Queers in Vietnam with Justine & Sam!

Get to know your group and toast to the adventure ahead! Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included. Dinner tonight will be a set of Vietnamese cuisine with water included. Additional food and drinks at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

Overnight in Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The hotel offers a buffet with a combination of local, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

You’ll be picked up from the hotel for a 10 minute private to the start of a full day of exploring Hanoi. This morning, embark on a culinary and cultural adventure in Hanoi, starting with a visit to a traditional café to sample local coffee variations such as ca phe sua da or the unique 'egg coffee'. Continue to savor a delicious banh mi from a street food stall before exploring the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, a historical area where artisans and traders have thrived for nearly two millennia. Wander through the Old Quarter's streets, named after the goods once sold there, from silk to silver, experiencing how some have evolved while others preserve their heritage. Dive into Vietnamese food culture by sampling northern delicacies and seasonal fruits, exploring the bustling streets and quiet lanes that showcase Hanoi's ancient lifestyle. Visit Dong Xuan market for a taste of local snacks, learn about Vietnamese meal routines, and stroll up 'food alley'. Venture out to West Lake for Pho Cuon and a lesson in Vietnamese wrap 'n' roll, capture sunset views from Long Bien Bridge, and finally, immerse yourself in the local scene with a draught beer at a bia hoi spot, blending exploration and taste in a day filled with Hanoi's timeless charm and vibrant street life. In the early evening you’ll be transferred back to the hotel for the remainder of the evening free at leisure.

You will make a stop at a local restaurant for an included lunch during the Explore Hanoi Like a Local tour. Lunch is typically a set of Vietnamese cuisine with water included. Additional food and drinks at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

Overnight in Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The hotel offers a buffet with a combination of local, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

You’ll be picked up from the hotel for a private transfer out to Ninh Binh for a full day tour. Bathroom breaks will be made as necessary.

You’ll start your adventure at the Hoa Lư ancient capital in Vietnam, exploring the fascinating history of the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties. You’ll then hop on a 45-minute bike ride through the local village, offering a glimpse into everyday life and a visit to Thai Vi Temple, known for its stunning location surrounded by majestic mountains and the flowing Ngo Dong River. The bike journey, covering 9 miles on mostly flat terrain, goes beyond the mountains to pass through villages, allowing travelers to experience the local culture up close.

Then take a 10 minute private transfer to a local restaurant for lunch (included in the full day Ninh Binh tour). Lunch is typically a set menu of Vietnamese cuisine shared family style. Additional food and beverage at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

After enjoying a meal at the restaurant, you'll embark on a brief 10-minute private transfer to Tam Coc Pier, where a two-person sampan boat awaits to whisk you away on an enchanting journey through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed since 2014. This boat excursion promises an immersive exploration of the area's breathtaking tunnel cave system, leading you through the serene beauty of Tam Coc grottoes. As you glide along the river, nestled amidst vibrant rice paddies and towering karst limestone mountains, the tranquil and picturesque landscape of Trang An unfolds before you, offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural and peaceful scenery that has captivated visitors from around the globe.

Following your exploration of Trang An, you'll continue your adventure with a 30-minute private transfer leading you to Mua Cave, a standout attraction not so much for the cave itself but for the stunning viewpoint atop Mua Mountain. Known locally as "dragon mountain," this peak offers panoramic views of the Ngo Dong river winding through towering mountains and the lush landscapes of Tam Coc. Here, an exhilarating challenge awaits as you embark on a climb of nearly 500 steps to reach the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain. Once you descend you’ll take a 30 minute transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The hotel offers a buffet with a combination of local, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After a 45-minute drive a local family invites you into their world. This immersive experience allows you to delve into the heart of rural life, engaging in traditional activities such as fishing and rice harvesting, offering a hands-on understanding of the local culture and daily routines. As the morning's activities wind down, you'll gather in the family home for a communal lunch, where the meal serves not just as nourishment but as a bridge between cultures, celebrating the shared efforts and the intimate glimpse into a way of life that sustains and enriches the community. This visit is more than an excursion; it's a deep dive into the essence of living closely with nature and the meaningful connections that come from truly experiencing life alongside local inhabitants.

