Trails of Vietnam – 17 Days

Embark on a guided exploration of Saigon through a leisurely walking tour, immersing ourselves in the rich history and notable landmarks of the city. Traverse the renowned Dong Khoi street, formerly Rue Catinat, passing by iconic sites such as the theater, Rex Hotel, Town Hall, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Our journey continues with visits to the Presidential Palace and War Crimes Museum, followed by a drive to the vibrant Cholon district, also known as Chinatown. Here, we explore the expansive Binh Tay wholesale market and the elaborate Thien Hau Temple before indulging in a delightful lunch. The next leg of our adventure takes us by boat to the famous Vietcong tunnels at Cu Chi. Covering nearly 250km, this extraordinary tunnel system provided refuge for over 16,000 communist guerillas during the war. Gain insights into the resilience of these soldiers and even have the opportunity to enter the tunnels themselves.

This morning, we take a flight to the coastal city of Nha Trang, marking the commencement of our overland journey towards Buon Ma Thuot in the Central Highlands, renowned as the epicenter of Vietnam's coffee cultivation. The picturesque drive leads us through numerous villages inhabited by the Bana ethnic minority, and past expansive coffee, rubber, maize, and pepper plantations. In the afternoon, we make stops at a local pagoda, monastery, and the remnants of an ancient French prison. Later, we venture into the countryside to explore the serene ethnic minority village of Buon Don, situated along the banks of the Serepok River.

Dedicate your morning to the exploration of the stunning Cum Thac Falls and its picturesque surroundings, featuring the impressive 50-meter-long main waterfall. Following a satisfying lunch, our journey takes us northward to Pleiku. The scenic drive unfolds amidst numerous plantations, rolling hills, and lush forests, offering a visual feast. By late afternoon, we reach Pleiku.

Observe the unique and distinctive traditions of the indigenous communities in the vicinity of Pleiku. Our initial destination is the Plei Phun village, home to the Jarai people, where we delve into the local customs amidst the surrounding countryside. Following a satisfying lunch, our journey takes us to the Bien Ho volcanic lake, offering a captivating stop. We then proceed to the Bana village, inhabited by the Mnong Khmer ethnic minority, providing valuable insights into the lives of these fascinating people.

This morning, our journey carries us further northward to the tranquil town of Kontum. We explore a captivating wooden church constructed by the French nearly a century ago, accompanied by a visit to the adjacent orphanage that provides a home for numerous children from the nearby villages. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the charming old French seminary and museum, followed by an interaction with the amicable locals in the vibrant local market. Concluding our day, we take a leisurely stroll through the village of Play Tho Nghia on the town's outskirts.

Today marks the most breathtaking journey of your expedition as we travel north, tracing the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail and ascending deeper into the highlands. Along the way, we traverse numerous cotton, cassava, and rubber plantations that eventually give way to quaint, terraced rice paddies. Our route takes us through enchanting forested areas and charming villages, where the Kotu and Coto ethnic minority people call home. Relish a delightful picnic lunch in the serene surroundings before descending to the coastal plains of central Vietnam, arriving at the merchant town of Hoi An.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to experience life as a 'Hoi An local' for a day, gaining hands-on insights into the daily routines of local farmers and fishermen. In the evening, join the group for an enjoyable and informative cooking class hosted at a friend's restaurant.

Indulge in a day of leisure to explore the charm of this picturesque town and its myriad attractions. Peruse the offerings of art and craft galleries, opt for bespoke clothing from skilled tailors, unwind at a riverside restaurant, or embark on a brief excursion to the nearby beach.

This morning, our journey leads us northward towards Hue, taking a detour to explore an ancient French resort nestled within the heart of Bach Ma National Park, surrounded by lush forests and cascading waterfalls. We reach Hue in the afternoon. Bisected by the Perfume River, Hue holds significance as the focal point for Buddhism, art, and literature in Vietnam, serving as the last imperial capital.

This morning, we venture just beyond Hue to explore the expansive tomb of the late emperor Ming Mang. Upon our return to the city, relish a cyclo ride along the perimeter of the ancient citadel, once the imperial residence. As evening descends, savor the flavors of Hue's renowned cuisine.

Embarking inland, tracing the path of the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail, we delve into the World Heritage-listed Phong Nha Caves. Following a boat journey through the scenic countryside, we navigate the intricate wet cave system. After disembarking, we ascend to explore the dry cave nestled within the cliffs above. Returning by boat, our journey continues to Vinh, presenting captivating scenery along the way.

Vinh holds the distinction as the birthplace of the national hero Ho Chi Minh. This morning, our exploration begins with a visit to the modest cottage where he was born. We then proceed northward to Tam Coc, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land.' Immerse yourself in the serenity of a boat cruise through the picturesque limestone karsts and caves before our journey takes us further to Ninh Binh.

Today, we venture into the enchanting Cuc Phuong National Park, renowned for its remarkable plant life and captivating scenery. Our journey includes a visit to the intriguing primate rehabilitation center before we proceed towards the iconic Halong Bay.

Begin your day by discovering the marvels of Halong Bay, hailed as Vietnam's premier natural wonder. Spend the morning navigating through a myriad of the 3,000 limestone islands emerging from the sea, exploring breathtaking caves and grottoes in the vicinity. Weather permitting, take a refreshing swim, followed by a delectable seafood lunch onboard. In the afternoon, we make our way back to Hanoi, with a stop at a ceramic village along the route, arriving in the late afternoon.

Commence our exploration of Hanoi with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, starting at the mausoleum situated in Ba Dinh Square. This is the very spot where Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam's independence from the French in 1945. Our journey continues to the unassuming "house on stilts," which served as Ho Chi Minh's residence, overseeing North Vietnam until his passing in 1969. Witness the French colonial presidential palace, the remarkable Ho Chi Minh museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural gem dating back to the 11th century. We then proceed to the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's inaugural university established in 1070. Our next stop is the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton,' once a prison for U.S. pilots captured during the Vietnam War. The remainder of the afternoon offers free time for any last-minute shopping or personal exploration. In the evening, come together with the group for a farewell dinner, savoring our final taste of Vietnamese cuisine.

Following breakfast, proceed to the airport where your expedition concludes.