Upon arrival in Hanoi, take the day to relax and acclimate to the city's unique atmosphere. Stroll down the wide, tree-lined avenues that harken back to the French colonial period and enjoy the faded charm of the city. Grab a baguette and a cup of delicious Vietnamese coffee from one of the many doorways of grand buildings that line the streets. In the evening, join us for a welcome briefing and an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Today, we will delve into the rich history and culture of Hanoi, starting with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a symbol of Vietnam's ancient education system. We will then explore the haunting Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," before immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter. Our tour continues with a visit to the Presidential Palace, where we will learn about Ho Chi Minh's humble lifestyle. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a mesmerizing water puppet show.

Accommodation: Babylon Grand Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Embark on a journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, where the stunning limestone peaks rise from the emerald waters to create a magical landscape. Begin your adventure with a four-hour drive to the bay, where you will board a traditional junk boat that will be your home for the night.

As you sail through the bay, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on deck and marvel at the breathtaking views of the forested pinnacles. Take a hike to a viewpoint for panoramic vistas, or take a swim in a designated area on a secluded beach. If weather permits, you may also have the option to go kayaking for an additional cost.

Relax on the top deck of the boat and witness the mesmerizing sunset with a refreshing drink in hand. Retreat to your comfortable twin-share cabin with a private bathroom for a restful night on the water.

Experience the beauty and tranquility of Ha Long Bay on this unforgettable overnight excursion.

After a mesmerizing cruise around the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, we reluctantly bid farewell to the limestone pinnacles and return to Hanoi. Following a brief stop in the bustling city, we board the legendary Reunification Express for an unforgettable overnight train journey to the imperial city of Hue. As we travel 428 miles south, we are treated to stunning views of the Vietnamese countryside, ensuring a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation: Overnight train

Upon our arrival in Hue, we will check in to our hotel before embarking on a fascinating sightseeing tour of the city. Our first stop is the majestic Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most iconic attraction in Hue. Within its massive walls, we will discover the ancient palaces, halls of the Mandarins, and the haunting ruins of the Forbidden Purple City.

As we explore the Forbidden Purple City, we will learn about its tragic history during the Vietnam War and see the remnants of the destruction caused by the Tet Offensive. The overgrown ruins and bomb craters serve as a poignant reminder of the country's turbulent past.

Next, we will visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple that played a significant role in Vietnam's political history. Here, we will see the famous Austin car that transported monk Thich Quang Duc to Saigon, where he performed a self-immolation as a protest against the government. This powerful act of defiance captured the world's attention and became a symbol of resistance.

Our day of exploration will provide us with a deeper understanding of Hue's rich cultural heritage and tumultuous past. We will retreat to the comfort of Park View Hotel (or similar) for a restful evening, ready to continue our journey through this fascinating city.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Vietnam as we visit the opulent Tu Duc Mausoleum, a masterpiece created by the Nguyen emperors. Designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself, this mausoleum is a symbol of extravagance and power, completed in 1867 amidst political turmoil.

Following our visit, we return to the charming city of Hue, where you have the afternoon free to wander through the historic center or unwind along the picturesque riverbank. Take this opportunity to soak in the beauty and tranquility of Hue, a city steeped in culture and heritage.

Relax and rejuvenate at the elegant Park View Hotel, where you can indulge in luxurious accommodations and unwind after a day of exploration. Embrace the essence of Hue and create unforgettable memories on this remarkable journey through Vietnam.

Embarking on our adventure from Hue, we traverse the picturesque Lang Co peninsula, nestled between a glistening lagoon and the vast Eastern Sea. The road leads us to the Hai Van pass, known as the Pass of the Ocean Clouds, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Upon reaching Da Nang, we indulge in a delightful lunch before ascending Marble Mountain, where we delve into expansive caves once utilized by the Viet Cong as a clandestine hospital. As we reach the summit, we are rewarded with mesmerizing vistas of My Khe beach and the idyllic countryside that guides us to Hoi An, our sanctuary for the next three nights.

Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Hoi An with a guided walking tour of this charming town. As we stroll through the streets, you will be transported back in time to the 16th century, when Hoi An was a bustling European trading port. Admire the beautiful wooden houses, ornate temples, and unique architectural blend of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European influences.

After the tour, you will have the afternoon free to explore Hoi An at your leisure. Consider renting a bike and pedaling through the picturesque countryside, where you can visit local markets, schools, and villages before relaxing on the sandy shores of Cua Dai beach.

Unwind and recharge at the Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar), where you can reflect on the day's adventures and prepare for more cultural discoveries in this enchanting town.

Today, we embark on a journey to My Son, the sacred site of the Cham civilization, where ancient kings were laid to rest as early as the 4th century. Despite the damage caused by bombings, the remnants of stone towers and sanctuaries still stand, offering a glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Cham people. After our visit, we return to Hoi An, where you have the rest of the afternoon to immerse yourself in the charms of this historic town.

Accommodation: Hoi An Sincerity Hotel & Spa (or similar)

Embark on a journey to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern developments. Explore the city on foot and immerse yourself in its vibrant energy. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and War Remnants Museum. Delve into the city's history and witness the poignant photographic record of the Vietnam War at the museum. Experience the eclectic mix of culture, history, and architecture that defines this dynamic city. Stay at the Huong Sen Hotel and indulge in the comfort and luxury it offers.

Today, we embark on a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Stretching over 75 miles across three levels, these tunnels served as a strategic hideout for the Viet Cong fighters, allowing them to launch surprise attacks and store essential supplies.

As we explore this historical site, we will encounter remnants of tanks and aircraft, and immerse ourselves in the war re-enactment zones to gain a deeper understanding of the conflict. For the adventurous souls, there is an opportunity to venture into the tunnels themselves, although the narrow passageways may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia.

Upon our return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, you are free to explore the city at your leisure. Whether you choose to wander through bustling markets, sample local cuisine, or simply relax in the comfort of your accommodation at Huong Sen Hotel, the choice is yours to make.

Embark on a journey to the Mekong Delta, known as the rice bowl of Vietnam, where we will witness the vibrant local life and stunning landscapes. Our adventure begins with a scenic drive to Vinh Long, where we board a traditional wooden boat to cruise along the Mekong River to Cai Be. Along the way, we will visit local orchards and witness cottage industries in action, sampling delicious rice paper and coconut candy.

As the sun sets, we will enjoy a peaceful dinner on an island and experience the warm hospitality of the Delta region. Our overnight stay will be at a charming homestay guesthouse, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the locals. Bedding, mosquito nets, and towels are provided for a comfortable night's rest.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of the Mekong Delta.

Embark on a morning walk through lush orchards and navigate small canals in a traditional wooden sampan. Experience the tranquility of the Mekong Delta before reuniting with our boat to visit a hidden gem - a Cao Dai temple, showcasing the unique fusion of Eastern and Western religions.

As we return to Ho Chi Minh City, reflect on the beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta, a hidden gem of Vietnam. Relax and unwind at the comfortable Huong Sen Hotel, or similar, as you reminisce about the day's adventures.

As our Vietnam adventure draws to a close after breakfast, we invite you to consider continuing your journey of discovery in Southeast Asia with our Angkor Wat extension. In this extension, we will venture to Cambodia to explore the key sites in Phnom Penh, including the magnificent Angkor Wat, one of the world's most renowned archaeological sites. Join us as we delve deeper into the rich history and culture of this fascinating region.