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Vegan North & Central Vietnam: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure

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Book your trip!
From$6,995$6,495
Book your trip!
From$6,995$6,495

Secure your spot on the trip and book now by paying your deposit of USD 1500$/person. Contact us if you wish to be added on the waiting list instead.

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Why Travel With Us?

  • All meals included, all 100% plant-based. Here's your chance to try local favorites!
  • Hand-picked tours & activities specifically catered by vegans, for vegans
  • Emphasis on wildlife with visits to sanctuaries, refuges & shelters
  • Deluxe accommodation with a focus on location and comfort
  • Two tour leaders per trip for ultimate attention & service during your adventure
  • Travel the world with fellow vegans and create life-lasting friendships

Getting Started With World Vegan Travel

  • Trip Length:10 days / 9 nights
  • Trip Dates:21-30 September, 2024
  • Start Location:Hanoi
  • Trip Price:USD 6995$/person - EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT 6495$/PERSON!
  • End Location:Hoi An / Danang
  • Single Supplement:USD 950$
  • Group Size:14-24 travelers
  • Sign Up Deposit:USD 1500$/person
Bustling cities, UNESCO Heritage sites, old citadels, sailing in Halong Bay, pagodas & temples, moon & sun bears, history, culture, and amazing fresh Vietnamese food… all VEGAN!
We're Off To Vietnam

It’s one of most exciting and popular countries on Earth, rich in history, cuisine, stunning scenery, pulsating cities, fascinating culture…. no wonder it’s constantly rated one of the top best countries to visit!

Add some vegan-centric activities, like a visit to a moon & sun bear sanctuary and tracking Langurs in the jungle, and all that delicious Vietnamese cuisine 100% veganized, and you have the trip of a lifetime!

As amazing as the region is, it can be daunting to plan the perfect trip and never having to worry about ingredients like fish sauce. From deluxe and perfectly located accommodation to activities specifically catered for vegans and vegan-curious, we’ve got you covered!

The World Vegan Travel founders lived in Vietnam for 4 years and is actually where they adopted their 2 fur babies, so the country remains very dear in their hearts!  They couldn’t be more excited to show your around their previous home.

This trip will begin in charming Hanoi where you’ll have the chance to visit some of the sights and the nearby Animal’s Asia Moon Bear Sanctuary. We then head over to world-famous Halong Bay for a 1-night cruise on our own private luxury boat

We’ll fly over to the ancient capital city of Hue to visit some temples and enjoy a royal dinner, before finishing things off in style in cute Hoi An where we’ll try your hand at Vietnamese cooking and enjoy a bicycle ride amongst the gorgeous rice paddies of Vietnam’s countryside.  Throughout you will enjoy one feast after another of all your (veganized!) Vietnamese favorites!

All of this and much more await you, so pack your sense of adventure and come join us in one of the world’s most amazing countries, VIETNAM!

Why You'll Love This Trip
  • 100% veganized Vietnamese cuisine: all your favorites and lots of new dishes!
  • a memorable visit to Animals Asia's Moon Bear Sanctuary
  • magical night in Halong Bay on our very own veganized deluxe boat
  • learn Vietnamese cooking with a class by the river in quaint Hoi An
  • guided city tours of Hanoi and Hue
  • track down rare langurs ​in their own habitat
  • bicycle ride through the Vietnamese countryside
  • Explore Vietnam in style with deluxe accommodations throughout
Trip Info

Trip Price

USD 6995$/person – EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT 6495$/PERSON!

Single Supplement

USD 950$/person

Tour Dates

21-30 September, 2024

Start/End

Start: Hanoi

End: Hoi An (closest airport is Danang Airport)

Group Size

14-24 travelers

Trip Status

This trip is CONFIRMED!

