,  The Intrepid Foundation , has raised more than $13 million for some 135 partners that include Greening Australia, World Bicycle Relief, Gorilla Doctors, and Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust.

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Intrepid has its own network of destination management companies in 26 countries, providing travelers with local expertise and perspective. Its small group travel tours come in a variety of styles and themes, traveling to more than 100 countries around the globe. Guests experience the well-known highlights, secret spots, and local culture in a responsible and insightful way.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Destinations: More than 1,150 small group tours offered in more than 100 countries on all seven continents
• Tour Size Average: Tours average about 10 people
• Tour Type: Small group guided tours

How to Book with Intrepid Travel

You can book a tour online through  IntrepidTravel.com , by phone at 800-970-7299, or with your preferred local travel agent.

Credibility Check

Intrepid is no stranger to industry awards and recognition, and it’s received some big accolades recently. It was named one of Time’s 100  most influential companies  in 2023 and made Fast Company’s list of the 10  most innovative corporate social responsibility initiatives  that same year. Dr. Susanne Etti, Global Environmental Impact Manager for Intrepid Travel, was also named one of National Geographic’s  Travelers of the Year  for 2024. On  TourRadar , Intrepid Travel has a rating of 4.6/5 based on more than 8,500 reviews.

Tour Destinations

Intrepid tours span the globe, with more than 1,150 small group tour options in more than 100 countries and on all seven continents. Some of its most popular tour destinations include Morocco, Vietnam, Peru, India, Egypt, Cambodia, and Australia.

Intrepid Travel offers four styles of tours for different travel styles and budgets. Its  Basix  trips feature simple accommodations like budget hotels, camping, or homestays and offer lots of free time for independent exploration. Intrepid’s  Original  tours typically feature three-star accommodations, some meals, and included activities, while  Comfort  tours offer a higher level of accommodations and inclusions. The top tour tier,  Premium , includes stays at memorable four-star-level accommodations, exclusive unique experiences, and the company’s most experienced leaders.

Within these four levels, a variety of themed tours are offered. These include  family tours ,  food tours ,  active adventure tours ,  wildlife tours ,  walking and trekking tours , and  cycling tours .

Tour Guides

Intrepid works exclusively with local tour guides. The company believes that the best people to show travelers a destination are people who actually live there. Intrepid Travel’s local leaders know the backroads and hidden gems in a destination and help tourgoers mingle with other locals.

What’s Included with an Intrepid Travel Tour

Intrepid’s tour prices include all accommodations and transport during the trip, group activities, and local tour guides throughout the tour. Other inclusions vary depending on tour type. For example, Premium tours have more activities and excursions included, while Basix trips have more optional activities for an additional cost. Every tour type except for Basix includes at least some meals.

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from your trip 
• Transfers to and from your trip (for all tour types except Premium)
• Gratuities for local leaders
• Optional activities 

Typical Travelers

Intrepid tours are designed for and attract travelers of all ages and interests. Basix trips tend to attract younger travelers, while Premium tours draw in a more mature clientele. The company also offers a range of family adventures that bring together three to five like-minded families. The minimum age for these trips varies depending on the destination and activity level.

Communication

After you book a tour with Intrepid Travel, you will receive your final documents by email or mail about 30 days before departure; these include the itinerary and an Essential Trip Information package. Intrepid consultants are available by phone, email, or live chat to answer questions, and the company proactively informs travelers of any potential changes related to individual travel plans and bookings.

Intrepid Travel’s Loyalty Program

Anyone who’s traveled with the company becomes part of the  Intrepid Insiders  program. Members receive emails with Insiders-only previews of sales, info about new trips, and partner offers.

Sustainability Efforts

Intrepid has been carbon neutral since 2010, and it carbon offsets all trips. The company continues to look for ways to reduce its carbon emissions, such as by removing short-haul flight legs from some trips. It’s also added  carbon labels  to 500 trips (including more than 100 of its top-selling tours) that detail the emissions generated through the accommodations, transportation, food, activities, staffing, and operations that go into each trip. As a certified B Corp since 2018, Intrepid prides itself on transparency and accountability.

Health and Safety Practices

Intrepid’s Travel Alerts page offers current info on travel alerts and advisories along with entry, health, and visa requirements travelers need to know. The Safe Travels Hub offers even more health and safety info, and Intrepid has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp for the health and hygiene protocols it has adopted.

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Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

767 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

29 Published Articles 3091 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1170 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Who Are Intrepid Travel Tours Good For?

Intrepid travel styles, destinations, intrepid australia, intrepid cambodia, intrepid costa rica, intrepid cuba, intrepid egypt, intrepid greece, intrepid iceland, intrepid india, intrepid jordan, intrepid morocco, intrepid peru, intrepid sri lanka, intrepid vietnam, intrepid travel reviews, intrepid travel vs. g adventures, intrepid travel insurance, intrepid promo code, final thoughts.

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Traveling the world is an exciting adventure, but for many, it can be a stressful experience. Worries of safety, navigation, and tackling language barriers can be enough to put off many travelers, especially if you’re considering going solo.

Intrepid has been operating small group tours for over 30 years and is one of the major leaders in the industry. You can choose from over 1,000 tours to 100 destinations, selecting the comfort level that suits your budget and travel style. You’ll be guided throughout your journey — right from the point of booking — with advice on visas , currency, and other essential trip information .

Intrepid has been a fully carbon-neutral company since 2010 by investing in projects that actively reduce CO2 emissions. So you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re traveling as green as possible while embarking on your adventure. Intrepid small group tours usually accommodate up to 16 people but tend to have an average of around 10.

Solo Travelers

Most of us have been in a situation where we’ve been desperate to go traveling, but none of our friends or family are in the position to go with us. You’re then left with the dilemma of going it alone or missing out on the experience altogether. Thankfully, that’s where a small group tour can help.

Even though you’re traveling solo, you’re never really alone on an Intrepid tour. There are rarely single supplement rates as you’ll buddy up with another traveler of the same gender. Of course, you still have the option to upgrade to your own room if you would like to.

Friends or Groups

Joining a tour with a group of friends is great if you like the idea of spending time with them while also being open to mixing with other people. No one likes being the organizer, so joining a small group tour eliminates the pressure from 1 person having to book everything and manage payments. You’re all equal participants on an Intrepid tour.

If you’re traveling with children under 17 , you’re welcome to join a family tour. Let someone else do the organizing and navigating so that you can enjoy the experience of traveling with your family . An Intrepid family tour can be a fun and educational experience for your child and can help them gain confidence by interacting with new people.

Hot Tip:  You might have a long flight or some lengthy road trips to contend with. Prepare yourself with some entertainment by checking out the best podcasts and audiobooks for travel .

If you’re on a budget or believe that a hotel is simply somewhere to rest your head for the night, a Basix Tour could be for you. This tour style focuses on simple accommodation (such as camping or homestays) and lots of free time, so you’re not spending money on excursions that you have no interest in.

Original Tours combine tourist-class accommodation (2- to 3-star hotels) with local and private transport. There’s a blend of planned excursions and independent exploration , suiting those travelers looking for a balance between guided local knowledge and free time.

Comfort Tours feature more comfortable and unique accommodation with more frills than the Basix and Original Tours. Private transport is used throughout, and these tours run at a slower pace with exploration and activities usually led by a guide.

Intrepid Travel Tour Themes and Destinations

18 to 29s tours.

As the name suggests, these tours are specifically for those that fall into the 18- to 29-years-old age bracket and tend to cover the highlights of a destination with lots of free time. With around 10 people per tour, there are plenty of opportunities for making friends , while also allowing you to explore independently if you prefer.

Hot Tip: Contiki is a similar tour company that caters to young travelers in a similar age bracket —  18 to 35 years old. Some tours can accommodate much larger groups, upwards of 50 people. Read more about the tour types and destinations in our Contiki review !

Adventure Cruising

Adventure Cruises accommodate less than 50 passengers  so the ships can explore places that large cruise liners can’t reach. Groups are large enough to socialize with various travelers but are small enough to feel that your arrival on land doesn’t swarm a destination impacting that local experience.

Hot Tip: Our ultimate cruise vacation packing checklist helps ensure that you have everything you need to be dressed for any occasion.

Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours are an excellent way to enjoy the journey and the destination , peddling along with incredible views and authentic encounters. Each tour has a physical rating , so you can determine whether the trip is right for you, and includes a tour leader and support vehicle.

Hot Tip: If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to pack all of the essentials for your next active vacation.

Family Tours

Family Tours consist of family-friendly activities and accommodation mixed with flexible free time. Your tour leader will be specifically trained in family travel with groups accommodating 3 to 5 like-minded families.

Food Tours will give you a true flavor of some of the world’s most famous culinary destinations . Discover fresh food markets and local restaurants, or try your hand at a cooking class.

Lonely Planet Experiences

Intrepid has partnered with Lonely Planet to provide exciting tours for adventurous and independent travelers. Seek out the mountain gorillas of Uganda or ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. You’ll have a knowledgeable local leader and can read all about the destination before your trip with 12 months of free access to the Lonely Planet app .

Hot Tip:  Tours often include a fair bit of walking to see the sights, so you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots or shoes . 

Polar Tours

They may be polar opposites, but the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic have 1 thing in common — they’re both incredible destinations. Look out for polar bears and the Northern Lights in the Arctic and kayak among breaching whales in the Antarctic. Exploration ships have modern amenities , and expert leaders hold interesting seminars and guide travelers on exciting excursions.

