







DAY 1 HANOI
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be met and transferred to ourhistoric hotel. Hanoi is a serene city of lakes, shaded boulevards,verdant parks and grand French architecture. This evening, relax anddine on your own.
DAY 2 HANOI

After breakfast, explore beautiful Hanoi, a city that blends the modernwith the mystery and charm of past centuries. Today’s sightseeing beginswith a visit to Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, amuseum to his life and the simple cottage where he lived and worked.
Then visit the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar pagoda, whichdates back to 1040. Next, pay a visit to the fascinating EthnologyMuseum and beautiful Tran Quoc Pagoda.
After a break for lunch at a favorite restaurant, visit the Temple ofLiterature, the site of Vietnam’s first university dating all the way back to1070. Stop in at the Fine Arts Museum to see its ethnographical displays,paintings and famous lacquer ware and then visit inside the infamousHoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by prisonersof war during the Vietnam War. We’ll end our city tour at Hoan KiemLake, known locally as “The Lake of the Restored Sword” for its rolein the story of Le Loi, a Vietnamese historical hero who resisted theadvance of the Chinese in 1418.
Later this afternoon, take a cyclo (bicycle trishaw) or electric car tourof Hanoi’s colorful Old Quarter, with its narrow streets, charmingshops and unique architecture. The evening’s entertainment will be awater puppet show—an ancient Vietnamese form of entertainment thatenables the puppeteers to control their marionettes by levers hiddenunder the water. Skits enact ancient legends that are rural in origin andthe theme of water is often present, as it defines so much of Vietnam’slandscape. After the show, convene as a group for a welcome dinner.
DAY 3 HANOI / SAPA
This morning, set out on the five-hour journey from Hanoi to thenorthern highland village of Sapa. A newly built highway makes thejourney quite comfortable. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and some time toget settled at our accommodations.
Then embark on a short trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van, a three-and-ahalf mile walk (a vehicle is also available for those not wishing to walk).Begin the journey by descending into a rice-terraced valley at the footof Fansipan Mountain. Walk through remote villages and rice fields andobserve the distinctive dark blue dress of the local Hmong tribespeople.Continue hiking to the village of Ta Van, one of the few villages inVietnam inhabited by the Zay tribe and on to several other even moreremote small villages. At the end of the trek, we will be driven backto Sapa.
Perhaps explore Sapa town and its fascinating market before wereconvene for dinner at a favorite local restaurant.
DAY 4 SAPA

Begin the day by driving to the Silver Waterfall, (as beautiful as its name),and then onward to “Heaven’s Gate,” the highest road in Vietnam toenjoy stunning views of Mt. Fansipan and the Indochina mountains.Continue with a downhill hike through Hoang Lien National Park’sbeautiful bamboo forest, breaking for a picnic lunch en route.
After lunch, trek to Sin Chai village, a star in Sapa’s community basedtourism scene. Here we have an opportunity to visit with the villagersand learn firsthand about the resident Black Hmong minority, one of thelargest ethnic minority groups in the Sapa area.
Back in Sapa, reconvene for dinner at our hotel.
DAY 5 SAPA / BAC HA / HANOI
After breakfast, drive to Bac Ha to witness the spectacular market thatdraws vendors and shoppers from local hill tribes all over the area, oftenwalking upwards of 15 miles from their mountain villages to attend.The most colorful of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups, the Flower Hmong,are among the traders, as well as representatives from many other tribes,including the Dao, Tay, Nung, Hoa and Giay.
After lunch, walk to the nearby village of Ban Pho, a traditional home ofthe Flower Hmong. Join a Hmong family in their home to learn abouttheir unique culture and way of life. We will then begin the drive backto Hanoi, arriving at our familiar lodgings in the late afternoon.
DAY 6HANOI / HA LONG BAY