Price Includes

  • all meals, from breakfast to dinner, all 100% plant-based, all delicious!
  • airport pickup (Hanoi) & transfer to Danang Airport (on departure day only)
  • all general drinks (water, juice, coffee, tea, wine, beer) during included meals
  • live Q&A before the trip to ask your questions to the tour leaders
  • 4 & 5 star hotels throughout
  • 1-night luxury cruise in Halong Bay
  • guided tours in Hanoi & Hue
  • entrance to all included activities
  • cooking lesson in Hoi An
  • one complimentary laundry day
  • all ground transportation for included activities
  • all tips for local guides and drivers during our included activities
  • two professional English-speaking tour leaders plus local Vietnamese guides

Price Excludes

  • Transportation (ie flights, ferry) to/from Vietnam
  • optional activities outside of what we've planned (see itinerary for more detail)
  • medical travel insurance (mandatory)
  • premium brand alcoholic drinks
  • extra snacks, drinks, alcoholic beverages and meals outside of what's included (see itinerary)
  • tips for guides/drivers on non-included activities, or to hotel staff (completely optional)
Itinerary

Do note that the itinerary below is subject to change. Some activities, times and even days may get switched around, but once you sign up you will be kept updated. Please rest assured that if anything does change, it will be for the best and make the trip even better. We’re hoping that the itinerary below should, at the very least, whet your appetite — pun definitely intended!

DAY 1- Hanoi: first meeting & dinner

We will be meeting at our hotel in HANOI in mid-afternoon for a quick introduction before heading out to our first memorable dinner. 

Please note that this trip includes an airport pickup (from Hanoi only), regardless of when you arrive or where you are staying for those extra nights (if any). 

Accommodation:

Sofitel Metropole, 5 stars

Included:

welcome meeting & drinks

dinner

non-premium drinks during dinner

all transportation once the trip begins

Excluded:

breakfast & lunch

premium drinks

DAY 2- Hanoi city tour

After breakfast, we’ll set out to explore Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi.  We’ll visit the mausoleum, Temple of Litterature and Hỏa Lò Prison, famously known as the Hanoi Hilton during the war. 

Accommodation:

Sofitel Metropole, 5 stars

Included:

all entry fees to the Temple of Litterature, Mausoleum and Hỏa Lò Prison

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 3- Animals Asia's Moon & Sun Bear Sanctuary

Today we head into the hill north of Hanoi for a visit at Animal Asia’s Bear Sanctuary.  We will enjoy a private tour of the sanctuary, learn of the plights of the bears in Vietnam and the work this amazing organization is doing, and then have some time to visit with the wonderful resident bears.

Back in town, we’ll head over for a fun Bia Hoi (local beer pub) experience before dinner.

Accommodation:

Sofitel Metropole, 5 stars

Included:

private visit of Animal Asia Bear Sanctuary

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 4- Halong Bay

This morning we leave Hanoi for the ~2hrs drive to world famous Halong Bay.  We will board our own private luxury boat for an overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Along the way we’ll stop at few spots, go kayaking and attend a cooking demo. 

Accommodation:

Halong Bay cruise boat, TBC

Included:

private luxury boat in Halong Bay, and all included activities (kayaking, land visits)

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 5- Flight to Hue

Today we’ll spend the morning cruising around Halong Bay and enjoying the incredible scenery, before disembarking at around noon. 

We’ll then head to the airport for our ~1.5hrs flight to Vietnam’s ancient capital of Hue

We’ll check-in to our hotel before going out for dinner.  

Accommodation:

Pilgrimage Village, Hue, 4 stars

Included:

Cruise in Halong Bay

flight Hanoi-Hue

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 6- Hue

Along with our local guide, we’ll spend the day visiting Hue, including its citadel and a few gorgeous temples. 

Dinner tonight will be an affair fit for a king, with a memorable traditional Royal Cuisine, all made vegan for us!  

Accommodation:

Pilgrimage Village, Hue, 4 stars

Included:

guided tour of Hue’s main sites

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 7- To Hoi An

We set out early this morning to cross the Hai Van pass and into South Vietnam.  Our first stop will be just next to Vietnam’s 3rd biggest city, Danang, to go track the Red-shanked Douc Langur.  They are quite shy so fingers crossed that we can spot some of these beautiful monkeys in their own habitat! 

We then continue south with a lunch stop by the beautiful sandy An Bang beach.

After lunch we finally arrive at our final home in Vietnam, Hoi An.  This small village can be quite touristy but there’s no denying its colonial charm!  It’s a pleasure to explore it’s small streets and boutiques, and a great place to get tailor-made clothes!  We’ll stop by such a tailor before heading out to dinner. 