Hot Tip: One of our writers sailed to Antarctica on a trip booked through Intrepid .

Retreats are short breaks that could be just a short drive or flight from your home, where you live and explore as the locals do . All retreats feature 1 accommodation, so you’ll only have to unpack once with all your free time spent immersing yourself in the local community rather than traveling.

Other Tour Themes

• Active Adventures
• Expeditions
• Short Breaks
• Tailor Made
• Urban Adventures
• Walking and Trekking
• Women’s Expeditions

Hot Tip:  Avoid the temptation of pickpockets and keep your hands free to explore with these crossbody bags and purses . 

Intrepid Travel offers over 1,000 tours to over 100 countries within these continents and regions:

• Antarctica/Arctic
• Australia and Oceania
• Central America
• Middle East
• North America
• South America

Intrepid Travel Top Tours

From lush rainforests and glistening beaches to baron deserts and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is a country of contrasts. Every region is uniquely different, and due to the sheer size of the country, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see everything in a single trip. Most tours stick within a particular region . You could be snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, heading out to Kangaroo Island, or exploring the vineyards of the Margaret River.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, and some excursions

Hot Tip:  As flights are not included in the tour price, you may want to check out the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles

The Cambodian people are the country’s shining stars. Incredibly friendly with smiles all around, this inspiring nation has risen from the 1970s bloodshed of the Khmer Rouge and welcomes visitors with open arms. It’s an unforgettable moment seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat or spotting a rare freshwater dolphin swimming along the Mekong Delta.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and most activities

With an ecotourism scene , farm-to-table restaurants, and unspoiled natural surroundings, it’s not surprising that Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” – the pure life. Spot toucans in the mysterious cloud forests, try your hand at a surf lesson, or glide through treetop canopies on a zipline adventure. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica , and with a tour, you can let someone else do the driving.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some activities

Hot Tip:  Intrepid tours use locally run guesthouses, homestays, and restaurants to support local communities rather than large chains.

When you think of Cuba, you think of colorful colonial buildings, vintage cars, and turquoise waters. But there is so much more to see apart from the vibrant capital Havana and its beautiful beaches. Head out to Vinales to tour a traditional tobacco plantation or enjoy some salsa dancing in historical Trinidad.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and excursions

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders with a history as long as the Nile itself. Marvel at the magnificent pyramids and bargain for souvenirs in the bustling bazaars of Cairo. Sail down the River Nile on a traditional felucca and discover the ancient city of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Discover the ancient ruins of Athens before crossing the Aegean to island-hop your way between the beautiful Greek islands. Weave your way around the cute whitewashed houses of Santorini or explore the clifftop ruins of Delphi. Greece is also renowned for its nightlife , whether you’re looking for a quiet bar to watch the sunset or a club to dance into the early hours.

From bubbling hot springs to mountain glaciers, and lush green landscapes to frozen waterfalls, Iceland’s diverse landscape is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to the land of fire and ice. That and the prospect of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon or simply chat with locals in Reykjavik or any of the friendly coastal towns.

India captivates many visitors with its thriving culture, historical sights, wild beaches, and wildlife. The busy cities and sometimes intense atmosphere prevent many from venturing to India independently, and taking a tour can alleviate the pressure . If you love exploring temples, then you’re in for a treat as India has millions.

Soak up the history of the Silk Road, explore the mysterious deserts of Wadi Rum, and visit the magnificent ruins of Petra. Jordan is a haven for history buffs and adventurers alike . For a more relaxed pace, travelers can watch an Arabian sunrise from their Bedouin camp or float in the mineral-rich Red Sea, enjoying every minute of the famous Jordanian hospitality.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some meals and excursions

Wander around chaotic and colorful Marrakesh before changing up the scenery with a trip into the Atlas Mountains where you can hike and visit a Berber village. Amble across the Sahara Desert by camel to reach your Bedouin camp or enjoy yoga or surfing in the coastal towns of Essaouira and Taghazout.

Hike within the Andes to reach Machu Picchu — the most well-preserved archeological site for ancient Incan civilizations. Although these mountain ruins are the most visited attraction in Peru , there is so much more to this incredible country. Tours will take you to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and deep into the Amazon Jungle in search of black alligators.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and porters (guided hike)

Hot Tip:  Mosquitoes and other biting bugs can be found all over the world. If you prefer to steer clear of DEET-based repellents, take a look at the best natural insect repellents to help protect you.

Due to its modest size, you can see a lot of Sri Lanka in a small space of time . Not that a trip to this enchanting country should be rushed. Savor your journey around the ever-changing landscapes, from the vast plains of the north, the rocky mountains and rain forests of the center, and beautiful beaches framing most of the rugged coastline. See the largest gathering of Asian elephants or go in search of the elusive leopard. The food is delicious, the culture is captivating, and the people are friendly.

• Includes transportation, accommodation, and some excursions and meals

All who visit Vietnam are blown away by its natural beauty . Watch farmers harvest rice from the colorful fields or sail around the towering limestone rocks of Halong Bay. The powdery white beaches of Phu Quoc Island are glorious, and wondrous waterfalls and caves make for fantastic photo opportunities. If variety is what you’re after, that is exactly what you’ll get visiting Vietnam. One minute you’re negotiating swarms of motorcycles crossing the road in Hanoi and the next your rafting peacefully down the rivers of Ninh Binh.

Hot Tip:  Find out the best ways to fly to Vietnam with points and miles . Currently, there are no direct routes from the U.S. to Vietnam, but with Vietnam Airlines recently receiving the required Air Carrier Permit, this could be on the horizon.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Many customers have recently taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Trustpilot : 2.8 out of 5
• TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5
• Facebook : 4.9 out of 5

These are some reviews from Intrepid’s most popular tours, and more can be found on the individual destination pages :

Great Ocean Road Adventure ex Adelaide “Great little trip from Adelaide to Melbourne if you’re short on time and want to see the Great Ocean Road. The guide was excellent and the itinerary packed a lot in!” — Kaitlyn

Cambodian Traveller “A good introduction to the country stopping at the main points of interest. Would highly recommend Intrepid as its a well organized operation which takes the difficulties out of traveling in a less developed country where you don’t speak the language. The tour guide was a great help, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and kind. A great trip.” — Imogen

Classic Costa Rica “This has been my third trip with Intrepid. As usual I enjoyed it immensely. This trip deserves additional high praise. Their guides as usual are top class, very knowledgeable and approachable. They show not only in words but actions, how looking after the environment is a major part of Intrepids policy.” — John

Hola Cuba – for US citizens “The Hola Cuba Trip For US Citizens is an excellent introduction to Cuba, it’s people and their culture. The trip provides glimpses into the urban cultures of Habana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos while also allowing travelers to see the quieter lives of those in Viñales and Las Terrazas. Our guide Andy was very knowledgeable of the history a culture of his homeland and did an amazing job of sharing the beauty of Cuba through experience and storytelling. I absolutely recommend this trip for travelers thirsty to learn about Cuba and its people.” — Jason

Egypt Experience “Our group traveling in Egypt was a group of 10- a perfect number. Our leader was mature, very knowledgeable, organized, and treated us all with respect. He did not hover over us and gave us information to make decisions. To visit the antiquities of Egypt was amazing and we had plenty of time to absorb these awesome sites. Our visit to a Nubian village and share a family meal was special. This trip is highly recommended.” — Margaret & Tom

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos “Our sailing adventure true Greek islands was an unforgettable experience! If You love sailing and want to see a real beauty of Greece this trip is for you. Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise water, cave exploration, hiking, beautiful sunsets, sunrises and delicious food are all guaranteed. Great mixture of adventure, relaxation and fun. We also had the best skipper ever, Rita. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Took the best care of us.! Unbelievable woman with a great personality. She shows us so many beautiful places that we couldn’t even imagine. The boat was way over 10 years old, not 5 as in booklet. All through we had a great trip with great people :)” — Marcin

Northern Lights Escape “I had huge expectations of Iceland. My 6 day Intrepid small group tour (9 of us), met them all. Stefano, our guide, was fantastic – funny, knowledgeable and took great care of us. The itinerary allowed us to see and experience all the amazing highlights of Iceland, and more, even though we didn’t luck out with the aurora. Our tour was early March, so everything was white. I’d do it all again in a flash, and will return and do it in summer, too! I highly recommend Intrepid. Just do it!” — Margi

India’s Golden Triangle – For Solo Travellers “This trip was fantastic! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t done anything like this before but I’m so glad I booked it. All the hotels were of a good standard as were the tours and transport. Shakti was a fantastic tour leader as was the group I travelled with. I will cherish the memories of this trip forever. I can’t wait to book another trip!” — Chantal

Trek Jordan “Great trip. Ticked all the boxes I was looking for. Loved floating in the Dead Sea and the accommodation there was outstanding. Petra was awesome, especially the trek to the Monastery. That was a great day. Loved trekking Wadi Rum too. What a landscape – no wonder they used it for “The Martian” and other movies. And our guide Muhammad was brilliant – couldn’t have asked for better!” — Robert

Best of Morocco “Intrepid provided an authentic and special experience. I knew my money was going to the people who needed it most. Due to Intrepid’s dedication to providing socially and environmentally conscious tours, the tour drew a unique, like-minded group of people who shared similar values and an appreciation of diverse cultures and the environment. This, along with the exceptional tour guide, are why I will continue to travel with Intrepid in the future. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!” — Penelope

Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension “This may not be the Inca Trail, but it is still beautiful and cultural. To stand in the Andes and listen to the silence, there are no words. It is still pristine as you wander up through farming communities and then on to the highlands. The waterfall is rather spectacular also and of course Machu Picchu itself. If you are lucky enough to have Kleberth Ovalle as your guide, you will leave much enriched.” — Deb

Cycle Sri Lanka “A wonderful experience to cycle through the country, meeting the local communities and sampling the local food. Some days the terrain was challenging and I was pleased I had an e-bike! Our guide Dodan was enthusiastic, well informed and always went above and beyond the call of duty. A great holiday and one I would thoroughly recommend.” — Heather

Vietnam Express Northbound “This trip gave an excellent overview of Vietnam. The presence of a guide made navigating a country with such a different language and culture to ours much easier. The transport was safe and well organised. Hotels were well situated and clean. We had plenty opportunities to explore on our own but there was always plenty of advice offered about places to avoid.” — Carol

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties , so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours if the range is a factor for you.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other , but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Travel insurance is mandatory when traveling on an Intrepid tour, and your tour leader will need to see documentation before you set off. Although Intrepid doesn’t offer travel insurance, it recommends booking through World Nomads .

