Highlights of Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, your private guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and settle in.

In the evening, join your guide for a short tour briefing before enjoying a welcome dinner.

Spend a full day uncovering Hanoi’s history, culture, and cuisine.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum and his simple stilt house, plus the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Wander through quiet lanes to Huu Tiep Lake to see the B52 crash site and explore a traditional market.

Stop at the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.

Lunch will be Hanoi’s famous Pho noodles, with insights into local dining customs.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton), followed by a cyclo ride through the French Quarter. Pause for egg coffee at Pho Co Café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake before setting off on a guided street food walk through the Old Quarter. Taste local favorites such as papaya salad, Banh Mi, Bun Cha, and fresh Bia Hoi.

Travel through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters. Board your traditional-style junk cruise and settle into your cabin.

Enjoy lunch onboard as you sail past stunning islets.

Explore the impressive Sung Sot Cave filled with stalactites.

Relax on the sundeck or swim in quiet bays.

As the sun sets, join a cooking demonstration or simply enjoy the views before a freshly prepared dinner. In the evening, try your hand at squid fishing or watch a film under the stars.

Begin the day with a calming Tai Chi session on deck. Swim or kayak through the Dark and Bright Caves before enjoying a hearty brunch as the boat returns to port.

Transfer back to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang, where your guide will meet you for a short drive to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town.

Spend the morning at leisure enjoying Hoi An’s charm or your resort’s pool.

In the afternoon, set out on a walking tour of the Ancient Quarter, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Tan Ky Ancient House, the Fujian Assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Discover the Precious Heritage Museum by Réhahn.

Enjoy tea at the serene Reaching Out Tea House, run by hearing-impaired staff.

Learn to craft your own lantern at a lantern workshop.

Dive into the lively street food scene, sampling Hoi An specialties while meeting local vendors.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before driving over the spectacular Hai Van Pass toward Hue, stopping to admire the coastline and rural scenery.

This evening, experience a home-hosted dinner at the restored royal residence of Vinh Tu. Savor Hue specialties while learning about traditional architecture and listening to Hue’s gentle court music.

Today’s exploration begins at the bustling Dong Ba Market, followed by a tour of the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City.

Lunch will be at a peaceful local nunnery, with a chance to chat with the nuns about Buddhist life.

In the afternoon, visit the tomb of Emperor Minh Mang and cruise along the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. End the day at Truc Chi Garden, where you’ll try your hand at bamboo paper art.

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After breakfast, fly south to Ho Chi Minh City. Begin exploring its lively blend of colonial and modern sights:

Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, City Hall, Opera House

Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Finish the day with a sunset drink at the Bitexco Tower Skydeck.

Venture into the lush Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Cruise along coconut-lined canals and visit cottage industries producing bricks, mats, and coconut candy.

Taste honey tea and seasonal fruits while enjoying traditional music.

Drift through palm-fringed waterways on a sampan.

Ride a motor cart through rural villages and farms.

After a riverside lunch, return to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening to explore or relax.

Your final adventure takes you to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn how the tunnels were constructed and try a short crawl through widened sections. Sample boiled cassava with tea, once a staple for soldiers.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for your departure flight.