Vietnam: A 10-Day Epic Journey
Vietnam
$3,200 per person (split into 3 payments) | $1,000 deposit due to reserve spot
Optional $400 solo room supplement
September 19–29, 2026
12 spots
About the Adventure
On KWR’s first journey through Northern Vietnam (!!), we’re diving deep into dramatic landscapes, small villages, and the kind of culture you don’t just see – you feel. We’ll move from the energy of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to misty mountain valleys in Pu Luong, cycling through rice fields, hiking jungle trails, and cruising between limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay.
You’ll trek through terraced hillsides, raft past bamboo water wheels, climb 500 stone steps for panoramic viewpoints, and wake up on a luxury boat in the middle of the sea. There’s street food in Hanoi, home-style meals in rural villages, slow mornings with strong coffee, and golden sunsets over the water.
This trip balances movement and stillness – active days in nature, followed by peaceful evenings overlooking valleys or floating bays. With expert local guides handling every transfer and detail, you get to stay present and immersed.
It’s for travelers who want more than the highlight reel. Curious, open-minded people who value depth, connection, and earning their views. By the end, you won’t feel like you “visited” Vietnam – you’ll feel like you experienced it from the inside out.
Trip Led by Katrina
30 | Professional Traveler, Visited 40+ Countries
Hi! I am Katrina! Originally from Seattle, I spent years traveling the world as a digital nomad before settling down in Brooklyn, New York. My love for travel was sparked early on by my adventurous parents, what began as a six-month trip turned into three and a half years of exploring new corners of the world.
Nothing brings me more joy than immersing myself in a new culture - connecting with locals, savoring their food, discovering their music, and learning their customs, religion, and daily rhythms. Each experience has taught me so much about myself and continues to shape the way I see the world.
I met Kook on a group trip, and we instantly bonded over our shared passion for meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Joining Kook’s Wild Ride feels like the perfect fit! I feel incredibly fortunate for the adventures I’ve had and can’t wait to help others step out of their comfort zones and discover the magic of travel. Let’s go make some unforgettable memories together!
10-Day Itinerary Overview
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
DAY # 1 | Saturday, September 19
Hanoi Arrival
Activities:
☯ Arrive at Noi Bai Airport + private pick-up with guide/driver
☯ Transfer to your hotel in central Hanoi
☯ Free time to explore / shop (hotel check-in from 2:00 PM)
Drive time: Airport → Hanoi (varies)
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 2 | Sunday, September 20
Hanoi City Tour (B, L, D)
Activities:
☯ Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first royal university)
☯ Museum of Ethnology
☯ Old Quarter walking tour + local daily life
☯ Ngoc Son Temple (Hoan Kiem Lake)
☯ Train Street coffee stop (timed for train pass-through)
☯ Guided Hanoi street food tour (local classics + egg coffee option)
Drive time: Short city transfers
Walking time: 3–4 hours total throughout the day (mostly flat city walking)
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 3 | Monday, September 21
Hanoi Countryside Visit (B, L)
Activities:
☯ Free morning in Hanoi
☯ Afternoon: depart by vintage Jeep
☯ Scenic ride along the Red River dyke + rural gardens
☯ Explore Bat Trang (700+ year ceramic village)
☯ Visit a ceramic workshop + make your own piece
☯ Home-style lunch included during the experience
Drive time: Local transfers (half-day)
Walking time: 1–2 hours easy village walking
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 4 | Tuesday, September 22
Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley - Cycling Tour (B, L)
Activities:
☯ Depart Hanoi at 8:30 AM for Mai Chau
☯ Stop at Thung Khe Pass + Muong ethnic market
☯ Mai Chau Flagpole panoramic viewpoint
☯ Visit Ban Lac + Pom Coong villages (stilt houses + local culture)
☯ Cycling tour through villages (Ban Van + Ban Cha Long)
Drive time: Hanoi → Mai Chau (~3.5 hours)
Hiking/Activity Time: Cycling: 1.5–2 hours (easy terrain) & light walking through villages
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 5 | Wednesday, September 23
Rafting Adventure (B, L)
Activities:
☯ Morning transfer into Pu Luong Nature Reserve via mountain pass viewpoint
☯ Arrive + free time at the retreat (valley views)
☯ Visit Hieu Waterfall
☯ Walk to traditional water wheels + bamboo aqueducts
☯ Bamboo river rafting experience with local team
☯ Return to hotel after rafting
Drive time: Mai Chau → Pu Luong (~1.5 hours)
Hiking/Activity Time: Waterfall hike: 1–1.5 hours (moderate, uneven terrain) & additional light walking near water wheels
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 6 | Thursday, September 24
Pu Luong trekking - Free Afternoon (B, L)
Activities:
☯ Morning trek through rice terraces + valley paths
☯ Panoramic viewpoints over Uoi village
☯ Continue to Lan village
☯ Optional: visit a local family + learn about brocade weaving (time permitting)
☯ Free afternoon to relax at the retreat
Drive time: None (on-foot activities)
Hiking/Activity Time: 3–4 hours total trekking
& moderate difficulty (uneven paths, some inclines)
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 7 | Friday, September 25
Pu Luong - Elephant Waterfall - Ninh Binh
- Hoa Lu (B, L)
Activities:
☯ Transfer toward Ninh Binh
☯ Stop at Elephant Waterfall (swim optional)
☯ Arrive Ninh Binh + visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
☯ Explore temples of King Dinh + King Le
Drive time: Pu Luong → Ninh Binh (~3–3.5 hours)
Hiking/Activity Time: 30–45 mins light walking at temples & optional short walk near waterfall
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 8 | Saturday, September 26
Ninh Binh - Tam Coc - Mua Cave (B, L)
Activities:
☯ Sampan boat trip through Tam Coc (approx. 2.5 hours)
☯ Limestone cliffs + caves + rice paddies scenery
☯ Afternoon climb up Mua Cave (nearly 500 steps)
☯ Epic viewpoint over Tam Coc / Ninh Binh countryside
Drive time: Short local transfers
Hiking/Activity Time: Mua Cave climb: 45–60 mins total (500 stone steps, steep but short)
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 9 | Sunday, September 27
Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay (B, L, D)
Activities:
☯ Morning transfer to Ha Long Bay
☯ Check-in at Paradise Suites (Tuan Chau) + transfer to Paradise Elegance cruise
