🇻🇳 The Magic of Vietnam: A 14-Night Journey Through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue & Hoi An 🏮

🙋🏻‍♀️ Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a Creative Writing Coach, writer, and travel lover. I've taken great care in planning this trip to be fun, memorable, and a fantastic dive into Vietnamese culture & nature. (Check out my profile for more information about me and my other trips.) What's Included ✅ 🏠 Accommodations: - 🛌 1 night at a refined boutique hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter (Lake View or City View Suite) - 🛌 2 nights at a luxury retreat in Ninh Binh (Sunrise Deluxe Balcony Room) - 🚞 Overnight Lotus Train to Hue (Shared First-Class 4-Berth VIP Cabin) - 🛌 2 nights at a beautiful boutique hotel in Hue (Deluxe Double Room) - 🛌 5 nights at a charming hotel & spa in Hoi An (Trendy Double Room) - 🛌 3 nights at an elegant boutique hotel in Hanoi (Private Suite) 🥢 Meals: - 🍳 Highly rated daily breakfast at all accommodations - 🍜 Welcome & Farewell dinners in Hanoi - 🍛 Homemade Vietnamese lunch during Ninh Binh tour - 🍲 Lunch on Tam Hai Island day trip - 🍿 Snacks and light breakfast on overnight train 🤸🏾 Experiences: - ⛰️ Full-day Ninh Binh tour (Trang An, Hang Mua, Bich Dong Pagoda, cycling) with local guide - Am Tien Cave & No Tinh Valley exploration - 🌅 Thung Nham Ecotourism Zone boat ride & sunset birdwatching - 🏯 Full-day Hue Imperial City & Royal Tombs tour with local guide (Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, Thuy Xuan Incense Village, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, salt coffee experience, and lunch) - 🏮 Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival including a private group boat ride & lantern release on the Thu Bon River - 🎣 Full-day Tam Hai Island excursion (ferry, Mural Village, Ban Than Volcanic Reef, coconut groves, lunch) - ☕️ Vietnamese Coffee Making Workshop in Hanoi - 🍵 Artisan Tea Workshop in Hanoi 🚘 Transportation: - 🚕 Private taxi pickup from Hanoi airport on arrival day - 🚐 Limousine van from Hanoi to Ninh Binh - 🚊 Overnight train from Ninh Binh to Hue (Lotus Train, first-class VIP cabin) - 🚐 Limousine van from Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van Pass - 🚗 Private driver for Tam Hai Island day trip - 🚐 Limousine van from Hoi An to Da Nang Airport - 🚕 Shared taxi from Hanoi airport to final hotel - 🚙 Transit to and from chosen included activities Other: - 🧖🏽‍♀️ 10% discount on spa services and food & beverages at La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa Not Included ❌ - International flights to and from Vietnam - Domestic flight from Da Nang to Hanoi - Visa or visa assistance - Travel insurance - Meals not mentioned - Optional activities - Personal expenses 🧳 This adventure is ideal for: 🧳 This trip is perfect for curious and active travelers who want to experience Vietnam beyond the typical tourist route. If you enjoy authentic cultural experiences, incredible local food, beautiful accommodations, and a journey filled with variety,from ancient towns and scenic train rides to cycling, boat trips, and breathtaking landscapes,you'll feel right at home. Whether you're traveling solo, with an adventurous spirit, or simply looking for a well-organized small-group experience without the stress of planning, this trip offers the perfect balance of comfort, exploration, and meaningful connections. An open mind, a reasonable level of fitness, and a love for discovering new places are all you need. ✨ Optional Add-On Activities ✨ Enhance your journey with these optional experiences: - 🏮 Silk Lantern Making Workshop (Hoi An) — €13/$15 - 💎 Hidden Gems of Hoi An Tour (Hoi An) — €38/$44 - 📸 Historic Hoi An Photoshoot (Hoi An) — €44/$50 - 🍲 Traditional Hoi An Cooking Class (Hoi An) — €20 / $22 - 👘 Custom Clothing at a Local Tailor (Hoi An) — Free Visit (Clothing at Own Expense) - 🍜 Hanoi Cooking Class — €31/$35 🗓️ Please let me know as soon as possible which activities you'd like to add so I can book them while availability lasts. ✨ What to Expect ✨ - 5 accommodation changes across 14 nights; each one thoughtfully selected for quality and location. - A mix of scheduled activities & free time; optional experiences allow you to customize based on your energy levels. - One overnight train journey (approx. 11 hours): iconic and scenic, but sleep quality varies. - A few early mornings for the best experiences (beating crowds, maximizing time,) - Walking, climbing, and occasional physical activity; comfortable shoes recommended. - Rich rewards for your efforts: authentic local connections and memories that last a lifetime.

