Highlights of Vietnam

Passengers who purchase flights will depart 2 days before the tour starts and return on the same day as the tour ends.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as—and often still called—Saigon. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive program will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. This evening our tour director hosts a welcome dinner and orientation.

This morning we'll venture outside city limits to see one of the remnants of the Vietnam War, the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels. Connected to a larger network, these tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers both to hide and transport communications and supplies. Next, we'll visit an agricultural organic farm where the chef's goal is to educate others about healthy foods. We'll learn more about the ingredients here, how to prepare them, and of course, enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City to explore this vibrant city's highlights including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the former US Embassy.

Today is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City at our own pace or to relax and enjoy our hotel's amenities. We might also consider an optional excursion to the Mekong Delta to Cai Be's floating markets, a local temple, and a chance to learn more about Vietnamese cuisine!

This morning we'll board our flight to Danang where we'll explore the Cham Museum. This museum is home to an exquisite collection of carvings and sculptures made from a variety of materials including sandstone. The sculptures we can see here date as far back as the 5th century and depict deities, mythical animals, and more. Afterward, we'll visit China Beach, which was the wartime R&R resort for the American military. Later, we'll arrive in Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most enchanting towns. This port city is known as a melting pot and we'll see evidence of this in the town's architecture. This evening we might consider an optional street food tour.

This morning, we'll take a cyclo ride and walking tour through Hoi An's "Ancient Town"! We'll visit the Japanese Covered Bridge which links the town with the Chinese quarters. We'll also see Sa Huynh Museum, home to exhibitions from Hoi An's earliest history; wander the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old house built for worshipping ancestors; and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and Protector of Sailors and Fishermen. This afternoon, we'll visit the Streets Culinary Center where trainees introduce us to Vietnam's rich noodle culture. We'll learn about the different types of noodles, how to make them, and then give it a go ourselves! Afterward, we'll savor a dinner featuring Mi Quang, a special noodle dish from Central Vietnam.

Today, we'll return to Danang where we'll catch our afternoon flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city whose rich culture and history are tied to French colonialism and Chinese influence as we'll see in the city's architecture, cuisine, and culture. Upon arrival, we'll transfer to our Hanoi hotel where we'll check in and enjoy some time to relax.

Today's highlights include a view of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the Vietnamese revolutionary leader is interred; the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple; and the Temple of Literature, a temple dedicated to Confucius. We'll visit Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners of war, before proceeding to the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake followed by a guided walk through the narrow lanes of the historic old quarter. Lunch is at KOTO, a non-profit social enterprise empowering at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam through the community project's holistic hospitality training program. This evening, we'll enjoy a distinctly Vietnamese traditional art form—a thrilling Water Puppet show!

This morning, we'll depart for Halong City with a refreshment break en route. On arrival, we'll embark on our overnight cruise to the far corners of Halong Bay. Halong Bay is widely considered to be Vietnam's most spectacular natural attraction. It comprises over three thousand small jagged limestone islands rising out of the South China Sea and these dramatic formations are the backdrop of your idyllic cruise. Enjoy lunch on board as we cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities. As our day comes to an end, watch the sunset over the bay from the deck, followed by a freshly prepared dinner before retiring for the evening.

Those of us that wish to participate can take a refreshing Tai Chi lesson as the sun rises over the bay. This beautiful art is said to rejuvenate the body and spirit, and when practiced regularly, can help treat a number of ailments. Later, we'll visit Sung Sot Cave. Astonished by the cave's size, the French nicknamed it "Surprise Grotto" and it's considered one of the most beautiful caves on Halong Bay. We'll enjoy the eye-catching rock formations enhanced with colorful lights before we return to our ship for brunch. Our cruise comes to an end as we disembark at the pier and return to Hanoi where we'll enjoy dinner.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.