Vietnam | 7 days

Day 1: The City of Lanterns

We assemble and say our hellos at Da Nang. Reset those watches, and let the crispy Vietnamese dong notes flow. Settle into your rooms, put on your walking shoes, and board our private vehicles to Hội An. But first, we visit the Marble Mountains, where Buddhist shrines, majestic carvings, and Buddha statues are intricately carved onto the rock. Explore towering pagodas and enjoy scenic views of the sea, mountains, and villages.

Once in the historic town of Hội An, visit the iconic Japanese bridge, indulge in some window shopping, admire the postcard-like houses, and don't miss trying the local banh mi sandwiches—a must as per Anthony Bourdain. As night falls, witness the city come alive with thousands of lanterns. At this moment, all you’ll want is to get that "I-went-to-Hội-An" Instagram shot. JK. Or maybe not

Overnight stay at Da Nang.

Day 2: Beach, Please!

After a late start to the day, gear up for a day at the beach! We make our way to the wonderfully pristine coast of An Bang. We'll chill by the shacks, sunbathe, play some games and just relaxxxx.

Return to Da Nang, grab a meal, and get some rest.

Day 3: Hanoi, here we come!

The morning calls for a pho-nomenal breakfast. Post-lunch, we take to the skies for an afternoon flight to Hanoi. We'll familiarize ourselves with the capital, and grab some dinner in the bustling market.

Overnight in Hanoi, where new adventures await.

Day 4: Land and Water

Get ready for a day straight out of a Studio Ghibli film—green, magical, and mystical! We're off to Ninh Bình, often dubbed as the "Hạ Long Bay on Land." We first head to Mua Cave, tucked away down a sleepy road amidst rice paddies. From the cave's summit, the views are beyond compare. Keep those wide-angled lenses and cameras handy. Next, hop on a sampan boat for a tranquil tour of the Tràng An/Tam Cốc landscape complex. Countless IS-THIS-EVEN-REAL moments await.

Dinner, conversations, and chill scenes will follow in Ninh Bình.

Day 5: The Karst Is Yet To Come

Today’s going to be rather special. We’re going on a cruise! And sleeping on it. (WHAAAT!) Yep. The cruise on Hạ Long Bay will treat us to views of hundreds of karst islands in different shapes and sizes! It’s otherworldly. Explore fishing villages, kayak through caves, and relax on the bay's pristine beach.

We'll dine, drink, sing, and call it a night on the cruise—just like those fancy people in the movies.

Day 6: Eggsplore Hanoi

We bid farewell to our inner Christopher Columbus and return to solid ground—Hanoi. After dropping off our luggage, we’ll explore the capital city’s Old Quarter. Get lost in its streets, snag souvenirs for your folks, and indulge in some serious caffeine hits (hello, egg coffee!).

In the evening, though, brace yourself to experience the thriving weekend nightlife here! From lively bars to casual Bia Hoi (Fresh Beer) spots, the atmosphere is electric, giving you a chance to mix with both locals and tourists immersing themselves in Hanoi's dynamic weekend scene.

Seal the day with one last local dinner, and good vibes in Hanoi.

Day 7: Tạm biệt, goodbye, until next time!

We’ll have breakfast together, one last time. Transfer to the airport, say goodbye to your new friends, exchange Instagram handles, promise to share photographs, and make pacts to meet again soon.

Until next time, Vagabonds!

• All internal transport in private AC vehicles (minibus/cars)
• Activities and entry tickets to:
  • Visit to Hội An old town
  • Marble Mountain
  • Mua Caves
  • A boating experience in Tràng An/Tam Cốc
  • Kayaking and cave explorations on Hạ Long Bay
  • Hanoi city tour
• Mineral water on bus (2 bottles per person per day)
• Breakfast buffets on all (6) mornings
• All (4) meals on the Hạ Long Bay cruise
• Domestic flight from Da Nang to Hanoi
• Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels in twin-sharing rooms (link to reference photos)
• Accommodation in a 3-star cruise on Hạ Long Bay in twin-sharing rooms
• English-speaking Vietnamese guide at all locations
• Assistance by a Vagabond EM (Experience Manager)

• International flights
• Airport transfers on the first and last day
• Visa
• Tips for guides and drivers ($3 per day to be paid in person)
• Lunches and dinners not mentioned in inclusions

Earlybird: Rs. 47,600 (+ 5% GST + 5% TCS) = Rs. 52,479/-

Vagafam*: Rs. 45,600 (+ 5% GST + 5% TCS) = Rs. 50,274/-

• Land package prices are subject to 5% TCS charge, which can be claimed back in ITR
• You can simply block your seat by paying an advance of Rs. 20,000/-. The balance will have to be paid 35 days prior to the date of departure.
  