Accommodation:

Anantara Hoi An Resort, 5 stars

Included:

tracking the Red-shanked Douc Langur

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 8- Hoi An & Cooking Lesson

After breakfast, we’ll get an orientation tour of Hoi An and some free time for you to explore on your own, before meeting up for lunch at our hotel. 

This afternoon we head out to a nearby riverside restaurant to learn how to cook Vietnamese food, before sitting down and tasting the fruits of our labour! 

Accommodation:

Anantara Hoi An Resort, 5 stars

Included:

orientation tour of Hoi An

cooking lesson

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 9- Hoi An's countryside & final dinner

Today we’ll head out into the countryside.. on bicycles!  We’ll weave in and out of rice paddies and go through small villages before finishing up at Tra Que village, where we’ll try traditional farming and learn how to make rice pancakes. We’ll then return to our hotel by jeep! 

After some free time this afternoon, we’ll head out to our final dinner feast in our privatized outdoor location.  Final dinners on a World Vegan Travel trip are always memorable, and this certainly won’t be the exception!  

Accommodation:

Anantara Hoi An Resort, 5 stars

Included:

guided bike tour of Hoi An’s countryside 

breakfast, lunch & dinner

non-premium drinks during meals

all transportation

Excluded:

premium drinks

DAY 10- Departure

Today is sadly our departure day.   Please note that we will include transfers to your next hotel (if applicable) or the airport, but on this day only.

You can of course choose to stay put a few extra nights, either at our hotel or another one of your choosing.  

Whatever your plans, here at World Vegan Travel thank you so very much for entrusting us with your precious holiday time, and hope we’ll get to see each other somewhere in the world again soon! 

Accommodation:

  N/A

Included:

breakfast

transfer to Danang airport or another hotel

Excluded:

lunch & dinner

Your Journey

Booking Terms & Conditions
How To Join
Single Travelers
Payment Schedule
Payment Methods & Fees
Cancellation Policy
Important Notes

We  expect this trip to sell out quickly so ensure your spot on the trip and sign up early by paying the sign-up fee per person.    

The sign-up fee is non-refundable under any conditions UNLESS the trip is not confirmed by the deadline (see TRIP INFO).  Please carefully read our cancellation policy section for more information.

In order to sign up, fill in the form on this page.  Any problems or questions?  Email us!

If you are signing up as a single, please read our single travelers section for more information and the single supplement cost.

Please note that signing up before the deadline does not guarantee the trip will run as this depends on having the necessary minimum of participants.  

SINGLE ROOMS are available at a premium, unfortunately.  Please take note of our SINGLE SUPPLEMENT in the pricing section. 

SHARING ROOM WITH ANOTHER SOLO TRAVELER: if you would prefer to share a room with another single, please let us know.  We’ll add you to our list until another single of the same gender signs up. We will put you both in touch so you can confirm that sharing is your preference before booking.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Following the sign-up fee (PAYMENT #1), the remaining balance will be due in 2 installments:

  • 1 month after the trip has been confirmed OR immediately if the trip is already confirmed: 50% of remaining balance (PAYMENT #2)
  • 3 months before the trip’s start date: final balance (PAYMENT #3).   This is non-negotiable.  If you do not pay the balance for your trip, your place will be given to another individual and your payments until then will be forfeited.

We can work with you on a payment plan:  pay your trip in the usual 2 installments, or opt for several.   Contact us to discuss what works best for you!

PAYMENT METHODS
We currently accept US DOMESTIC BANK TRANSFERS and CREDIT CARDS PAYMENTS.  

EXTRA PAYMENT FEES
Online Bank Payment – US only: also called eCheck or ACH, we do not charge a fee for this, although your bank may do so.   Please inquire with them directly.

Credit card payment​: the following fees will be added to the total:

  • 2.9% for Visa and MasterCard
  • 3.9% for American Express

Since our trips are highly catered and made of activities that need a lot of planning and organization, all payments (the initial sign-up fee, 50% deposit and final payment) are all non-refundable.     This is because we must forward payments for accommodation, transportation, suppliers, etc. very early on, in order to privatize our accommodation, activities and our meals.

To see our booking terms and conditions you can click here. You will find the cancellation policy in section 9 and 10.

TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE​ – MANDATORY
This is requirement to join a World Vegan Travel trip.   We need to know you are covered for any medical situation, including evacuation, in case of emergency.    You will need to provide a policy and emergency contact number in order to join the trip.  This can be done just prior to the trip’s date.   

