Recovery Elevator in Vietnam

January 9th – 20th (12 days/11 nights)

Registration opens Monday, July 1st, 2024

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Travel the world… without alcohol

On Recovery Elevator alcohol-free travel trips we aren’t wasting time nursing hangovers in the morning, so we’ll take full advantage of the day and experience what Vietnam has to offer. Not only is traveling without alcohol possible, it can be way more fun! On this 12 day/11 night trip of a lifetime, we have room for 25 travelers who wish to travel with others who are living an alcohol-free life. Included in this trip are alcohol-free workshops, guided meditations, breath-work, and more.

Get ready for a LOT of AF action on this trip. We begin our adventure exploring the capital city Hanoi, then off to the countryside to visit the rice fields and bamboo forests of Mai Hich where we are staying with local families.  In Mai Hich, participate in our service project and plant trees/flowers along the roadside in the village. We then head to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve followed by Ninh Binh and the Cuc Phuong National Park. Then explore Halong in traditional wooden boats. Check out the FAQ below for the full detailed itinerary.

 

Recovery Elevator Sober Travel

Downtown Hanoi, Vietnam

Recovery Elevator in Vietnam

This itinerary is subject to change:
1/9/25 – Day 1: Meet your fellow AF travlers at the hotel in Hanoi for the welcome dinner
1/10/25 – Day 2: Hanoi – Sightseeing: Ba Đình Square, Temple of Literature, Water Puppet Show & street food tour
1/11/25 – Day 3: Depart Hanoi for the village of Mai Hich, stopping at the Hoa Binh hydro station and the Muong Cultural Museum along the way.  Enjoy the beauty of nature and rural activities and an overnight in a homestay.
1/12/25- Day 4: Trek through rice fields and a bamboo forest to visit villages of Thai people…Mai Hich to Buoc Village, overnight in a homestay.
1/13/25 – Day 5: Community service – planting trees and flowers along the roadside in the village and then on to Pu Luong Nature Reserve
1/14/25 – Day 6: Explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve, overnight in a homestay
1/15/25 – Day 7: Check out of homestay and transfer to Ninh Binh, visting Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam, along the way.
1/17/25 – Day 9: Explore Tho Ha village by bicycle, after lunch transfer to a sampan and row downstream through Galaxy Grotto and continue the boat journey through Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary
1/18/25 – Day 10: Travel through the countryside to Halong, where you will board a traditional wooden ‘junk’ boat, this will be your lodging for the night.  You will also visit the Thien Canh Son cave.  
1/19/25 – Day 11: Sunrise Tai Chi lesson on deck, explore Vung Vieng Fishing Village by kayak, enjoy the cruise back to Tuan Chau International Marina and transfer back to Hanoi for retreat closeout at hotel.
1/20/25 – Day 12: Departure day from Hanoi.

***Full refunds will be processed until 5 pm (PST) on October 1st. 50% refunds will be processed until 5 pm (PST) on November 15th. Refunds after November 15th at 5 pm (PST) will not be processed.

$25 dollar E-Visa to enter Vietnam Not Included

Alcohol-Free Requirement – We require attendees to be at least 15 days away from their last drink.

Sober Travel with Recovery Elevator

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I fly in and out of Hanoi?

Airport transfers from HAN to the Foreign Relations Hotel will take place from 9 am to 2 pm on January 9th. If you’re flying into Hanoi the day before, you can meet at the Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport (HAN) on the 9th, or meet at the Foreign Relations Hotel at 3 pm January 9th. The hotel is aprox 40 minutes from the airport.

Departure flights out of Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport (HAN) on January 20th may be booked at any time that day or early in the morning.

Is there a more detailed itinerary for this trip?

You bet! Click this link for a more detailed description of the day to day activities.

What isn't included in the price?

