TO BOOK: Contact Intrepid at TailormadeUK@intrepidtravel.com / 0330 808 7326.
If you phone, be sure to ask for the Tailor Made team!
Join a small group of Sole Sisters for this once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Uncover the heart and soul of Vietnam, where vibrant culture, extraordinary food, and breathtaking landscapes come together.
Ramble through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter and the enchanting lanes of Hoi An's Old Town during the world-famous lantern festival.
Experience the dynamic energy of Ho Chi Minh City and cruise through Ha Long Bay
Dive into Vietnam's rich history with visits to Hue's Imperial Citadel and indulge in authentic Vietnamese Imperial cuisine.
A dedicated local Intrepid travel guide and SSR host will take you beyond sightseeing with daily recommendations and purpose-driven visits to inspiring organization.
Before you go, you'll prepare for your adventure and get to know your travel companions in a dedicated trip WhatsApp group.
This trip promises a life-enriching adventure made even better by sharing it with other solo women travelers in midlife and beyond.
We're sure it will be the start of new lifelong friendships.
Prices for this adventure are as follows:
GBP: £ 1,830
EUR: € 2,140
CAD: $ 3,385
USD: $ 2,450
Prices are based on a twin shared room there is an additional charge for a single supplement room.
GBP: £ 380
EUR: € 445
CAD: $ 705
USD: $ 510
Deposit: USD $400 at booking time.
Full payment: 70 days before departure.
International flights not included.
A bucket list adventure with like-minded women.
Experience Hoi An's
World Famous Lantern Festival
The city and river will be adorned with colorful lanterns creating a truly magical ambiance against one of the world's most beautiful historic backdrops.
Everywhere is in Rambling distance with Sole Sisters.
Need to knows!
Rambler Question:
"I was wondering if most women take this trip solo as part of the organized trip or if they tend to travel in groups of friends. Since the cap is 15 participants, could it be that 9 friends travel together with a few others joining them? I'm just curious about the group dynamics!"
Answer:
Our trips are specifically designed for solo travelers, and most women who sign up do not know anyone else before booking the trip.
To help build connections, we host a pre-trip WhatsApp group. This allows everyone to get to know each other before the trip, arrange travel plans, and discuss preparation for the journey
Sole Sister Ramblers and Intrepid are collaborating to take you beyond the everyday sights to see the hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
They will introduce you to the local people and culture at the heart of your trip.
It will be all about the hard-to-forget experiences in hard-to-find places.
You'll see all the highlights, but the real magic will happen off the beaten path, in the backstreet bodegas, local eateries, and other real-life experiences you won't find in a search engine.
You'll enjoy your adventure with other like-minded women 45+, finding travel companions and friends that will last a lifetime.
Rambler Question: What is the sleeper train like?
Riding the train is a quintessential part of a Vietnam adventure.
The North-South railway line in Vietnam stretches almost 2,000 km and serves as a transport network and a symbol of a reunified and connected country.
Although few travelers attempt the entire route in one go, the epic 36-hour journey from Hanoi to Saigon (or vice versa) is considered one of the world's most iconic railway experiences.
The atmosphere on the sleeper trains is rustic, but it's fun and adventurous and offres fantastic people watching.
Intrepid usually offers two nights on sleeper trains for this itinerary. However, we felt one overnight train ride would suit us Ramblers. That's why we will be flying to Saigon.
Sleeper trains typically have four berth compartments with bench seats that convert into sleeping bunks. A sheet, pillow and blanket are provided, although some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet.
Passengers of different genders may sometimes be required to share a compartment and there will be occasions where you'll be sharing with travellers who are not part of your group.
There will be limited food and drink options on board, so we plan to bring our own snacks and drinks.
For a more comfortable journey, it's also a good idea to take earplugs and eye covers.
The train is equipped with charging plugs and air conditioning.
In the bathrooms, Western-style toilets are available, but are very basic.
Vietnam is among the top culinary destinations worldwide, and this adventure will introduce you to the best of the country's regional cuisines.
Intrepid and their local guides do a great job of working with local restaurants and hotels to ensure travelers are served quality meals that showcase regional cuisines.
You'll have the opportunity to experience a wide range of delicious foods unique to Vietnam
Not all meals are included in the trip price, giving you maximum flexibility in choosing where, what, and with whom to eat. This arrangement also allows for more budgeting options.
Your group leader will recommend restaurants for you to try during your trip.
Generally, groups prefer to dine together, so you can sample a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company.
Rambler Question: What is the weather like in November?