• Bookings shut 35 days before each batch
• *Vagafam is a loyalty membership discount for anyone who has joined us on 3+ experiences in the past
  
• Reach out to us at 7400054929 to register for this trip

Accommodation:

• Rooming at Da Nang, Hanoi and Ninh Bình will be on a double-sharing basis in 3-4 star hotels
• Rooming at Hạ Long Bay will be in a 3 star cruise on a double-sharing basis
• Click here for reference photos to our stay. Rooms will be the same or of a similar category

Meals:

• 6 breakfast buffets (Cuisines will be Vietnamese and Continental/American)
• All 4 meals on the overnight cruise (Day 5: Lunch, Dinner & Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch)

Transport:

• All internal transfers as per Itinerary in private vehicles (Mini bus/cars)
• Domestic flight from Da Nang to Hanoi

Footwear

• Sneaker/sport shoes (Mandatory for our trails/hikes)
• Flip flops/sandals

Personal Medical Kit

• Electrolytes powder (Glucon D, Electral, Enerzal)
• Medicines for headaches, diarrhoea, motion sickness
• Antiseptic liquid (Dettol, Savlon)
• Crepe bandage
• Cotton
• Any other personal medication

Personal Accessories

• Sunscreen (minimum SPF 40), lip balm
• Cap
• UV protected sunglasses
• Rain jacket/poncho
• Mosquito repellent
• A 10/20 ltr day bag
• Reusable water bottle
• Power bank

Official Requirements

• Passport
• Visa
• Driving license (if you plan to rent vehicles)
• Foreign currency (USD) or international debit/credit card

• Book an arrival flight to Da Nang Airport that lands latest by 12 pm (hotel check-in time is 2 pm), and book your flight departing from Hanoi Airport at any time (hotel checkout time is 12 noon)
• Airport pickups & drops are not included, but taxi apps like Grab/Gojek make it easy to book your transfer from and to the airport (approx 800-1000 INR one way). You can also hail a taxi from the airport, but that could be a little more expensive.

• One can easily apply for an E-Visa on the official portal and get it in 3-5 working days. Alternatively, there are portals like https://useteleport.com/ through which you can also apply for your visa.
• The only document needed for the visa application is your passport with minimum 6 months validity
• The E-visa charges are approx. Rs. 2500/- or less (depending on the platform you get it from).

• Check-in and check-out time is 02:00 PM and 12:00 noon respectively in Vietnam. Early check-in with breakfast can be available at an extra cost of 25 USD/ per person (depending on availability and advance notice)

• Despite this being a backpacking trip, we will be running on a fixed schedule. Punctuality will be appreciated

• This is a backpacking trip. Please be prepared for a good amount of exploration on foot. The hack is comfortable footwear.

• If you have any medical or physical conditions that may affect you during the trip, you are required to inform us before the trip begins.

• Please carry swimwear as most hotels have strict rules about entering the pool in swimwear only.

• While we're moving in groups to various places, try and stick to the group and not wander off.

• The trip schedule is subject to change. Days of visits to the mentioned places could be shifted back and forth due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.

• While booking your international flight tickets, please try and book refundable tickets wherever possible.

• While it isn’t a compulsion, having travel insurance will safeguard you against trip delays or unexpected health related issues.

• Some handy apps to download on your phone for a smooth travel experience in Vietnam:

  • Google Maps Offline: Download the offline maps to the cities we’ll be visiting just in case you run out of data or network

  • Google Translate: Make sure you also download the Vietnamese language option in your Google Translate App. Most of the street vendors only communicate in Vietnamese. They are very used to tourists using google translate to converse and even bargain through the app.

  • Grab: Its the Uber of this region. Choose the ‘pay in cash’ option when you book these rides. Extremely affordable and dependant

• 3 weeks prior, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with all the other participants and your assigned Experience Manager. Further instructions will be shared on this group and you can coordinate your travel with your co-travellers. If you have any doubts before this, feel free to WhatsApp us on 74000 54929

1. Can you guide me on flight bookings for my trip to Vietnam?

We recommend landing in Da Nang before 12pm on day 1. For return, fly out at any time of the day from Hanoi on day 7. Please note that checkout will be at 12pm, though. However, you may leave your bags at the hotel and go about exploring Hanoi in case you have a later flight. If you need further assistance on what flights to book, just reach out to us and we’ll be happy to help.

2. How much budget should I plan in addition to the tour cost?

Beyond the tour cost, you will need around INR 6,000 for mouthwatering meals and INR 800-1,000 per airport transfer.

Your international flight budget would be Rs. 26,000 to 30,000. A tourist visa would cost approx Rs. 2,500/-

Additionally, account for spending on shopping, tips, beverages, and spontaneous shenanigans!

3. Is Vietnam safe for tourists?

Vietnam is increasingly proving to be THE spot for tourists. And by that, we mean that they have created a safe space for tourist through their impeccable hospitality and honest service. But beyond that, we have also ensured your safety by picking top-notch stays (3/4 star properties), secure rides, and helpful local guides. Plus, with a Vagabond EM accompanying you on the trip, explore Vietnam like a boss – confidently and securely.

4. Is Indian or vegetarian food easily available?

Vietnamese food is a culinary carnival and a true delight for non-vegetarians! But that being said, due to Vietnam’s increasing popularity among Indian tourists, Indian restaurants and vegetarian options are easily available.