After breakfast, depart on a journey northeast of Hanoi to the famousand magnificent Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.Upon arrival, begin our two-night cruise on Ha Long Bay.
12:15 Embark on the cruise by tender. Check-in, enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing
Enjoy lunch while cruising to magnificent Ha Long Bay, and admire the fascinating formations on the way. Visit Luon cave – kayaking or bamboo boat Luon cave excursion on bamboo rowing boat by locals or kayaking. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay.
Visit Titop Island – Climbing, Beach & Swimming. Your next stop is Titop Island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop Island is another not-to-be-missed activity.
Enjoy the best moments of the day at sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.
Savour a delicious dinner
Night-time squid fishing
Free of mind with sweet dreams
DAY 7 HA LONG BAY
Enjoy sunrise on the Bay. Morning Tai Chi session on sundeck. Light breakfast. Coffee, tea, and pastries served in the Restaurant. Pick up guests by a transfer boat, starting to explore Lan Ha Bay
Visit Bright Cave, Visit Lan Ha Bay, a splendid bay within the Cat Ba Archipelago. The boat stops at the Bright Cave area for kayaking activities.
Enjoy lunch on board then visit Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches area). Transfer to the Ba Trai Dao area to enjoy a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking white sandy beach
Return to Halong Bay to continue the exploration Journey. Visit Pearl Farm. The boat stops at a Pearl Farm to learn about pearl cultivation and harvesting by locals
Enjoy the best moments of the day at sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.
Savour a delicious dinner
Night time squid fishing
Free of mind with sweet dreams
DAY 8 HA LONG BAY / HUÉ
Enjoy a leisurely morning on Ha Long Bay, with an optional tai chiclass on deck, before arriving back at the harbor. After disembarking,we return to Hanoi for a late lunch and then catch our flight to Hue.
Upon arrival, settle into your accommodations and then enjoy a leisurelyevening to dine on your own.
DAY 9 HUE
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This morning, begin our touring with a visit to the Imperial Citadeland the vast, ancient Forbidden Purple City. Heavily bombed duringthe 1968 Tet offensive, it has since been largely rebuilt and is immenselyimpressive, providing insight into the achievements and excesses offeudal Vietnam. Then visit the Royal Tomb. Built to provide the sevenNguyen Emperors noble burials and comfortable afterlives, they aresurrounded by vast, well-tended botanical gardens, beautiful open-airpavilions and numerous shrines. The tomb of Minh Mang is the mostelegant, while that of the reviled, drug-addicted Khai Dinh is the mostunusual. It features extravagant French-colonial influences—reflective ofhis early 20th-century reign in which he colluded with the French, at thebackbreaking expense of the peasantry. Lunch will be at Biet Phu ThaoNhi, a local restaurant known for both its outstanding cuisine and itsremarkable bonsai collection.
This afternoon, embark on a private one-hour boat trip up the PerfumeRiver through the dreamy countryside to the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda.
There will then be time to wander Dong Ba Market, a colorful, bustlingdelight for all the senses.
This evening, attend dinner at the Boi Tran Garden, the home of Mrs.Boi Tran, a notable local artist and who exhibits in both the local andinternational art scene
DAY 10 DA NANG / HOI AN
This morning, visit Tu Duc’s Tomb before beginning the drive south along thecoast to the quaint town of Hoi An. On the way, ascend Hai Van Pass (alsoknown as the Sea of Clouds) with its spectacular views of the coastline. Stopto visit a local school and then continue into downtown Da Nang to visit theopen-air Cham Museum. This small museum displays an array of artifactsfrom the Hindu kingdom of Champa, which began in the 2nd century incentral Vietnam. Continuing south, we make a stop at My Khe (China Beach),before stopping for lunch at the luxurious Furama Resort.
This afternoon, explore Hoi An with a walking tour of the town’s old district, an architectural gem filled with narrow winding alleyways.For hundreds of years, this was the country’s most prosperous portand attracted traders and influences from China, Japan and Europe.The town retains an old-world air and many ancient buildings remainintact—it is still possible to wander here and imagine oneself in anotherage. See the Japanese Covered Bridge, the local produce market, TanKy House and the Fukhien Association. The town is a haven for localartists, with galleries galore. Hoi An is also well known for its tailors, withover 60 shops in town making custom fitted clothing for a fraction ofwhat it costs in the West.In the evening, check into our riverside resort, relax and enjoy dinner on
your own.
DAY 11 HOI AN & SURROUNDING COUNTRYSIDE
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This morning, visit the Market Restaurant and Cooking Schoolto participate in private cooking class through Ms. Vy’s CookingAcademy. A local success story, Ms. Vy now owns and operatesseveral restaurants in town, including the well regarded Cargo Club,Mermaid, Morning Glory and White Lantern. Our class will begin withpurchasing various ingredients at the nearby riverside market followedby an introduction to the traditional methods and ingredients used inVietnamese dishes. Then it’s time to get cooking—the menu will includethree seasonal specialties. Instructions and recipes will be given whileeach dish is prepared. After class, sample some of your own creations for
lunch or order off the extensive menu.
After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore Hoi An on your own. Thecobblestone streets in the Old French Quarter are a delight to roam withmany cafés, art galleries and handicraft shops.
Reconvene later this afternoon to explore the verdant countryside aroundHoi An by bicycle. (For those not wishing to ride, other transportationwill be available.) At Tra Que village, stop to learn about traditionalgardening methods, sample some delectable local snacks and indulge ina relaxing foot soak using a homegrown herbal remedy enjoyed by thelocals. Upon returning to Hoi An this evening, enjoy some free time toexplore and dine on your own.
DAY 12 HOI AN
Today is free to relax, enjoy our beautiful hotel and explore on yourown. Perhaps ride a bike to the nearby beach or through the surroundingvillages.
DAY 13 SAIGON (HO CHI MINH CITY)
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Early this morning, fly to Ho Chi Minh City (or as the locals stillprefer, Saigon). Upon arrival, set out and explore the city. Visit theReunification Hall, followed by a stop in at the War Remnant Museum,
Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office, designed byGustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame.
After lunch, explore Chinatown. Walk among the frenzied merchants ofCholon Market and visit Thien Hau Pagoda, one of the most celebratedtemples in the country. You may opt to end the day with a drink at therooftop bar of the famous Rex Hotel where journalists would congregateduring the Vietnam War for official government briefings that were knownas “the five o’clock follies.” Reconvene for dinner tonight at one of ourfavorite Saigon restaurants.
DAY 14 MEKONG DELTA / SAIGON