November is the ideal time to visit Southeast Asia as it marks the beginning of the warm, dry season, which lasts from November to April.
While November is the start of the tourist high season, it is not as crowded as December and January, when the number of visitors significantly increases.
In the North (such as Hanoi), there are distinct seasons (summer and winter).
In November, the weather in the North is likely to be sunny, with temperatures in the low to mid-20s °C. This makes it perfect for exploring Hanoi without overheating. Spending time on a boat deck in Halong Bay will be comfortable, in contrast to the usual oppressive heat of the region. Swimming in Halong Bay may feel chilly for some.
If you’re accustomed to swimming in Northern lakes, you should find the water temperature in Halong Bay pleasant. The average temperature in November is around 28 °C, whereas Cultus Lake near Vancouver is about 25 °C at the same time.
As you head south (after the train ride), temperatures will rise to the low 30s °C.
You will be accompanied by a local Intrepid tour leader and an Sole Sister Ramblers host.
The role of the local Intrepid guide is to make your travels hassle-free and to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Intrepid guides don’t just show you a destination; they introduce you to the soul of a place.
They will provide information about the places you visit, suggest activities and sights, recommend excellent local dining options, and introduce you to their local friends.
You can expect them to possess a broad general knowledge of the locations visited, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.
The hotels are upgraded for this trip from basic to comfort which are mostly 4 star hotels.
Unless you purchase a single supplement you will be paired with another Rambler in a room with two twin beds.
All hotel rooms will have ensuite bathrooms.
When you book, Intrepid will take a deposit of $400 USD. The final balance is due 70 days before departure.
You will have access to your own Intrepid portal, which you can log in to and pay money through before the final balance is due.
Intrepid will send a payment link, but you can also call them if you prefer to speak to them.
Intrepid Travel is focused on balancing purpose with profit. In 2018, they formalized this commitment by becoming a certified B Corporation.
Certified B Corporations prioritize their employees, strive for a more inclusive supply chain, and elevate corporate social responsibility. This certification signifies their dedication to creating benefits for everyone.
Intrepid's official pledge is to utilize travel as a force for good in the world.
The following is not included in the price: international flights, required visas, services not mentioned in the itinerary, late check-out at hotels, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, drinks with included lunches and dinners, tips for leaders, guide and driver, expenditure of personal nature, personal insurance and optional activities.
Intrepid is committed to ensuring that all trips are safe for everyone involved, including travelers, local leaders, and the communities they visit.
Their health and safety policies align with recommendations from the World Health Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council's Safe Travel protocols for tour operators.
Each itinerary undergoes a thorough risk assessment and audit, and both leaders and suppliers complete extensive health and safety training.
Cancellation By You
The cancellation terms below will apply if you cancel some or all portions of your booking before the trip departs.
A cancellation will only be effective once an Intrepid sales representative has received written confirmation from you that you wish to cancel.
Intrepid will apply the deposit and all other payments for the trip we received from you toward the cancellation fees that were outlined to you when you book. Be sure to review these when you book and ask for clarification if required.
If you cancel your booking and the amount you have already paid does not cover the cancellation fees, you must pay the difference between the amount you have paid and the cancellation fee applied.
By accepting the Booking Conditions when you booked, you authorized Intrepid to automatically charge the payment card you used to secure the booking.
If you cancel a private co-branded departure such as a Sole Sister Ramblers X Intrepid adventure the following also applies:
(a) 70 days or more before departure, we will hold your deposit amount as a credit you can use towards a future trip;
(b) 69 days or fewer before departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the total booking cost;
Any Deposit Credit you are entitled to may not be applied to the same or similar travel dates.
If you leave a trip for any reason after it has started, Intrepid is not required to provide any refunds for unused services.
If you fail to join the trip, join it after it has begun, or leave before it ends, no refunds will be issued.
These cancellation terms are in addition to any fees that may be charged by accommodation providers, travel agents, or third-party tour and transport operators.
If one or more members of a party cancel, it may result in an increase in the per-person price for those who continue to travel, and you will be responsible for paying this increase.
Please be sure to discuss Intrepid's full cancellation policy and ensure you understand when you book your adventure with the Intrepid team!
To travel internationally, you will need a valid passport. Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months, so be sure to check its expiry date before your trip.
Intrepid will need your passport information to prepare for your journey, so the details on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please ensure that you provide accurate information.
We also recommend that you carry a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leave an additional copy at home with family or friends.
You are responsible for checking and addressing visa requirements from your country of origin.