Exploring Vietnam

Arrive in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Saigon

Meet your guide to begin your exploration of Saigon’s historic landmarks. Visit the former Presidential Palace and the History Museum. The afternoon is free to explore Saigon on your own or visit Cu Chi, an area which is famous for its 124-mile network of underground tunnels used, in the last war, by the Viet Cong. Totally man-made, the Cu Chi tunnels were dug over three levels into the earth and housed the soldiers – acting as garrison, hospital, and command center. This evening you may opt for an optional adventure, exploring Saigon after dark. Experience the nightlife of Saigon from the back of a Vespa scooter, stopping for food and drinks at local restaurants, samplings of Saigon’s best authentic street/local food, and wrapping up the evening at one of the many local nightclubs. Overnight in Saigon

The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes travelling by car to the Delta town of Cai Be before boarding the Mekong Queen, a traditional bamboo-covered wooden boat. One of the Delta’s most ubiquitous sights is its floating markets and your first stop today will be the colorful Cai Be market to watch the brisk activity as vendors barter with shoppers and goods are transferred from one boat to another. Continue to navigate the Delta’s tributaries to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, during which time you will discover beautiful riverine landscapes and observe typical life in the Mekong Delta. Explore the island on foot, walking through local villages and fruit gardens, visiting a family, enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Return back to the Mekong Queen either on foot or by small rowing boat and journey back to the pier in Cai Be, returning to Saigon by car. Overnight in Saigon

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the ancient royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the magnificent Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, resplendent in traditional architecture overlooking tranquil lotus ponds. In stark contrast, continue to Khai Dinh’s Tomb. Remembered as the “Puppet Emperor” because of his affiliation with the French, this tomb was designed with colonial flair, and a glass mosaic frieze dominates the interior. Overnight in Hue

This morning, enjoy a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue by boat to the lesser-visited and perhaps most majestic of all of Hue’s tombs – the tomb of Minh Mang. Built between 1841 and 1843, this tomb is well known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural landscape. Depart Hue and enjoy some of Vietnam most beautiful scenery of the mountains and South China Sea as you travel through the Hai Van Pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds). Overnight in Hoi An

With your guide, explore the ancient town of Hoi An. In a country so ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the completely traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Your afternoon is at your leisure, or you may opt for a visit to the Cham ruins of My Son, take a biking tour in Hoi An countryside, learn about Vietnamese cooking by joining a cooking class, or just relax and enjoy the wonderful beaches of the South China Sea. Overnight in Hoi An

This morning, fly to Hanoi. In the afternoon, visit Hanoi’s colorful Old Quarter. This densely populated corner of the city, once a center of commerce, is full of narrow alleys and shops. Early this evening, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy a morning orientation of the tree-lined streets of Hanoi, resplendent with French colonial architecture. Visit Ba Dinh Square, where silent sentries guard the marble and granite mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies, and visit his simple wooden house and One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the fascinating Temple of Literature. The temple was dedicated to Confucius and eventually became Vietnam’s first university. The afternoon is free to explore. Overnight in Hanoi

Transfer to HaLong for an overnight cruise. HaLong Bay is often called the eighth wonder of the world. Three thousand spectacular limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches, and coves compete for space in an area that is, without doubt, the most outstandingly naturally beautiful coastal scenery in the country. In a traditional Chinese-style sailing junk, meander through the HaLong Bay area, stop off at an islet, and climb through a series of breath-taking caves and grottoes, marveling at some of the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. During the cruise, enjoy the beauty of the bay and marvel at its formations before watching the sun go down. Overnight on board

Enjoy breakfast on board in the still of the morning, continuing to cruise and explore the bay. Return to shore and journey back to Hanoi.