The price does not include the following:

  • Flights and travel to and from Hanoi – Noi Bai Airport (HAN)
  • Individual travel insurance
  • Lunch on day 2
  • Personal expenses for souvenirs
  • Additional drinks at meals
  • Visa to enter Vietnam.  $25 for an E-Visa valid for 90 days
  • Early or late checkout at hotels
  • Snacks between meals
What Should I pack?
  • Original passport and a photo copy of your passport
  • Photocopy of E-visa
  • A small daypack to carry your personal belongings
  • Long sleeve shirt and pants for jungle trek
  • Outdoor or water shoes
  • Headlamp and extra batteries
  • Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Small personal medical kit, insect repellent
  • Small plastic rain poncho
  • 1 – 2 liter water bottle,
  • Bathing suit or quick dry shorts (women, please refrain from wearing bikinis for cultural reasons).
  • Additional money for shopping
  • Emergency money of at least $150 – $200
    Is this trip physically demanding?

    Nope! There will be some hiking, biking and rowing…but nothing too demanding.  

    What is the refund policy for this trip?

    Full refunds will be processed until 5 pm (PST) on October 1st. 50% refunds will be processed until 5 pm (PST) on November 15th. Refunds after November 15th at 5 pm (PST) will not be processed.

    What type of volunteer or service work will we be doing?

    One of the best parts of Recovery Elevator trips is giving back to the community, and this trip is no different.  We will be working with locals planting trees and flowers along the roadside in a small village.

    What will the accommodations be like?

    We will be staying in 3 and 4 star hotels on this trip. Below is a list of where we will be staying an when!

    1/9 Night 1: Foreign Relations Hotel, Hanoi
    1/10 Night 2: Foreign Relations Hotel, Hanoi
    1/11 Night 3: Overnight at homestay in Mai Hich
    1/12 Night 4: Overnight at homestay in Mai Hich
    1/13 Night 5: Overnight at Puluong Home – private house on stilt
    1/14 Night 6: Overnight at Puluong Home – private house on stilt
    1/15 Night 7: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel
    1/16 Night 8: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel
    1/17 Night 9: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel
    1/18 Night 10: Bhaya Classic cruise, charter boat
    1/19 Night 11: Foreign Relations Hotel, Hanoi

    Is it possible to get my own room?

    Yes, you can get a single room for an additional $300. Email kmac@recoveryelevator.com if you’d like a single room. There are 4 single rooms available.

    What kind of recovery retreat is this?

    Attendees will learn tools to add to their recovery portfolio through workshops, team building exercises, group work and more. This retreat will be located outside of your comfort zone which is where the magic happens. This is a non-12-step based retreat, but all recovery backgrounds are welcome!

    I don't speak the local languages... Is that a problem?

    Not a problem! All tours will be done in English and guides speak a proficient level of English.

    Can I pay with a check instead of a credit card?

    Yes! Checks can be paid to Recovery Elevator at PO Box 11510, Bozeman, MT 59719. Make sure you email kmac@recoveryelevator.com to secure your spot and to let us know a check is in the mail.

    How many people will be attending this trip?

    There are currently 25 spots available for this trip, and we anticipate all 25 spots to fill. If you’re worried this is too big of a group, there will be plenty of smaller breakout sessions where you’ll have a chance to meet fellow travelers.

    Should I purchase travel insurance?
    • Travel insurance is not required but recommended. Travel insurance could reimburse you if you had an injury pre or during the trip or had to return home for an unforeseen reason.
    Passport and Visa information.

    Passport – Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank visa page (not including the endorsement page).

    Visa – The Vietnamese Immigration Department issues E-visas to foreigners through an online application process. E-visas are issued with a validity period of up to 90 days, one-entry for $25 USD or multiple entries for $50 USD, and payable via bank transfer. E-visa holders may enter and exit Vietnam through 42 designated international border gates, including all international airports.

    VIETNAMESE E-VISAS

     

     

     

     

    Who can I contact with additional questions?

    You can email info@recoveryelevator.com with questions! We are happy to help.

     

     

    Check out the group from our last AF Travel Trip to Costa Rica in March, 2024

    Recovery Elevator alcohol-free travel
    Recovery Elevator Sober Travel
    Recovery Elevator Sober Travel

    Questions?