Beauty of Vietnam

Today is dedicated to a full-day city tour, delving into Hanoi's rich history and cultural heritage. Our morning begins at the Temple of Literature, a beautiful complex founded in 1070 as Vietnam's first national university. You'll wander through its serene courtyards, admire ancient stelae mounted on stone turtles, and learn about the country's scholarly traditions. Next, we visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you'll gain fascinating insights into the country's 54 officially recognized ethnic groups. The museum's extensive collection of artifacts and full-scale replicas of traditional homes provides a captivating look at Vietnam's diverse cultural tapestry.

The afternoon brings a unique and meaningful experience: our "Know One Teach One" program. This initiative creates a fantastic opportunity for American students to connect with local Vietnamese youth for English exchange activities and hands-on cooking workshops. It's a chance to share skills, stories, and laughter, building cross-cultural friendships and creating lasting memories.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hanoi

Escape the urban bustle with a scenic drive south to Ninh Binh Province, known as "Halong Bay on land" for its dramatic karst landscapes. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh, nestled against a backdrop of lush limestone mountains.

Continue to Tam Coc, where you’ll board a traditional sampan boat for a serene 2.5-hour journey through emerald rice paddies and towering cliffs. As you glide beneath dripping grottoes and low-slung caves, you’ll pass through three water tunnels—each opening to even more majestic scenery. This immersive river journey offers a sense of timeless tranquility.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh

Continue our exploration of Ninh Binh with a visit to Cuc Phuong National Park. This is a must-do for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. We will visit two remarkable conservation centers: the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Turtle Conservation Center. These non-profit organizations are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of Vietnam's most endangered primates and turtles. You'll have the chance to see rare species like the Delacour's langur and learn about the critical work being done to protect them. It's an inspiring and educational experience that highlights the importance of wildlife conservation.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh

We begin our journey from Ninh Binh to the iconic Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The approximately 3.5 to 4-hour drive takes us through the scenic Vietnamese countryside, giving you a final glimpse of rural life before we reach the coast. Upon arrival, you'll board a traditional day cruise boat and sail through the bay's iconic seascape of thousands of limestone islands and islets. You'll enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board and have the chance to explore one of the bay's magnificent caves, like Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Ha Long

Depart Ha Long Bay and return to Hanoi for your short flight to Da Nang, the gateway to central Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the charming town of Hoi An. With its winding alleys, lantern-lit streets, and well-preserved architecture, Hoi An is one of Southeast Asia’s best-preserved trading ports. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—perhaps begin with a riverside stroll or a custom fitting at one of the town’s famed tailor shops.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hoi An

In the morning, we'll venture into the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest for a unique half-day tour. Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest located near Hoi An, this unique ecosystem of water coconut palms is an incredible place to experience local life. The main activity is a basket boat tour, where a local guide will paddle you through the narrow canals. You'll watch traditional fishing techniques, and some guides even perform a thrilling "basket boat dance," spinning the circular boats for an exhilarating spectacle.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Today offers you a chance to get closer to the land on a gentle bike ride to Tra Que Village. This village is famous for scenic countryside with organic vegetable and herb farms. You’ll cycle through picturesque rice paddies and you can put on a conical hat and try your hand at traditional farming methods, learning how the fresh ingredients for Vietnamese cuisine are grown.. It’s an authentic, hands-on experience that gives you a new appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

After experiencing the tranquil beauty and simplicity of village life, head into the historic heart of Hoi An ancient town. Stroll through its narrow, lantern-lit streets lined with beautifully preserved buildings that reflect a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Explore vibrant markets, visit ancient temples and charming cafés along the riverbank, and soak up the unique cultural atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Today, board the train from Da Nang to Hue, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful rail journeys. As the train winds along the coast over the Hai Van Pass, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of jungle-covered hills and turquoise bays. On arrival in Hue, once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, check into your hotel and begin your introduction to this regal city known for its royal tombs, pagodas, and imperial architecture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hue

Begin your exploration of Hue with a visit to the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling complex protected by thick stone walls and a moat, and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within, you’ll find the Forbidden Purple City, once reserved for emperors and their families. Continue to Khai Dinh’s Tomb, a striking fusion of Eastern and Western architectural elements. After a local lunch, enjoy a peaceful dragon boat ride on the Perfume River. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, dating to 1601, before continuing to the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, set amidst pine-covered hills. End your day with shopping at the vibrant Dong Ba Market, where spices, silks, and local snacks await.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Hue

Say goodbye to Hue and proceed to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh city.

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still commonly known as Saigon, is the most populous city in Vietnam. Vibrating with energy and innovation, the city is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. As a cosmopolitan metropolis of the country, its dynamic cityscape combining the old and the new of Vietnam has made it one of the most attractive destinations for visitors.

Upon arrival, begin with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, offering an unfiltered look at the Vietnam War through photography and military artifacts. Next, tour the Reunification Palace, a time capsule from the 1970s, and end your afternoon at the colorful Ben Thanh Market, the ideal place to shop for souvenirs or sample southern delicacies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Morning, travel by car to the Mekong Delta, the world’s largest delta and Vietnam's largest rice bowl. On arrival in My Tho City, capital of Tien Giang Province, board a motorboat and navigate through intricate canals while observing the local daily life up close as well as the landscape of waterways and lush islands. Land on Thoi Son Island to listen to the Southern traditional music performed by native artists. Continue the tour with a paddleboat to cruise more canals before visiting households with traditional occupations of home-based coconut candy and rice-wine making. Switch back to a motorboat to go to a bee farm to enjoy fresh honey tea and fresh fruits. On the way back to My Tho, stop to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, a prominent local Buddhist structure built in 1850 with a unique architectural mixture of Vietnamese, Roman, Chinese and Cambodian styles characterized by a highly ornate façade.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Today is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Enjoy a well-deserved break after your busy travels. You can choose to relax at the hotel or venture out to explore the city's lively streets on your own. Take a stroll along Dong Khoi Street for some shopping, visit the famous Ben Thanh Market, or find a charming café to people-watch. This free day gives you the flexibility to discover the city’s energy and attractions that most interest you.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Our driver and guide will meet and pick you up at your hotel to transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport on air-conditioned vehicle.

Meals: Breakfast