The New Vietnam – 18 Days

Our exploration commences with the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where we'll explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Subsequently, we will venture to Ho Chi Minh's modest stilt house, the Museum, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. The journey continues with a visit to Hanoi's inaugural University, the Temple of Literature, established in 1070. Following a delightful lunch, we will delve into the infamous "Hanoi Hilton," the city's former central prison. Conclude your Hanoi experience with a cyclo tour through the captivating Old Quarter. In the evening, enjoy the mesmerizing water puppet show, a unique cultural spectacle in Hanoi.

Embarking on our journey this morning, we head eastward to Halong Bay, hailed as Vietnam's most magnificent natural marvel. The day unfolds as we cruise amidst some of the 3,000 limestone islands emerging from the sea, unveiling breathtaking caves and grottoes. Weather permitting, there is a chance to take a refreshing swim, followed by a delectable seafood lunch onboard. As the afternoon unfolds, we make our way back to Hanoi, pausing en route to visit a charming ceramic village. The evening is yours to unwind or venture out for personal exploration.

Commencing the day, we opt for a cyclo ride to delve into the charm of the Old Quarter, an ensemble of 36 historical streets, each named after the traditional goods they vend. The rest of the day is at your leisure for shopping or self-guided exploration, culminating in boarding either the train or your flight bound for Hue.

Embarking on our journey this morning, we head southward to Danang. Our first pause brings us to the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering a glimpse of some of the most stunning landscapes in Vietnam. Following a delightful lunch, we visit the Cham Museum and then proceed to the Marble Mountains. A short drive takes us to China Beach, and we continue our journey southward to the captivating port town of Hoi An. There, we partake in a brief walking tour, navigating narrow lanes flanked by centuries-old structures bearing influences from Chinese, Japanese, French, and European architectural styles.

Hue serves as the hub of Buddhism, art, and literature in Vietnam and holds the distinction of being the ultimate imperial capital. Our journey kicks off with a visit to the Citadel, once the residence of emperors and tragically scarred during the 1968 conflict. Following this, we explore the Thien Mu Pagoda before making our way back to the city via a picturesque dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. In the afternoon, our exploration leads us to the elaborate tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, a sophisticated blend of Vietnamese and French architectural styles. As evening descends, we savor the renowned cuisine of Hue.

A leisure day to relish the charm of this picturesque town and its myriad attractions. Delve into art and handicraft galleries, opt for bespoke clothing from skilled tailors, unwind at the riverside restaurants, or venture on a brief excursion to the nearby beach. As the late afternoon approaches, there's the opportunity to embark on a serene cruise along the Thu Bon River, followed by an enjoyable cooking class at a friend's restaurant.

This morning, we embark on a journey to the enchanting My Son, the primary Cham site in Vietnam. In the afternoon, we make our way back to Hoi An, leaving the remainder of the day entirely at your disposal.

Journeying through the verdant landscapes of Vietnam's central coastal region, we meander along the coastline, making a stop in Quang Ngai. Here, we take a moment to visit the memorial that commemorates the tragic My Lai massacre. Our expedition carries on to the scenic Sa Huynh beach before reaching Qui Nhon in the late afternoon.

Continuing our journey southward along Highway One, we traverse the landscapes adorned with salt, shrimp, and fish farms, which serve as the primary industries in this region. The route offers breathtaking coastal views around Dai Lanh. Taking a moment to ride through villages, engage with the locals, and capture the surroundings through photographs, we eventually reach the beach resort town of Nha Trang in the late afternoon.

In the morning, you will be chauffeured to the port to embark on your boat, ushering in a day of leisure and pampering as you sail through the crystalline blue waters amidst the islands near Nha Trang. Opportunities for swimming and snorkeling will present themselves, followed by a sumptuous seafood lunch served on board. Return in the mid-afternoon, allowing for some free time to unwind.

On this day, we ascend the picturesque Ngoan Muc Pass to reach the Central Highlands and the charming French hillside town of Dalat. Nestled amidst pine forests and adorned with French villas, Dalat serves as a quaint hill station.

While in Dalat, take in the splendid French architecture and panoramic vistas of pine-covered mountains as we explore Bao Dai's palace and meet a unique Zen Buddhist monk-artist. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the vibrant flower market, a cable car excursion to a monastery, and leisure time for cycling or strolling around the central lake.

This morning, our journey takes us through breathtaking mountainous landscapes, adorned with numerous coffee and tea plantations. En route, we pause at a floating fishing village on Lake Langa before reaching Vietnam's largest city in the late afternoon.

Commence the day with a stroll through the renowned and historically significant landmarks of Saigon. Our walking tour includes visits to the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. Following this, we embark on a drive to Cholon, the vibrant Chinatown district. Here, we explore the expansive Binh Tay wholesale market and the elaborate Thien Hau Temple. The remainder of the afternoon is at your disposal for additional exploration of the city.

In the morning, we explore the renowned Vietcong tunnels at Cu Chi. This remarkable underground network, spanning almost 250 km, provided refuge for more than 16,000 communist guerrillas during the war. Following the exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Saigon by early afternoon, allowing for some leisure time.

Embark on a journey to the "rice bowl" of Vietnam, the luxuriant Mekong Delta. Two hours south of Saigon, we reach My Tho and embark on a longboat to explore some of the islands in the delta. Navigating through intricate, palm-fringed waterways on a sampan, we visit tropical fruit orchards and immerse ourselves in local hospitality before returning to Saigon. In the evening, gather with the group for a farewell dinner.

You will be provided transportation to the airport for your next flight.