Trip Insurance (ie. covering your flight tickets, luggage, etc.) is definitely recommended as well, but not mandatory. 

ITINERARY
​The itinerary is therefore subject to change, especially if we find an experience that we believe would make the trip even better. 

DIET RESTRICTION & ALLERGIES
​We do try to accommodate everyone’s food restrictions, especially allergies.   We can only do so if you let us know of any requirements when you sign up.  We begin working with all our hotels and restaurants a long time in advance, and meals are usually locked several months before the trip.  At this point, it is often no longer possible to change menus.   

​In other words: it is your responsibility to alert us of any dietary requirements, restrictions, allergies and needs, when you sign up.

FAQ

​TOUR PRICE REASONING

We do realize our prices seem high.   However, when compared to many other tours to the region, we are actually comparatively priced when you take into account that our trips include all meals (and vegan to boot!) and drinks, all the tips for drivers and local guides, and many other extras like a amenities/essentials bag, a free laundry day and the support of 2 full time tour leaders (most tours have only one).

It’s also worth noting that there aren’t many 100% fully vegan tours to Vietnam.  Veganism is still somewhat of a new concept, despite their cuisine being very vegetarian-friendly at its base.   Our trip cost does factor in the lengthy and hard work done with all our hotels, restaurants and local partners in educating and preparing them for our visit (meals, advocacy, toiletries, etc), which is far beyond any tasks that other tour companies are faced with.  This work begins several months before the trip, and approaches full-time hours around 2-3 months prior to the trip’s start date.

We also realize that for many, these types of trips are something they’ve dreamed about for many years.  As such, we’ve constructed an itinerary that will make this trip truly memorable in regards to our accommodation, meals, and choice of activities.   

CAN I SIGN UP AS A SINGLE TRAVELER?

Absolutely!   We have many people on our trip that sign up as solo travelers.   ​However do note that single rooms availability is low, so book quickly!  Please see our COST & SIGN-UP section for more information.  

Should you still be on the waiting list when the trip closes and gets confirmed, we may be able to offer you a single room (depending on availability).

​FLIGHTS, VISAS & INSURANCE

FLIGHTS
You are in charge of your own transportation — whether it be flights, train, bus, car, etc. — to our starting city, and your return transportation from our departure city. 

For your arrival, we ask that you try and arrive early on the first day, as our first meeting tends to be in the early afternoon.  This exact time and place will be confirmed at a later date, but do plan ahead adequately to leave you enough time to get to our meeting place by that time.  Even better is arriving one or more days before.  This would provide you with a chance to take care of jet-lag and visit the town.

Please note that your transportation to our first meeting point is not included.  

VISAS
Visitors for a few European countries (ie UK) do not require a visa for stays up to 115 days.  

For most, including Canadians and Americans, a visa is required.  You can easily get a visa online (e-visa) which is valid for a single entry up to 30 days.  We will send all the necessary information once you are booked on the trip. 

TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical travel insurance is mandatory on our trip.    We need to have assurances that you are fully covered in the event of a medical emergency, including repatriation.  You will need to send us your policy detail and emergency contact number before the trip’s start date.

Trip Insurance (trip cancellation, lost baggage, etc.), on the other hand, is entirely up to you, though we highly recommend purchasing it.  It often comes packaged along with medical travel insurance, or you may get coverage simply by paying for the trip using a credit card (inquire with your card supplier). 

CAN YOU HELP WITH BOOKING OUR FLIGHTS AND ONGOING TRAVEL?

As we are not a travel agency or booking agents, we can’t book any flights or ongoing travel (ie hotels, transportation, etc) for you. However we can surely help with recommendations, suggestions and tips as you look into flights, or extending your holiday. It never hurts to ask, so don’t hesitate to contact us with any queries whatsoever!

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

Vietnam is large enough to have several distinct climate zones, and we will visit 2 during our trip. 

  • The North has four distinct seasons, and we will be there right before the beginning autumn when the temperature transitions  from hot to pleasant.  We should expect minimal rain. 
  • In the Central regions the Hải Vân Pass separates two different weather patterns of the North starting from the milder conditions South starting in Đà Nẵng.  It will be hot, with temperature ranging between 24.4°C (75.92°F) and 29.7°C (85.46°F).

