Jewels of Vietnam

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport and passing through customs, you will meet your local representative through the exit gait in the arrival lobby. You will be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle to enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Should you have time this evening, we recommend an optional water puppet performance, a generations old art unique to northern Vietnam.

Often referred to as the Paris of the East, Hanoi is a beautiful, ochre-colored city with a fascinating story you will spend the morning discovering. You will begin with a visit to the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, housing the preserved remains of the beloved leader. Next, visit the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple in the shape of a lotus blossom. After visiting one of Vietnam’s most iconic pagodas, you will continue on to the tranquil wooden home of Ho Chi Minh. Later, relax on an hour long cyclo ride through the famed Old Quarter, known for the 36 artisan buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. Spend some time wandering the maze of streets for an eclectic glimpse into Hanoi life before returning to your hotel for the remainder of the evening at your leisure. (B)

This morning you will leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay where you will spend the night cruising the bay toward southeast Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed aboard your cruise ship with a delicious Vietnamese lunch followed by a visit to the mysterious Sung Sot Cave on Bo Hon Island. Next, sail to Titop Island for a chance to swim and snorkel or embark on a short trek to the top of the island for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Later this evening, return to your boat to watch the spectacular sunset while sipping cocktails. Tonight, enjoy an authentic Vietnamese dinner, which you may follow with cocktails at the bar or join one of the onboard activities such as games, movies and squid fishing. (B,L,D)

Wake up early and join in a Tai Chi demonstration held on the upper deck of your cruise. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast onboard as you sail toward Luon Cave. Here you will have the option of either exploring the cave yourself on kayak or in the comfort of a bamboo boat expertly steered by a local. Return to your boat for a short rest before joining a short spring roll cooking demonstration before an early lunch as you cruise toward the jetty. Disembark and head back to Hanoi with an en route stop at a local village for a chance to witness rural life in the northenr countryside. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be dropped off at the airport for your short flight to Da Nang, where a local representative will meet you upon arrival for a private transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. (B)

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish merchants. Today, this ancient World Heritage town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine. Hoi An’s lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including the older merchant houses, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to join an optional tour to an herb garden for a look at local farming life or you may wish to sample some of the local cuisine Hoi An is famous for on a food tour by Vespa! (B)

Your morning is at your leisure to enjoy breakfast at your hotel or take in a local market. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Da Nang for a short flight to Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, a local representative will meet you at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. (B)

This morning you will head northwest to visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an immens network of connecting underground tunnels started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. Touring the underground compounds will provide a better understanding of the history of the tunnels, the hardship of life below and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. After your visit, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City for the remainder of the day at your leisure. You may wish to consider a Vespa tour of Saigon, visiting many of the city’s significant highlights. (B)

Exchange city scenes for lush rice paddies and fruit farms as you depart Ho Chi Minh City for Cho Gao, situated in the Mekong River Delta. Upon arrival, board a wooden boat for a fascinating river excursion off the beaten tracks. You will cross two branches of the river to arrive at Long Thanh Village to visit a local factory in order to understand the traditional methods used to make coal for the coconut’s hard shell. After your visit here, you’ll trade your automobile for a bicycle for a relaxing ride through the peaceful village to observe the rustic local lifestyle. Later, board a ferry to Tam Hiep Island where you will enjoy a leisurely walk to a local farmer’s house for a lunch comprised of Delta specialties. After lunch, wander along the village path to a honey bee farm to observe how to make honey straight from the source. Continue the cycling trip around the village and stop at a local farmer’s garden with a specialty of the region called la sam. Your host willt ake you around his lush garden to pick some leaves and show you how to make the special herbal jelly. Following your visit, you will board a sampan for a ride along the narrow canals of the Mekong before returing to Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)

Enjoy a final breakfast in Vietnam before taking your private transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)