EL CAMINO SMALL GROUP TRIP
Sensational Vietnam Itinerary
Humming cities, dazzling landscapes, colorful hill tribe communities, and fragrant flavors—vibrant Vietnam is a feast for the senses. Join us on a journey through the remote regions of Northern Vietnam to witness emerald rice fields, dramatic green mountains, and glistening waterways.
Day 1
Arrive: Touchdown in historical Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital where modern skyscrapers meet ancient temples and old French architecture. Upon arrival at Noibai International Airport, you’ll be picked up and taken to our first stay, a boutique hotel located within the lively Hanoi Old Quarter. Take some time to get settled into your room. For those seeking rejuvenation after a long flight, there’s the option of booking a massage at the hotel, or at a social enterprise across town that comes highly recommended by our guide for its Vietnamese massages and ethnic herbal baths.
Evening: Meet the group in the evening where you’ll join a sunset stroll through the Old Quarter to a hidden location. Get to know your fellow travelers over cocktails before we make our way to dinner for your first taste of Vietnam’s renowned flavors. We’ll be taking you to a local restaurant whose menu is based around Vietnam’s flagship symbol, the iconic lotus. For those who would like to continue the evening, your guide can point you to some of the best bars in the city.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Morning: Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel—a full day of exploring this exciting city awaits! Dive into the creative economy of Hanoi and get to know Vietnam beyond the usual stereotypes on this morning's walking tour. You’ll discover hidden layers of history and learn about the lives of people who lived and are still living in the historic area. See how past and present collide as we walk by old colonial administration buildings and hidden alleyways where time seems to stand still, before making our way to the new up-and-coming area of the city.
Afternoon: For our first lunch in Vietnam, we’ve arranged an exclusive and private culinary experience. Taking place at a restaurant that’s known for its contemporary and experimental menu, you’ll be hosted by an aroma hunter who has spent over twenty years seeking rare plants and spices through Southeast Asia’s forests. Enjoy unique east-meets-west fusion delicacies as our host gives us an insight into the native ingredients and the secret cooking techniques used by the chef. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to recharge, or our guide can point you toward some historical sights to explore. Later in the afternoon, we will take another walk of the city to witness local life along Hanoi’s railways, learn about the city’s floating communities, and make a few stops on the way to sample the world-famous street food scene. Take in the sunset from the city’s most historical bridge.
Evening: The rest of the evening is at your own leisure. Continue your journey into Vietnam’s fantastical flavors with dinner at one of the local restaurants. Afterward, head out with your travel friends to try out Vietnam’s favorite pastime—belting your favorite songs at the top of your lungs in a private karaoke joint. Your Eat, Shop, Play guide (which you’ll receive prior to departure) will have you covered with our favorite spots in town.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Morning: Rise and shine—we’re up early for a Tai Chi class led by a master at Hoan Kiem Lake. Learn about this ancient practice before trying some of the meditative movements yourself, or if preferred, take a morning stroll around the lake as you observe the local culture all around you. You have the option of returning to the hotel afterward for breakfast, or joining our guide in the Old Quarter to try some breakfast street snacks as well as an iconic coffee recipe—Hanoi’s morning street food scene is completely different to at night, so we highly recommend checking it out. Return to the hotel by mid-morning to check out before we journey to Sapa, a beautiful northwestern town surrounded by lush rice fields and green mountains.
Afternoon: Take in the views as we travel along a spectacular mountain road to Sapa, making a stop at a waterfall along the way. We’ll arrive at our stay in the late afternoon, a boutique riverside lodge situated in the most remote region of the district, far away from the touristy area of Sapa town. The lodge is the perfect base for exploring the untouched landscapes of Northern Vietnam, and gaining insight into the culture of the Red Dzao community who reside nearby.
Evening: Join the group for dinner at the lodge where we’ll feast on regional dishes that have been made using fresh and organic ingredients grown on-site.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4
Morning: After breakfast, grab your walking shoes as we head out for an energizing four-kilometer morning hike. Spend the morning immersed in nature as we hike through the lush jungle and glistening rice fields. We’ll arrive at our mountain hut where we’ll settle down for a typical Sapa barbecue lunch. Load up on smoked trout, fresh vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and jungle herbs seared directly on the grill. Take in the stunning scenery that surrounds us before we hike our way back to the lodge.
