Sustainable Vietnam: Community, Mountains and Nature in 13 Days

After a delightful breakfast at the hotel, you will rendezvous with the local coordinator for a comprehensive briefing on the tour program and engaging volunteering activities that await you. Next, you will meet your knowledgeable guide, who will lead you on a captivating exploration of Hanoi's enchanting sites. Marvel at the city's ochre-colored colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and serene lakes. Stop by an old coffee shop in the charming Old Quarter to savor the rich flavors of Vietnamese coffee while listening to intriguing tales about the daily lives of Hanoians. Your journey continues to the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a grandiose monument of marble and granite, housing the revered remains of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known as "Uncle Ho" by the Vietnamese. Explore the square and the magnificent mausoleum building from the outside, and admire the unique architecture of the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple crafted in the shape of a lotus blossom on a single stone pillar. A visit to Ho Chi Minh's House nearby offers insight into the revered leader's simple wooden dwelling, set in a tranquil setting where he lived and worked. Discover some of his personal belongings on display and climb the steps to glimpse his bedroom. Continuing the city tour, you will be captivated by the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's venerable national university established in the late 11th century. This picturesque temple exemplifies well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and graces the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. After a captivating journey, you will be returned to your hotel, where you can enjoy leisure time for the rest of the day. Overnight in Hanoi. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 13:30 Tour duration: 3.5 hours

Following breakfast at the hotel, at 08:00 am, embark on a picturesque 5.5 hours drive to Sapa. This frontier town, located 350km (217 mi) northwest of Hanoi near the Chinese border, boasts some of the world's most breathtaking terraced rice fields. Upon arriving in Sapa, savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant before taking some time to relax. In the afternoon, embrace a profound cultural experience as you become a part of the local community's daily life. Engage in farming activities, venture into the fields, and participate in environmental protection efforts to clean up the area. You may also visit the local school and join our team in renovating and enhancing its facilities. As the day draws to a close, spend quality time with the locals, playing traditional folk games, and engaging in heartfelt conversations to deepen your understanding of each other's cultures and traditions. Overnight in Sapa.

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel before heading to the village. Today, immerse yourself in the local community's daily routines once again. Join in farming activities, venture into the fields, and participate in environmental protection efforts to maintain the area's pristine beauty. You may also visit the local school, offering your support in renovating and improving its facilities. Throughout the day, witness the authentic life of Vietnamese people and relish the invaluable opportunity for cultural exchange. Bid farewell to the people you have bonded with over the past days, as you prepare for the excitement of your next adventure tomorrow. Overnight in Sapa.

Following breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 30-minute drive from Sapa to the captivating Love Waterfall, named after a poignant legend of a fairy who fell in love with a mountain boy playing his flute in this enchanting setting. En route, you have the option to make a leisurely stop at a local farm for exploration. Continuing uphill, venture to Heaven's Gate along the Tram Ton Mountain Pass, offering breathtaking views from the majestic Mount Fansipan, towering at an impressive 3,143 meters (10,312 feet) above sea level, as the highest peak in Indochina. Capture unforgettable photographs of the awe-inspiring scenery before returning to Sapa. Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on the journey back to Hanoi in the late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi. Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 09 hours Total trekking distance: 2km (1mi)

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel, preparing for an engaging day at the forest park on the Red River bank, where local children gather for joyous moments. Join a dedicated team of volunteers in revitalizing and nurturing the green space in children's playgrounds, involving tasks like tree planting, watering, garbage collection, and creative decorations. Take part in planning and designing a vibrant Green Space for the children, with activities like planting more trees and creating educational signs and seating arrangements. Immerse yourself in the warm community spirit, working together to build a safe and enjoyable environment for the children. Overnight in Hanoi. Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 07 hours

Today, you will have the honor of joining forces with our esteemed partner, the Blue Dragon Foundation, to participate in meaningful farming activities. This experience will not only deepen your understanding of organic agriculture in Vietnam but also contribute to growing fruits and vegetables that will benefit children in need. The Blue Dragon Foundation has been making an incredible impact, providing support to children in crisis, rescuing victims of human trafficking, empowering underprivileged families, and offering a safe haven and education to homeless children. In the morning, we will take you to the picturesque Blue Dragon farm located in the Long Bien district, a tranquil rural area near Hanoi. Witness the locals' expertise in cultivating tropical fruits and chemical-free vegetables. Roll up your sleeves and engage in gardening tasks, including planting, watering, and harvesting these nutritious crops. Collaborate with like-minded volunteers who share the vision of sustainability. The produce from this farm is distributed to impoverished families with children, disabled children, and those in the care of the Blue Dragon Foundation. Any surplus is sold in the market to raise funds for additional support to these deserving kids. Overnight in Hanoi. Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 07 hours