Intrepid recommends that your travel insurance covers you for:

• Medical expenses and emergency repatriation
• Personal liability
• Cancellation
• Curtailment
• Loss of luggage and personal effects

Hot Tip:  Don’t get overwhelmed with the variety of travel insurance options available! We’ve created an ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance to help simplify the process. You may also have travel coverages and benefits offered by your credit card .

While it’s unlikely that you’ll find Intrepid Travel promo codes on third party websites, Intrepid does frequently feature offers for specific destinations or tours that need a push. You’ll also find that booking well in advance can provide savings of 10% to 15% . No promo codes are required to obtain these deals; just visit the Travel Deals page on the Intrepid website.

The heart of Intrepid Travel is in its tour leaders — friendly locals, born and bred in the countries you’re discovering. Who better to show you around? Intrepid’s are some of the best in the industry and are consistently praised in customer reviews for the knowledge and personality they bring to the table.

If you’re thinking about your first tour, or have traveled with another tour operator before, don’t hesitate to give Intrepid a go. You’ll have the most extensive choice of tours and destinations of any operator and the comfort of knowing that you’re traveling with a company committed to having a positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is intrepid travel a good company.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Most recently, many customers have taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, the actual tours are highly reviewed.

Where is Intrepid Travel based?

Intrepid was founded in Australia and has offices in Melbourne, Toronto, London, and New York.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties, so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours, if range is a factor.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other, but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Are flights included in Intrepid Tours?

Flights are not included in the tour prices you see on the Intrepid website, however, you can book your flights through Intrepid. If you book your flights independently, you need to make sure you arrive in time for your welcome meeting on the first day of your tour.

What age group travels with Intrepid?

All age groups are catered for with Intrepid. 18-29s Tours and Family Tours are the only types that come with age restrictions; anyone else is free to join the other tours. Children over the age of 15 are permitted on most tours, provided they are accompanied by an adult over 18.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Home » Blog » Venture to Venezuela: Top Spots for the Intrepid Traveler

Venture to Venezuela: Top Spots for the Intrepid Traveler

The allure of Venezuela lies in its unspoiled natural beauty and adventure opportunities, making it a prime destination for intrepid travelers. Offering some of the best places to visit in Venezuela , from the awe-inspiring Angel Falls to the serene Caribbean coast, it appeals to those seeking both tranquility and thrills. Despite the country’s political and economic difficulties, the facts about Venezuela’s rich cultural heritage and ecological wonders continue to fascinate visitors. Its landscapes, including the northern reach of the Andes and diverse national parks, are perfect for an unforgettable journey packed with discovery and excitement.

Navigating Venezuela: Safety and Travel Tips

Traveling in Venezuela requires caution due to political and economic instability. Intrepid travelers should stay informed about current events and avoid demonstrations or politically charged areas. It’s essential to have robust travel insurance and to register with your embassy upon arrival. Employ common sense, like not flashing valuables and traveling during daylight hours. For health safety, vaccinations for yellow fever and other tropical diseases are advisable. Always drink bottled water and take precautions against mosquito bites. Utilize reputable tour operators for excursions, and consider hiring a local guide for insights and additional security. With sensible planning, Venezuela’s marvels can be enjoyed safely.

Angel Falls: Nature’s Majesty

Nestled within Canaima National Park, Angel Falls stands as the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Venezuela, captivating adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Plummeting from the Auyán-tepui mountain, the fall’s impressive 979 meters (3,212 feet) drop creates a majestic sight and a powerful symbol of Venezuela’s natural beauty. This natural wonder is not only a highlight for intrepid travelers but also an emblematic feature of Venezuelan pride. Angel Falls remains a testament to the country’s rich environmental treasures and enduring allure for explorers worldwide.

Exploring Angel Falls and Surrounding Areas

Visitors to Angel Falls embark on an awe-inspiring journey deep into Canaima National Park, experiencing one of the best places to visit in Venezuela. The adventure includes navigating through dense jungles and ethereal Tepuis landscapes. An expedition to Angel Falls itself offers 4 days and 3 nights of close-up views, including two nights situated directly in front of the cascading water and a night at a basic lodge by Canaima Lagoon. The focus lies in embracing the raw beauty of the wilderness, steering clear of commercialized paths. These tours exemplify an essential South American experience, showcasing the pristine environment and majestic grandeur synonymous with Venezuela’s natural heritage.

Best Times to Visit and What to Bring

Travelers seeking the best time for a visit to Venezuela typically find the climate most favorable from December to April. These drier months enhance the experience, particularly at attractions like Angel Falls. Prior to departure, one should pack essentials for tropical weather, including lightweight clothing, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots to navigate diverse terrains. Sun protection, such as sunscreen and hats, is also crucial, alongside insect repellent to deter mosquitoes. Given Venezuela’s rugged landscapes, outdoor enthusiasts must remember to carry ample water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. A camera is indispensable for capturing the stunning vistas that are among the best places to visit in Venezuela.

The Andes: Breathtaking Landscapes

Travelers seeking awe-inspiring vistas find the Venezuelan Andes irresistible. Among the best places to visit in Venezuela, this region offers towering peaks, serene lakes, and the charm of traditional Andean villages. Hiking and trekking enthusiasts revel in the myriad of trails that provide not only physical challenges but also unparalleled encounters with nature. The rich cultural tapestry of the area is evident in the local music, dance, and crafts, epitomized by the lively joropo genre. Those interested in the local lifestyle can interact with friendly villagers, gaining insights into their customs and traditions, thereby adding a profound cultural dimension to the scenic adventures in the Venezuelan Andes.

Hiking and Trekking in the Venezuelan Andes

For adventurers questioning what are the best places to visit in Venezuela, the Venezuelan Andes present an exceptional hiking and trekking paradise. The northernmost extension of the Andes harbors paths varying in difficulty, appealing to both novices and seasoned trekkers. Explorers can traverse high farmlands and revel in stunning panoramic views while occasionally finding rest in inviting mountain villages. Mérida, a prominent university city, stands as a hub for these activities, offering a blend of cultural experiences and access to extensive trails. Here, one discovers the true spirit of Venezuela’s breathtaking topography, making the Venezuelan Andes one of the best places to visit in the country for outdoor enthusiasts.

Traditional Andean Villages and Culture

Venturing into the heart of the Venezuelan Andes reveals a tapestry of traditional villages, where the culture remains deeply connected to its roots. Indigenous customs are preserved with pride by local communities, safeguarding their rich heritage. In these quaint hamlets, visitors are welcomed with warm hospitality and may participate in age-old rituals or relish in folk music and dances that have been passed down through generations. The vibrant markets brim with artisanal crafts and organic produce, a testament to the villagers’ self-sufficiency. These cultural encounters provide travelers with an authentic glimpse into the heart of Andean life, making them some of the best places to visit in Venezuela for cultural aficionados.

The Caribbean Coast: Beaches and Beyond

Venezuela’s Caribbean coast is a tropical haven, boasting some of the nation’s best places to visit. With its pristine sandy shores and azure waters, the region is a beach lover’s paradise. Here, visitors can bask in the sun on islands such as Margarita or explore the serene beaches of Morrocoy National Park. The coastal culture is vibrant, featuring seafood cuisine, local music, and an array of water sports. Beyond sunbathing and swimming, travelers can delve into coastal towns to discover colonial architecture and lively markets. This stretch of coast, lined with palms and kissed by the Caribbean sun, is a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural engagement.

Discovering Venezuela’s Tropical Beach Paradises

Travelers seeking sun, sea, and sand will find Venezuela’s Caribbean coastline to be a treasure trove of tropical beach paradises. The country’s shores are home to a variety of alluring destinations, from the bustling island of Margarita to the tranquil sands of Morrocoy National Park. Here, one can uncover serene spots for relaxation and vibrant coastal towns rich in culture and history. The pristine beaches offer not only picturesque sunbathing opportunities but also a myriad of water activities for the adventurous. On these sun-drenched shores, visitors can immerse themselves in the local ambiance through delicious seafood and dynamic music, making the beaches some of the best places to visit in Venezuela.

