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An Unforgettable Journey Through Vietnam’s Soul with Blake & Johane

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026

Cultural Cultural

$1,595 USD

BOOK WITH 25% DEPOSIT

An Unforgettable Journey Through Vietnam’s Soul with Blake & Johane

Mar 16, 2026 - Mar 24, 2026

$1,595  USD

BOOK WITH 25% DEPOSIT

This adventure through northern Vietnam takes you from the lively streets of Hanoi to the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay, across the ancient landscapes of Ninh Binh, and into the mountains of Pu Luong. Over nine days, you’ll explore temples, villages, caves, and hidden gems while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

The trip is hosted by Blake and Johane, who will be guiding you not only through Vietnam’s history and beauty, but also leading moments of reflection, worship, and prayer together with his co-host. Alongside experienced local guides, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the culture, faith, and traditions that make this country so special.

Expect a balance of adventure and restoration: cycling through peaceful villages, trekking to waterfalls, kayaking in emerald bays, and savoring home-cooked meals. Each day reveals something new – from bustling street food tours in Hanoi to serene sampan rides in Ninh Binh, finishing with a farewell dinner back in the capital.

Trip Start: Hanoi, Vietnam - Monday March 16th 2026

Trip Finish: Hanoi, Vietnam - Tuesday March 24h 2026

Trip Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Accommodation: 6 Nights Hand-picked Hotels, 2 Nights Cruise Cabin (Shared & Private Available)

Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Lunch x 5, Brunch x 1, Dinner x 4, Street Food Dinner x 1

Group Size: Up to 16 Guests

Inclusions

Accommodation: 6 Nights Hand-picked Hotels, 2 Nights Cruise Cabin (Shared & Private Available)

Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Lunch x 5, Brunch x 1, Dinner x 4, Street Food Dinner x 1

Comfortable Private Transport Throughout

Experienced English Speaking Local Guides

Worship and Prayer Gatherings Led by Blake & Johane

Guided Street Food Tour in Hanoi

Evening Walk Around Hanoi Neighborhood

Scenic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride at Dark & Bright Cave

Swimming in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay Sunsets & Sunrises on Cruise Sundeck

Cooking Classes and Demonstrations (Optional)

Cycling Tour in Viet Hai Village

Lunch at Local House in Viet Hai Village

Visit & Swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach

Morning Tai Chi on Cruise Sundeck

Visit to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island

Guided Visit to Hoa Lu Temples in Ninh Binh

Home-Cooked Lunch with Local Ninh Binh Family

Sampan Ride at Bich Dong Temple Complex

Scenic Drive to Pu Luong

Village and Mountain Walks in Pu Luong (Optional)

Guided Trek to Hieu Waterfall & Swimming

Guided Exploration of Hanoi Train Street

Farewell Dinner in Hanoi

Exclusions

Arrival/Departure Flights

Airport Transfers

Visa/Entry Requirements

Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions

Personal Expenses incl Tips

Travel Insurance (Required)

Your Host

Blake Vande Vegte

Hey guys my name is Blake! Over the past 2 years I’ve done full time missions in over 28 countries. From earthquake ministry in Türkiye, to unreached ministry in Pakistan, and leading a group trip to Indonesia with 14 guests in March 2025, I’ve fallen in love with reaching the lost with the Gospel.  If you are looking to be equipped in your missional call and stirred into deeper hunger to reach the searching in the nations, all the while getting to experience the beauty of a new country then this trip is for you.

Johané Fritz

Hey y’all! My name is Johané. I was born and raised in South Africa and now live in Texas, and there is truly nothing that compares to knowing Jesus and giving Him my all. Two years ago, I completed a missions school with YWAM, and ever since then, my heart for the nations and for people to know Jesus rightly has been burning brightly.

I’ve had the privilege of doing mission work in various countries across the world and co-leading Blake’s group trip to Indonesia in March 2025. I am deeply passionate about seeing people walk in the freedom that Jesus paid for and to know Him as He truly is. My heart is to see a generation equipped and empowered to live a life worthy of their calling. If you’re longing to grow in your relationship with Jesus, be stirred for the nations, have a ton of fun and experience the beauty of Vietnam, this trip is for you 🙂

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, make your own way to the joining hotel (pre-booking link and instructions will be sent closer to departure). After settling in, you may want to take a relaxed walk through the neighborhood to get a first glimpse of the city’s character and energy.

As evening approaches, your first taste of Hanoi’s magic begins with a guided street food adventure. This introduction to the city’s fragrant flavors and local stories is the perfect way to start your journey and connect with the group.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Street Food Dinner

✅ Activities

  • Guided Street Food Tour
  • Evening Walk Around Neighborhood

Day 2 Lan Ha Bay Cruise

This morning, you’ll set off on a scenic drive from Hanoi to Halong International Port, where you’ll be welcomed aboard your cruise ship for a journey through the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. As you sail between towering limestone karsts, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch inspired by local flavors.

The afternoon offers adventure with kayaking or a bamboo boat ride at Dark & Bright Cave, followed by time for swimming. Later, you can relax, join a cooking class, or take in the sunset from the sundeck before enjoying a set-menu dinner. In the evening, gather with Blake and Johane for a worship and prayer session on board.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

✅ Activities

  • Scenic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay
  • Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride at Dark & Bright Cave
  • Swimming
  • Sunset on Sundeck
  • Cooking Class (Optional)
  • Worship and Prayer Gathering with Blake & Johane

Day 3 Explore Viet Hai Village and Ba Trai Dao Beach

Greet the day with a stunning sunrise from the sundeck before enjoying a light breakfast on board. You’ll then transfer to a day boat for an excursion to Viet Hai Village, a peaceful hamlet hidden amid dense jungle. Here, a cycling tour through lagoons and forest trails reveals the slower pace of rural life, with lunch at a local house included.

