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The
VIETNAM
trip
2023 DATES
*Trip availabilities change throughout the day and may not be accurately reflected here. To see if space is available for the date you are interested in, please click through to the booking form.
Nov 4 - 12, 2023
Nov 18 - 26, 2023
Thanksgiving trip - likely to sell out
Dec 9 - 17, 2023
Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2024
NYE trip
Gal spots SOLD OUT + 3 Guy spots left
Dec 30 - Jan 7, 2024
NYE trip
9 days/8 nights
starting at $2,999 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
2024 DATES
$200 ofF with code "EB2024VIE"
Jan 27 - Feb 4, 2024
Feb 17 - 25, 2024
March 2 - 10, 2024
March 16 - 244, 2024
March 23 - 31, 2024
April 20 - 28, 2024
May 4 - 12, 2024
May 25 - June 2, 2024
Memorial Day trip - likely to sell out
June 22 - 30, 2024
Nov 2 - 10, 2024
Nov 23 - Dec 1, 2024
Thanksgiving trip - likely to sell out
Dec 28 - Jan 5, 2025
NYE trip - likely to sell out
9 days/8 nights
starting at $3,099 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Page Menu
WHAT TO EXPECT
Vietnam is high on many people's bucket lists... and for good reason! The country's stunning landscapes, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and unique culture make for an amazing experience you're unlikely to forget. On this trip, we start off in a smaller village where we'll learn about Vietnam and some of the local customs. From there, we'll head to the more remote parts of the country - Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay - for a glimpse of local life as we take in the amazing natural landscapes. The trip ends in the bustling capital, Hanoi, a rich culture center filled with fantastic food, a buzzy social scene, and hundreds of boutique shops (perfect for souvenir shopping!).
From adventurous excursions to amazing food and immersion into an amazing culture - this trip has a little something for everyone and we can't wait to share this incredible country with you!
For the love of
ESCAPE
NIGHT MARKETS
FRESH PHO
MOTORBIKES
ADVENTURE
WILD LANDSCAPES
COMMUNITY
TEMPLES
HISTORY
VIETNAM
Included
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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Flight from Hoi An to Hanoi
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8 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 3 lunches, and 6 dinners with some drinks included
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Farewell dinner
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Rooftop welcome drinks
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Walking tour of Hoi An
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Bike tour & local farming experience
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Countryside lunch + Tam Coc river float
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Guided visit to Bich Dong Pagoda
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Two night cruise excursion on the magical Ha Long Bay, including early morning Tai Chi, visit to an ancient cave, kayaking and more
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Hanoi vespa food tour
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Farewell drinks
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Local guide on numerous days & tours
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Trip Manager throughout
*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights (fly into Hoi An and out of Hanoi)
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Airport transfers
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Mandatory trip insurance
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E-visa for Vietnam (budget approx. $51)
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $200)
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Incidental Expenses (like tuk tuks and tips for locals - budget $100)
day by day
*Itinerary is subject to change
Day 1 - Hoi An
Arrive
We begin our journey through Vietnam in this stunning village, consistently named one of Asia's most beautiful towns.
After you settle into our 4-star hotel, meet up with the group for rooftop drinks overlooking the town followed by a delicious modern, Vietnamese dinner. After that, take some time to wander the lantern-lit streets with your new travel crew.
Welcome to Vietnam.
Arrive
Day 2 - Hoi An
Like a local
Enjoy a quiet morning and plentiful breakfast before joining a local guided walking tour designed to give you an overview of Vietnamese history, culture, and cuisine to start off your trip.
After the walking tour, you'll have a some time to explore on your own before meeting up with the group for a leisurely bike ride to the beautiful countryside complete with stunning scenery, village paths, rice and paddy fields, with many photo opportunities and endless things to do and see. The views are superb and we're likely to have all the beautiful countryside to ourselves. (P.S. if you can't ride a bike, we can arrange a tuk tuk for you!)
While in the countryside, you'll have the opportunity to join a family for a unique farming experience that will give you a deeper look into local Vietnamese life. We’ll round the day with a cooking class to prepare our own authentic Vietnamese dish for dinner.
DISCOVER
Day 3 - Hoi An
Free Day
Today's free to relax or explore with friends. Catch up on sleep if you need to, then grab some more of that oh so delicious cà phê sua đá and a bánh mì for breakfast. Stroll between the yellow stucco walls of the ancient town or get your final fittings on that brand new áo dài.
If you’re up for some exercise, split a cab to the Marble Mountains and explore the caves, passageways, and sanctuaries. Take your time climbing the 156 steps to the top; the views of the East Sea, Danang, and Hoi An make it completely worthwhile. Grab a lift back to Hoi An and walk across the bridge over the Thu Bồn River to check out the stalls beneath the hanging lanterns of one of Vietnam’s most romantic night markets.
MEANDER
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Day 4 - Ninh Bihn
IN NATURE
After a short flight to Hanoi airport (included), we'll have a private transfer to Nihn Bihn, known for its gorgeous rock formations.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll visit an area of limestone caves that stretches along the Ngo Dong river. We'll take a serene two hour boat trip down the river to take in the scenery of limestone mountains, rice paddies and temples.
After, we'll continue to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, to visit the temple of King Dinh before enjoying a free evening.
WONDER
Day 5 - Ha Long Bay
SAIL AWAY
This morning, we'll get up bright and early to make our way to the coast. At 12pm, we'll board a beautiful boat to head off on a two day exploration of Ha Long Bay and its many hidden treasures.
After settling into your cabin and enjoying a chef prepared 3 course meal, you'll have the opportunity to either visit an ancient cave on one of the islands or go to a fishing village to learn about their traditional way of life.
That evening, enjoy cocktails on deck while watching the sunset among Ha Long Bay's otherworldly rock formations.
CRUISE
Day 6 - Ha Long Bay
WATER WONDERS
Wake up early to start your day with a sunrise Tai Chi session on the top deck or sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board.
Enjoy a 4-course lunch as we cruise through thousands of limestone islands & islets to find more secluded areas to either swim or kayak.
That evening, relax on the sundeck with a good book, play cards with your new friends, or chat with the friendly boat staff about their lives in Vietnam.
PLAY
Day 7 - Hanoi
vespa adventure
This morning you'll have one more opportunity for some sunrise Tai Chi before we de-board and make our way to the final leg of our trip - Hanoi!
We'll arrive in the early afternoon and you’ll have some free time to settle in or explore a bit on your own. Our hotel is in the middle of town with easy access to lively, local-filled shops, restaurants, and coffee shops!
At 6pm, hop on the back of a vespa for an exciting ride through Hanoi's different neighborhoods with stops at the most delicious hidden foodie spots in each. We'll end the night with cocktails at a Jazz club hidden behind the old opera!
SAVOR
Day 8 - Hanoi
Hello Hanoi
This morning, you have the option to join a walking tour to learn more about Hanoi's fascinating history and culture. Settled during prehistoric times, Hanoi is known for its amazing cuisine, beautiful architecture, fun nightlife, beautiful handcrafts, as well as a multi-cultural community that's made up of Chinese, French and Russian influences.
The afternoon is open for you to wander on your own - we highly recommend wandering the old streets of the French Quarter before sitting down for a bowl of delicious pho like the locals.
That evening, we'll meet up for farewell drinks to watch the sun set over Hanoi before our farewell dinner. The rest of the evening is for you and your new travel crew to enjoy some Saturday night mischief in Vietnam's best nightlife city :)
"Travel not to escape life, but so life doesn’t escape you."
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
Vietnam is home to 54 unique ethnic groups.
Motorbikes are the most common form of transport in Vietnam.
Cà phê trứng - or coffee prepared with egg yolk - is a popular way to enjoy coffee in Vietnam! And it's so deliciously creamy,"like a mini cup of tiramisu."
Trip notes
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You will need a Tourist Visa to enter Vietnam. You can obtain a visa upon arrival by applying online prior to the trip. Processing time generally takes anywhere from 7-10 business days and will cost around $25-$40. For all other nationalities, please check here.
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Keep an open mind that we are traveling to a developing country - we do our best to stick to the itinerary, but be flexible and aware that changes may occur.
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We can accommodate dietary requirements, but we do need to know ahead of time. Severe nut allergies will be more difficult since nut oils are used frequently in the local food.
GOod to know
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The national language is Vietnamese.
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The national currency is the Vietnamese Dong.
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Tipping is not customary in Vietnam but greatly appreciated.
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The closest airport is Danang International Airport (DAD). The departure airport is Hanoi International (HAN).
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Bottled water is recommended and is your best bet for staying healthy.
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The weather can change drastically. Pack smart and be prepared for heat, humidity and rain!
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Vietnam is a cash-based economy. Be prepared to use cash more than your credit cards.
flights
Fly into Da Nang / Hoi An (DAD)
You'll need to be in Hoi An by 2pm on Day 1, however with the recent amount of flight delays we recommend planning to arrive a day early just to be safe.
Fly out of Hanoi (HAN)
We recommend flying out of Hanoi on day 9 or extending your trip and enjoying a few more days in Vietnam.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Hanoi so you can grab the best deal!
*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Vietnam trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
