• Absolutely. In fact, most of our travellers come solo. DECADES was designed specifically with solo retirees in mind.

• That means you’ll have your own room as standard - a private space to recharge when you want it - but also built-in community when you don’t. Think shared dinners, cards evenings, spontaneous day trips if you want them, and plenty of time lounging around the poolside with new friends.

• We also heard that having a safety net was important - that’s why you’ll also have a dedicated DECADES host; there to welcome you at the airport, plan the fun bits, and be on-call throughout for anything you need.

• Check out the retirees we built DECADES with and for here

• It’s a fair question — and a common one. You’re spending three months with new people, and that can feel like a big leap.

• The good news is: to an extent, the group is curated. Everyone fills in an application form so we can get a sense of their outlook, travel style and whether they’re in the right headspace for a trip like this. It’s not about perfection — just making sure there are no red flags, and that everyone’s open, respectful and kind.

• If you're up for it, we’ll introduce you in a private group space before the trip. You’ll have time to say hello, share a bit about yourself, and get familiar with the others — so the first day feels exciting, not awkward.

• Out there, you’ll have your own room to retreat to, and a DECADES host on hand for support, structure and to gently guide group dynamics without ever forcing connection.

• You don’t need to click with everyone. But you’ll likely find a few people who just get it — and that’s where the magic happens.

• Each villa is like an oasis — a calm, comfortable base to return to after the buzz of exploring.

• You’ll have your own private room, plus beautiful shared spaces designed for connection: open-plan lounges, shaded terraces, and a pool to cool off in — in most locations. (A few cities, like Hanoi, simply weren’t built with pools in mind, but we prioritise comfort and charm wherever we go.)

• There’s a fully equipped kitchen if you feel like cooking, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and all the modern comforts that make long-term travel feel easy.

• We’ll share photos before you go — but the feeling is always the same: clean, safe, relaxed, and somewhere you can truly settle in.

• Take a look at the kind of thing we have in mind here

• Yes — and we’ll help you figure it all out, step by step.

• For most people, these are simple, low-hassle requirements. We’ll send you a clear checklist covering visa info, recommended vaccinations, and what kind of travel insurance you’ll need — plus trusted resources to make it all feel manageable.

• You won’t be left guessing. We’re here to support you with the admin, as well as the adventure.

• We keep things relaxed — this is long-form travel, not a packed itinerary like a tour or a cruise.

• You’ll have one fully hosted day each week, organised for the group and led by your DECADES host.

• The rest of the week? Completely yours. Explore the area, read by the pool, take a nap after lunch — or head off on a solo jaunt (or see who’s up for joining you) as you follow whatever drew you to the region.

• We’re always nearby if you want suggestions or help planning something. But mostly, we leave you space to settle in, find your own rhythm, and immerse yourself in a new reality.

• Ahh, the joys of slower travel.

If you like the idea of travelling slowly, having time to really get to know each place, and balancing hosted experiences with free time, this is for you. It works best for people who are curious, open to new cultures, and happy to mix comfort with the occasional adventure.

You’ll fly into Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat International Airport – SGN) at the start of the trip. At the end, you’ll depart from Hanoi (Noi Bai International Airport – HAN).

We’ll let you know when your trip is confirmed!

We’ll let you know when your trip is confirmed!

For most nationalities, a Vietnam e-visa is the simplest option. Apply online before you travel; it’s valid for 90 days and allows multiple entries if needed. Check the official Vietnam Immigration website for the latest requirements for your passport.

Each month includes four hosted adventure days and all travel between bases. The rest is designed to be flexible so you can follow your own interests.

Most days are your own. We’ll suggest ideas in each location, but you decide how to spend them — whether that’s exploring, joining a day trip, or simply relaxing.

There are no “gotcha” costs. The main things you’ll need to budget for are meals on non-hosted days, optional activities, local transport in your free time, and personal spending. We’ll give you an estimate for each location so you can plan ahead.

You should be comfortable walking for a couple of hours at a time, including in hot and humid conditions. Some hosted days could include cycling, kayaking, gentle hiking or motorbiking, but we always offer options to go at your own pace.

Yes. Your host will be with you throughout, travelling between bases and joining each hosted adventure day — so you’ll always have a familiar face for questions or recommendations.

Good in cities and towns including at our bases — fast enough for video calls, with cafés and co-working spaces if you need more. Rural areas and overnight trains can be patchy, so download anything important in advance.

We choose comfortable, characterful stays — think boutique hotels, villas, or stylish apartments. All have air conditioning, spaces to relax and cook in, plus good wifi. Occasionally, hosted nights (like a Mekong homestay or boat) will be simpler but we think must-do.

Expect warm to hot temperatures year-round, with some regional variation. Ho Chi Minh is tropical and humid; Hoi An is warm with possible showers; Hanoi and the north can be cooler in the evenings, especially from December to February. We’ll send a seasonal guide before you pack.

Light, breathable clothing; comfortable walking shoes; a light rain jacket; swimwear; sun protection; and any personal medication. We’ll provide a full packing list tailored to the season closer to departure.

Food is not included — and that’s deliberate. Choosing where and what to eat is one of the best ways to explore a new place, whether you’re after street food, market snacks, or a fine-dining splurge. It also gives you control over your budget and dietary preferences. We’ll give you local recommendations in each location so you can make the most of it.

For now, the itinerary gives a very good idea of how the trip will go - but the exact number of days can flex as we organise the ins and outs, transport availability, etc. Once we confirm your trip, the itinerary will be fixed. This means you’ll be able to book things for your own time well in advance and let your friends and family know where we’ll be.