Welcome to Vietnam! Few places can compare to this Southeast Asian powerhouse when it comes to natural beauty and cultural richness. You’ll arrive in Hanoi, the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the country’s deep history (dating back to the third century BCE) and indulge in its celebrated cuisine.

A driver will greet you at the airport and take you on a roughly one-hour journey to your hotel in Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, an ideal location for sightseeing. (Standard check-in time is 3:00 Pm)

If you have arrived early spend the day wandering through the intricate streets of the Old Quarter, either on foot or in a traditional three-wheeled cyclo. For dinner, visit Bun Cha Huong Lien to sample the city’s famous bun cha (noodle soup with grilled pork) or unwind with a cocktail at the rooftop bar of the elegant Pan Pacific Hotel, offering stunning views of Tay Ho (West Lake) and the city skyline.

Overnight in Hanoi

Start your day early with a private, full-day tour of Hanoi’s historic landmarks. Begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, established in the 11th century. Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of the revolutionary leader "Uncle Ho," who passed away in 1969. Other key sites include the 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple known for its unique lotus-flower design, perched atop a stone pillar emerging from a pond. Continue to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist shrine in Hanoi, dating back to the sixth century during the Ly Nam De Dynasty. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant before returning to your hotel. 

Spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Quarter, especially Hang Be Market, a centuries-old commercial center where locals shop for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and more. The market is also home to many vendors offering prepared foods, so be sure to bring your appetite and sample some of Vietnam’s famous street food.

Evening enjoy Water Puppet show which is a unique variation on the ancient Asia puppet tradition and is a Vietnamese tradition dating back to the 11th century. Supported by a large rod placed under the water and manipulated by experienced puppeteers, the wooden puppets appear to be dancing over the water, telling folk tales. It’s entertaining and suitable for all audiences. 
 

Overnight in Hanoi

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then meet your driver for a 2.5-hour journey north to the marina at Ha Long Bay. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, this stunning bay is home to over 1,000 limestone islets that rise dramatically from the emerald waters, resembling the spine of a mythical creature (the name "Ha Long" translates to "descending dragon"). The breathtaking beauty of this region is unparalleled, earning it UNESCO World Heritage status.

You'll spend the night aboard a comfortable cruise ship, exploring this natural wonder. After settling into your cabin, join a cooking class led by the onboard chef, where you'll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like nem (Vietnamese fried spring rolls) and enjoy them for dinner. The rest of the evening is yours to relax, or you can take a small boat out for a spot of night fishing with the locals.

Overnight on-board the Cruise

Rise early for a tai chi session on the ship's sundeck, awakening your qi (life energy). Afterward, enjoy breakfast onboard as you cruise past the towering karst islets. Later, make one final stop to explore a stunning sea cave before heading back to Ha Long's port around midday. From there, you'll board a vehicle for the 3.5-hour drive back to Hanoi and the airport, where you'll catch a two-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Welcome to southern Vietnam! The vibrant heart of this region is the country's largest city, which was formerly known as Saigon until its fall in 1975. Since the end of the Vietnam War (locally called the American War), Ho Chi Minh City has grown and modernized, while still preserving its colonial-era charm. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax and unwind.

Overnight in Saigon

After breakfast, embark on a two-hour journey north of Ho Chi Minh City to visit the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of underground passages, constructed in 1948 to protect Viet Cong guerrillas from French attacks, also served as living quarters, communication hubs, supply routes, and even hospitals. A visit offers a glimpse into Vietnam's wartime history and the challenges faced by the soldiers during the French and American wars. You’ll have the opportunity to crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience their narrow, claustrophobic dimensions firsthand.

Following a traditional noodle lunch at a local restaurant, you'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City for a city tour. Begin with a visit to the Reunification Palace, the former headquarters of the Saigon government during the American War, where the war officially ended on April 30, 1975. Then, explore iconic 19th-century landmarks such as the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1880, and the Central Post Office, completed between 1886 and 1891, both prime examples of French colonial architecture. Next, stop by Ben Thanh Market, one of the city's largest and most vibrant markets, where you can hone your bargaining skills and shop for souvenirs while immersing yourself in local life.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Saigon with visits to historical sites, including the Museum of Vietnamese History, to learn more about the country’s turbulent past. Your guide will highlight the most interesting sights of the city before returning to your hotel for some free time to relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Saigon

Start your day early as you meet your driver for the journey south to the Mekong Delta, known as Vietnam's "rice bowl" due to its lush landscapes of mangroves, sugarcane plantations, and flooded rice paddies. Your first stop is the An Cu rice factory, where you'll learn about the local rice production process. Then, head to Cai Be Tourist Wharf to visit the floating rice market, the largest rice export hub in the Southwest, where you can get a glimpse into the daily lives of small businesses in the region.