WHAT SHOULD I PACK?

While we don’t have a luggage restriction on this trip, we recommend you not to bring more than 1 suitcase per person. You will need to carry your bags only from the bus to the hotel a few times, but also when you arrive/leave at airports.  You should still make sure you can lift it by yourself (ie it’s not too heavy).

We do have one free laundry included on the trip, so hopefully this can help in not over-packing. Laundry will also be available on other days at a fee.

In terms of clothing, it’s a good idea to bring some late-summer garb, such as light cotton pants, t-shirts, etc. It will get hotter when we get to Hoi An, so you should bring summer clothes.

Don’t forget a swimsuit as our hotels have a pool, and we’ll also stop by the beach in Hoi An.  A hat and/or umbrella is a good idea to block off the sun.

A sweater or light jacket for the cooler evenings up north is a good idea. A rain jacket or a small umbrella could prove useful.

Do bring some comfortable, but sturdy, shoes, as we have many walking tours. 

  • Other essentials should include:
  • sunglasses
  • Cameras and plenty of batteries and storage cards is a must.
  • sunscreen lotion

We will be sending an info packet several weeks before the trip that will include, amongst other bits of information, a packing list.

WILL MY MOBILE PHONE WORK IN VIETNAM ?

Your phone should work in Vietnam, provided you have an international roaming package from your home carrier, or you can purchase a local SIM card once you land in Vietnam.  We will send you all pertinent information once you book the trip. 

​WILL THERE BE INTERNET ACCESS DURING THE TRIP?

Yes, our hotel has WIFI, and we will also have internet connection on-board our coaches. For the latter, connection speeds may vary, as will the connection itself.

​HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?

We provide all accommodation, transportation and meals. All expenses during our included activities are taken care of, including tips for guides and drivers.

You will then only need cash for extra purchases such as souvenirs, extra drinks outside of what’s included, extra snacks, etc. There are ATMs in every town and credit cards are accepted in many places. This mostly means Visa and MasterCard, with American Express having quite a lower acceptance rate outside of hotels and higher-end restaurants.

The tour leaders will be carrying extra cash. If you decide to go on an optional activity at the last minute but don’t have enough money, we will be able to help you out and you can simply pay us back when we find an ATM.

Tipping hotel and restaurant staff is not necessary and entirely up to you.

​I HAVE A DIETARY RESTRICTION (ALLERGIES, GLUTEN-FREE, ETC)

This is generally not a problem, but we do need to be informed at the time of booking so we may prepare the meals accordingly. Please be as precise and detailed as possible. Once on the trip, it is difficult and/or not possible to change our meal plans.

HOW MUCH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY CAN I EXPECT?

We have some guided walking tours around Hanoi and Hue, and a bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside.  Overall, nothing too strenuous or difficult, but you should be able to walk a few hours a day. 

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO JOIN THE TRIP?

Youth above 16 years young are welcome.    We are currently not accepting any younger children. ​

There’s no upper age limit, though do note that there is a fair amount of walking on this trip. 

WHAT DRINKS ARE INCLUDED?

We will provide water, juice, coffee, tea, some cocktails and wine/beer during lunches and all dinners and some activities. We will make it clear what’s included and what’s not. Premium alcoholic drinks (ie expensive cognac, whiskey, champagne, etc) are not included. You can pay for those on the spot or sign it to the room and pay when checking out.

LGBTQ TRAVELLERS

World Vegan Travel aims to be a safe place for all LGBTQ travelers. We have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination of any sort.

Vietnam is a relatively hassle-free destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. In recent years, the country has made positive strides recognizing the role of the LGBTQIA+ community. Same-sex relationships and same-sex sexual acts are legal, and a ban on same-sex marriages was lifted in in January 2015. Viet Pride marches take place in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and gay characters appear in mainstream television and films.

Still, Vietnam is not perfect and very much remains a socially conservative nation.  Travelers, however, are typically exempt from social stigma and usually find Vietnam to be an extremely hospitable and welcoming destination. While displays of affection will likely draw disapproving glares, the same holds true for straight couples. 

As long as LGBTQIA+ travelers display some discretion and respect local culture, they will have no problem visiting Vietnam.