In the afternoon, cruise to Ba Trai Dao Beach, where you’ll have time to kayak and swim in crystal-clear waters. Returning to the main cruise, you can relax, join another cooking demonstration, or simply enjoy dinner and the tranquil evening atmosphere.

🏨 Accommodation

  • Lan Ha Bay – Sea Coral Cruise or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

✅ Activities

  • Sunrise on Sundeck
  • Cycling Tour in Viet Hai Village
  • Lunch at Local House
  • Kayaking and Swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach
  • Cooking Demonstration (Optional)

Day 4 Disembark and Transfer to Ninh Binh

Begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck followed by a light breakfast as the cruise sails onward. A visit to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island showcases fascinating stalactites and its unique ecological system. Returning to the ship, enjoy a final buffet brunch before disembarking.

From the port, you’ll be transferred to Ninh Binh. After checking into your accommodation, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and unwind in this serene setting.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Buffet Brunch on Cruise

✅ Activities

  • Tai Chi on Sundeck
  • Visit to Trung Trang Cave
  • Transfer to Ninh Binh

Day 5 Ancient Temples and Scenic Sampan Ride

After a delicious breakfast, meet your local guide to explore Ninh Binh, often called the “birthplace of Vietnam.” Begin at Hoa Lu, once the capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties, where you’ll visit atmospheric ancient temples and learn about their historical significance.

Following a home-cooked lunch with a local family, continue to Bich Dong, a picturesque temple complex surrounded by limestone peaks. Here, a serene sampan ride takes you through ancient caves and along calm waters, providing both adventure and breathtaking scenery.

🏨 Accommodation

  • Ninh Binh – An’s Eco Garden or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

✅ Activities

  • Guided Visit to Hoa Lu Temples
  • Home-Cooked Lunch with Local Family
  • Sampan Ride at Bich Dong

Day 6 Unwind in Pu Luong

After an early breakfast, you’ll travel around three hours to Pu Luong, a tranquil national park known for its lush valleys and traditional villages. Upon arrival, check into your rustic accommodation and enjoy time to settle into this peaceful landscape.

A local lunch will be served before you decide how to spend your afternoon. You may wish to explore the surrounding trails with a guide or take the opportunity to relax with a book and soak up the serene mountain views.

🏨 Accommodation

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

✅ Activities

  • Scenic Drive to Pu Luong
  • Leisure Time in Village and Mountain Surroundings
  • Optional Guided Walks

Day 7 Trek to Hieu Waterfall

After breakfast at your lodge, lace up your hiking shoes for a 2.5-hour trek through stepped terraces and lush forest, leading to the stunning Hieu Waterfall. This refreshing mountain stream invites you for a cooling dip after the journey.

Hike back to the lodge where the rest of the day is yours to relax at leisure. In the evening, you’ll have the option to join a hands-on cooking class to learn northern recipes made with fresh, local ingredients.

🏨 Accommodation

  • Pu Luong – Pu Luong Tree House or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

✅ Activities

  • Guided Trek to Hieu Waterfall
  • Swimming in Mountain Stream
  • Optional Cooking Class in Evening

Day 8 Return to Hanoi and Explore the Old Quarter

Today you’ll return from Pu Luong to Hanoi, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy some free time before the evening’s activities. With fresh eyes, you’ll have the chance to rediscover the capital city and its bustling atmosphere.

In the evening, experience the lively Train Street, where you can enjoy a coffee while watching trains pass by just meters away. To celebrate the journey, a farewell dinner showcases Hanoi’s refined and traditional cuisine.

🏨 Accommodation

  • Hanoi – La Sante Hotel or similar

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast
  • Snacks
  • Farewell Dinner

✅ Activities

  • Return Journey to Hanoi
  • Guided Exploration of Train Street
  • Farewell Dinner

Day 9 Fond Farewell

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel this morning before checking out. You are free to depart at any time and make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.

🍽️ Included Meals

  • Breakfast

✅ Activities

  • Hotel Check-Out
  • Departure at Leisure

Trip Photos

Important Notes

ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Your departure airport is Nội Bài International Airport Hanoi (HAN).

DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Your departure airport is Nội Bài International Airport Hanoi (HAN).

AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. More specific information on transport options for your arrival and departure airports will be available on the airport websites.

Pre-booked airport transfers are available for most airports via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip

ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised when the trip is confirmed. Once that happens, we recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.

DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/vietnam-destination-guide/

TRIP CONFIRMATION:
This trip is CONFIRMED.

BOOKING FLIGHTS:
This trip is CONFIRMED, so you can book your flights.

BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required, and this will need to organised independently. There are a number of travel insurance comparison websites available.

For more information on travel insurance head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/

ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.

For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/

INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/

TRAVELLER CONDUCT & WELLBEING:
For a quick guide on how to enjoy our group trips safely, respectfully, and with the right balance of fun and wellbeing, head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/group-trips-great-times-how-to-eat-drink-stay-well-on-the-road/

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