Discover Vietnam: A Journey of Culture, Cuisine and Connection for Women

At a Glance

Hanoi, Vietnam
Nov 9 - Nov 23, 2026
14 Nights
Level: 3
We rate all trips on a 1 to 5 scale. A designation of 1 would be trips with the least amount of activity, such as our beach trips, where it's up to you if you'd like to be active. Our adventure trips (such as the Inca trail hike) are a 5. Most of our trips are rated 3, for people who don't mind a fair bit of walking.
12-15 Travelers

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Home >Trip >Discover Vietnam: A Journey of Culture, Cuisine and Connection for Women

A Journey of Culture, Cuisine & Connection

About this trip

This will be the third year we’re offering this trip: the itinerary is so popular with our travelers we’ve only made minor tweaks from year to year. The wide variety of culinary and cultural experiences, and exotic landscapes makes this an unforgettable journey. Without exception, everyone loves our local guide, a mother of two whose tribe and extended family live in Sapa, while she is based in Hanoi.

For so many in the U.S. and Canada, Vietnam brings to mind black and white images of rice paddies, helicopters, the war, beaches, and soldiers. But those who haven’t visited this enchanting, beautiful country are in for a surprise. Nowhere will you feel more welcome, like your preconceptions shaped by old movies and the war-era press need an update. Today Vietnam is a modern, technologically advanced country that has managed to preserve its history and culture, with some areas recognized as UNESCO world heritage sites.

NextTribe members receive a $100 discount on the trip. Find out more here.

More than 50 years since the end of what locals call “the American War,”  this destination has become a must-see for anyone interested in a mix of exotic and familiar tastes, sights and sounds. Visitors are often surprised at how genuinely friendly Vietnamese people are, especially after all of the hardships they had to overcome during and after the war. We’ll have the chance to meet local women  as we explore in depth the riches and natural wonders of northern Vietnam. We’ll start and end in Hanoi, visiting rural communities in the hill tribe town of Sapa, and spending time on the bay with closeup views of the famous “gumdrop mountains,” the limestone karsts that are picture perfect.

REMEMBER: We offer easy, interest-free monthly payments to make our trips more accessible. 

Here we’ll find breathtaking landscapes–some of which have been named among the most beautiful in the world–including terraced rice fields, lush valleys and rugged mountain peaks. We’ll also find local ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong, Red Tzao and Tay people.

Why did we choose Northern Vietnam? The temperatures are much more moderate, with less humidity. Old Hanoi (where our hotel is located) has narrow lanes, French-colonial balconies, lakes, pagodas, and a strong sense of old Vietnam; it feels more traditional than Ho Chi Minh City. Nightlife here is families out strolling around the lakes, vs the clubs, beaches and bar scenes in the southern part of the country. Heading north from Hanoi we can travel part rice terraces, visit the hill tribes, and cruise along a beautiful quiet bay.

Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Accommodations and activities may change but we will always replace them with something of equal or better value.

"This was my favorite NextTribe trip. The ability to experience a country and history so unlike ours. To be immersed in the culture and daily lives of the people. It was like going back in time and feeling like everyday brought something absolutely magical to behold. It was a trip I will cherish forever."

- Tee Allman

"Vietnam was nothing short of an epic trip for me - the sights, the smells, the spas and the food. One of the biggest blessings of this trip were the wonderful women that I traveled with. I came home with 13 new friends - a few of which I will be traveling with in Morocco and Italy. How fun is that?" -Delcy Brockman

- Delcy Brockman

5 Reasons We Love This Trip

  1. The warm, welcoming Vietnamese people who are genuinely interested in meeting foreigners and practicing their English!
  2. The wide variety of experiences in the itinerary, from a water puppet show to riding on bicycles and scooters (just like the locals!) to climbing up to temples and pagodas to relaxing in some great hotel spas!
  3. An ideal mix of experiences and activities and down time to absorb it all.
  4. A knowledgeable, wonderful guide whose stories of her life make the trip unforgettable.
  5. Egg Coffee and Egg Chocolate. Sounds awful, we know. But everybody wants the recipe so they can make it at home!

Meet your Guides: Jeannie Edmunds and Li May Pham

This is Jeannie Edmunds third time leading this trip and she is thrilled to be returning to Vietnam. She lived in Korea for 2 years as a CNN reporter and has traveled widely in Asia, but Vietnam captured her heart when she took a group there in 2024.

This trip wouldn’t be the same without having a cheerful, thoughtful, lovely Vietnamese guide. Li May Pham was born near Sapa and is a member of the Dao hill tribe. She has led trips all over Vietnam for the last 20 years for companies like Abercrombie & Kent, and Nat Geo. She knows the history and culture of Vietnam of course, but it’s her personal insights and experience as a Vietnamese woman that makes the trip so memorable.

Photos

Map

Sample Itinerary

Itinerary Overview

To view the full itinerary and download a brochure, CLICK HERE.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Day 2: City Tour, Pottery Class and Street Food

Day 3: Cooking Class and Water Puppet Show

Day 4:  Hanoi to Sapa

Day 5: Hiking and Village Visits

Day 6: Silver Waterfall, Heaven Gate and Ta Phin Village

Day 7: Sapa to Ninh Binh

Day 8: River Cruise and Embroidery Class

Day 9: Bike Riding, Hiking, Pagodas and Temples

Day 10: Cuc Phuong National Park & Bear Rescue Center

Day 11: Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay Cruise

Day 12: Cat Ba Island to Hanoi

Day 13: Hanoi Free Day

Day 14: Farewell

Logistics

Arrive in Hanoi (HAN) by Monday, Nov. 9th at 3:00 PM

Most flights to Hanoi arrive late in the evening or night. Many of our travelers on past trips chose to arrive one day early to acclimate and rest. If you want to do that, you can arrive any time on Sunday, Nov. 8th.

We have an "add-on" purchase for that extra night. You can add that later, once you make your travel plans.

NextTribe will arrange your transfer to the hotel.

Depart from Hanoi (HAN) Monday, November 23rd

Next Tribe will arrange your transport to the airport.

We require all international travelers to purchase travel insurance. We strongly recommend adding trip protection insurance to protect your investment.

A visa is required for US Citizens visiting Vietnam. We will walk you through this process. Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip.

You will be receiving periodic communications from us leading up to departure with other important details included. If you have any questions, you can contact our travel manager, Marcy, at travel@nexttribe.com

Arrival

  • Hanoi

Departure

  • Hanoi

What's Included

  • 14 Nights Lodging
  • 12 Dinners
  • 12 Lunches
  • 14 Breakfasts
  • Ground Transportation
  • Airport Transfers (Not included in you arrive more that a day early or if you extend your trip)
  • All activities noted in the itinerary

What's Not Included

  • Roundtrip Airfare
  • Alcohol not mentioned above
  • Travel Insurance
  • Passport & Visa Fees
  • Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids & hotel staff
  • Personal items such as laundry, baggage fees, etc.

Additional Add-Ons

Hotels

Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hanoi

Silk Path Grand Hotel

Sapa

Le Clos du Fil Boutique Hotel & Spa

Ninh Binh

Our travelers love us (yay!)

Colleen M., California

What I love about the NextTribe trips is that there is so much camaraderie of other women that are like you, and then the fabulous things that the organizers puts together to give you that viewpoint, it’s awesome.

Courtney M., Texas

What I love about NextTribe trips is that you get the experience from an insider’s perspective—someone that has ties to the community and focused on building relationships from the start. I’ve been on a trip with another women’s travel group that dropped a guide in, not personally knowing anything about the locale, traditions, or culture. She was there to make sure you showed up on time, got on the bus, etc. With NextTribe, you feel like you’re having a personalized experience with your best girlfriends.

Donna B., Washington

I didn't know anyone going on the trip but that didn't stop me from signing up. I have learned that some of my life's greatest adventures have come from taking a risk and jumping in feet first. So glad I did with NextTribe! I may not have known anybody at the start, but now I feel like I know everybody.

Connie B., Pennsylvania

I love to meet and interact with strong, mature women from across the country as we learn together.

Leslie M., Georgia

I always come by myself on NextTribe trips because I like to meet super fun and interesting women. We're always doing fun and interesting things in great cities that you couldn't do on your own because you wouldn't know the people or places or the insiders.

Teresa S., Kentucky

NextTribe fills the need I have to travel with older interesting women who are curious about the world and want to share the journey.

We write articles about all our trips. Read about these special experiences.

Let’s Do This!

Starting From

$4,999

Did you know we have easy payment plans for our trips, interest free? Think of this as a layaway plan to feed your soul.

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What to Expect Traveling with NextTribe

You’ll be embraced by a tribe of travelers, starting with smart, fun women who lead our trips. We even have a code of community for both travelers and guides.

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Terms & Conditions

Here’s the boring stuff we encourage you to read so there are no surprises.

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Travel Insurance – Do You Need it?

Short Answer: Yes, we require trip protection insurance for all international trips. For domestic trips, we strongly suggest it. Protect your investment if things go wrong.

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Frequently asked questions

What’s different about your trips?

We curate trips specifically for curious, engaged women over 45. You’re pretty well assured that your fellow travelers will be a lot like you–since you’ve all responded to the idea of “aging boldly.”. That means built-in compatibility in your small group, including the woman who is leading the adventure.. In addition to specializing in group travel for people who don’t normally like group travel, we also pride ourselves on creating experiences that allow you to interact with local women or get deeper into the culture than you would if you planned the trip yourself.

Where do you go?

We have a wide range of weekend jaunts here in the U.S. for those who want a quick getaway. We also love taking women to Mexico, where founder Jeannie Ralston used to live. We’re always talking about pushing boundaries, and we’re doing that in the geographic sense too. For those with more time, we offer trips all over Europe, to India, Vietnam, Peru (for a hike on the inca Trail to Machu Picchu). Soon, our travelers will be getting passport stamps in even more countries on six continents. Be saving those frequent flier miles!

What do you mean by transformational travel?

NextTribe is affiliated with the Transformational Travel Council, an international group of travel professionals dedicated to making the world a better place, one trip and one traveler at a time. We recognize that travelers, especially post-pandemic, are looking for more than just a date and a destination. They can shop for that anywhere online. Our community honors the intention behind a traveler’s investment in a trip. Our travelers want to have fun (we do too!) and to travel with a sense of purpose and belonging. That’s why we go to great lengths to provide ways for women to self-select by reading the articles in our magazine and the content of our website. If you like what you see, you’re likely to be a NextTribe traveler, and we look forward to seeing you on a trip soon!

What if I travel solo?

If you really prefer to book your travel yourself and go it alone, we applaud you. That’s brave and bold and we would never try to talk you out of it. But our trips are designed so that even a woman who’s used to traveling alone, or someone shy about meeting new people, will feel comfortable in our group. Our trip leaders are there to “read the room” and make sure everyone feels included and respected.

What if I don’t like group travel?

We don’t either! Not the way most groups do it. If you feel like doing what the group is doing, great! Join us for dinner or just some of the activities. All the benefits of solo travel and the comfort of being with a group. Our groups are small (normally around 12 to 14 women) and in most situations, you are free to opt out of an activity. We figure you’re grown-ass women who know what’s best for you.

What’s the price range of your trips?

We are committed to providing what we call “affordable-luxury” travel. Don’t expect
the Four Seasons, but who wants to stay in a gilded bubble anyhow? We always look for good value and offer wonderful hotels and memorable experiences that won’t break the bank and will get you closer to how locals live. Our prices depend on the length of the
trip and the destination. We offer domestic trips for under $2,000 for a shared room, which we encourage. If you don’t have a roommate we will match you with someone. Sometimes this has resulted in lasting friendships with new travel buddies., Some of
our longer trips–two weeks in India or Vietnam, for example–will cost between
$4,800 and $6,000.

What’s included in the price?

Our trips cover most everything you’ll need to dive into a destination. Hotels and most meals, plus special experiences such as hands-on classes and sessions with local artists, writers or entrepreneurs are almost always included, but each trip is different so please be sure to read The Experience and the itinerary. We occasionally have an add-on for an extra price, but those are clearly designated. What’s not covered as a rule are airfare, alcohol and tips.

Do you have payment plans?

We sure do. It’s easy to pay for our trips by setting up automatic credit card charges at regular intervals, interest free. Think of it as the layaway plan to feed your soul.

How do I get trip discounts?

Our NextTribe members get a discount on every trip. Plus, members are the first to hear about new trips and receive upgrades on rooms if they’re available. Check out our three different membership levels here.

What’s the average age of women on the trips?

We welcome all women over 45, but most of our travelers are in the 50 to 65 age range. More important than age is the spirit of the traveler–her curiosity about the world, and her eagerness to embrace new opportunities. We’ve found women of any age with those qualities fit in well with our groups.

What’s the activity level of the trips?

Most of our trips are geared for active travelers who like to walk–a rating of 3 on our 1-5 rating scale. Here are some examples of how we rate. A designation of 1 would be our beach trips, where it’s up to you if you’d like to stroll down the beach, or play in the waves or walk around the small town. Trips where we have dedicated transportation for much of the time (such as India) are a 2; Paris is a 3 because we believe the best way to appreciate a city is to view it on foot. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, is a 4, because you’ll be walking up some hills (at 6,000 feet altitude) and occasionally on cobblestone sidewalks. Our Inca trail trip is a 5, as are our more adventurous outdoor trips.

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