☯ Cruise briefing + welcome drink
☯ Lunch onboard while sailing through islets
☯ Titov Island (hike for viewpoint or swim at beach)
☯ Luon Cave (bamboo boat or kayak)
☯ Sunset: Happy Hour + cooking class + live music
☯ Dinner onboard + optional squid fishing / drinks / movie
Drive time: Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay (~3.5 hours)
Hiking/Activity Time: Titov Island hike: 30–45 mins (steep stair climb to viewpoint)
Accommodation: TBC
DAY # 10 | Monday, September 28
Ha Long Bay - Ha Noi (B)
☯ Sunrise Tai Chi on sundeck
☯ Light breakfast (pastries + coffee/tea)
☯ Sung Sot Cave visit (largest/most famous in Ha Long)
☯ Full breakfast while cruising past key sights
☯ Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina
☯ Return to Hanoi + overnight in the city
Drive Time: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi (~3 hours)
Hiking/Activity Time: Sung Sot Cave: 45–60 mins (stairs + moderate walking)
Accomodation: TBC
DAY # 11 | Tuesday, September 29
Ha Noi - Departure (B)
☯ Breakfast + free time (hotel check-out by noon)
☯ Private transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure
Drive Time: Hanoi → Airport (varies)
Included
Ten nights of accommodation in carefully selected boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and a 5-star Ha Long Bay cruise
Daily breakfasts plus select lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary
All private ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicles throughout the trip
Private airport arrival and departure transfers
Experienced English-speaking local guides throughout
All sightseeing tours and cultural experiences listed in the itinerary
Guided trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Village cycling experience in Mai Chau
Vintage Jeep countryside tour to Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Bamboo rafting experience in Pu Luong
Tam Coc sampan boat ride in Ninh Binh
Mua Cave viewpoint hike
Overnight luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay including onboard meals and activities
Kayaking or bamboo boat experience in Ha Long Bay
All entrance fees and activity permits as outlined in the program
Not included
International airfare to and from Vietnam
Travel insurance
Meals not specifically listed in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks
Personal expenses (laundry, shopping, minibar, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Early check-in or late check-out outside of scheduled program times
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel is one of those things that naturally gives rise to queries, so we’re here to put your mind at ease. Which trip is right for me? What do I do about visas? How much do I tip? For questions frequent and otherwise, this is the spot.
Do I Need a Passport?
YES. The second you consider a trip with us, please check to ensure your passport is up to date and does not expire up to 6 months after the trip. At the moment, all of our trips are international. However, if we choose to do a
domestic one you would not need a passport but would need the REAL ID come 2025. In general, this is something you should consider getting soon to assist with your travel needs next year
Will I need a Visa?
Whether you need a visa depends on the country we are visiting. We will let you know in advance if a visa is required for any of our trips. Please be aware that visa fees are not included in the trip prices, but they are generally inexpensive. We will guide you through the simple visa application process before each trip.
KWR Trips that require a visa:
● 2024: Nepal, India
● 2025: None
Do I need to buy Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in our trip package. While it is not mandatory to join our trips, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can cover various aspects of your journey, and there are many types and options available. We are happy to assist you in finding the right insurance that suits your needs before the trip.
Are flights included?
Flights are not included in our trip packages. However, we are happy to assist you in finding and choosing the best flight options for each trip. Please keep in mind that we recommend purchasing flight insurance for added
peace of mind.
Are transfers to and from the airport included?
Yes, transfers to and from the airport upon arrival and departure are included in our trips. Please note, that if you arrive or depart outside of the scheduled trip dates, we can arrange transfers for an additional fee.
I have special dietary requirements – will they be catered for?
We are dedicated to accommodating special dietary requirements as best as we can. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance, and we will make every effort to ensure you are properly catered for throughout the trip. Please note that the ability to accommodate dietary restrictions may vary by location. We are knowledgeable of the areas we visit though, and will inform you if your specific needs cannot be met.
How do you arrange room sharing on the trip and who will I have to share with?
We arrange rooms based on your preferences. Often, friends and partners sign up together and request to share a room. Alternatively, solo travelers sometimes express a desire to share, and we assist in pairing them up.
Room arrangements depend on the trip's participants, including individuals and groups of friends.
Note that room options vary by country, typically offering choices such as solo, double, and occasionally triple occupancy.
Prices vary based on your room selection, and there is always an additional charge for a single room.
If I am traveling with a significant other or friend, how do I ensure we are put in the same room?
When you sign up for the trip, please specify the person you wish to room with.
We will ensure that you are placed together in the same room automatically.
Are there options for single rooms if I don’t want to share?
Yes, single rooms are available on our trips. There is an additional fee for solo
rooms, which varies by country. We will inform you of this fee when you sign up.
When is the final due date for my trip?
We typically offer payment for our trips in 2-3 installments. The initial deposit is
deducted from the total trip price. The final payment is due typically between 35
to 60 days prior to the start of the trip. The exact deadline depends on the country
and payment schedule requirements.
Let’s connect and travel
Immerse yourself in local culture, enjoy daring adventures, and form long-lasting friendships with fellow travelers from around the globe.
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