Coastal Culture and Activities

Venezuela’s coast buzzes with a vivacious blend of Caribbean flair and indigenous traditions. Here, visitors can engage in a plethora of activities, from dancing to the rhythm of salsa and calypso on the bustling beachfronts to exploring the echoes of colonial history in coastal towns. For marine enthusiasts, snorkeling and scuba diving reveal colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Gastronomic adventurers savor freshly caught seafood, while local festivals and markets provide a glimpse into the community’s soul. This rich cultural tapestry makes Venezuela’s coastline a destination that goes beyond the beaches, embodying a spirit of revelry and resilience in each sun-soaked experience.

Los Roques Archipelago: Caribbean Gem

The pristine beauty of the Los Roques Archipelago sets it apart as one of the best places to visit in Venezuela. Often cited as a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise, the 150+ islands forming this idyllic sanctuary are fringed by majestic coral reefs, offering splendid underwater landscapes. Each island in the archipelago is enveloped in the quintessential Caribbean charm , making it the perfect retreat for those seeking solace away from the crowds. For avid travelers and marine life enthusiasts looking to explore Venezuela’s coastal jewels, the tranquility and natural wonders of Los Roques should undoubtedly feature on their travel bucket list.

The Unsurpassed Beauty of Los Roques

Nestled in the azure Caribbean Sea, Venezuela’s Los Roques Archipelago is a stunning canvas of turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and soft sandy beaches. The preservation of its marine ecosystems makes it one of the best places to visit in Venezuela for an authentic slice of paradise. Visitors are captivated by Los Roques’ dazzling natural beauty, from its crystal-clear lagoons to the rich biodiversity beneath the waves. The archipelago invites exploration, whether it’s swimming among schools of exotic fish or basking under a golden sun. With its idyllic setting, Los Roques stands as a testament to the untouched allure of Venezuela’s coastline.

Activities and Conservation in Los Roques

Los Roques Archipelago, renowned for breathtaking beauty, offers a plethora of activities, ranging from snorkeling and kite surfing to fishing and bird watching. As a national park, it embodies a commitment to conservation, ensuring that its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life remain protected. Efforts to regulate fishing and tourism defend the delicate ecosystem, allowing visitors to enjoy the area’s natural splendors sustainably. In this haven of biodiversity, responsible travel practices are paramount, creating a harmonious balance between human enjoyment and the preservation of a unique environmental treasure, safeguarding Los Roques’ legacy for future generations.

Canaima National Park: A World of Wonders

For intrepid travelers seeking to immerse themselves in a realm where nature’s majesty reigns supreme, Canaima National Park stands as one of the best places to visit in Venezuela. This sprawling sanctuary is home to the awe-inspiring Angel Falls and a mosaic of ancient tepuis, serving as a testament to Venezuela’s natural wonders. Every corner of this Venezuelan paradise is steeped in beauty and resilience, from its untamed jungles to its myriad waterfalls. Visitors can expect an authentic encounter with the wild, as Canaima’s riches offer an opportunity to weave their own story within its timeless narrative.

Canaima’s Unique Ecosystems and Attractions

Canaima National Park, with its diverse ecosystems, stands as one of the best places to visit in Venezuela. Nestled within this expansive park are rugged mountains, mystic tepuis, and dense rainforests which harbor an array of endemic wildlife. The mighty Angel Falls, the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, cascades from the Auyán-tepui and is a beacon for adventurers. Canaima’s lagoons and rivers, tinted with unique reddish hues due to dissolved minerals, offer stunning vistas. Travelers are captivated by the park’s dynamic terrain and the extraordinary ecological niches, which present breathtaking opportunities for exploration and photography, revealing facts about Venezuela’s profound natural heritage.

Guided Tours and Eco-Lodges in Canaima National Park

Venturing into Canaima National Park is optimal with a guided tour, which simplifies navigation through its expansive wilderness and enhances the experience with expert insights into the park’s ecology. These tours often include treks to the base of Angel Falls and expeditions to remote tepuis. Accommodations in the park are harmonious with the environment, with eco-lodges nestled near the Canaima lagoons providing rustic yet comfortable amenities. These lodgings prioritize sustainability and offer unique opportunities, such as canoeing excursions and nocturnal wildlife spotting. Staying at an eco-lodge in Canaima is an invitation to immerse oneself fully in the park’s natural splendor, creating a profound connection with Venezuela’s wild landscapes.

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Intrepid travel is great for a more mature traveler looking to immerse themselves into the culture or prefer an active adventure..

Intrepid Travel

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Intrepid Travel is great for a more mature audience. I don’t mean antiques with canes but rather 12 to 49 year olds that don’t want to drink the night away. If you book with Intrepid expect to be mainly with 30 somethings and 40 somethings and perhaps a family as well. Intrepid has hundreds of tours operating all around the globe with destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America. What makes them unique is what they offer. If you’re seeking cultural immersion, a food tour or perhaps you have something more in mind like active adventure, then Intrepid is right up your alley. Let us take a deeper dive into my Intrepid Travel Review and see if it’s the right fit for you.

What is Intrepid Travel?

Founded in 1989 by two college friends, Intrepid Travel is an Australian tour company operating over 1,000 tours worldwide. Intrepid Travel is known for its charitable donations in that it gives back to the people and places that it has toured in. I have to admit that is impressive for the founders of the company never sold out and kept their goal intact. Very cool if you ask me.

Intrepid Travel Expectations

Accommodations: Don’t worry with Intrepid you’ll be staying in 3 and 4 star hotels. I found that they also like to book with boutique-style hotels making the stay far more charming and pleasant. The hotels are very clean and always in very nice areas.

Hot Tip: If you want you can book your own room, that’s supplemental when you book the tour through Intrepid directly.

Group Size: Intrepid groups are much smaller than most other operators so you can expect no more than 15 people to be in your tour group. This makes it so much easier for everyone to interact and more importantly for the guides to offer us a more personal tour.

Intrepid Guides: For the most part you’ll always meet your guide along with the group at around 6 pm in the hotel lobby. There you get to know one another and off to an evening meal. All tour guides are chaperones for the most part showing you around the city. They also make use of local guides that have a more in-depth knowledge of the history of the area.

Food: Breakfast is provided in all the tours however lunch and dinner will be on you. To save money you can eye some street food that is delicious and cheap.

Cost: Totally depends on the tour and how many days. There are tours for as little as $800 and as much as $11,000. Traveling to Europe for 30 days will obviously cost north of $7k however that are so many tours to choose from that will fit your budget.

Don’t forget to bring some spending money with you when you arrive to your destination. Intrepid Tours offers many trips that are 8 to 12 days from $1200 to $1900 which is a great value!

Travel Themes: Perhaps you have an idea as to what you want to do or the type of trip. Intrepid has something for everyone; some these include 18 to 29 year olds, Cruises, Expeditions, Food, Festivals, Polar, Wildlife, Winter Tours and Women’s Expeditions.

Intrepid Travel Review:

My very first solo tour with Intrepid was a rail tour in Morocco with some local transport in between. How I came up with Morocco is anyone’s guess but I said “Why not just do it”. The tour started in Casablanca. You always think that the city will be majestic or something but it’s NOT. It’s the financial center of the country with nothing to see but the Mosque of Hassan II. One of the most charming places in Morocco is Moulay Idriss. I really don’t know how to explain it but it was simply beautiful. It was here when our tour guide handed us to a local guide who showed us around his hometown and was simply awesome.

There is one thing about Morocco you’ll need to get used to, they eat a lot of sweets and bread. I mean the hotel breakfast options were very limited and it was loaded with cookies, bread, some pancake thing you eat with honey, olives and more bread. Of course, we can’t forget the mint tea!

We also went to Chefchaouen (the blue city) which is a must-see! It’s known for its striking blue painted walls in the old town. I absolutely loved Chefchaouen so much to see and very affordable (as with the rest of Morocco). Probably the best thing to do is get lost in the maze of streets and alleys that are very photogenic. There are loads of markets selling goods that you can peak your head in. Don’t expect a big nightlife in Chefchaouen, there’s maybe just a handful of bars.

One thing killed me! I can’t tell you how many times I was offered “ Moroccan Chocolate ” aka hashish. Yep, Moroccans may not drink alcohol but they will smoke some hash. To be 100% I really wanted to indulge hoping that it would take care of my jet lag but the last thing I needed was a situation where a foreigner is being held on drug charges in a foreign country.

Our last destination was Marrakesh which is also a must-see destination. It’s loaded with many great restaurants, spas to spoil yourself, gardens and of course palaces. I couldn’t get over the bazaar, I mean is gigantic and can be a little overwhelming. It’s insanely easy to get lost when walking around the bazaar but that’s probably half the fun. In Marrakesh alcohol is served in many of the restaurants however you CAN’T take your drink outside.

My only complaint about Morocco is that the food was well, a little lacking. I mean it’s mainly couscous and tagine – I won’t lie I got over it quick so when I was offered a camel burger, I gladly accepted! Also, the hotel breakfast was well just sweets and more sweets.