After breakfast, set out for the Mekong Delta (a drive of about three hours)for a full-day excursion on the water. Our first stop is Cai Be to see itscolorful floating market, followed by a visit to a few village homes whereenterprising locals run small “factories” producing goods such as rice paperfor spring rolls, coconut candies and dried fruit (including the delectablelongan berry, which looks like a pearl encased in a nut). Sail on to DongPhu, Binh Hoa Phuoc and the An Binh islands, seldom-visited enclaves thatoffer rich insight into traditional life in the Delta region.
Lunch will be served at a fruit orchard where a local family will welcomeus with green tea and a delicious meal of homemade specialties. Afterlunch, re-board the boat for a cruise through the beautiful waterwaysof the delta, observing rural life on the shores and stopping to visitan ancient church in An Binh. After crossing the Co Chien River,disembark at Vinh Long pier and return to Saigon for a relaxing eveningand dinner on your own.
DAY 15 CU CHI / SAIGON
This morning, travel to the infamous Viet Cong stronghold at Cu Chi.The hundreds of miles of underground tunnels in this area confoundedfirst the French and then the American troops during the Vietnam War.Sections are open to visitors where you can climb in and get a feel forthe terrible conditions faced by the tenacious Vietnamese who livedand fought in these tunnels, defending their land against invaders whopossessed vastly superior technology. This excursion provides Amazinginsight into how the Vietnamese won the “American War” (as it is knownin Vietnam). Many traps and weapons were made merely of bambooand netting, yet the American forces, equipped with modern supplies,proved no match for these primitive, yet effective, armaments over thelong haul.
Enjoy lunch before returning to Saigon. Then head to Truc Mai Housewhere a family of local artists will give a musical performance. Learnabout traditional Vietnamese instruments through conversations withthe musicians and hear performances from each family member. Thisevening reconvene for a memorable farewell dinner.
DAY 16 SAIGON / HOME OR EXTEND
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flights home, orbegin a private extension to other great locales in Asia.