A traditional Vietnamese farm lunch with the local family at their home is included with the Van Long Nature Reserve & Family Farm Life Experience. Lunch will typically be a simple family farm lunch served family style.

Following your lunch, the next leg of your adventure begins with a unique water-bound exploration. You'll board a two-person sampan, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, perfectly designed for navigating the serene waters and narrow passageways of the region. Your journey takes you through the captivating Bong Cave and Kem Trong, each offering its own natural wonders and echoing silence that speaks volumes of the area's natural history. The journey extends into the Van Long flooded area, a waterlogged landscape where nature's resilience and adaptability are on full display. This portion of your tour not only brings you closer to the area's geological marvels but also immerses you in the tranquil beauty that defines the region's waterways. You’ll be provided with life jackets, and the sampan weight limit is 396 lbs total between 2 people. Then take a 45 minute transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The hotel offers a buffet with a combination of local, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup, whisking you away to Tuan Chau International Marina in Halong City via the new highway. Upon arrival at No.28 of Tuan Chau International Marina, you'll be welcomed into the Heritage Cruises Lounge, where refreshments await before you board the cruise. The adventure at sea kicks off at 12:30pm as you step onto the Heritage Cruises boat, greeted with a welcome drink. During this time, you'll be briefed on the cruise details, safety instructions, and check into your suite, setting the stage for an unforgettable maritime experience. The activities below are all included with the Halong Bay Heritage Cruise (2 day 1 night) and cannot be removed. Travelers can choose to opt out of any activity at their own discretion.

After check-in, lunch onboard the boat’s restaurant is included. Lunch will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and beverage at your own expense.

Heritage Cruises embarks on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of limestone mountains that rise majestically from the sea. This particular route, less traveled by cruise boats, offers a glimpse into the untouched and serene vistas of the bay, making it a unique experience away from the crowded areas. As the afternoon unfolds, the cruise nears the Ba Trai Dao (Three Peach beaches) or Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay, depending on the weather conditions. This area serves as a natural border between Halong and Haiphong provinces and is a secluded haven boasting pristine beaches, mysterious caves, and secluded coves amidst the splendor of approximately 400 islands. Here, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the bay's natural beauty, engaging in optional kayaking or simply swimming in the bay's crystal-clear waters.

As the day progresses towards the evening, guests aboard Heritage Cruises make their way back to the comfort of the vessel, finding solace in their suites or the communal areas of the boat. It's a time to unwind with a refreshing drink, reveling in the peaceful ambiance as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Gulf of Tonkin. The serene moment is enhanced by the breathtaking views of the sunset, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. The cruise offers an engaging afternoon tea, a testament to the leisurely pace of life on board. In a highlight of the evening, the ship's chef takes center stage, leading a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. This interactive session not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, allowing guests to take home not just memories but also the skills to recreate a piece of their journey in their own kitchens.

Dinner onboard the boat’s restaurant is included. Dinner will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and beverage at your own expense.

After dinner, you can enjoy evening views of the bay at the bar on the top deck. For those that want to partake in trying their hand at squid fishing, the crew will provide you with equipment and instruction. Bars are open late onboard.

Overnight onboard the Halong Bay Heritage Cruise Ship.

Breakfast onboard the cruise is included. Typical breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The cruise offers a buffet with a combination of local, American, and Intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined once the cruise is finalized.

Take a journey on a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave offers an intimate encounter with nature's quiet majesty. This experience allows you to glide through the tranquil waters at a leisurely pace, where the play of light and shadow creates a serene atmosphere, inviting introspection and a deep connection with the natural world. As you navigate the calm, emerald waters, the cave reveals its hidden treasures - sparkling stalactites that adorn the ceiling like jewels, each formation a testament to the passage of time and the artistic hand of nature. A life jacket will be provided. Return to the boat for lunch and checkout.

Brunch onboard the boat’s restaurant is included as you sail back to land. Lunch will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and beverage at your own expense. You’ll land back at Tuan Chau Marina.

From Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll be picked up for a private transfer back to the hotel in Hanoi. Bathroom breaks will be made as needed.

Cheers to the incredible week of new memories and new friends! Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Dinner tonight will be a set of Vietnamese cuisine with water included. Additional food and drinks at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

Overnight in Hanoi

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.