Final Thoughts On Intrepid Travel :

Should you go on an Intrepid tour? Absolutely YES, if

• You want to immerse yourself in the culture
• You want everything organized for you
• You prefer an adventure instead
• You prefer smaller groups
• You’re on a budget or not

Optional Add-Ons: These are excursions that Intrepid sets up that do cost extra. Depending on the country you’re in they can be just about anything but always check what the add-ons are and see which you want to do. Remember these are totally optional.

Transportation: My particular Intrepid tour involved rail and in some very short spots a local bus was used but it was a short easy ride. However, not all Intrepid tours will use rail so you may want to double-check your destination and modes of transportation. Keep in mind that Intrepid will use planes, rail, buses and other modes of public transportation.

Most Popular Intrepid Travel Tours:

I hope my experience with Intrepid has convinced you they are a solid company that you’ll consider traveling with. I know someone who literally booked a “Foodie” tour because it was offered on Intrepid….seriously who cool is that! Take a look below and see some of their more popular tours.

There are about 812 tours Intrepid Travel is operating that you can access here , so take a look and explore which trip you’d like to book. Many of which have specials ranging from 15% to 35% discounts on selected tours.

Intrepid Travel Review

Intrepid is great for a more mature traveler looking to immerse themselves into the culture or prefer an active adventure. With hundreds of tours operating all around the globe see if this is the right fit for you.

• Laid back mature travelers
• Smaller groups
• 3 & 4 star accommodations
• Free days to explore by yourself
• Great tour packages
• They offer tours for everyone
• Very affordable tours!
• You may not like some of your fellow travelers
• The negative reviews came from Covid cancellations

Strapped Traveler

Like you, I love to travel and have learned over the years I can travel to nearly anywhere in the world on a budget. My blog aims to guide you into traveling abroad on a budget and still have a great time. Visit us regularly for the latest in travel gear and trip ideas that won't break the bank.

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Intrepid Travel In-depth Review: Are their tours any good? [2024]

A tour that offers trips where you can spread positive impacts to the place you're visiting ... Are they too good to be true? What are their pros and cons? Find out now.

Have you ever thought about the impacts you have when you're on your trip? The way you travel, through what transportation methods you take, how you engage with communities, and what you leave behind after the trip can have various impacts on the destination you traveled to. 

In this review, we bring to you a review of a travel agency that'll help you plan your next trip while making sure that you travel responsibly. Stick around and read the entire Intrepid Travel review to find out how you can make use of this service.

What is Intrepid Travel?

In 1988, two friends, Darrell and Manch, were traveling with friends in a truck in parts of Africa when they came to a realization. They realized that more people would enjoy traveling while minimizing impacts by talking to many travelers. That kickstarted the tour operator  Intrepid Travel .

Apart from presenting a travel itinerary, Intrepid Travel also guarantees their customers a responsible travel experience with them. In order to ensure responsibility while traveling, Intrepid Travel has partnered up with many global and local funds and organizations like Blue Carbon Lab and Eden Reforestation Project.

Intrepid Travel has its own foundation, which funds initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and work towards a sustainable future. 

How does Intrepid Travel work?

Intrepid Travel has a simple and user-friendly interface. You could insert basic information and get a ready-made travel itinerary or have a trip tailor-made based on your preferences.

Readymade trips 

Once you visit the Intrepid Travel website, you can search for itineraries based on your choice of destination and the date of travel. Intrepid Travel will provide you with a range of options to choose from based on the information provided. These options vary from  Premium, Best of,  to  Classic , etc. 

Alternatively, you could also select from various styles and themes and find ready-made trips. In order to look for themes, you have to click on the  Ways to travel  option on the panel at the top of the website. These themes include 18s to 29s, Active Adventures, Adventure Cruising, Cycling, Expeditions, Family, Festivals, Food,  Lonely Planet  Experiences, Polar, Retreats, Sailing, Short-Breaks, Urban Adventures, Walking and Trekking, and Wildlife. 

Personalized trips 

Travelers using Intrepid Travels can also select tailor-made trips from the themes section. In this, you can flexibly choose when and where you want to go and what you want to do because the ready-made itineraries from Intrepid can't be altered. 

You would be traveling with local leaders or travel guides from any travel themes or styles. They will guide you on everything and even deal with the logistics of traveling. With their extensive knowledge of local culture and environments, you will surely get an immersive traveling experience. The help of local leaders also makes group travels easier. 

How old do you have to be to travel with Intrepid?

If you are traveling without adult supervision, you have to be 18 years of age or above. Styles of travel include Premium, Comfort, Original, and Basix. Depending on the style, the provision of services varies, but you would still get the basic services, though. 

Although there aren't any readily available promo codes from Intrepid Travel, they almost always have deals on their website. If you aren't looking to travel anytime soon, you can check the discounts available on the website. If you are making some late plans, you can choose to look at the last-minute deals they have to offer.

What we like about Intrepid Travel

• Ready-made packages

Intrepid Travel makes your trips so much easier. Choosing from a specific style and/or theme is the best part of this. It allows you to select a trip that is to your liking and within your budget. The intersection of the style and theme gives you even more options. What's even more remarkable is that all the destinations, accommodation, food, and transportation are arranged for you as you reach your destination.

• Personalization

The thing with ready-made packages is that they don't have flexible arrival and departure dates. If you're someone who needs that freedom in traveling, tailor-made packages are just the thing for you. Even if you are the one who's deciding things, you wouldn't be the one spending time getting things together. Intrepid Travel and its local leaders will do everything for you. 

• Responsible travel

Responsible travel includes less carbon footprint, respect towards local cultures, and support for local communities. Your use of Intrepid Travel would contribute towards funding grassroots organizations, initiatives, and local communities. After all, responsible traveling isn't just where you'll be going; it's also on you as an individual traveler. Intrepid Travel adheres to COVID guidelines and ensures your safety.

While you aren't required to have travel insurance, Intrepid Travel will recommend travel insurance services, like World Nomads ,  if you think it's something you would like to have.

What's not-so-great about Intrepid Travel

• Complaints on service 

Intrepid Travel doesn't have a lot of bad reviews. But, we came across some complaints about low-quality accommodation, unreliable local guides, and poor service. Some negative reviews spoke of Intrepid Travel's delay/failure to process refunds during the pandemic. As always, it's important to know that no service is perfect, and there could be issues occasionally. 

Compared to traveling solo, heading on a group tour with companies like Intrepid is a bit more expensive because most travel logistics and planning are arranged for you. Also, when you travel with a group, there's a higher chance of spending on extra "group" activities. However, you may not necessarily enjoy all of them. In this regard, we think it's better to  backpack  solo if you are quite a seasoned traveler. 

Is Intrepid Travel Worth It?

Most of the past users have left satisfying reviews of Intrepid Travel. We also recommend it to travelers that want more out of your travel experience. We believe what they're offering is a great way to explore the world while maintaining a positive impact on the places you go!

You also have many other choices like  G Adventures ,  EF Ultimate Break , and  Under30Experiences  for guided group tours. So, do consider these options before you pick one! 

Our Rating: 4.6/5

• Tours that makes a positive impact
• Responsible travel (low footprint)
• Great tour packages
• All Inclusive
• Few complaints on quality of the tours
• Slightly expensive

If you're looking to plan your own trip.

Regardless of which tour guides you pick, you're definitely all set to make some memorable experiences. We believe that you'll have a better time by planning and going on a trip solo or with friends and family! After all, traveling at your own pace and your own determined budget is always a win.

If you're planning to travel with your friends or colleagues or any other group of people, Pilot might be able to help you out with it.

Disclosure : Pilot is supported by our community. We may earn a small commission fee with affiliate links on our website. All reviews and recommendations are independent and do not reflect the official view of Pilot.

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Reviews 4.3.

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Vietnam Classic

My husband and I went on the classics 10 day trip in Vietnam with an Intrepid group. This was the most interesting and incredible experience I have had. It covered all of Vietnams must sees and sight seeing. The group of people in our team were all lovely and felt like family/ friends by the end of the trip. The tour guide ‘Duc’ was professional, knowledgeable and always helpful. We continued on the to start another intrepid trip in Cambodia. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone wanting to see Vietnams highlights. 10/10 for our tour guide Duc.

Date of experience : March 07, 2024

Reply from Intrepid Travel

Thank you for sharing your experience, Brenda on your Classic Vietnam trip. We are delighted to hear that you had a group who all bonded so well and a tour leader who was professional and knowledgeable which meant you had such an enjoyable time exploring the wonders of Vietnam. We hope you enjoyed Cambodia just as much and we look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid adventure in the not so distant future.

Our tour guide Anh Voung made all the difference

Our tour guide Anh Voung made all the difference. She was extremely well organized, disciplined and was able to make a cohesive group among the small group tour participants. Also, she knew thoroughly the history of the places we visited. We were able to see Vietnam through her eyes. That made all the difference.

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Thank you, Michael for your sharing your experience with us. We are delighted that you enjoyed exploring Vietnam and that your tour leader Anh Voung made your trip extra special. We look forward to welcoming you on another Intrepid adventure in the not so distant future. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Okavango Delta

Myself and my partner done our first trip with Intrepid in August 2023 from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls with Okavango Delta highlight. Everything was very well organised. The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. The other guests were all very friendly. We would have found it difficult to put together a trip like this by ourselves. We will definitely consider doing another trip Intrepid and we would highly recommend them.

