Discover Vietnam: A Journey of Culture, Cuisine and Connection for Women
At a Glance
Trip Description
About this trip
The word Vietnam, for many, conjures visions of rice paddies, helicopters, war, beaches, and GIs. But those who haven’t visited this enigmatic, beautiful country are in for a surprise. Nowhere will you feel more welcome, feel more like your preconceptions shaped by old movies and the war-era press are wrong.
Want to learn more? Join our live information session on Wednesday, Feb. 12th at 6:30 ET. RSVP here. All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win $400 off the cost of the trip!
NextTribe members receive a $100 discount on the trip. Find out more here.
Vietnamese people are kind and welcoming to travelers. We’ll have the chance to meet many of them 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 lush Red River Delta, then travel north to the hill tribe town of Sapa.
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, Dao and Tay people.
"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
- 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
- The Best of Both Worlds: We’ll get to experience the exciting, exotic hustle bustle of Hanoi and the serenity of the mountains and water.
- Our Local Guide: Having a native Vietnamese woman, a mother of two who supports her extended family, guide us the entire trip.
- GREAT Food: That’s it. Eating is important on our trips and you will be blown away by the delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
- Time on the Water: We’ll spend two nights on a small boat cruise with only 34 total passengers (and delicious food!)
- Superb shopping: The exchange rate against the US and Canadian dollar means you will be buying an extra suitcase to hold your treasures!
Meet your Guides: Jeannie Edmunds and May Pham
This is Jeannie Edmunds’ second 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. It just wouldn’t have been 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
Saturday, Nov. 8th
Your flight will need to leave the U.S. Friday, Nov. 7th ((Saturday, Nov. 8th in Vietnam) so you'll arrive in time for the first night's welcome and dinner on Sunday, November 9.
Sunday, Nov. 9th
On arrival, a group or private driver (your choice) will meet you and take you directly to the hotel, located in the heart of Hanoi’s bustling Old Town. The rooftop’s gorgeous bar is THE place to see the spectacle that is Hanoi at night, a sea of blazing lights and buzzing streets.
After everyone arrives, we will have a welcome dinner at a restaurant in the old town, walking distance from the hotel..
Monday, Nov. 10th
Wake up this morning and enjoy a spectacular breakfast at your hotel. You've never seen a buffet like this one! We'll spend the morning exploring the Frog Temple, The Huc Bridge on Hoan Kiem Lake.
We will have lunch before you may want to remain at the hotel's spa for a treatment, or join the group who want to discover the secrets of traditional Vietnamese pottery. In this half-day pottery class, we’ll learn how to make clay creations from a master artisan direct from Bat Trang, one of the country’s oldest ceramics villages. Get personalized guidance and answers to all your questions in this private session. Another option, if you choose not to do pottery, is to spend time in the Women's Museum.
Those interested in shopping can join the stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarter, through the various market streets: too many to name here, but there is "paper street" "Christmas street" and many more. These markets are alive with sights and sounds of Vietnamese culture. We will sample local treats finishing the evening with a street food classis egg cappuccino. You don't want to miss the famous egg coffee, a favorite of Anthony Bourdain.
Tuesday, Nov. 11th
Those who signed up for the cooking class will begin by meeting our Chef and boarding a cyclo for a tour where you to discover a big part of the Vietnamese street food culture. This includes visiting a local market and being introduced to many of the local ingredients used. Class will include learning how to prepare and make delicious recipes.
Your day will be free for shopping, massage or swimming/relaxing at the infinity pool on the roof of the hotel.
In the evening, we will walk back to the Hoan Kiem Lake area for a traditional Water Puppet Show .
Wednesday, Nov. 12th
After breakfast we’ll head to the northern highlands and the town of Sapa (5.5 hours with stops along the way). Though the first part will be on smooth, paved highways, the latter portion crosses through the agricultural province of Yen Bai, which is full of rice terraces - the most famous of which is at Mu Cang Chai - and beautiful lakes and dams. En route we’ll stop for lunch, then arrive in Sapa by early evening.
We’ll spend three nights at the lovely, centrally located Silk Path Hotel. Here we’ll enjoy dinner before hitting the sack!
Sapa town stands at the head of a deep valley of magnificent rice terraces that are still farmed today as they have been for centuries. Backdrops don’t get much more spectacular. Nestled in the misty mountains, this rice terrace region is quite different from the rest of hot, humid Vietnam. In fact in November we can expect chilly weather!
Northwest Vietnam is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, lush terraced rice fields, diverse culture of different minority groups, especially unique bustling local markets. For those who love to explore the ethnic culture, learn more about the local daily life and enjoy nature beauty by visiting one of the best local markets.
Thursday, Nov. 13th
After breakfast, we’ll join our guide and transfer by bus to the path leading to Y Linh Ho Village. We’ll start our moderate trekking route from there.
After lunch and time with a local family or in a drinking shop nearby the river bank, we’ll return to Sapa for a free evening.
Friday, Nov. 14th
Today we’ll visit Silver Waterfalls and take in panorama views of Hoang Lien Son Mountain, Tram Ton Pass from Heaven Gate. Return to Sapa town for lunch and move to Ta Phin Village for lunch at May Pham's homestay. Time after will be spent walking around the village and interacting with local people.
We’ll return to Sapa for a free evening.
Saturday, Nov. 15th
Breakfast at the hotel and leisure time. We will then tavel to Ninh Binh and lunch at a local restaurant. Check in to our hotel and spend the evening in Ninh Binh.
Sunday, Nov. 16th
After breakfast, we will we will head to the Trang An area for a trip in wooden boats (powered by locals who paddle with their feet!) past morning blooming lotuses through grottos, surrounded by beauty. We will enjoy lunch at Anh Dzung Restaurant. The afternoon will include an optional embroidery class, and in the evening we will take a short trip to Trang An Ancient City. We will spend the night in Ninh Binh.
Monday, Nov. 17th
This morning we'll have the option to have free time, or bike to Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of three structures which emerge from the cliff face set into the edge of a mountain. Its name translates to Pagoda of the Emerald Grotto and is believed to have come from Nguyen Nghiem, the father of a famous Vietnamese poet. It is clear to see where he took his inspiration from as the greenery that clings to the mountain is reflected in the mirror-like water, creating an emerald glow around the pagodas.
Located at the foot of a large mountain, Bich Dong Pagoda’s ornate gate is one of the most iconic sights in Ninh Binh. We’ll bike here from our hotel, a lovely, easy route. Just beyond the gate is a tranquil courtyard and a traditional Buddhist temple. Follow the stairs up and around the mountain for stunning views, then look for two other temples embedded in the mountain, dating back to the 18th century. If you choose not to bike, you can enjoy local shopping, relaxing, or a massage in the hotel or nearby. Dinner that night is on your own.
Tuesday, Nov. 18th
After breakfast, we will be driven to the beautiful Ninh Binh Province. We will visit the Cuc Phuong National Park, the oldest park in Vietnam and boasts enchanting scenery and rich eco- system and valuable archeological sites. Upon arrival, we will visit the Endangered Primates Rescue Center. Have lunch at a local restaurant in the park centre surrounded by the Park's flora and fauna. After the park, we will visit the Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh. We will return to the hotel for overnight.
Wednesday, Nov. 19th
After breakfast, we are picked up by our driver and driven to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site with over 3,000 spectacular limestone islands islands rising from the the clear, emerald sea in the Gulf of Tonkin. We will have lunch outside on the deck (weather permitting) while cruising the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay. After lunch, we will visit the Vung Vieng fishing Village by a rustic rowboat and visit with the local people. After, we will head back to the boat to refresh before having an elegant dinner on board. The evening will provide free time for relaxing. We will overnight in Bai Tu Long Bay.
Thursday, Nov. 20th
Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck and inhale the morning view of the Bay's landscape. We will cruise to Cong Dam and enjoying kayaking through hidden lagoons and geological park in Cong Dam. After kayaking, we will enjoy a BBQ lunch on a private beach. Return to Dragon Legend Cruise to refresh in a Mineral Seawater Pool, Fitness Room or join in a cooking demonstration. Dinner will be on board this evening with opportunities to enjoy some free time.
Friday, Nov. 21st
Enjoy your breakfast with the morning view of the bay's landscape. We will then venture to Hon Co Island to explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. A brunch on the cruise boat will be our farewell meal together, followed by our drive to Hanoi where we will spend the night.
Saturday, Nov. 22nd
Free day for shopping or do whatever takes your fancy! Farewell dinner that night.
Sunday, Nov. 23rd
Breakfast at your hotel and free time until we meet out guide for a transfer to the airport and head home.
Logistics
Arrive and depart from the same airport: No Bai International Airport in Hanoi (HAN) Vietnam is one day ahead of the US so plan accordingly. The first event is a gathering in the lobby at 5PM on the 9th, followed by our first dinner together.
American citizens will need a Visa to enter Vietnam. The most convenient way to obtain a Visa is through an online Visa process. We will walk you through this process as the trip gets closer.
Your Passport must be VALID for 6 months beyond the end date of this trip.
What's Included
- 4 nights in Hanoi (to begin and end the trip)
At the Peridot Grand Boutique Hotel
- 3 nights Sapa
Silk Path Hotel and Spa
- 4 nights in Ninh Binh
At the Le Clos du Fil Hotel
- 2-night cruise
In Bai Tu Long Bay, more exclusive and secluded than Hao Long Bay.
- Daily breakfast
- 11 lunches
- 11 Dinners
- All Activities Mentioned in Itinerary
- Transportation during the full itinerary
Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver. We will set up a WhatsApp group so you can see each other's flights. We will pick you up in small groups, but if you choose a private car on your own schedule, that will be self-pay (around $50 each way).
- English-speaking guides
- Entry fees, permissions
For all visits mentioned in the program
- Credit card processing fees
NO HIDDEN FEES EVER!
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Alcohol (unless specifically mentioned in an itinerary activity or purchased as an add-on)
- Tips for housekeeping and porters
Gratuities to local guides, drivers, maids and hotel staff, travel insurance, round trip airfare, passport and visa fees, personal items such as phone calls, laundry, baggage fees and items not expressly listed as included.
Additional Add-Ons
Cooking Class in Hanoi - $75
Pottery Class in Hanoi - $70
Embroidery Class in Ninh Binh - $50
Hotels
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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.
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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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