BOOKINGS
Email: TailormadeUK@intrepidtravel.com
Phone: +44 (0)203 308 9763 (ask for Joe on the Tailor-Made team).
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 famous for its beautiful lanterns.
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 Sole Sister Rambler host will take you beyond sightseeing with daily recommendations and purpose-driven visits to inspiring organizations.
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 mostly solo women in midlife and beyond.
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
A bucket list adventure with like-minded women in midlife and beyond.
Vietnam with my sole sisters
Tara Romoff shares reflections from her experience on the first Sole Sister Ramblers Vietnam travel adventure
Everywhere is in Rambling distance with Sole Sisters.
Most women join our trips as solo travelers and typically do not know anyone else before booking.
The trips are intentionally designed this way, so everyone arrives open to meeting new people and forming new friendships along the way.
It’s very uncommon for large groups of friends to book together, especially given the small group size of 15 participants.
To help everyone connect before the journey begins, we also create a pre-trip WhatsApp group where travelers can introduce themselves, chat, coordinate travel plans, and start getting excited about the adventure together.
By the time the trip begins, many women already feel like they’re arriving to meet friends rather than strangers.
Sole Sister Ramblers and Intrepid Travel collaborate to take you beyond the usual sights and into the heart of a destination. Along the way, you’ll meet local people, experience the culture firsthand, and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
You’ll still see the highlights, but the real magic happens off the beaten path — in backstreet cafés, neighborhood eateries, and everyday moments that don’t show up in a search engine.
Most importantly, you’ll share the journey with other like-minded women 45+, often arriving as solo travelers and leaving with friendships and travel companions that last a lifetime.
On our very first Sole Sister Ramblers adventure, the overnight train was the part of the itinerary many Ramblers felt most nervous about.
But once the journey began, it quickly became one of the most memorable highlights of the trip.
The train was far more comfortable than expected, and the evening turned into a special time together — with drinks, laughter, and games that carried on late into the night.
Train travel is a quintessential part of a Vietnam adventure. The North–South railway stretches nearly 2,000 km and is both an important transport network and a symbol of a connected country.
While some travelers take the full 36-hour journey from Hanoi to Saigon, we’ve chosen a shorter overnight sleeper experience that captures the spirit of the route while keeping the itinerary comfortable for our Ramblers.
On our trip, we’ll enjoy one overnight train ride and then fly to Saigon.
Sleeper trains typically have four-berth compartments with bench seats that convert into bunks. Sheets, pillows, and blankets are provided.
Compartments may be shared with other travelers and occasionally mixed genders, and there may be times when you share with passengers who are not part of our group.
Food and drink options on board are limited, so we plan to bring our own snacks and drinks for the journey.
For comfort, earplugs and an eye mask are recommended.
The train has charging outlets and air conditioning, and basic bathrooms.
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.
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.
Intrepid will share the specific cancellation terms when you book your trip, as these can vary slightly depending on the adventure.
In most cases, a $400 deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due 70–90 days before departure.
If something comes up and you need to cancel before making your final payment, that $400 deposit can usually be applied toward another Intrepid adventure — so it doesn’t have to go to waste.
Once full payment has been made, trips are generally non-refundable.
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.