Date of experience : August 12, 2023

Thank you for taking the time to post our review and for your recommendation to others. We are delighted to know that being your first Intrepid experience you found the trip to be well organised and your guides were knowledgeable and friendly. We hope to welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Our first trip with Intrepid did not…

Our first trip with Intrepid did not disappoint. We had a great guide who was both informative and helpful. He fitted into the group and nothing was too much trouble. Would highly recommend

Thanks for your lovely review Deborah. It's wonderful to read that you enjoyed your Intrepid trip an that your tour leader was able to enhance your experience! We hope to welcome you back soon!

Good - unless there are long bus rides.

I have now done four trips with Intrepid and can generally recommend them. Most guides are enthusiastic and speak good English, and the level of organisation is good. However, if your trip involves long distances to travel by bus be aware that Intrepid, in general, provides very poor quality in this department. I recently returned from a trip to Mexico, where the travel style was decribed as "comfort". Our bus was, however, the very definition of UNcomfortable. They mention in the trip notes that the bus may feel cramped, but not that it is old, has very limited suspension, and that a vast majority of seats will not accomodate people over 180 cm. I am 183 cm and returned from Mexico with knees that still ache from the experience. The quality of the bus was outrageous, and all travelers agreed on this. We saw buses of the same size, but of better quality, on the way so they do exist. That Intepid does not feel the need to renew its fleet of buses can only be described as stingy.

Date of experience : March 02, 2024

Hey Anders, thanks for getting in touch with us. Your loyalty is greatly appreciated, and we're happy to hear that you're pleased with our expert guides. We value your input and would love to delve deeper into your feedback about our fleet. Please feel free to reach out to our Customer Care team at [email protected] with your booking reference number and so we can examine this more closely.

Money robbing Intrepid.

Terrible company to deal with, slow customer service and when I had my flights cancelled for my trip. I mentioned that I could no longer go on my trip I was notified that they do not do refunds. I now have lost out on over $1000 that I will never be able to access again for a trip that I had given over 6 months notice.

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Hi Calum, we are very sorry to hear about your experience. A member of the sales team will be in touch to discuss this with you, alternatively you are welcome to contact us directly at [email protected] and we can look into this further.

Delhi to Goa

The whole trip just worked really well. I think this was also due to our fantastic guide, Gajraj Singh. He pitched the tour perfectly, was very knowledgeable about the places we visitedand occasionally slightly changed things to our benefit. The hotels and travel arrangements were as described and removed any stress.

Date of experience : February 06, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. It’s great to know the trip worked well and that your tour loader Gajrag Singh contributed to your enjoyment. I’m sure he will be delighted to receive this feedback. We hope you will find another of our itineraries to your linking and we can welcome you back on another of our adventures soon.

I’ll choose Intrepid Everytime

I’ve done about 6 tours with intrepid. My favorite are the Camping African tours. Very efficient way to see off the beaten path in different counties. Very well organized although I think some of the accommodations needs review. Team leaders, chefs and drivers have all been 10/10. Their customer service is very responsive when answering my queries about visas,food,airport connections ect. I travel at ease knowing I chose intrepid.

Date of experience : November 28, 2023

Hey Jeeleigh! Wow, 6 tours, that's amazing! Thanks for travelling with us. So happy you've had such great experiences. Thank you for your note about the accommodation - if you'd like to send us an email about your concerns regarding the accommodations, we can for sure pass them on to the right department for you! We can't wait to welcome you on your next trip :)

Explore Vietnam

This trip is challenging and sometimes tiring but so rewarding. You see parts of the real Vietnam off the tourist trail, meet real people and hear their stories. Amazing value for money with good, clean accommodation. Travelling through the country on the overnight train with the locals was a fantastic experience. Great variety of cities visited and all the organisation went very smoothly. Lots of additional excursions are offered which are all worth doing - they added to the trip immensely. This was our first Intrepid trip and I’m sure it won’t be our last.

Date of experience : February 07, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review and for sharing your experience with others. It's good to know that although you found the trip challenging and tiring a times, it was also so rewarding. We do hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

South India revealed

South India revealed, from 02.02 - 17.02.24 We thought the South Indian trip from Trivandrum to Goa was really good! The tour guide Thilip was extremely personable and constantly looked after us, even when no activities were planned. Explained everything and gave valuable tips, took us to local restaurants to eat and described the food before ordering. The journey with different means of transport, bus, TUK TUK, train and sleeping car was also stress-free with Thilip. The accommodations were good and clean according to the price/performance ratio. Since we ate a lot in local restaurants and also used public transport, we had many nice encounters with Indians. The houseboat trip on the backwaters with homestay was one of the highlights. Sightseeing in Verkala, Kochi, Madurai, Mysore and Hampi were great and well organized. Of course, our small travel group of 10 people also contributed to the whole trip being good and harmonious. We can highly recommend this trip, but you should also be willing to adjust to the country and its people!! Heino and Hannelore Müller, Münster, Germany

Date of experience : March 12, 2024

Hi Heino and Hannelore, thank you for your wonderful review! We're so delighted that you had such a wonderful time on your South India Revealed trip with Intrepid and experienced all the delights that India has to offer. Engaging with the local people is one of the joys of travel and we're so pleased that your trip afforded you plenty of opportunities to do so. Thank you also for your kind words about your tour leader Thilip. Our leaders are the hear of Intrepid and it's great to know that they were able to enhance your experience. We can't wait to welcome you on another Intrepid trip!

So glad we chose them for our first small group tour.

Had an amazing trip with Intrepid on the South Morocco Discovery Tour. We'd never been with Intrepid before so didn't really know what to expect. But it was fantastic from start to finish - quick replies to our queries before departure and then the trip itself. Great group of people, amazing Mo, our group leader and we were lucky enough to have 3 other Mo's. The itinerary was pretty full on, with lots of time in the bus but scenery, the stops and the banter on the bus made it part of the experience. We saw so much, from rainy Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert, ancient walled cities to seaside fishing town, and of course Marakkech. Loved every minute - the people, the places and being with Intrepid meant we didn't have to worry about anything. Will definitely use Intrepid for our next trip - so glad we chose them for our first small group tour.

Date of experience : February 08, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are pleased to learn that having been your first Intrepid trip, it was everything you wanted and more. That you loved every minute and that being with Intrepid meant you didn’t have to worry about anything, you could just enjoy the country, the people, and the views. We hope you have some special memories of this special part of the world, and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Premium price basic accommodation

I booked a premium trip to India because I wanted good accommodation and the itinerary looked amazing. The itinerary did not disappoint, unfortunately the guide and accommodation let the trip down massively. One of the rooms was filthy, another had a missing window pane, that the guide tried to pass off as a feature! Too many of the hotels had problems with the drains that made spending time in the room unpleasant. The guide was reactive when he needed to be but was mostly focusing on his phone and getting to the end of the walk/activities as soon as he could. I had a good time because the group and places we visited were great but I won't be rushing to do another trip with intrepid anytime soon.

Date of experience : January 20, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to post a review. We are disappointed to learn of your experience and that although you had a good time, you had a good group and the itinerary didn’t disappoint, you will not be rushing to book with Intrepid again. Your feedback is very important, and we would welcome the chance to discuss your comments around your leader and your accommodation in more detail. Please reach out to our Customer Care team with your booking reference and your departure code to customer [email protected]

Exhausting and Exhilarating

We have travelled with Intrepid in Japan, Eastern Europe and now India. On each occasion the tours were well organised, and the guides professional, friendly and great communicators. Our recent Premium trip to India involved early starts and long days but those factors allowed us to see much more than we would have if we had travelled solo. We were introduced to many cultural experiences which added to the overall itinerary. Our guide orchestrated many seamless vehicular changes from bus to car to tuk tuk which allowed us to travel to and from temples, forts, palaces, etc, as efficiently as possible.

Date of experience : March 08, 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Alan, on what sounds like an incredible Indian adventure. We are so pleased that you felt you got most out of such an exhilarating country by being introduced to many cultural experiences and covering a vast distance. Where will your next adventure be? We look forward to welcoming you on another trip soon.

Gorillas and Game Parks

Gorillas and Game Parks was an awesome experience and trip. The Intrepid crew was great and very professional. The driving times were quite long, longer than listed, but we stopped every few hours for a break. The tents were in great shape and comfortable.

Hi Michael, thank you for your review. We are pleased to know that you had a fantastic overall experience with us, and your feedback of your tent in particular is great to hear. We do our best to have accurate travel times on our trip notes, thank you for highlighting that for our team to check on. We hope the time with the gorillas was just as magical as you had imagined! With best wishes for your next adventure.

Wonderful trip to Costa Rica

We chose Intrepid for our Costa Rica trip February 2024 after a great trip to Namibia with Intrepid in May 2023. Definitely an intrepid trip! As well as seeing a good bit of Costa Rica--Caribbean, rain forest, cloud forest, Pacific beach--we went tubing, rafting, snorkeling, kayaking through a mangrove swamp and zip lining over the cloud forest. (All very professionally run.) We particularly liked Intrepid's use of family-run businesses. The guide was super organized and very knowledgeable about the areas visited and the plants and wildlife we were seeing.

Date of experience : January 28, 2024

Hello Inge, thank you for such an excellent overview of your tour to Costa Rica! We appreciate your recognition of our local business partners, and we always hope to contribute to local economies that will have a larger impact on the communities we visit. Costa Rica is indeed, a nature lovers dream and we look forward to having you along with us again in future. Stay well.

