Arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Airport pickup any time night or day.

Introduction to Hanoi day today- some of it’s delights.

The Votive Offerings Village- sculptures for the temple- got to see them to believe them.

Incense Making Village

Mrs Khoung and her women’s self-help group stitching beautiful silk pictures.

Lotus silk and silk production with Mrs Thuan.

Welcome dinner at a famous Fish restaurant.

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The Museum of Ethnologies in Hanoi before we leave the city. 

We will arrive in Mai Chou and settle into our hotel, take a wander out across the rice paddies, visit a second-hand textile dealer, if you like and enjoy the peace of the countryside.

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Off to the far away Green H’mong village for a batik workshop and lunch  

We can poke around and see the indigo growing and hemp if the weather has warmed up enough for them to start. H’mong people traditionally wear cloth they make themselves of hemp they grow and harvest.

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We are travelling across country to Tam Coc, the area is know as the Ha Long Bay of the rice fields, very picturesque.

Join me for a walk out through the rice fields to the Thai Vi Temple. Perhaps you would like a boat ride out on the waterways, late in the afternoon as the sun starts to go down it is so atmospheric and beautiful.

Evening free

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Off the tourist trial completely we are heading to spend time in a White Thai village and learn about growing plants, thread production, weaving and natural dyes. You will get to try your hand at the processes along the way.  

We stay in a hotel a little way down the road but will spend most of our time in the village. Get ready for some home cooked goodness.

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White Thai village again today.

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Bidding our beautiful country idyll goodbye, we head up to Hanoi.  

Free afternoon, I am happy to take you to the best of the linen stalls in the cloth market.  

We will have dinner together before we catch the Sleeper Train to Lau Cai

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We get off the train early in the morning and drive up to Sapa, our hotel awaits, and we can grab a shower and breakfast before we head out for the day.  

Mrs Chi and Black H’mong embroidery workshop. Home cooked lunch at her house.  

Afternoon is free to explore Sapa

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Early visit to the local market and upstairs to a wonderful second-hand market. So much beautiful embroidered cloth and garments.  

Driving through the countryside we will visit Mrs Sung’s café for lunch, if we arrive early, we can make ourselves comfortable and work on the embroidery we started.  

Red Dzou women, working as trekking guides will be by and it is always fun to see what they are stitching and show our attempts.  

Walk through local village and then we will be on our way to Bac Ha for the night.

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Early start for the local market- it is vast and serves the local people, as the day progresses the tourists arrive, we’ll have already checked out the good stuff and head off to Hanoi.

Afternoon free

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Splendid way to unwind cruising Ha Long Bay

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We can visit a grotto in the morning- take yourself in a kayak or be punted along in a boat.

Return to Hanoi  

Farewell dinner

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Departures from Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam.

We’ll drop you to the airport.

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Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• Many people enjoy a selfie – say hello, ask for a group selfie, show them, then ask for a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

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Workshops

Stitch

• Needles and basics supplied, though your own needles can be easier on your hands

• Our hosts love seeing sewing kits and anything you’ve made – embroideries especially

Art / Journal / Sketch

• Your tutor will provide a suggested travelling kit before departure

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Food

• Flavours and style differ slightly, but ingredients are familiar

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Vietnam: fresh, from-scratch cooking, easy to see what you’re eating

• Vegetarian: possible, though fish sauce is widely used

• Vegan: similar challenges

• Onion/garlic-free: difficult

• Wheat and/or dairy-free: generally manageable

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – limited use, fees may apply

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN – tap not used

Currency

• Vietnamese Dong

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage on the bus

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

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Weather

• Warm days, cooler mornings and evenings

• Light rain possible – bring an umbrella or light rain jacket

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Power

• 220–240 volts

• A universal adaptor is best (Vietnam commonly uses Type A, C and sometimes F plugs)

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Modesty: skirts/trousers mid-calf or longer, tops not too revealing

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A small gesture to elderly or disabled people can be appropriate

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Tipping

• Customary – carry small change

• Small services (bags, tea, laundry) – small tips appreciated

• Guides, performers, photos – tip as you feel appropriate

• Set something aside for your guide and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Be mindful – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag