Vietnam – Cultural Gems

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Signature Journey

10 Days / 9 Nights

$4,295 Adult / $3,995 Child

From Hanoi's historic old town to stunning countryside landscapes, experience Vietnam’s charm while engaging with leading social projects.

The Experience

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Vietnam, where the vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes awaits to captivate your senses. From the bustling streets of Hanoi, where the aromas of street food waft through the air, to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, where emerald waters cradle towering limestone cliffs, Vietnam is unrivaled in its diversity.

Over the course of 10 days, we’ll connect with several organizations working to improve both society as well as the country’s increasingly threatened wildlife in one of Asia’s fastest growing countries. We’ll also experience all that Northern & Central Vietnam has to offer (with the option to extend your trip to the South). Sail over the calm waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cycle through rice fields of Vietnam’s countryside and meet with the locals in centuries-old villages. Visit the workshop of Mr. Liem, a passionate seventh-generation water puppet master. Each night, unwind in the comfort of a hand-picked 4-star boutique hotel. 

Southeast Asia’s Emerging Destination

Vietnam is one of this year’s top travel destinations for good reason! Experience the best of Northern & Central Vietnam while lending a hand to partner projects in true Discover Corps fashion.

Our Impact

Vietnam is one of the fastest growing countries in Asia. This makes it an exciting destination to experience, but also puts pressure on both the culture and natural environment. As guests of Discover Corps, we’ll take you behind-the-scenes to meet several innovative leaders addressing these issues. In Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest and most respected, we’ll have the opportunity to lend a hand on daily tasks to rangers helping to protect the park’s wildlife. We’ll also make a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, home to a range of monkeys and other primates. In Hoi An, we’ll support the work of one of Vietnam’s leading NGOs, Reaching Out. With the goal to empower locals with disabilities, we’ll join the team for an afternoon at their quaint café making traditional paper lanterns and seeing how these life skills change lives.

Where You’ll Stay

Begin the journey at the charming 4-star La Siesta Classic Hang Thung in the heart of Hanoi’s scenic Old Quarter. A brand new property that combines traditional Vietnamese style with a modern twist, enjoy the hotel’s pool & spa as well as morning breakfast overlooking the city at the rooftop restaurant. 

Continue on to the countryside enclave of Ninh Binh for two nights at the 4-star Tam Coc Garden Resort. A wellness & nature retreat, this hotel blissfully combines the surrounding nature with well-appointed rooms & amenities. Then it’s off to Ha Long Bay for one memorable night on the water aboard the 5-star luxury MV Orchid, a small ship cruise that will take you to the most beautiful corners of the bay.  


The last three nights will be spent in the relaxing ancient town of Hoi An at the 4-star Allegro Hoi An. A luxurious hotel nestled in the heart of Hoi An, the Allegro is known for its elegant design and sophisticated ambiance. With a blend of colonial and Vietnamese architectural elements, Allegro Hoi An offers a stylish retreat that blends comfort and a touch of local charm.

Itinerary Overview

Land in Vietnam’s capital of Hanoi and settle into your 4-star boutique hotel in the historic heart of the city. The next day, venture out on a guided walking tour of Haoi’s old quarter before an unforgettable cooking class led by a Master Chef, Ms. Ai. Continue the journey through Hanoi with a behind-the-scenes visit to Mr. Liem’s studio, a well-known seventh-generation puppet maker and performer before a visit to Vietnam’s past with a visit to Vietnam War Veteran’s home.

Head out to the countryside for 2 nights where we’ll take a relaxing boat ride along a meandering river while supporting conservation efforts with the rangers of Cuc Phuong National Park. Afterwards, continue to Ha Long Bay for an incredible overnight journey in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. On Day 7, we’ll fly to Danang in Central Vietnam for our last three nights in Central Vietnam. Explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town, lend a hand at the Reaching Out NGO and spend a day meandering through small villages and rice paddies. 

Your Expert Local Guide

Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey. Please note that the actual guide may vary from date-to-date.

Duy Tuan Trinh

My name is Duy Tuan Trinh & I look forward to hosting you in Vietnam! I have been guiding community-based tours throughout Vietnam for nearly two decades. These experiences have brought me to nearly every corner of Vietnam from well-known tourist-sites to untouched mountain villages. This is a place that truly has magic around every corner. I absolutely love my country and cannot wait to show it to you! 

Optional Post-Trip Extension

Discover Corps’ post-trip extensions allow you to extend your experience beyond the core itinerary and explore unique corners of the destination.

Traveler’s Journal

It’s difficult to put into words just how special of a place Vietnam is. From the moment we landed in Hanoi, Discover Corps took us to meet people and discover corners of the city I could have never imagined. Ha Long Bay was stunning and the time spent in the national parks was really special for our daughter. Oh and we LOVED Hoi An – such a nice little Vietnamese town with so much to explore!

Martha G.

Kansas City, MO

Read More Discover Corps Reviews

Rating: 5/5 stars

Dates and Prices

Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and meals to make your experience hassle-free.

$4,295 Adult

$3,995 Child

  • Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult
  • There is a mandatory $150 one-way domestic flight supplement (Hanoi-Danang)
  • Single Room Supplement = $795. This will guarantee you your own, single occupancy room for the entirety of the trip. If you are a solo traveler and would like us to match you with a roommate of the same gender, please book as double occupancy. See full details here.

What’s Included:

  • 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners.
  • 8 nights in 4-star premier boutique hotel lodging
  • 1 night on a 5-star cruise along Ha Long Bay
  • Transportation in private vehicles
  • An immersive itinerary including behind-the-scenes visits to local organizations
  • Discover Corps guide that is there to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
  • All scheduled activities and excursions
  • $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Trip literature and pre-departure support from Discover Corps
  • 24-hour Discover Corps emergency hotline while traveling

What’s Not Included:

  • Tips for the Discover Corps guide and driver
  • 2 dinners / 1 lunch
  • International airfare
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Vietnamese Visa
  • $150 one-way domestic flight supplement

Dates

Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Want to make it private? Schedule a personal travel consultation and we’ll make it happen.

2025 Dates

January 12-21, 2025

February 9-18, 2025

March 23-April 1, 2025

April 13-22, 2025

May 11-20, 2025

June 22-July 1, 2025

July 6-15, 2025

July 20-29, 2025

August 10-19, 2025

August 17-26, 2025

September 21-30, 2025

October 12-21, 2025

November 23- December 2, 2025

December 14-23, 2025

December 21-30, 2025

December 28-January 6, 2026

2026 Dates

January 11-20, 2026

February 8-17, 2026

March 23-April 1 , 2026

April 12-21, 2026

May 10-19, 2026

June 21-30, 2026

July 5-14, 2026

August 9-18, 2026

September 20-29, 2026

October 11-20, 2026

November 15-24, 2026

December 27-January 5, 2027

Want to learn more?

Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More

Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.

Customized Private Trips

Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.