Premium Intrepid India experience.a few words our India experience…

In a few words our India experience with Intrepid Travel was superb! Our guide was an exceptional human being with a wealth of knowledge which made the trip so much easier and exciting for the travellers! We visited the most amazing and interesting places, many I had never heard of but by the time I left I knew so much more about them. Our accommodation, food and travel were great and thanks to Intrepid our whole trip was fabulous. Certainly recommended!!

Date of experience : February 09, 2024

Hi Richard, thank you for your lovely review! We are thrilled to know that you enjoyed your time with us and that your guide created a memorable experience for you and your group. Thank you for coming along with us to explore such a wonderful destination, and we do hope to see you again when the time comes. Stay well.

Fabulous organised trip to Sri Lanka

Fabulous organised trip to Sri Lanka. Would definitely book through them again. The tour guide was so knowledgeable and took us to places that we would never have seen on our own. Some of the hotels were a little basic but perfectly fine. Definitely a 5* experience.

Date of experience : February 02, 2024

Thank you for your lovely review, Denise. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable time exploring Sri Lanka and that your tour leader took your group to interesting places, off the beaten track. We are always so pleased to hear when customers would love to travel with us again, we look forward to hopefully seeing you on another one of our adventures soon. All the best, Intrepid Travel

Very disappointing, incompetent and slow

I wanted to write something about my trip to New Zealand. Unfortunately, it never happened. I found Intrepid very unprofessional all the way through. I had to transfer the entire amount (a huge sum) before they even started an inquiry. My request for a single room could not be accommodated and I was offered the trip on a twin-share basis. I confirmed this within a day. Three days later I received the first email saying that the trip was no longer available. What could I do but accept? So I gave them my bank details to transfer the money back. Nothing happened for another three days and I received a similar email saying that the trip was no longer available a second time. I was offered a later date. After waiting five working days for any sign of the transfer, I tried live chat again. I was assured that the transfer would be initiated, but that it could take up to two weeks!!!! These are absolutely impossible and customer unfriendly business practices. While Intrepid is keeping my money back, I am now unable to organise the trip myself. I feel quite betrayed and will not consider or recommend Intrepid again.

Date of experience : March 15, 2024

Dear Carola, thank you for taking the time to post your review. We pride ourselves on our customer service, so we're very sorry that this was your booking experience. Please reach out to us at [email protected] with your booking number so that we can assist you further.

Experience locals on an Intrepid tour

We have just come back from Morocco, completing our 9th Intrepid tour. We love the way Intrepid find interesting ways to link us with locals. In the Morocco Uncovered tour, for example, we visited a Berber tent on a cold rainy day. The home was toasty warm, the Berber shared his life (so different to ours in suburban Australia), music and love of the land. It was an experience I will never forget. On the same tour, my partners birthday was celebrated in a local house where the family had made all the ingredients for the meal! In the past we have happened (ie not part of the tour) on a circumcision party (Turkey), weddings (Sri Lanka, Turkey, Myanmar), developed an understanding of Jordan as the crossroad of culture, and sharing deep fried locusts (Cambodia). If you want to get to know what it's like to live in a country, meet some locals and have a great time, go Intrepid. Their organisation, logistics and guide are top class.

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. It's great to know that being a first time Intrepid traveller, you had an amazing trip and will be booking with Intrepid again. We hope you will find another itinerary to your liking and we can welcome you on another of our adventures soon.

Love Intrepid

Been on a few intrepid trips now (last one was Egypt tour in early Feb 2024) and can’t fault them. The guides and travel experiences have all been wonderful. I love that they give back to local communities and try and be as sustainable as possible.

Date of experience : February 03, 2024

Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences with Intrepid, A- it is much appreciated! We are happy to hear that our focuses with local communities and sustainable practices are being recognized by our travellers. And we are delighted to know that you found value in the time you had with our guide(s). With kind regards and many thanks.

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All Vietnam Tours from Intrepid Travel

Filters applied, 26 intrepid travel trips through vietnam.

• Kayak & Canoe
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year

Explore Vietnam

The trip was fantastic, it was a really nice mix of fixed activities, optional tours and free time to explore each of the cities. i couldn't believe how different each of the cities felt and what they had to offer. The balance felt right between activity and hustle and bustle of the busy cities to the more tranquil places like Hoi An. Quang was a great guide, he wasn't just rattling off information he has a great sense of humour and was really happy to get involved with the group.

• In-depth Cultural

Essential Vietnam

Astounding immersive trip. Loved the contrast and colour. Great food and such kind people. Recommend

Vietnam Express Southbound

Really good. Loved the night in Hoi An with the cool shirts. Loved the coocking class

Treasures of Vietnam

A very busy whistle stop tour of Vietnam. You visit HCMC Hoi An and Hanoi. Accommodate for a comfort style tour needs to be improved. Our tour leader was informative knowledgeable and good fun. If you have the time I’d probably advise you to take a longer trip especially Hoi An as we all loved it.

Cycle Vietnam

This a perfect tour if you set your expectations right. The support crew is amazing, attentive to every detail and is really putting their whole heart into their work. The food, the 3-4 star hotels, the bikes were all good. However, the tour is really geared towards people heavily interested in cycling. We visited a temple or an attraction every couple of days. Boat, train, homestay were all welcome additions, but the rest was cycling through fields and villages, and occassional pool / beach in the hotel. As a tourist visiting Vietnam only once, I expected more tourist activities (historical / architectural landmarks, shows, wild animals) or adventures (kyaking? ziplining?). Most days finish at 4-5 pm, so we did have time for that. The cycling itself could be structured differently: we often cycled when heat is at peak, but never cycled after 3pm. Finally, be aware that it is Ok to cycle at your own pace and stop / take pictures whenever you want. The group will be waiting for you at the next junction. Knowing that from start would save me some incovenience. If you are Ok with all of these, you will have the best time.

• Hiking & Trekking

Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Great tour long bus trips were hard Accomodation better than expected 2nd day trek was too short

Vietnam Family Holiday with Teenagers

Our guide was Chi whom absolutely made our whole family relaxed and welcomed. We were able to ask any question we wanted and received a knowledgeable answer. We all thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would recommend to everyone, especially with Chi as the guide.

Vietnam Express Northbound

We had a fantastic time on the Intrepid Northbound Vietnam tour. We did the tour as a family: my wife, myself, our 19 yo daughter and 16 yo son. There were also 11 others on the tour and we had great fun. Our guide was terrific, and Vietnam was outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the tour.

Vietnam Family Holiday

Fantastic trip. Our guide, Jay, was great, nothing was too much trouble, his knowledge was perfect and he also made the trip so much fun. The whole family loved it as we learnt so much about Vietnam, made new friends and experienced the lovely food, drink and the Vietnamese hospitality.

Vietnam Family Holiday Comfort

Scenic Vietnam (including Cat Ba)

Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery (12 destinations)

Classic Vietnam

Cycle Northern Vietnam

The worst thing about the tour was the lack of detail supplied before departure. A dated itinerary with the departure hotel name would have been a no brainer, most of the participants were unsure of whether the accomodation after the initial 6pm meeting was included. It was never explained that we would be sharing rooms in hotels,fair enough in homestays but a bit of a surprise for the hotel stays. Also the tipping part of the trip..the guide was asking for around $800 US from the group for tips, surely the hotels and drivers were getting paid ok? I've rarely seen tipping in Vietnam before. Its an American practice that is offensive to Australians. That's a lot of money in Vietnam. Our guide BB was excellent and read the group well, the mix of electric bikes ensured every one kept up,and apart from the last day the pace was brisk and entertaining. The last day was led by the mechanic at a very boring walking pace that no one appreciated. I would recommend the trip but would like to see the above points addressed for future groups.

Best of Cambodia & Vietnam

All vietnam intrepid travel tour reviews.

Great trip made very special by our guide Ngu going the extra mile

Really enjoyable and well structured tour. Tuan was a really helpful and insightful guide and was able to manage the group (and it's varying characters!) really well. Accommodation was all very good and the optional paid activities were all good value for money. Would definitely recommend.

It was the first time that I travelled Solo solely for the purpose of travel and turned out to be a trip of lifetime! Of course Intrepid tour leader - Cong, operated like clockwork, thought ahead and no derailment of trip in anyway at all! But what made it fantastic was the group of people who came on this trip and I am sure each one of us will share the same sentiment. Look forward to many more…

• Vietnam Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• What is the best time to visit Vietnam in 2024/2025?
• Weather in Vietnam in 2024/2025

Intrepid Travel

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For over 30 years we've been taking travellers around the globe. That's over 30 years of adventures, of visiting new places and old friends, of countless unforgettable moments. More than 30 years of changing the way people see the world, on small group tours with like-minded Intrepid people. As a responsible business, we've always been committed to being there for our travellers and the communities we visit. We're on a mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. So, you can trust that when you travel with us, we won't just be there for your first adventure, we'll be there every step of your journey. That's our mission. It’s been on a journey, while staying true to itself – just like us. Since the very beginning we’ve seen travel as a force for good.

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Intrepid was also one of the first signatories and a launch partner to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism in November 2021. By becoming a signatory, we've agreed to implement the commitments detailed in the Glasgow Declaration, most notably supporting the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero as soon as possible before 2050.

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Tour Review: Intrepid Travel Vietnam Express Southbound

Traveling in Vietnam with Intrepid Travel on their Vietnam Express Southbound 10-day tour is everything that’s terrific and transformative about travel.

