10 Day Inspired Vietnam - A Women's Only Journey

Chao mung! Welcome to Vietnam and its beautiful ancient capital, Hanoi. On arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be welcomed by your dedicated driver and will be transferred to your accommodation, located in the heart of the city. Take some time to relax and, depending on your arrival time, enjoy the afternoon or evening at your leisure. Special Information The standard check in is 2pm. Should you be arriving earlier in the day, the hotel can hold your luggage until your room is ready. Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you meet your Hanoi guide and head off on a full day exploration of this charming city. This morning we will visit Van Mieu, otherwise known as The Temple of Literature. The Confucian temple dates back to 1070, and features peaceful walled courtyards and graceful gateways and is one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Following this, we continue on to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from the outside; an impressive mausoleum that houses the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh. In the afternoon, we will discover the inspiring Vietnam Women's Museum, a top cultural destination in Hanoi. Through fascinating exhibitions and personal stories, the museum celebrates the strength, beauty, and resilience of Vietnamese women, highlighting their roles in history, society, and innovation. For dinner tonight, enjoy an exclusive cooking class, led by the female head chef at Koto Van Mieu restaurant, Vietnam's first Social Enterprise. With your new travel partners, enjoy a memorable culinary adventure. Inspiring Highlights The Temple of Literature Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex Vietnam Women's Museum Female led cooking class at Koto Van Mieu

This morning we depart for a leisurely drive to Tuan Chau Port. Upon arrival at this port city we will board our luxury Halong Bay cruise. Once on board we start our cruise to witness the magnificent beauty of this “Descending-dragon” bay, created by thousands of odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch on board, the cruise anchors at Tra Bau area, known for its natural beauty and spectacular view of the limestone islands. Feel free to relax, kayak and swim around the boat. Enjoy a feast of local Vietnamese specialties for dinner before retiring for the evening. Alternatively, you may wish to enjoy the ship's evening activities including squid fishing with help from the crew. Inspiring Highlights Cruise the limestone islands in Tra Bau Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. The final cruise itinerary is subject to change upon weather condition or chosen cruise.

Rise early to experience the magical dawn over the sea. In Vietnam, the "East Sea" is poetically referred to as the "Eastern Sea," and watching the sunrise over the bay's scattered islets is truly a sight to behold. Start your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi lesson or enjoy some peaceful time in your cabin. After breakfast, the cruise continues through stunning areas where nearly every islet is named for its shape or unique features. Take in the serene beauty as you visit the Dark & Bright grottoes and islets by traditional rowing boats, exploring the untouched and mysterious landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site. As the cruise heads back to the mainland, enjoy a leisurely brunch on board. Once docked, bid farewell to the crew and transfer back to the wharf. From there, we will take you to Hanoi Airport for your flight south to Danang, followed by a transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. On arrival in Hoi An, we check into our 5-star resort, located only a short walk from the ancient town. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure and make the most of the hotel's beautiful facilities or take a short walk and wander the ancient streets and canals of this beautifully preserved town. Inspiring Highlights Tai Chi lesson Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. The final cruise itinerary is subject to change upon weather condition or chosen cruise. Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. On your departure from Hanoi you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Hoi An, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed.

Start your day with serenity and mindfulness at our Tai Chi class guided by an experienced instructor. These gentle morning sessions help you restore balance, improve flexibility, and cultivate inner peace amid the tranquil surroundings. After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter and spend time mingling with local vendors at the Hoi An Market. Previously known as Faifo, Hoi An was once the most important trading port in the region. Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the city is one of the best places to discover well-preserved Vietnamese architecture. During our morning walking tour, we will stop at the women led tailor shop in the old town -Yaly Couture Tailor Shop, known for its spacious courtyard, lush greenery, and classic architecture. The shop is owned by Mrs Quynh, a designer who inherited her family's tailoring business and is deeply committed to supporting women. Mrs Quynh, hires and trains young women and single mothers, providing fair income and valuable skills to help them build confident, independent lives. You will have free time for shopping or custom tailoring upon request. In the afternoon we meet one of Hoi An's inspiring women artisans, a passionate lantern maker who keeps the town's centuries old craft alive. With her guidance, you'll learn how to create your very own colorful lantern, using traditional bamboo frames and silk fabric. As she shares her story and skills, you'll not only take home a handmade souvenir but also a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culture and the artistry of its women. Enjoy an inspiring dining experience by lantern light at a charming riverside restaurant along the peaceful Thu Bon River, where authentic Vietnamese flavors meet timeless ambiance. Inspiring Highlights Tai Chi Class Old Quarter Walking Tour Meet an inspiring women artisan to showcase her century old craft Thu Bon River Dinner