Embark on an enchanting journey through the picturesque countryside to embrace local culture and traditions with a full-day tour of Tho Ha Village, Galaxy Grotto, and Nho Quan. Depart from Hanoi and enjoy a two-hour drive to reach Tho Ha Village in Nho Quan. Embark on a delightful 5-15km (3-10mi) bike ride through charming villages and breathtaking landscapes. Arrive at Dong Tam Hamlet and engage in exhilarating agricultural activities like crab catching, fishing, and transplanting and watering vegetables. Savor a cooking class and lunch with a warm local family, relishing the delectable sweet potato cakes and grilled fish. Following lunch, board a rowboat at Nha Le Pier for a captivating journey to Galaxy Grotto, a magnificent 900m (2,953ft)-deep cave adorned with stunning stalactites that resemble a galaxy of stars. Within the Grotto resides a sizable colony of bats, which you can observe near the cave's end. After this unforgettable adventure, we will transfer you to your hotel in the scenic area of Ninh Binh province. Overnight in Ninh Binh. Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:00 Tour duration: 07 hours (including transfer)

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a scenic 4-hour journey to Halong Bay, with a brief 20-minute stop along the way. The captivating landscape of Halong Bay, adorned with thousands of limestone islands emerging from the emerald sea, creates an iconic and picturesque image of Vietnam. To fully appreciate this natural wonder, an overnight boat trip is a must. Upon arrival at the jetty in Halong City around noon, complete the check-in procedures before being warmly welcomed on board. Savor a delectable lunch as the boat cruises towards the bay. The afternoon offers various visits and activities, including the opportunity to swim and kayak around the enchanting limestone formations (subject to each boat's itinerary) or simply unwind on the vessel. As the day draws to a close, the ship anchors among the awe-inspiring karst formations. Join the "Action for a Green Ha Long" initiative to contribute to environmental conservation by collecting waste from two secluded beaches at the bay's edge. A delightful dinner awaits on board. Overnight in Halong Bay.

Wake up to a mesmerizing sunrise over Halong Bay and relish breakfast on board (brunch on some boats). As the vessel leisurely cruises back to the port, take in the breathtaking surroundings. Disembark and proceed to the airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the enchanting city of Hoi An. The rest of the day is yours to explore and unwind. Overnight in Hoi An.

Start your day with a delightful morning walk led by your knowledgeable guide through the enchanting streets of Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage ancient town beckons with its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only lanes, and captivating local cuisine, offering a glimpse into its illustrious history. Wander through the narrow alleys as your guide shares fascinating stories of the old merchant houses showcasing a fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architectural styles. Marvel at the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, an iconic landmark linking the Japanese and Chinese quarters. Visit the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation, adorned with intricate woodcarvings, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the local market, brimming with specialty products, silk, and clothing. In the afternoon, embark on a journey to discover sustainable kitchen waste recycling methods. Experience the ingenious technique of vermicomposting, where worms break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost. Witness firsthand the incredible benefits of vermicompost as a powerful plant growth enhancer that enhances resilience against pests and unfavorable conditions. Gain valuable insights into setting up a vermicomposting system at home or within the community garden. Understand the significance of local initiatives in training residents to adopt this sustainable practice for both their livelihoods and the environment. Overnight in Hoi An.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an exciting cycling adventure in Vong Nhi village. Get ready to explore the picturesque countryside, cycling approximately 6 kilometers through enchanting landscapes. Marvel at the green water coconut forest, observe prawn and red snapper farms, and immerse yourself in the rustic charm of the rice fields. Arriving at Thanh Dong organic farm, a 10,000 square meter haven supporting ten local families, take a leisurely stroll through the bountiful vegetable garden while listening to the transformative story of the farmers who adopted organic cultivation methods. Join the farmers in hands-on gardening activities, including preparing and applying organic manure, sowing herb seeds, and tending to the lush vegetation. Afterward, experience an unforgettable basket boat ride along the Do River, witnessing the fascinating fishing life of the local villagers en route to The Field Restaurant. Delight in a short cooking class and savor a delightful Vietnamese family-style lunch amid the beautiful scenery. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hoi An. NOTES: Suggested departure time: 08:00 or 14:00 Tour duration: 04 hours

Indulge in a wholesome breakfast on your final day in Hoi An. Complete the hotel check-out process, and if time permits, explore the local markets to find special souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed to the airport for your departure and board your flight back home. Your incredible journey comes to an end. Trip Ends.