North Vietnam
8 Days/7 Nights
Vietnam's history runs deep within its fabric. During your trip, you'll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this remarkable country and make a meaningful contribution. This adventure will take in Vietnam's wonderful people and history. You will spend time in the capital, Hanoi, learning how to make soap to distribute to schools in the remote, disadvantaged north. During your stay, there will be an opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s history, including the country's reunification following the war.
On your trip, you will get to experience the stunning scenery of North Vietnam, visiting mountain ranges, waterfalls and the iconic Halong Bay. You will also embrace Vietnam's bustling markets, iconic landmarks, wild terrain and sample the famous cuisine on the journey of a lifetime.
Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at the airport, your tour manager will greet you and escort you to your accommodation for the upcoming days. Your tour guide will introduce you to the surroundings and help you settle in. There is an exciting sightseeing tour around Old Hanoi on electric buggies in the evening.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2: Soap Making
In the rural north of Vietnam, people don’t have access to many of the amenities we take for granted. Today, you will learn the process of saponification - making soap. The soap you make will be distributed later on your trip, providing an essential service for the hygiene and health of disadvantaged children.
After lunch the rest of the day is dedicated to learning about Vietnam’s history and culture, including a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex. You will also delve into Vietnam’s ancient past at the Temple of Literature, learning about Confucianism and its influence on Vietnamese society.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 3: Suoi Mu
Traveling to the Tam Diep mountain range, you will arrive at the top of a mountainous plateau at the Ngoc Son Ngo Luong nature reserve, then head down to a remote and secluded valley. In this valley, a small village inhabited by the Muong people is where you will stay tonight. After unpacking the soap, and creating educational signs promoting hygiene, there is time to take a swim in the natural pools.
Overnight: Suoi Mu
Day 4: Soap Distribution and Educational Interactions
Today you will pack the signs and soap to distribute to the local schools, where the teachers will greet you with a ceremony. The rest of the morning will be spent playing educational games with the children. After lunch, you will hike across the forest and learn about traditional foraging techniques used by the Muong people. Eventually, you will reach Thac Mu, one of the largest waterfalls in the region, where you can take a refreshing swim.
Overnight: Suoi Mu
Day 5: Ninh Binh
Vietnam’s first capital, Ninh Binh, now holds UNESCO World Heritage status, boasting pagodas, dramatic limestone karsts and stunning vistas. Upon arrival, you will take a sampan ride to Galaxy Cave to explore its wet and dry caves, then continue by sampan to Tam Coc Valley. After checking into the hotel, a 10-kilometer bike ride will take you to Thai Vi Temple, Bich Dong Pagoda, and through the picturesque landscape of the Red River Delta’s countryside.
Overnight: Suoi Mu
Day 6: Halong Bay
Even if you haven’t heard of Halong Bay, you will have definitely seen it. The backdrop to countless movies and TV programs, it is one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. On arrival at Halong City, you will board a charter boat for an overnight cruise. After settling into your cabin, you are set to explore the bay, including visiting caves, swimming and kayaking.
Overnight: Halong Bay
Day 7: Halong Bay to Hanoi
You don’t want to miss the sunrise at Halong Bay, so a tai chi session has been arranged at 6:00 am on the sundeck. After breakfast, you will explore the bay further before returning to the marina and heading back to Hanoi. For your last evening in Vietnam, there is a show at the Water Puppet Theater, followed by a walk to a pizza restaurant for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 8: departure day
When it is time for your flight, you will be escorted to the airport, so say Tạm biệt to Vietnam for now.
Total Cost: From $2900
What is included
Activities:
Overnight cruise at Halong Bay, with swimming, Kayaking, and visiting caves
Bike ride in Red River Delta
Sampan ride to Galaxy Cave
Visiting a secluded waterfall
Swim in natural pools
Forest hike with foraging lesson
Accommodation and services:
A 24/7 tour manager accompanying you throughout the trip
Private transportation throughout the trip
3 and 4* hotels throughout
All meals (please note we can cater to all dietary requirements)
Medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance
Tickets and tours:
Tour of Old Hanoi
Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex
Vist to Temple of Literature
Visit to a Water Puppet Theater
Projects:
Soap making
Distribution of soap
Making educational signs
Playing educational games with school children
Not included in this Trip
International Flights (we can set these up for you)
Visa costs
Cancellation insurance (medical insurance up to $50,000 and baggage insurance are included)