VIETNAM CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

This morning, venture outside the city to explore the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn how local fighters lived, worked, and resisted during wartime.

Returning to the city, visit key landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under renovation but viewable from outside), and the War Remnants Museum. Wander through Chinatown (Cho Lon) with its bustling Binh Tay Market before heading back for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Depart for the Mekong Delta, a lush region known as Vietnam’s “rice bowl.” Board on a cruise at Cai Be and begin cruising through tranquil canals lined with coconut palms and stilted houses.

Along the way, stop at family-run workshops to see how locals produce coconut candy, rice paper, and puffed rice. Visit an ancient house and small village temples, and enjoy a delicious lunch on board. In the afternoon, the boat glides along narrow waterways where daily life unfolds—children waving from the banks, farmers tending fields, and traders ferrying goods. As the sun sets, savor dinner on the river and spend the night on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight on Mekong cruise

Rise early to witness the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, one of the largest in the delta. Barges loaded with fruits and vegetables jostle for position as vendors sell to passing boats, creating a vibrant mosaic of color and sound. After breakfast, disembark and drive back to Ho Chi Minh City for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast | Overnight in Hue

Begin the day with a cruise along the Perfume River to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an enduring symbol of the city. Continue to Thuy Bieu Village, where you’ll enjoy a hands-on cooking class and prepare traditional Hue dishes for lunch. Relax afterward with a soothing herbal foot massage.

In the afternoon, explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Wander through ornate palaces, ancient gates, and tranquil gardens, and gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s imperial past.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Overnight in Hue

Drive along the scenic Hai Van Pass, stopping for panoramic views of the coastline before visiting the Marble Mountains near Da Nang. Explore caves and pagodas nestled among the limestone hills, then continue to Hoi An. Upon arrival, embark on a heritage walking tour of the ancient town, a UNESCO site known for its preserved architecture. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, historic merchant houses, and colorful assembly halls. End the day with free time to shop for lanterns, handicrafts, or tailored clothing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Overnight in Hoi An

This morning, travel to My Son, the spiritual heart of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Stroll among crumbling temple ruins dating back over a thousand years, set against a backdrop of lush jungle-clad hills.

Return to Hoi An for a countryside cycling tour. Pedal through rice paddies and quiet villages, meet local artisans making sleeping mats, and try your hand at paddling a basket boat along the waterways. Return to town for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Overnight in Hoi An

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital. In the evening, set out on a guided walking tour of the Old Quarter to taste Hanoi’s culinary treasures. Sample iconic dishes such as bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), before ending with a refreshing dessert of fresh fruit with condensed milk.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner| Overnight in Hanoi

Begin your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where visitors pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s most respected leader. Stroll through the grounds of the Presidential Palace and admire the simplicity of the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, set amidst peaceful gardens.

Proceed to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university established in 1070. Dedicated to Confucius and generations of scholars, this historic site is a symbol of Vietnam’s rich educational and cultural traditions.

Following lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, the tour continues to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This outstanding museum presents a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, featuring traditional costumes, artifacts, and life-sized replicas of ethnic minority homes. It is an enriching experience for those interested in the nation’s cultural diversity.

Get back to the Old Quarter and relax on a traditional cyclo ride as you explore the vibrant streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This leisurely journey offers a glimpse into daily life, charming colonial architecture, and the bustling energy of one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.

End your tour and free at your own leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner| Overnight in Hanoi

Journey to Ninh Binh, often dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land.” Board a sampan boat to glide along the peaceful Tam Coc River, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and verdant rice paddies.

Afterward, cycle through rural landscapes, passing tiny villages and ancient temples.
In the afternoon, climb the 500 steps of Mua Cave for a breathtaking panorama of the karst-studded countryside.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner| Overnight in Ninh Binh

Travel to the coast and board your overnight cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Enjoy a welcome drink and lunch while sailing past towering limestone islands. Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island to marvel at striking stalactite formations. In the afternoon, swim in secluded lagoons or relax on deck. Participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before savoring a sumptuous dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy stargazing, squid fishing, or simply relaxing on the sundeck.

Itinerary is varied based on cruise you choose.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner| Overnight on cruise

Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as dawn breaks over the bay. After breakfast, take a kayak to explore hidden coves and quiet inlets. Return to the cruise for brunch before disembarking.

Transfer back to Hanoi for your final evening in Vietnam, with time to shop or stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch| Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast