Vietnam Trip Details

Welcome to Vietnam!

Stunning scenery, combined with charming local culture, makes Vietnam an ideal Southeast Asian destination. 

Experience the hustle and bustle of Vietnamese big-city living in Hanoi. Explore the biodiverse wetlands and mountains of Ninh Binh Province. Settle down for a more relaxed stay in the cultural town of Hue nestled along the Perfume River. Step back into a time machine to colonial Vietnam with a stay in Hoi An’s ancient town.

Along the way, you can sample a variety of Vietnamese specialties that have made Vietnam's cuisine one of the most renowned in the world.

Vietnam offers a diverse range of activities and destinations that cater to every type of traveler, from cities to small villages, vast mountains and valleys, and spectacular beaches.

Duration: 9 days & 8 nights

Start: Please be ready to go at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) at 3:00 p.m.

Finish: The trip ends at Da Nang International Airport (DAD) at 12:00 noon.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 9 days & 8 nights shared accommodations in locally-owned hotel rooms
• 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, & 5 dinners
• Orientation walk of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• The Temple of Literature in Hanoi
• Guided walking tour of Hanoi
• Hanoi Street Food Experience tour
• Artisan workshop to make the To He figurines
• Lunch at a family home in Ninh Binh
• Paddleboat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve
• Hike to Hang Mua viewpoint
• Visit to Bich Dong Pagoda in Tam Coc
• Overnight train experience from Ninh Binh to Hue
• Tea and cake experience in a garden house in Hue
• Walking tour of Bao Vinh trading town in Hue
• Vietnamese cake-making class in Hue
• Admission to the Tu Duc mausoleum and the Tu Hieu pagoda
• Nam O Fishing Village and a visit to the fish sauce factory visit
• Guided walking tour of Hoi An’s ancient town
• Bicycle ride through Hoi An’s countryside
• Visit to Tra Que Herbal village in Hoi An
• Herbal foot bath and massage
• Vietnamese cooking demonstration
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet amazing people
• Access to the Under30Experiences community
• Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Travelers are responsible for international airfare to and from Vietnam.
Transportation and optional activities are not included.

• Experience Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• Hanoi Street Food Experience tour
• Boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve
• Exclusive interactions with Vietnamese families
• Experience Hoi An’s Ancient Town
• Visit to Tra Que Herbal Village

Are you interested in experiencing the unique cultures of one of Southeast Asian most popular countries on a 9-day adventure that combines bustling cities, tranquil countryside, and ancient towns? Then this trip is for you.

The true gem of Southeast Asia is in its people. The countless smiles and laughs you see in everyday interactions and observations are likely to have a profound impact on how you view life, family, and community.

This trip combines both private and public transportation, along with an overnight train experience, on your journey from Ninh Binh to Hue. You will be staying in non-private sleeping cabins, and we cannot guarantee that other travelers, not affiliated with Under30Experiences, will be in your cabin. However, this does open up the opportunity to interact with locals and travel like a local. So we ask that you embrace this style of travel.

Be aware that traveling in Southeast Asia presents its own set of challenges. The food is often spicy, and the tropical, humid climate can be hot. Since culture shock is a real phenomenon, try to approach this adventure with an open mind and a willingness to try new things, and it will fulfill you.

-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, average 10-12
-Physical rating: Moderate. This trip offers a good balance of activity and relaxation, featuring moderate physical activities. Travelers can expect to be active for 3-4 hours per day, most days of the week. An active lifestyle is beneficial, although not required, to enjoy the trip.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Before your trip, you can join a custom WhatsApp group and connect with other group members. Many travelers meet at the airport or for pre-trip drinks if they are from the same city. Others coordinate plans to stay in a country after their trip.

During your adventure, our Trip Leaders strive to create an open and supportive environment where people feel safe being themselves authentically.

After your trip, you'll be an official U30X Alumni and part of our larger online Travel Community, where you'll have access to our network of thousands of past travelers. We constantly host meetups that range from simple happy hours to hikes and outdoor movie nights.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but they all leave with friends.

Travel can be unpredictable. Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While we intend to adhere to the itinerary, a certain amount of flexibility is built into it, and on occasion, it may be necessary or desirable to make alterations.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation and public train throughout your trip.

For the overnight train journey, we have arranged a soft-sleeper train. This style of train offers the most comfortable overnight travel experience with 4-berth cabins, air conditioning, and individual reading lights. These cabins are equipped with lockable doors, and each berth includes a pillow, sheet, and blanket. Soft sleepers are ideal for long journeys, providing a relaxing space for passengers.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)

Public bus and taxi around Vietnam (Not Included)

Optional activities do not include transportation.

