Vietnam is a culturally and historically rich country endowed with breathtaking landscapes and friendly, welcoming people ready to warmly engage with the adventure traveler. From bustling cities that harmoniously blend historical remnants with modern attractions to idyllic rural villages that transcend the constraints of time, Vietnam will enchant you with its picturesque landscapes, bucolic villages, diverse people, and extraordinary cuisine.
This custom journey was intentionally crafted to focus on the very best cultural highlights of Vietnam, starting in the pulsating Ho Chi Minh City. After a historic city tour with your expert guide, escape to the heart of the Mekong Delta for a day trip to immerse yourself in the local culture. Meander through canals and waterways by boat, surrounded by lush, fertile landscapes, passing fishing villages, floating markets, and endless agricultural fields as you get an authentic glimpse of everyday life.
The charming city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cultural crossroads where diverse influences converge. The town’s unique artistic flair is evident in its lantern-lit streets and iconic architecture, and the riverside setting makes for photogenic explorations of the cobblestone streets, eclectic markets, and culinary gems. Hanoi is another cultural hub that is not to be missed, offering delightful gastronomy, resplendent temples, and captivating traditional arts performances.
A multi-day cruise through Ha Long Bay is the quintessential way to wind down your journey through Vietnam as you sail amongst thousands of limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the emerald-green waters around you. Options abound for active explorations during your cruise, whether you want to pedal a bike through rural villages, explore the otherworldly caves of Cat Ba National Park, or kayak or swim in the bay’s tranquil waters.
If you have additional time, this itinerary can easily be extended to add some additional highlights of Southeast Asia, from the pristine beaches of Thailand to the sacred temples of Angkor Wat.
Welcome to Vietnam! You will be met upon arrival at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and escorted to your boutique hotel. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to take a dip in the pool, nap to shake off the jetlag, or explore the local neighborhood.
Today you will embark on a memorable tour of Ho Chi Minh City with your private guide. Marvel at the juxtaposition of old and new as you pass ancient temples, French-colonial cathedrals, and modern skyscrapers on your way to discover some of the city’s most famed historic sites.
This morning your private driver will escort you to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, to spend a full day immersed in a typical Vietnamese delta town. Your local guide will show you around by boat, tuk tuk, and foot as you explore the nearby villages, stopping to greet farmers and artisans and learn all about their daily lives. You will return to Ho Chi Minh City late in the afternoon.
After a leisurely breakfast your private driver will take you to the airport to catch your flight to Da Nang. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your boutique hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to take a dip in the pool or unwind at the on-site spa.
Today you will immerse yourself in the colorful culture of Hoi An on a private walking tour. Start the day with an early visit to the lively Hoi An Central Market, where you will wander the maze of stalls, surrounded by sweet-smelling herbs, aromatic spices, colorful textiles, and traditional crafts. Sip a refreshing drink as you watch the fishing boats maneuver through the waters of the Thu Bon River on your way to visit the famous Japanese Bridge. Enjoy a lantern-making lesson from a local family and sample the local noodle specialty before returning to your hotel.
Today you will experience local life in Go Noi village just outside Hoi An through a private farm tour. Try your hand at agricultural activities like planting, weeding, and watering as you learn all about farm life, and enjoy a delicious lunch with your host family. You will have ample opportunities to interact with local farmers and artisans and you will end the day with a deeper insight into village life in rural Vietnam.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to the airport midday to catch your flight to Hanoi. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
You will have two full days in Hanoi to enjoy private guided explorations of Vietnam’s multifaceted capital city. Travel back in time as you visit fascinating historical sites like Hoa Lo Prison and Ho Chi Minh’s house, or take in the tranquil atmosphere of the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Take a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter on your way to a cooking lesson, and witness the captivating traditional art of a water puppet show.
This morning you will head to the stunning Ha Long Bay to embark on a two-night cruise of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will cruise through emerald waters peppered with imposing limestone mountains, stopping along the way to visit bucolic villages, mysterious caves, and tranquil tropical islands. Explorations can be made by foot, kayak, or bicycle and you can also try squid-fishing and Tai Chi onboard the ship.
After an early morning Tai Chi session followed by a brief kayak session, it’s time to disembark your cruise ship mid-morning to head back to Hanoi. From Hanoi, you will begin your journey home.
These are the accommodations available for this trip. Please call and see which one is best for your style of travel.
