Women-Only Vietnam Trip Offers Adventure, Friendship

Exploring Vietnam and Cambodia with a group of female travelers leads to new connections.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of 17 women from the U.S., ranging in age from 45 to 72, embark on an 11-day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia organized by AdventureWomen. Along the way, they experience the chaos of Hanoi, serene boat rides in Bai Tu Long Bay, cooking classes in Hoi An, and a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The trip allows the women to bond over shared experiences and gain insights into the lives of local Vietnamese women they meet.

Why it matters

Female-only travel experiences like this one provide a unique opportunity for women to connect with each other and immerse themselves in local cultures in a way that may be different from mixed-gender trips. The stories and perspectives shared by the local Vietnamese women the group encounters add depth and meaning to the journey.

The details

The women's trip starts in the bustling city of Hanoi, where they navigate the frenetic traffic and explore the Old Quarter. They then travel to Ha Long Bay and the less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay, where they cruise, kayak, and bond over sunsets and happy hour. Further south, the group visits the UNESCO sites of Hue and Hoi An, where they learn to cook local dishes and hear stories from women like Lulu, a chef who overcame challenges to build a career, and Dr. Phan Thuan Thao, a single mother and music scholar. The trip culminates with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.

  • The 11-day trip took place in November.
  • The group visited Hanoi at the start of the trip.
  • They spent two nights cruising Bai Tu Long Bay.
  • The final two days were spent in Cambodia, visiting Angkor Wat.

The players

Cheryl

A woman from Cleveland who was part of the AdventureWomen trip.

Peggy

A woman from California who had been on two previous AdventureWomen trips.

Emily

A younger AdventureWomen employee who accompanied the group to ensure things went smoothly.

Mr. Nam

The unflappable male guide who looked after the group in Vietnam like they were his children.

Dr. Phan Thuan Thao

A single mother, music scholar, and descendant of one of Vietnam's last emperors who hosted the group for a home-cooked meal in Hue.

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What they’re saying

“I like the camaraderie of traveling with other women,”

— Peggy, woman from California (Tribune News Service)

“Ladies, stay close together like sticky rice,”

— Mr. Nam, guide (Tribune News Service)

“She saved me,”

— Lulu, chef at Vy's cooking school in Hoi An (Tribune News Service)

“You family?”

— Lulu, chef at Vy's cooking school in Hoi An (Tribune News Service)

“New friends.”

— Jill, woman from Minnesota (Tribune News Service)

What’s next

The group's final stop was a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia, a highlight for many travelers.

The takeaway

This women-only trip to Vietnam and Cambodia allowed the participants to forge new connections, gain insights into the lives of local Vietnamese women, and experience the country's vibrant culture in a unique and immersive way.