Next, explore the ancient house village in Dong Hoa Hiep Commune and the Cai Be floating market before continuing by boat to Tan Phong Isle. Here, you'll visit the Hai Yen honey bee farm and flower garden, where you can explore bee farms, flower gardens, and Linh Chi mushroom farms. Experience traditional activities like fish dragging, crossing the famous Monkey Bridge, and learning about beekeeping while enjoying fresh honey tea at the farm.

Afterward, head to Ms. Hang's house to tour the fruit garden and taste fruits freshly picked by you. Bid farewell to Ms. Hang and enjoy a traditional Southern music performance before embarking on a leisurely rowboat ride through small canals. Continue your journey to the Mekong Ecolodge, where you'll take part in a cooking class and enjoy a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, cycle to Ms. Hang's house to learn how rice paper is made, then visit another local home to see how bamboo and banana leaves are woven. Continue cycling to Ms. 10’s house to observe traditional house roofing techniques, followed by a visit to Ms. Thao’s house, where you'll have the opportunity to learn how to weave water hyacinth. Under Ms. Thao’s guidance, you can even create your own handwoven souvenir.

After saying goodbye to Ms. Thao, return to the Mekong Ecolodge for some rest before the drive back to Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, you'll head to the airport for a two-hour flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia! This charming town, located in the northwest of the country along the shores of Tonlé Sap Lake, serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor. Once the capital of the Khmer Kingdom from the 9th to the 15th centuries, Angkor's ancient ruins are a major historical treasure. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you'll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day to unwind and relax.

Overnight in Siem Reap

After breakfast, meet your guide and head out to explore one of the most renowned temples in the world: Angkor Wat. This magnificent 12th-century temple complex spans 200 acres (81 hectares) and its five towering spires are so iconic that they appear on the Cambodian flag. Following your visit to Angkor Wat, continue to the jungle-covered Ta Prohm Temple, where massive fig trees and sprawling creepers have overtaken the structure. This temple gained fame as a filming location for the Hollywood movie Tomb Raider.

Next, venture to the ancient capital of Angkor Thom, starting at the South Gate, adorned with large statues symbolizing the churning of the ocean of milk. Explore the Bayon Temple, famous for its 54 towers, each decorated with over 200 stone faces of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. Continue through the Royal Enclosure, the Phimeanakas, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, each showcasing intricate carvings and bas-reliefs.

In the afternoon, return to Angkor Wat, the most famous temple on the Angkor Plain. This vast temple complex, covering 81 hectares, is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its five distinctive towers, emblazoned on the Cambodian flag, are a prime example of classical Khmer architecture. Afterward, head to Angkor Thom, once the grandest royal city of Cambodia. Here, the Bayon Temple stands out, with its 54 towers and 216 stone faces of King Jayavarman VII. You’ll also visit the Terrace of the Elephants, with its detailed elephant sculptures, and the Terrace of the Leper King, known for its carvings of demons and mythical figures.

Finish your day with a visit to Ta Prohm, a 12th-century Buddhist temple largely engulfed by the jungle. Then, hike up the lion-guarded stairs of the 10th-century Pre Rup Temple, where you’ll catch a stunning sunset over the forest canopy. Afterward, transfer back to your hotel to relax.

Evening enjoy a captivating Apsara dance performance, showcasing the rich folk art of Cambodia. Immerse yourself in a cultural experience that delves into Hindu and Buddhist legends, where Apsaras are depicted as heavenly beings who mesmerize audiences with their graceful and enchanting dance. The intricate hand gestures play a crucial role in the performance, with each movement conveying a unique meaning. Savor a delightful array of Khmer dishes from a buffet menu during the show. Indulge in local favorites like the classic Amok Cambodian curry and Khmer BBQ, with international options also available. At the end of this unforgettable evening, you'll be transported back to your accommodation

Overnight in Siem Reap

You've experienced the trip of a lifetime! Now, it's time to gather your memories and head home. After a relaxing breakfast, your driver will take you to Siem Reap airport for your flight back. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!