Join us for an eight-day adventure through Northern Vietnam, where vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable local experiences come together in one incredible journey! We’ll begin in Hanoi, diving into its rich culture and world-famous food scene, then head to Ninh Binh to explore lush rice fields, limestone mountains, and traditional village life before making our way to Halong Bay for an unforgettable stay surrounded by one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the world.

Along the way, you’ll experience bustling markets, hidden alleyways, scenic bike rides, peaceful boat journeys through caves, hands-on cultural experiences, and some of the best food Vietnam has to offer! And we can’t wait to experience it with you!

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In addition to having Matt and Nat as your hosts for the trip, you will be accompanied by a tour leader whose aim is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. In addition to your tour leader, for certain inclusions, you will be accompanied by a local guide. A local guide has specialized knowledge of a site or location you are visiting. If there is a local guide provided for a particular activity, this will be listed in your day-by-day itinerary.

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Deposit & Payment Options:

Reserve your spot with a $500 USD deposit and choose how to pay your remaining balance.

You may:

• Pay in full at any time, or

• Use our 0% interest monthly payment plan

Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. If the balance is not paid in full at the time of booking, it will be automatically processed in six monthly payments (0% interest) on the following schedule:

• July 7, 2026

• August 7, 2026

• September 7, 2026

• October 7, 2026

• November 7, 2026

• December 7, 2026

Note: If you book after one or more of these dates, any past-due installments will be charged at the time of booking.

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Payment Methods:

• ACH (U.S. bank account): No surcharge

• Credit Card: +2.9%

• AMEX: +3.9%

All payments are processed through WeTravel.
WeTravel also applies a service fee starting at 1% + $0.30 per transaction.

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Cancellations & Refunds

This trip requires a minimum of 10 travelers to operate.

• If the minimum is not reached, the trip will not run, and all payments will be fully refunded.

• Once the trip is confirmed (minimum participants reached), your $500 deposit becomes non-refundable, but may be applied as a credit toward a future trip with Adventures of Matt and Nat.

• Any payments made above the deposit are fully refundable up to 90 days prior to departure.

• Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to departure are non-refundable and will incur 100% cancellation fees.

• No-shows are considered cancellations and are non-refundable.
  

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We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase comprehensive, “cancel for any reason” travel insurance to protect against unexpected events, including trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or other unforeseen circumstances. If paying for your trip with a credit card (see payments section), check for coverage benefits that may apply for international travel through your credit card.

For travel insurance, we recommend TravelInsurance.com

For travelers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland, or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory due to local regulations.

However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travelers from these regions who decline travel insurance when traveling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting (on day 1 of the trip), recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

Please note that Adventures of Matt and Nat (and our partners) are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, illness, or expenses incurred during the trip. Travelers participate at their own risk.

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Passport:

You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally. Your passport must be:

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date

• Have at least 1–2 blank pages

Otherwise, you may be denied entry.

We require your passport information to prepare your trip, so the details on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please double-check for accuracy.

Visas & Entry Requirements:

A visa is required for entry into Vietnam, and obtaining the correct visa is your responsibility.

The most common and recommended option is to apply for an e-visa online through the official Vietnam Immigration portal.

We recommend checking your visa requirements and applying well in advance of your trip to allow time for processing.

You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites, or on the Intrepid Travel page here: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements


ADDRESS FOR VIETNAM VISA APPLICATIONS:

If you require an address for your visa application, please use:

Intrepid Vietnam

Ground Floor, Ladeco Building

266 Doi Can St, Ngoc Ha Ward

Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Vietnam

Ph +84 4 3715 0996

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If you’re getting in early (which we definitely recommend), Hanoi is one of those cities where you could spend days just exploring, eating, and getting lost in the chaos in the best way.

We’ve put together a curated list of our top recommended tours and experiences to help you hit the ground running. 👉 Browse Our Top Recommended Hanoi Experiences

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city. If you arrive in the city early, there’s plenty to see and do in this gorgeous city. Maybe wander the Old Quarter to admire the city’s French architecture and shopping streets, then grab a cold beer and a Bahn mi on a bustling street corner. The official adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel, followed by a group dinner at KOTO Restaurant, an organization dedicated to developing the hospitality careers of disadvantaged youth.

Included Meals:

• Welcome Dinner at KOTO Restaurant

Included Activities:

• Welcome meeting with Tour Leader – We'll be collecting insurance details and next-of-kin information, so please ensure you bring these details to provide to your guide.

Accommodation:

May De Ville Crown Hotel & Spa (Executive City View) or similar

Hanoi is known for its beautiful lakes, shaded boulevards, lush public parks and its thriving Old Quarter, which is an architectural museum piece with blocks of ochre buildings retaining the air of a 1930s provincial French town. This morning, enjoy a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake as your driver pedals behind you, showing you the highlights and photo spots of Hanoi. You'll stroll through the ancient '36 streets' where you can discover an amazing selection of shops selling everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing and beautifully embroidered tablecloths. Your leader will point out some of the unique architecture around Hoan Kiem Lake and the myths and legends of the lake, and visit the Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the lake.

After that, we will move to the Temple of Literature - famous for being the first university of Vietnam. You will recognize that this is a popular place for Vietnamese students to take commemorative photographs when graduating.