Before you enjoy your free day in Hoi An if you wish you have the option to start your day with a Tai Chi class. Explore every corner of this ancient town or just relax on the beach, Cua Dai beach and An Bang beaches are just 4-5km from the old town. Alternatively, you may wish to join the optional tour to the Golden Bridge and Bana Hills. Inspiring Highlights Explore Hoi An at your leisure

Before transferring by road to Hue enjoy breakfast and a final opportunity to participate in a Tai Chi class in Hoi An. En route we stop by the picturesque Lap An Lagoon for some amazing photo opportunities as well as the famous Hai Van Pass. On arrival into Hue, we visit to the Imperial City. Established as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802 CE this historic city is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Centre and retains many architectural works, temples, and palaces. Following this, we visit Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village — a 300-year-old craft village in Hue, where talented women artisans craft beautiful handmade flowers in a charming wooden house surrounded by a peaceful garden. Experience the joy of traditional artistry and rural life in the heart of Vietnam. Under their gentle guidance, you'll learn how to create your own delicate paper lotus flower — a meaningful keepsake of Vietnamese tradition and creativity. In the afternoon we check into our ideally located hotel in the quiet countryside with a rustic village setting surrounded by a lush tranquil garden. Relax before dinner that night. Inspiring Highlights Lap An Lagoon and Hai Van Pass Imperial City Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Before breakfast take part in our wellness program including yoga and tai chi, a perfect way to start a gorgeous day. Tai Chi 7:00am – 7:30am: The ancient art of tai chi, a “meditation in motion”, promotes serenity through gentle movements, connecting the mind and body. For thousands of years, the Vietnamese people have practiced tai chi for their physical & psychological wellbeing. It is a way of life bringing ourselves and the universe in total harmony. Vinyasa yoga 7:45 – 8:45am: Yoga is an integration of physical, mental and emotional exercises designed to balance and unify the mind, body and spirit. The goal of yoga is to bring the yogini closer to the divine – to attain perfect spiritual insight and tranquility during practice. We welcome all levels from beginner upwards. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon. We will transfer to our hotel located in the heart of this exciting city. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour where we visit some of the city's most iconic spots, Dong Khoi Street, the city's major thoroughfare connecting French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers, the beautiful and iconic Saigon Central Post Office with its perfect combination of Neo-classical European architecture and Asian influences, and Ben Thanh Market. Inspiring Highlights Wellness program in Hue Tai Chi and Vinyasa Yoga Dong Khoi Street Saigon Post Office Ben Thanh Market Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Depending on your flight time your breakfast today will either be at the hotel, or a pre prepared breakfast box. Your internal flight for this day is arranged by our local partner. Specific flight details will be provided by your Tour Leader upon arrival and cannot be provided in advance. Please note that these group flights cannot be upgraded, amended, or checked in online. Your Tour Leader will manage the check-in process for the group. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you on either end to ensure that your journey is trouble free. On your departure from Hue you will say goodbye to your tour guide, and your group will be met by a local guide in Ho Chi Minh City, who will meet and greet you, coordinate your activities in town and be reachable to assist you as needed. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and head to Ben Tre, a beautiful tranquil province in the Mekong Delta region. You'll love its lush green landscapes, winding rivers, and friendly locals. On arrival, we board a boat and cruise along the mighty Mekong taking in scenic canals, islands, floating villages and seeing locals going about their daily lives. The cruise will stop at a local brick factory and a sleep mat workshop. The workshop is taught and operated by local women in the community, many of whom rely on this craft as a primary or supplemental source of income. By joining the course you are directly supporting these women artisans. The experience highlights a skill that has been passed down through generations of women in the region, offering meaningful cultural insight. After our workshop we will disembark to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This evening is our time to explore the beauty of Saigon river on a unique farewell dinner cruise. The boat will slowly float along the Saigon River while we enjoy a cool evening on the flow, looking over the city with its dazzling lights in a tranquil, totally relaxing ambience. Inspiring Highlights Mekong Delta Saigon river Dinner Cruise Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Vietnam. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationDeparture transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.