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Vietnam with Stephmylife
Dates
Oct 8–14, 2023
Group Size
8–21 Travelers
Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Activity Level
Exploration
About This Trip
Meet Your Host
View Full ProfileStephmylife
Steph is a travel blogger and entrepreneur, who loves to see the world. She has spent the last 6 years travelling full time, and sharing guides, tips and advice with her followers on stephmylifetravel.com & @stephmylife.
Trip Activities
Eat Hanoi Like a Local
Bia Hoi Sunset Beer
Trang An Boat Tour
Thai Vi Temple Visit
Ninh Binh Village Cycle
Van Long Nature Reserve Tour
Ninh Binh Farm Life Experience
Traditional Vietnamese Farm Lunch with a Family
Row Boat and Cave Tour
Halong Bay Heritage Cruise
Lan Ha Bay Hideaway Beaches
Lan Ha Bay Sea Kayak
Vietnamese Cooking Class
Squid Fishing
Bamboo Boat Cave Tour
Included in Your Trip
Double occupancy in 3 & 4-star hotels
Local Guide throughout trip
All city transfers
Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)
Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)
Not Included
International flights
Food & alcohol (except as noted)
Visas & travel insurance
Airport transfers outside of designated times
Tips for Guides
What's included by Your Host
Hỏa Lò Prison
Bún Chả Hương Liên
Sunset Walk at Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee
Itinerary
*All durations are approximate
Info
Airport Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 3 transfers from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), between 9 am and 5 pm
dinner
Meet the group! Your welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included.
Hỏa Lò Prison
For anyone who arrives during the day, we will take a visit to Hỏa Lò Prison where you can learn about the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France. It's a fascinating place to visit, where many US soldiers were held - ironically calling it the 'Hanoi Hilton'. When former U.S Sentor John McCain was captured, he was held here!
Bún Chả Hương Liên
If you are arriving early in the day, before dinner, we will have lunch at Bún Chả Hương Liên - which is where Anthony Bourdain famously took Former President Barack Obama to eat the Vietnamese dish Bun Cha (noodles with fried spring rolls and fresh herbs)
The Lapis Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Hanoi
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Eat Hanoi Like a Local
Traverse the bustling side streets and alleys of the old town. While walking and learning about the neighborhood, you will be eating and sampling seasonal fruits and small snacks. For lunch, you’ll head to a local restaurant to try Hanoi’s famous dishes, bun cha Hanoi and banh cuon.
lunch
Your lunch on the Eat Hanoi Like a Local tour is included.
Bia Hoi Sunset Beer
You’ll end the day at a local Bia Hoi spot, local ‘breweries’ where they brew and serve their own beers daily.
The Lapis Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Hanoi
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Trang An Boat Tour
Take a boat tour of the stunning Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, also known as ‘Inland Ha Long Bay’. Much of the topography consists of soaring karst mountains, rock formations, rice paddies, and grottoes.
lunch
Lunch at a local restaurant is included.
Thai Vi Temple Visit
Visit the temple complex that dates back to the 13th century, surrounded by mountains, with a courtyard & stone arches.
Ninh Binh Village Cycle
Take a bike ride through mountains and villages then visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries when Vietnam was under the Dinh and Le dynasties.
Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort (or similar)
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Van Long Nature Reserve Tour
You'll take a tour of the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve one of the few intact lowland wetlands remaining in the Hong River Delta, with limestone karsts surrounded by a freshwater lake, marshes and swamps. You will also have the chance to meet the local farmers and experience local culture.
lunch
Traditional lunch with a local family is included.
Ninh Binh Farm Life Experience
You will meet a local family and take time to understand their traditions and their daily jobs. You may join them in some of their daily tasks, such as fishing and rice harvest and process.
Traditional Vietnamese Farm Lunch with a Family
After experiencing the host family's everyday routine, you will head back to their home for a traditional lunch.
Row Boat and Cave Tour
Your Guide will take you to the caves where you will get on a rowboat and visit Bong Cave, Kem Trong and the Van Long flooded area.
Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort (or similar)
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Halong Bay Heritage Cruise
You will explore the stunning Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests.
lunch
Lunch onboard the ship is included.
Lan Ha Bay Hideaway Beaches
Approach the Ba Trai Dao beaches in Lan Ha Bay, a natural frontier between two provinces, Halong Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago. This is a secret hideaway with its pristine beaches, caves and coves, plus the natural beauty of about 400 limestone islands.
Lan Ha Bay Sea Kayak
Hop on a kayak and paddle around the pristine islands of Lan Ha Bay
Vietnamese Cooking Class
Join a local chef for an instructional class on Vietnamese cooking.
Squid Fishing
Join a local fisherman as they teach you how to catch squid in the bay.
dinner
Dinner onboard the ship is included.
Heritage Line Cruise Ship (or similar)
Overnight onboard the Heritage Line cruise ship
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Bamboo Boat Cave Tour
Head off in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave, known for its stunning limestone structures and interesting natural habitats.
dinner
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included.
Sunset Walk at Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Just before sunset we will take a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. This large lake is close to the Old Quarter, and is always busy with musicians, local residents practising t’ai chi on the shores, and people walking very cute puppies. This is a really beautiful spot, and a great place to take some beautiful photographs.
The Lapis Hotel (or similar)
Overnight in Hanoi
Info
breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Airport Transfer
TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) on the last day.
Try Vietnamese Egg Coffee
If your flight isn't until the afternoon, let's go try one of the famous Vietnamese egg coffees at the eclectic 'The Note' cafe. This fun cafe is filled with Post-it notes from floor to ceiling, and has a great view over the Hoàn Kiếm Lake. *I promise it's nicer than it sounds, but there is also normal coffee and tea at the cafe if you prefer!
Physical Activity Level:Exploration
These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.
Cancellation Policy
We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:
Spot Pending
Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip
Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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FAQ
Traveling with TrovaTrip
What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?
Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.
What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?
Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:
- The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
- The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
- TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.
I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?
First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:
- Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
- Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
- Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
- Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
- We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.
We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”
Can I book solo?
Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.
What if I need to cancel?
We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:
- Spot pending – 100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
- Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your trip – Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.
- Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your trip – Non-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.
After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
What's included in the trip cost?
Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.
Will I have free time?
Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.
What do the activity levels mean?
Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:
- Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
- Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
- Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
- Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
- Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)
You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!
Accommodations
What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?
When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.
Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?
Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.
Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.
Trip Operations & Compliance
Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?
Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.
Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?
If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.
General Travel Questions
Do I need any documentation to travel?
It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise.
Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.
Do I need any vaccines?
It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!
Are flights included in the trip cost?
Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.