Afternoon: Spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying the lodge’s tranquil settings and scenery. Journal or read a book along the riverside, sip on tea and coffee from the open-air patio, or if weather permits you can take a dip in the stream next to the lodge. The idyllic location is also ideal for practicing self-guided meditation or yoga (yoga mats are available at the lodge). Guests have the option of booking a traditional Red Dzao herbal bath, an ancient and healing tradition using medicinal leaves foraged from the forest.
Evening: Reconvene with the group at dinner and soak up your last evening at the lodge with another delicious meal prepared on-site.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 5
Morning: After breakfast, you’ll have time to wander through the local village to learn about and observe traditional crafts such as embroidery and silversmithing. We’ll leave the lodge around noon before heading out to meet an indigenous family who will be hosting us for lunch. The family practices Hmong batik and weaving, so you’ll have the opportunity to shop for unique crafts and textiles.
Afternoon: Arrive at a boutique resort situated atop a hillside deep in the mountains of Hoang Lien National Park. The dramatic landscape will truly take your breath away. We’ll have the afternoon to take full advantage of the on-site facilities. Enjoy a dip in the infinity pool as you take in the surrounding mountains or book a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. We suggest grabbing dinner at the resort before we make our way to Lao Cai Train Station.
Evening: Board the train for our overnight journey to Hanoi, a unique and exciting experience that no trip to Vietnam is complete without. Enjoy some refreshments on board with your travel buddies before cozying up in the vintage-style cabins, complete with beds, reading lamps, and air-con.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Morning: Arrive at Hanoi Railway Station early in the morning. We’ll head to a nearby guesthouse to freshen up and enjoy breakfast before driving to Ninh Binh Province, also known as “Halong on land”. Watch the landscape changing to endless rice fields as the road zigzags through the Red River Delta. We’ll make a stop en route at a riverside village that’s renowned for traditional silk weaving and its production of lotus silk—one of the rarest fabrics in the world. Meet the first Vietnamese woman to weave silk from lotus fiber and hear how she reinvented a traditional profession as we visit her workshop and discover the different stages of silk production.
Afternoon: Arrive at our new residences, a charming oasis nested between lumbering limestone peaks, lotus ponds and glistening rice paddies. Sustainability and cultural preservation are at the heart of this hotel, which has been designed to harmoniously intertwine with local life. The stay has been constructed to mirror an authentic Vietnamese village with stone houses set amongst a lush garden. Spend the afternoon at leisure in the pool or jacuzzi, or grab a bike to explore the dreamy location.
Evening: Dinner is at your leisure. We recommend experiencing the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant for a mouthwatering meal full of fresh herbs, vibrant spices, and fruits and vegetables grown in the organic garden.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 7
Morning: After breakfast, we’ll travel to the village of Yen Mac and experience a warm welcome from a local family. Wander the village market and soak up its lively atmosphere as we shop for fresh produce amidst the glorious morning sunshine. Under the family’s expert guidance, you’ll learn about the town's history and legendsas we walk the narrow streets and observe village life. Depending on the season, you may witness residents cultivating rice, gardening, or creating handicrafts such as basketry and water hyacinth pot weaving.
Afternoon: Indulge in a magnificent picnic feast among a beautiful landscape of rice fields, forest-covered karst peaks, and a serene marshy pond. The picnic menu includes a delectable selection of international and Vietnamese dishes using fresh ingredients from the nearby farms and gardens. You’ll have some free time to make the most of your last afternoon in the picturesque setting. If you’d like to explore some more, there’s the option to take a two-kilometer hike through the Valley of Birds, accompanied by a local guide.
Evening: Reconvene in the evening for an unforgettable farewell experience, taking a rowing boat trip at sunset. Taking place at the magic hour, the light will provide plenty of opportunity to capture stunning photos. Meander along the serene waterways and idyllic rivers, all in arms’ reach of green rice paddies, water lilies, lotus, and reeds. Pass by the Bird Valley where various bird species, such as white storks and pelicans, build their nests. Upon return, we’ll enjoy one last dinner together at the hotel, reflecting on the memories you’ve made as we celebrate the end of a magnificent week.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8
Depart from Noibai International Airport at any time. Return home feeling inspired by the beauty you’ve witnessed over the past week and a whole new crew of travel friends to meet up with for more adventures around the world!
Meals included: Breakfast