Later in the afternoon, embark on a mysterious culinary adventure as our expert local guide unveils the hidden flavors of Hanoi. This exclusive tour takes you deep into the heart of the city’s vibrant street food scene, revealing secret alleyways and tucked-away stalls known only to locals. Our guide will introduce you to signature dishes, unique ingredients, and stories behind recipes passed down through generations.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Hotel)

• Dinner (Food Tour)

Included Activities:

• Cyclo around Old Quarter

• Ngoc Son Temple

• Temple of Literature

• “Savor the Hanoi's Flavor” Food Walk

Accommodation:

Rex Hanoi Hotel (Premier Deluxe Room) or similar

This morning, we will depart for Ninh Binh Province. Arrive at Hoa Lu – the ancient citadel of 3km2 – to visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh dynasty (968-980), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le dynasty (980-1009).

After exploring the ancient temples, enjoy a bike ride along the mountains, stretching through some local villages, providing you with a great chance to get close to the local life. Then you’ll be welcomed into a local home for a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Meet the family who live here and enjoy their Vietnamese delicacies.

In the afternoon, visit Trang An – an ecological tourist site where the rowing boat brings you through many amazing nature-blessed caves and rice fields. After that, climbing up almost 500 steps of Mua cave area, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Hotel)

• Lunch (Local Home)

Included Activities:

• Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

• Bike Ride

• Trang An Boat Trip

• Mua Cave Trekking

Accommodation:

Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa (Deluxe) or similar

Special Information:

Today’s total travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Today, immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of Ninh Binh with a visit to Van Long Nature Reserve, a serene wetland often referred to as the “Inland Halong Bay.” Drift through glassy, lotus-covered waters by traditional rowboat, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and rich birdlife. This peaceful sanctuary is also home to the endangered Delacour’s Langur, one of the rarest primates in the world.

Afterwards, head to a local village and join hands-on farming activities with the locals, such as catching crabs, planting rice, and water scooping. They then take part in a cooking session at the traditional village’s stilt house, preparing local specialties like sweet potato cakes, spring rolls, grilled fish, goat meat, and crispy rice. Afterwards, enjoy a homemade lunch featuring the unique flavors, created together with the hosts.

After a day filled cultural highlights, return to your accommodation in Ninh Binh and enjoy the evening at your

leisure.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Hotel)

• Lunch (Local Home)

Included Activities:

• Van Long Nature Reserve Boat Trip

• Local village visit

• Farming activities

Accommodation:

Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa (Deluxe) or similar

In the morning, transfer from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay. Along the way, enjoy watching people's daily life and rice paddy fields along the way.

After arriving at Halong, get on board to cruise around and have chances to admire the spectacular scenery of Halong Bay with fascinating natural formations while having lunch.

In the afternoon, there’s time to explore—whether that’s kayaking through calm waters, swimming, or visiting a cave carved with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. As the sun begins to set, head to the sundeck for panoramic views before enjoying dinner on board. The evening is yours to relax, grab a drink, or try squid fishing under the stars.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Hotel)

• Lunch (Cruise)

• Dinner (Cruise)

Included Activities/Services:

• Overnight cruise & activities

Accommodation:

Rosy Cruise (Junior/Senior Balcony Suite) or similar

Special Information:

Today’s total travel time is approximately 4 hours.

Kayaking and swimming are restricted to designated zones within the bay. The itinerary is subject to change due to the weather, tide level and operating conditions without prior notice.

Today takes you deeper into the less crowded side of the bay. After enjoying a Tai Chi session (optional) on the sundeck in the morning with a light breakfast of tea, coffee, and pastries, transfer to a smaller day boat and venture into Lan Ha Bay, where the landscapes feel even more untouched.

Spend the day kayaking through quiet lagoons, swimming at secluded beaches, and visiting a local village where you’ll have the option to bike (or take an electric cart) through a remote community surrounded by jungle and mountains.

Return to the main cruise in the late afternoon for another sunset on deck, followed by dinner and a second night surrounded by the calm waters of the bay.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Cruise)

• Lunch (Cruise)

• Dinner (Cruise)

Included Activities:

• Overnight cruise & activities

Accommodation:

Rosy Cruise (Junior/Senior Balcony Suite) or similar

Special Information:

Kayaking and swimming are restricted to designated zones within the bay. The itinerary is subject to change due to the weather, tide level and operating conditions without prior notice.

Wake up early for sunrise over the bay, with the option to join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast, enjoy one final excursion—either a bamboo boat or kayaking experience through caves and hidden corners of the bay.

After lunch onboard (around 11:30 AM), return to the mainland and transfer back to Hanoi. In the evening, gather one last time for a farewell dinner, sharing stories and highlights from an unforgettable week.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Cruise)

• Lunch (Cruise)

• Farewell Dinner (Time & location TBD)

Included Activities/Services:

• Cruise activities

Accommodation:

May De Ville Crown Hotel & Spa (Executive City View) or similar

Special Information:

Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

All good things come to an end, and this morning, your adventure officially comes to a close. There are no activities planned for the final day and you will be free at leisure until the appoint time for transfer to the airport for your flight home! The hotel room is at your disposal until 12:00 PM.

Included Meals:

• Breakfast (Hotel)

Included Activities/Services:

• Departure Transfer