🏠 Where We'll Stay 🏠 💫 Boutique Hotel in the Old Quarter: La Passion Premium Cau Go — Hanoi (1 Night) -) Our Vietnam adventure begins at a stunning boutique hotel in Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, known for its unique design, exceptional service, and warm hospitality. Spacious suites, soundproof rooms, and a central location make it the perfect place to unwind after a long flight and ease into the rhythm of Vietnam. -) Your Room: The first two guests to book will be offered a Lake View Suite; the third guest will receive a City View Suite. Each suite features a king bed, air conditioning, soundproof walls, minibar, large soaking tub, and breakfast included. 💫 Luxury Retreat: Aman Retreat Ninh Binh — Ninh Binh (2 Nights) -) Set within the dramatic karst landscape of Ninh Binh, this serene luxury retreat is an experience in itself. Surrounded by limestone mountains, rice paddies, and tranquil gardens, it's a place to slow down between adventures, enjoy spa amenities, and wake to one of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes. -) Your Room: Private Sunrise Deluxe Balcony Room with breakfast included. 💫 Lotus Train — Overnight to Hue -) One of Vietnam's most iconic travel experiences: the overnight train from Northern to Central Vietnam. Board the Lotus Train for a scenic 11-hour journey through misty mountains, rural villages, and dramatic coastline; including a stretch considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. -) Your Cabin: Shared first-class 4-berth VIP cabin with plush beds (bunks), large window, air conditioning, WiFi (can be spotty), charging ports, complimentary water, snacks, and light breakfast. A dining car is available for additional meals. Please note: the restroom is shared on the train and can vary in cleanliness. The specific train line is subject to change based on availability, but if needed it will be changed to one of comparable quality and service. 💫 Highly-rated Boutique Hotel: The Orchid Premium Hotel — Hue (2 Nights) -) In the former imperial capital of Hue, we'll stay at a beautiful boutique hotel known for its elegant rooms, excellent breakfast, and stunning city views. The hotel is perfectly positioned for exploring Hue's royal heritage and enjoying the romantic Perfume River. -) Your Room: Private Deluxe Double Room with queen bed, balcony with city views, and breakfast included. 💫 Peaceful Boutique Hotel & Spa: La Charm Hoi An Hotel & Spa — Hoi An (5 Nights) -) Our longest stay brings us to the ancient town of Hoi An; a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its preserved architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and world-renowned tailors. This boutique hotel offers a perfect blend of elegance and warm Vietnamese hospitality, with a beautiful pool, on-site spa, and excellent location. -) Your Room: Private Trendy Double Room with queen bed, air conditioning, complimentary snack basket, minibar, soaking bathtub, balcony with pool views, and breakfast included. -) Bonus: Enjoy 10% off any spa services or food and beverages at the hotel during your stay. 💫 Elegant Boutique 5-star Hotel: La Mejor Indochine Hotel — Hanoi (3 Nights) -) We return to Hanoi for our final three nights together at a refined boutique hotel celebrated for its elegant rooms, exceptional breakfast spread, and tranquil setting. A fitting finale to our Vietnam journey. -) Your Room: Private Suite with breakfast included. The bookings have been confirmed with the properties. Feel free to look up the hotels for more information about the accommodations. ** Important note: Vegetarian diets, common allergies, and religious restrictions can be accommodated for our included group meals. Please let me know when you book so I can do my best to ensure the food is safe for you. For optional and group activities involving food, I'll check into available options for you. ** 🪭 The Journey as a Whole What makes this itinerary special isn't just the individual destinations; it's how they flow together to tell the story of Vietnam. You'll begin in the energetic, food-obsessed capital. Glide through rice paddies and climb to mountaintop viewpoints. Board an overnight train through misty mountains. Explore imperial citadels and royal tombs. Drive over one of the world's most beautiful coastal passes. Settle into an ancient town glowing with lanterns. And discover a hidden island most travelers never set foot on. 🌅 Each destination naturally builds on the last, creating a journey that's diverse, immersive, and full of unforgettable moments. From vibrant cities and ancient towns to breathtaking landscapes and local experiences, every detail has been thoughtfully planned so you can simply relax and enjoy the adventure. To make the experience even more special, this trip is LIMITED TO JUST 3 TRAVELLERS plus me as your TripLeader, allowing for a more personal atmosphere, meaningful connections, and the flexibility to experience Vietnam at a comfortable, unhurried pace. 💌 Have questions about the itinerary, accommodations, activities, or what to pack? Feel free to ask in the Q&A section or save the trip to start a chat with me—I'm happy to help! Once you book, you'll receive a detailed itinerary, a recommended packing list, and practical information about the weather and what to expect. 💌