You will be staying in shared hotel rooms for 8 nights of the trip. One night will be spent in non-private sleeper cabins on an overnight sleeper train.

Laundry services are available at hotels in Hue and Hoi An for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Accommodations may vary, but will be of the same quality.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender.

Private room options are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Travel insurance with a minimum of USD 200,000 in medical coverage is required to participate in our trips. This must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues, such as trip interruption, lost luggage, and theft. Travel medical insurance covers expenses such as repatriation, medical treatment, ambulance rides, and hospital stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that your travel insurance covers all activities you plan to participate in.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans do not cover certain “high-risk” activities. Please review your plan’s coverage and make a selection based on your planned trip.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

Optional Emergency Evacuation Services

For travelers seeking additional peace of mind, some choose to purchase a Global Rescue membership. This service provides access to field rescue, medical evacuation, and support in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, or government evacuation orders.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Very Flexible

Please provide us with at least 30 days' notice, and you can switch your trip for free. Alternatively, we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you have an emergency cancellation that occurs less than 30 days before your trip, please contact your travel insurance company, as they may cover some of your expenses.

We are unable to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 30 days of the trip, as we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to ensure a fantastic experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide you with information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local dining venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

‍Tipping Trip Leaders: Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is a suitable way to express your gratitude. While it may not be customary to you, it means a great deal to the people who will care for you during your travels. Additionally, it inspires excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest a daily budget of around $3-5 USD per person for Trip Leaders.

Please be eco-friendly!

Bring a reusable water bottle to refill from the tap.

Use as little plastic as possible by declining straws and plastic bags at restaurants and when shopping.

Please avoid using aerosol bug sprays, as they can hurt the environment.

We recommend using a travel backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer a more traditional option. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your luggage.

Below are our staff's picks of the best items on the market that we travel with.  All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired when possible.

Do not forget: a water bottle, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof rain jacket, sunglasses, and a hat.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences will earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

Guidelines for U.S. Passport Holders:

You should have an updated passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for further information.

Ensure that your passport is not damaged. Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other injuries.

U.S. citizens can apply for the Vietnam Visa in the following ways: ‍

Apply for an E-visa via the official Vietnamese Immigration website (Recommended)

• Travelers can apply for and obtain an E-visa in advance, and the application can be processed through the official Vietnam Immigration website.‍
• The E-Visa is valid for up to 30 consecutive days. It’s the equivalent of a visa, but no stamps or labels are placed in the passport. Travelers with an e-Visa can land at any of Vietnam’s international airports, including Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City, Noi Bai in Hanoi, and Da Nang in the central region.
• The online application could be done 1-6 months before entering Vietnam. Processing time takes 2–3 working days. We recommend applying at least 30 days in advance to avoid unexpected problems.
• The E-visa fee for a single entry is 25 USD.

In person, at the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States

• The standard tourist visa is valid for a 1-month stay. You can apply for a Visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in the US. The length of the process can vary.  
• To apply for a visa, you must complete a form that can be downloaded from the Embassy's website, provide two recent passport-sized photos, and submit your valid passport.

The tap water in Vietnam is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Vietnam beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling to discuss physical activity and vaccination requirements.

There are no required vaccinations needed to enter Vietnam; however, the CDC recommends routine inoculations.

More specific Health information for travelers to Vietnam can be found at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Mosquito-borne viruses exist in most of Southeast Asia. Please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

We recommend bringing 250 USD in cash to use at establishments that do not accept credit cards.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND).

Remember to call your bank and credit card company to let them know you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

Please be advised that US Dollar notes that are slightly torn, heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations of 100 USD or lower.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any other valuables locked in the hotel safe.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Leave flashy jewelry at home.

U.S. citizens, please consider registering with the U.S. State Department's “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” which enables you to contact your family in case of an emergency.

Make sure you have the address of your hotel in case you become separated from your Trip Leader.

Hanoi experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique weather conditions. 

• Summers (May to October) are hot and humid, with average highs of 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), and a potential for even higher temperatures. The season is also characterized by frequent and heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August, with the possibility of thunderstorms.  
• Winters (November to April) are cooler and drier with temperatures averaging between 10-20 degrees Celsius (50-68 degrees Fahrenheit). Occasional cold snaps and temperatures are dropping below 10 degree Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter is drier than summer, but there can be some drizzle and foggy days, especially during December and January.
• Spring (February to March) offers mild, pleasant weather, accompanied by occasional showers. Temperatures are mild, ranging from 15-22 degrees Celsius (59-72 degrees Fahrenheit). 
• Autumn (September to November) also offers mild, pleasant weather while showcasing beautiful foliage. Temperatures range from 20-30 degrees Celsius (68-86 degrees Fahrenheit). 

Hue experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by two distinct seasons: a hot, dry season from March to August and a cooler, wet season from September to February. The dry season, particularly May and June, can be very hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degree Celsius). The wet season brings heavy rainfall, especially from October to December, and occasional flooding.

Hoi An has two main seasons: a dry season from February to August and a rainy season from September to January. The dry season is characterized by sunny days, low rainfall, and warm temperatures, making it the most popular time for tourists. The rainy season brings higher rainfall, with October and November typically being the wettest months.

Vietnamese people are generally not affiliated with a particular religion, although the influence of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity is evident in their culture. What is most important to Vietnamese people is their ancestry. Most houses will have an ancestor altar where, each day, they will burn incense and make offerings to the deceased.

The ao dai, a fitted, full-length dress worn over black or white loose-fitting trousers, is considered the national dress and is mainly worn by women these days. An ao dai is split from the waist down, allowing the pants to contour.  It is symbolic of the true beauty of the Vietnamese woman.    

‍Key Phrases in Vietnamese

• Hello — Xin chào!
• Thank you — Cảm ơn!
• Goodbye — Tạm biệt!
• How are you — Bạn có khỏe không?

Tipping Customs

Gratuities for Trip Leaders aren’t required on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are satisfied with the services provided, a tip is a suitable way to express your gratitude. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. We suggest a daily budget of around 3-5 USD per person for Trip Leaders.

Tipping is still a relatively new concept in Vietnam’s growing economy. However, in major tourist destinations and big cities, it is quickly becoming the norm. Service in Vietnam tends to be exceptional, and if you receive great service, a tip is highly appreciated and valued.  Here are some common guidelines to follow:

• Street food stalls = no tip expected
• Tourist-oriented restaurants = 10% or leave your change
• Tipping is only expected in luxury or boutique hotels
• Bell boys = 1 USD per bag
• Housekeeping staff = 1 USD per night stay
• Taxis = no tip is expected, but it is appreciated if you round up
• Tour guides (non U30X activity leaders) = 10% of the tour cost

Hanoi:

• Hoa Lo Prison: 50,000 VND (2 USD)

Hỏa Lò Prison was a prison in Hanoi used initially by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton".

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: 40,000 VND (2 USD)

A museum that focuses on the 54 officially recognised ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Ninh Binh:

• Sampan boat trip in Tam Coc: 500,000 VND (18 USD)

A 1.5-hour boat trip through the Tam Coc grottoes (caves) nestled in the middle of an aquatic landscape and gigantic rock formations.

• Bicycle the countryside: 50,000-150,000 VND (2-5 USD)

Rent a bicycle from one of many vendors and cycle around the countryside on a self-guided exploration of the area.

• Thung Nham Bird Park: entrance fee is 150,000 VND (5 USD)

A sanctuary and refuge set aside for birds. Visitors can opt to walk or bicycle through the sanctuary. Please note that additional transportation fees would be associated with this optional activity.

Hue:

• Hue Imperial City: 200,000 VND (8 USD)

A walled enclosure within the Vauban-style citadel of the city of Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn dynasty. It contains the palaces that housed the imperial family, as well as shrines, gardens, and offices for mandarins. 

• Perfume River Boat Tour: 600,000+ VND (20 USD)

Cruise along the Perfume River, observing and learning about the daily life of the Hue people while taking in the city's sights. Tea, cakes, and fruits are served during the cruise. The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Hoi An:

• Basket boat ride: 150,000+ VND (5 USD)

Discover the peaceful coconut forest and be welcomed warmly by the local people here. Enjoy some fun activities at the village, such as spinning the basket boat, fishing for crabs, and casting the fishing net.

• Lantern making class: 300,000 VND (10 USD)

Create your own Vietnamese lantern, believed to be a symbol of luck, happiness, and wealth.

While your Trip Leader will assist you with optional activities available, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of the Under30Experiences itinerary. We offer no guarantees on the safety or standard of the activity.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech, which is grounds for immediate removal from the travel.

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s essential to respect local laws and customs while traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing while visiting specific communities, refraining from taking photos of people without asking, avoiding the use of illegal drugs, having weapons, and soliciting prostitution. If you’re unsure about something, take the time to educate yourself or ask for clarification.

Travel involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits! This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in something, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders are working in the travelers’ best interest. If they say something or ask you not to do something, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time!

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

Hanoi:

• Trang Trang Boutique Hotel
• Conifer Boutique Hotel

Hoi An:

• Starfruit Villa
• Hoi An Historic Hotel

Danang:

• Sea Color Beach Stay
• Golden Lotus Grand

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