Vietnam In-Depth

On Arrival in Saigon, we transfer to the hotel and check-in. If time is available, we take a city orientation in Saigon including the Notre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the Continental Hotel, Opera House, and City Hall. For dinner, we transfer to Old Compass Cafe for a truly local cuisine initiation. Overnight in Saigon.

We leave Ho Chi Minh behind and journey to the Cu Chi district. Passing rice paddies, villagers drying noodles by the side of the road and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Cu Chi Tunnels consist of an underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars.

This afternoon, your half day city tour of vibrant Saigon includes the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese resistance fighters tanks (Viet Cong) rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975 as Saigon fell. We go on to visit Chinatown (Cholon) and, time permitting at stop at Binh Tay Market. Overnight in Saigon.

An early morning departure from your hotel takes you to Cai Be, deep in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Embark on your private deluxe junk boat and cruise to the colorful Cai Be floating market.  Your tour continues with a visit to local home-factory which produces rice paste, rice pop corn and coconut candies. For lunch, we visit Ut Kiet Mandarin Home before boarding the junk again and slowly cruise back Cai Be. Overnight in Saigon.

Today begins with an early morning flight to Hue. On arrival, we begin our tour of Hue – one of the old Imperial capitals of Vietnam. A boat trip along the romantically named Perfume River carries you through a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes where Hue’s best-known religious site, the Thien Mu Pagoda, is located. After lunch, we explore the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945 and Dong Ba market. Overnight in Hue.

All aboard today as we take a local train to Danang (2.5 hrs). The scenery on this railroad is some of the best in Vietnam – make sure you have your camera. On arrival, we transfer to Hoi An, check-in and go for  lunch.

For our afternoon, we take a half-day city tour in Hoi An.  Hoi An’s architecture and relaxed lifestyle have changed little over the years. Take a leisurely walking tour of the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants’ homes, a 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Before you return to your hotel enjoy browsing and shopping in the one of the most colorful, local marketplaces in all of SE Asia. We top-off our tour with a visit and coffee at Reaching Out workshop, a fair trade gift shop showcasing high quality handicrafts made by disabled craftspeople in Vietnam. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, we venture into the countryside of Hoi An and learn how to spread a traditional Vietnamese fishing net, called a ro, from a small round bamboo basket boat (a thung chai) which Vietnamese fishermen have employed for centuries to ply their trade. We also visit a water palm area surrounded by coconut trees whilst learning about the history of this unique and enjoying a seafood lunch. Time in the afternoon for leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy a free day in Hoi An. Optional excursions abound including a half-day cooking class for $55 USD pp or view the countryside by Vespa for $70 USD pp. Hoi An is also a great town to just wander, explore and shop.

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, we enjoy a half-day tour of Hanoi. Sights include: Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American war),  Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam), Quan Thanh Temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty) and the Museum of Ethnology.

Later in the afternoon, enjoy a one hour tour by electric car through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets”. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore, with plenty of photo opportunities all around. We enjoy dinner at Wild Rice Restaurant together this evening. Overnight in Hanoi.

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage area of Halong Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery of Halong Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes and surrounded by colourful floating villages is a truly a breathtaking destination.

Following breakfast leave Hanoi for Halong Bay and embark on our Junk boat. Once settled, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight aboard in Halong Bay.

Breakfast on board your vessel while you enjoy a leisurely cruise back to port. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi for your flight home.