5. What would the weather be like when we’re there?

We will be expecting lovely sunny weather with an average temperature of about 30°C. Make sure you carry ample sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap along with comfy loose clothes.

6. Can I smoke/drink on this trip?

We at Vagabond do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips. However, there are times you will be disallowed to do so (monasteries, hikes, sacred spaces etc). Indulge in these activities very responsibly.

7. What will the group size be?

We will have a maximum of 15 travellers excluding 1-2 Vagabond EMs

8. Is there any age limit to join this trip?

No, there is no age limit to join this trip. However, based on our previous experiences, the age group of travellers is usually between 25-35.

9. Can I join this expedition solo?

Yes, of course, you can! We have a good number of solo travellers on almost every Vagabond experience.

10.  How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?

This trip does not include a trek if that’s what you are asking. We will be climbing up 500 steps at Mua Caves to get a breathtaking view of the Trang An landscape and go kayaking in the ocean at Ha Long Bay. However both these activities can be done at your own relaxed pace. On other days, we will be leisurely exploring most places on foot. So to answer your question, you need to have a moderate level of fitness and a keen mind to explore!

• There isn’t an age restriction on any of our experiences, everyone is welcome. However, the average Vagabond customer is anywhere between 20 – 35 years old. The experiences involve a good amount of time spent with the group. Depending on what experience you’re opting for, there could be a lot of walking and physical exertion.
• It’s important to understand that most of our experiences include very rustic accommodation and not a luxurious means of transport. These may be basic in their facilities, but the hospitality is homely and comforting. If you’re someone who doesn’t like compromising on your comforts while travelling, this experience may not be very enjoyable.
• Most of our trips have a healthy number of solo travellers. We encourage you to join us solo, especially if you’re tired of waiting on your friends. We promise you’ll return with many more.
• We try our best to be responsible travellers. Everyone is welcome to explore with us, but we pay utmost importance to cleanliness on all our experiences. We encourage you to #LeaveNoTrace behind while you discover the beauty of the outdoors.
• It’s important to understand that in a limited amount of time, only a limited amount of experiences can be had. We like to cover a few places in-depth rather than just ticking off a long list of things-to-do and places-to-go. However, if you are that kind of traveller, on almost all trips you can feel free to wander by yourself to places of your interest.
• At a Vagabond Experience, it’s important to stay open-minded and positive when things don’t go as per plan. The essence of traveling in a group is being able to help each other out when in need. The weather could go bad, and plans could get altered. In such situations, we urge you to have faith in your group leader to make the most informed decision for the group.

Years of experience: We’ve been leading trips around the country since 2014. Our time in this field has helped us learn about places and people. This knowledge about the destination contributes to a safe, wholesome, and enriching group experience.

Footfall: Since our inception, we’ve led more than 5,800 people on treks, backpacking trips, camps, and meaningful experiences. Rest assured, we’ve dealt with all kinds of people.

Safety first: Given the time we’ve spent in the travel field, we know and believe in the importance of safety. All our experience managers are first-aid certified, and carry a well-equipped first-aid kit on every trip.

Solo traveller-friendly: Over the years, we have had a healthy number of solo travellers who have been from diverse backgrounds. Especially those who got tired of waiting on their friends to agree to a plan. 

Group size: Taking large groups of people compromises on an intimate interpersonal experience. Thus, we do small groups which makes it easier for people to get to know each other over the course of the trip.

No discrimination: At Vagabond, we believe that your age, social class, caste, gender or sexual orientation doesn’t determine your travel experience. Everyone is welcome to travel with us and explore new places, and new ideas.

Flexible itinerary: On a Vagabond experience, you’re free to stray away from our scheduled itinerary and explore the place on your own. You do you. We’re not your school teachers. We’re here to facilitate a better understanding of the place and help you experience it in your own comfort zone. 

Mindfulness to nature: Over the years we’ve seen the places we visit turn filthier by the day. We don’t want to contribute to that any further. At a Vagabond experience, we encourage you to reduce your contribution to waste and follow sustainable tourism practices as much as possible. Check out #LeaveNoTrace

In-depth research: We're not a tour & travel agency. Every experience we offer you has been researched and experienced first hand by our core members. We visit the locations ourselves and curate an experience that we believe to be in sync with our ideologies.

No refund shall be made with respect to the initial booking amount for any cancellations. However,

• If cancellations are made within 30 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made 45-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made within 60-45 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of the trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• In the case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases, the operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However, no refund will be provided for the same.

3.8% of all booking amounts are payment gateway charges. This amount is not refundable.

• All timings and activities are subject to weather, group size, capabilities of participants, etc.
• Vagabond holds the right to cancel the event due to unforeseen circumstances (for eg. unfavorable weather)
• By registering for this trip, you agree to have read through and abide by the Vagabond Terms & Conditions mentioned in the footer.

For further inquiries, feel free to Whatsapp/call: 7400054929

PS: We respect and love our personal lives. Please contact us only between 11 am and 7 pm on weekdays.

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DM us on Instagram anytime @vagabondexperiences