This was my 2nd Intrepid tour, completely different from the incredible  Okavango Experience , but just as unforgettable, educational, gratifying, and culturally immersive in a way that is unique to Vietnam and the travelers and guide I was lucky enough to explore and experience with.

In this guide, I’ll not only share my complete review of my time with Intrepid Travel in Vietnam, but I’ll also do my best to explain the intangibles about why small group travel with Intrepid is so special.

Spoiler Alert! If you’re considering the  Intrepid Travel Vietnam Express Southbound  tour, don’t hesitate. Book it and go with an open heart and curious mind for a not-to-be-forgotten trip!

This 10-day Vietnam Express Southbound tour starts in the north, in Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City in the south. 

In between, the tour itinerary takes you to popular spots in Vietnam including Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, and the Mekong Delta. And, in a way that’s unique to Intrepid, you not only see those must-see sights but also learn about the country’s history, culture, and experience local daily life.

It’s that last part about the local culture, daily life, and the people you meet along the way that’ll flash through your mind long after your trip to Vietnam is done.

What Happens While Traveling in Vietnam with Intrepid

It would be easy to share a list of all the popular sights and activities you’ll see and do while in Vietnam with Intrepid. But I’d be leaving out so many moments that make this trip so much more than just another Vietnam sightseeing trip!

When you travel with Intrepid, you get to mix must-see sights, off-the-beaten-path stops, and interactions with locals you wouldn’t be able to have otherwise had you traveled independently.

Intrepid’s Vietnam Express Southbound Itinerary

No doubt if you’re considering this tour, you’ve read through the day-by-day itinerary on Intrepid’s website. I’ve put together this video to show how memorable just these highlights are all by themselves.

But, there are so many other unforgettable moments you don’t see in the trip outline. These moments are unique to your group and your guide but give a glimpse of how amazing it is to travel with a company like Intrepid that wholeheartedly believes in the powerful impact of authentic local experiences. What You Don’t See

I purposefully didn’t include activities I did outside of the tour. However, if you look at the Intrepid itinerary, you’ll notice the first day doesn’t start until 6 pm and the last day is open for the group to do independent activities or depart as warranted by their travel plans.

I took these opportunities to see more of Vietnam. Before the 6 pm meeting on Day 1, I joined the Urban Adventures Hanoi Morning Highlights Tour and then used the afternoon to wander independently and visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Stilt House. It was great to have this time to do some sightseeing in Hanoi.

On the last day, I went with Urban Adventures to tour the Cu Chi Tunnels just outside Ho Chi Minh City…an absolute must! The tunnels and how they were built and used are utterly fascinating. Back in the city just after midday, I independently visited Independence Palace and did some more shopping at the Ben Thanh Market.

Practical Details

If you’ve never traveled with a tour before or with Intrepid, you’re probably wondering about some of the logistics, as well as who you’ll be traveling with.

Before You Go:

Intrepid requires travel insurance for all travelers no matter which tour it is.  World Nomads  provides travel insurance for all types of trips, travelers, and budgets.

Vietnam requires U.S. residents to get a Visa to enter the country. Luckily, it’s an easy process that can be done online. You can apply for one at the  Vietnam e-Visa web portal . You have to upload a photo of yourself and pay $25. After that, it takes about 3 business days to get your e-Visa. It’s valid for a single entry 30-day Vietnam Visa.

Southeast Asia has a hot, humid climate. And, countries like Vietnam also dress conservatively. This combination means you want lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with enough skin coverage. Moisture-wicking fabric is also great for travel because when you want to wash it out, it dries quickly.

Specifically for this Intrepid Vietnam tour, pack a  sleep sheet  (or an old sheet you can use and leave behind to lighten your bag) and this  compressible pillow  for the train from Hanoi to Hue like I did. I slept comfortably on a clean sheet! And, what I love about that pillow is it packs down small but expands to be nearly the size of a regular pillow. (I took it on my other incredible Intrepid trip to camp in the  Okavango Delta , too!)

On the Trip:

Who is the guide.

Intrepid hires and works with guides who are locals that live in and are experts on the places visited on the tour itinerary. By doing so, it’s a win-win for you, the traveler, and the local community.

First, some of the money you pay for the tour pays these guides. Enough said, right? No matter where we are from, we all know how empowering and impactful a job is for the individual, their families, and communities.

Along with this, you, the traveler, get a guide with first-hand cultural and location-based knowledge who inevitably opens doors for an immersive, authentic look at daily life.

Nam was the guide for our group and not only could he talk about the history of a specific temple or make sure the group allowed enough time to get from one place to another, but he also recommended local places to eat, showed us how to smoke that bamboo tube pipe you see people passing in Hanoi, and stopped in the countryside at a burial site to explain more about the rituals and beliefs Vietnamese have about death and their ancestors.

Who travels with Intrepid?

From 20s-70s, hailing from all over the world, Intrepid travelers are adventurous travel-lovers who welcome authentic experiences no matter where they are.

Both of my Intrepid groups have been a perfect blend of exactly that combination. There have been Americans, Aussies, Europeans, and Canadians traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family whether for a first-time out-of-college travel experience or celebrating a 30-year wedding anniversary.

The best part is they’re all travel lovers who are ready to explore! And, if you’re lucky like I’ve been, you’ll come away with travel memories and lasting friendships.

What are the accommodations like?

Intrepid has different types of tours, Basix, Original, and Comfort. This Vietnam Express Southbound tour is Original. Hotels are typically comfortable 3-star hotels for this type of tour.

All the hotels from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh were modern with relatively spacious rooms located conveniently in each city so we could walk to restaurants, shops, markets, and popular sights. Not all Intrepid tours stay at the same hotels but for reference, this is  the hotel  our group stayed at in Hue.

The one exception was in Hoi An, where the hotel was a 10-minute walk outside the old town and more of a 2-star hotel compared to the others where we stayed.

This  Vietnam Express Southbound tour  has 2 nights not spent in hotels, too.

In Ha Long Bay, we slept on our own junk boat. Each of us had our own cabins with ensuite bathrooms, fans, and air conditioning. Since I was traveling on my own, I had a cabin with 2 twin beds. On the main deck, there was an enclosed dining room, with outdoor deck seating at both ends of the boat.

We also took an overnight train from Hanoi to Hue. Intrepid books “First Class” cabins but it’s important to understand trains in Vietnam are not like the sleeper trains you might find in Europe, for example. We had private cabins for only our group but each cabin has 2 sets of bunks, sleeping 4 people in each. I shared with 3 other girls in the group and slept comfortably. The bathroom is shared among the car occupants.

I did bring my own sleeping sheet and used my travel pillow and  recommend you do the same . I loved waking up early to watch the Vietnamese countryside fly by from my window.

How does the group travel?

For the majority of the time, you’ll travel by private, air-conditioned van arranged by Intrepid. We did also take the boat out for the day and night onto Ha Long Bay, the train to Hue, and a short flight to get from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh. We flew on SkyTeam Alliance member, Vietnam Airlines.

What happens for meals?

Expect some of the best food ever! Not just with the included meals, but also because you have a local guide at your disposal who can recommend the best places to eat depending on what you want or need to meet any dietary restrictions. I’m a vegetarian and never lacked for anything delicious to eat.

Breakfasts are included in the tour, and typically part of the hotel breakfasts which offered complete western and Vietnamese breakfast foods. A few lunches and dinners throughout the 10 days are part of the tour, as well.

On the first night in Hanoi, our group had a delicious first meal together at KOTO, a restaurant partnered with the Intrepid Foundation. (If you didn’t know, Intrepid is a B Corp, which means they’ve committed to be a force for good and to put purpose before profit.) KOTO is a program that trains disadvantaged kids in hospitality and culinary skills.

Lunch and dinner were included on the Ha Long Bay cruise. We had a feast of local specialties that were prepared onboard with more than enough to satisfy our whole group. I’m a vegetarian and the group also had a few picky eaters, as well as someone who needed gluten-free meals. All of us were accommodated.

We had an incredible (all vegetarian!) lunch at a Buddhist monastery. I wish I could go back and get more cooked banyan fruit! 

The tour also included another feast lunch at a house restaurant in the Mekong Delta. 

Should You Book the Vietnam Express Southbound Tour with Intrepid? 

If you’ve read and watched this far,  Intrepid’s Vietnam Express Southbound tour  is calling your name!

This tour is right for you if you want to spend time sightseeing in Vietnam, but you also have a genuine curiosity about the Vietnamese people, culture, and daily life.

You’ll absolutely love this tour if you want a mix of group time, where the logistics are taken care of, and free time, when you can explore or relax as you want.

And you’ll definitely want to join in if you enjoy meeting other travel-lovers from around the world who are just as game as you to experience new things, taste new foods, and let the transformative power of travel expand their minds and hearts.

What questions do you have about traveling on the Vietnam Express Southbound tour with Intrepid?

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Disclosure: I was a guest of Intrepid Travel all opinions are my own…Easy to do when Intrepid makes travel so unforgettable!

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2 thoughts on “tour review: intrepid travel vietnam express southbound”.

Loved reading this review. Answered every single question I had. Thank you 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Barbara. I’m glad the review was helpful!

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Victoria , Australia

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Service with Minor Environmental Footprint

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Bosnia and Herzegovina,

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