Join Our Yoga and Culture Retreat in Hanoi - the Heart and Soul of Vietnam

We want you to be informed so we have put together a list of questions you might have.

I'm a first-time traveler. Is this trip open to me?
Yes, yes, yes! This trip (and all of our trips) is absolutely open to first-time travelers—and solo ones, too. You don’t need to be a seasoned adventurer to join us. We’ve designed these experiences to be supportive, fun, and full of connection from the moment you arrive. You’ll get tons of helpful info before the trip, like travel tips, packing lists, destination insights, and ideas for your free time. And once we’re there, we’ve got you—along with amazing local guides to help bring the place to life. You’ll never feel like you’re figuring it all out alone.

So if this is your first solo trip, know that you’re in the right place. And we’re so excited to be part of your story.

Can I join if I have never done yoga?
Definitely! This retreat experience is open to everyone and our style of teaching is very inclusive and accessible.

Should I bring a yoga mat?
Yes, you will need to bring a yoga mat. 

How can I book the additional excursions?
As we get closer to arrival dates, we will be organizing the additional tours and opening up the booking reservation portals. You will be contacted with regard to reservations and payments at that time.

Should I get travel insurance?
We highly recommend that people travel with insurance. Please see the drop down menu 'Travel insurance' for more informations and companies you can purchase insurance from.

When do I have to pay my balance by?
Your full balance is due 45 days before the arrival date of April 1, 2026. (February 15, 2026)

Is it safe to travel solo?
Yes. We travel solo all the time. As with anywhere, be aware of your personal items and surroundings.

Should I bring checked luggage or carry-on?
We suggest travelling with a carry-on. This makes flight transfers and getting around much easier. There are great packing containers you can order via Amazon that compress your items, etc. Check out this link for our most recommend travel buys:
https://a.co/aLpjOF1

The Vietnamese dong (VND), Vietnam’s official currency: VND 10,000 is the smallest bill you'll find on the street these days, however, there are still cotton 1000, 2000, and 5,000 bills in circulation. The highest banknote that you'll find is the VND 500,000 bill.

Cash rules in Vietnam, though credit cards are accepted in many restaurants, hotels, and shops in Vietnam's big cities. Visa, Master Card, and American Express are the most common credit cards honored in Vietnam. We always recommend having a travel friendly CC that allows foreign transactions with little or no fees. An alternative to this is using wise.

VISA FOR ENTRY
Entrance to Vietnam typically requires a visa which you can obtain on arrival or save time at the airport and obtain before you travel.

E-visas take 3 days to process so best to do the week before travelling:
https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

We recommend to book travel insurance. This is to cover unforeseen emergencies and cancellations that might come up. There are many options for insurance and listed below are some suggestions for insurance providers that now offer COVID incident coverage.

SafetyWing

Staysure is a great travel insurance for UK travelers who need some type of covid coverage.

https://redpointtravelprotection.com/

To reserve your spot and room, a non-refundable 600usd deposit or full payment must be made at time of booking.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Venmo - USA
Zelle - USA
Credit Card
PayPal
Bank transfer via wise or your bank
Direct deposit - USA & Canada

*All CC and PayPal payments are subject to a 6% processing fee

Upon registration, information will be sent for your payment choice if you do not choose CC or PayPal.

Payment policies:
1. Your spot and room will be reserved with a non-refundable deposit of $600usd or payment-in-full. Please read our cancellation and booking policies so you are fully informed.

2. Balance of your retreat experience is due 45 days from arrival date of April 1, 2026

3. If you require alternative payment dates or a scheduled payment plan, please feel free to get in touch with regards

CANCELLATION POLICY

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS
Reservations are initiated on receipt of either a full payment or non-refundable deposit of US$600 per client.
If a reservation is made within 45 days of the trip departure the entire cost of the trip must be paid at the time of confirmation.
All reservations are automatically canceled if all payments are not received by the due date, with full loss of trip deposit, unless otherwise organized with yoru retreat hosts.

RESERVATION AMENDMENTS
All reservation amendments will be subject to changes in cost of the original itinerary and will be subject to the same cancellation penalties described below.

CANCELLATION AND PENALTIES
All cancellations must be made in writing, signed by the client, and sent to hello@richelletakesyou.com.  All trips are subject to the following, per person cancellation charges based on the number of days before trip departure that we receive your written cancellation request.

• More than 90 days from scheduled start date: full refund minus non-refundable deposit and processing fee of 100usd
• From 90 to 45 days: 50% refund of the total costs minus non-refundable deposit
• Less than 45 days: No refund of trip cost
• No refunds for unused tours or services during your trip

REFUNDS
All refunds will be processed within 30 days after we receive your letter of cancellation and are calculated as of the day we receive your written request. In the unlikely event that the trip itself is canceled prior to commencement of the trip due to circumstances beyond our control, and you are unable to schedule for another time, all moneys are refundable with the exception of your personal trip expenses (e.g. non-refundable "advance purchase" tour tickets, deposit). There is no refund for any unused portions of a trip once it has commenced.

INSURANCE
Basic travel insurance that includes medical benefits is advised for each passenger. A comprehensive travel insurance policy including trip cancellation and interruption, baggage, accident, emergency assistance and medical assistance is advised due to the uncertain nature of travel. Please see the tab "travel insurance" for recommended travel insurance companies.

RESCUE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
In the unlikely event of rescue and medical assistance being needed, the participant shall be liable for the entire cost thereof, unless covered by insurance.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
By forwarding the trip deposit or full payment, the client certifies that he/she does not knowingly have any physical or other condition of disability that would create a risk for himself/herself or other trip participants. Any required vaccinations must be recorded by the client's health practitioner on a valid vaccination certificate which the client must carry in his/her possession during the trip.