Classic Vietnam

Arrive in the capital city of Hanoi. This northern city was settled in prehistoric times, was once the capital of French Indochina, and became the capital of unified Vietnam after the northern forces won the war. Today it is a largely modern and compact city that still retains its idyllic charm. You will be met off the plane and escorted to receive your visa on arrival and through immigration. A private vehicle awaits curbside to take you to your hotel. Settle in and freshen up before this evening's exciting introduction to the city - a street food tour on the back of a scooter. Do as the locals do: pull up a plastic chair and tuck into savory and fresh dishes before zipping off to the next restaurant.

Many of Hanoi's centuries-old monuments and palaces have been destroyed but there remain several historical and scenic points such as the peaceful Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake and the ancient Tran Quoc pagoda. Take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the heart of the city, evocative of its French-colonial past, and explore a fresh market by foot. Next up, see what life would have been like for prisoners of war at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum which exhibits former US senator John McCain's parachute from when he landed in the lake as a soldier. Wrap up the day with a visit to Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and nearby Temple of Literature.

This morning take a short trip to one of Vietnam's local communities just outside of the city. Bat Trang village is located on the left bank of the Red River and is known for its ceramics. It is tradition for small villages in the area like Bat Trang to have a specialty such as silk, water puppets, bronze casting, fans, and hats. In this way, generations of artisans hone their crafts to create high quality products that are circulated all over the country. At Bat Trang village, which was formed over 500 years ago, meet the community and witness their expertise in molding clay bricks into cups, plates, and decorative items. In the afternoon, return to the city for lunch and more insight into Vietnam's arts at the National Museum of Fine Arts, followed by a traditional water puppet show at the local theatre. Those interested in this unique variation of the ancient Asian puppet tradition can opt to meet a top artist and be welcomed to his home for a private show.

Take a small private rowing boat along the meandering river through the iconic landscape of Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land” for its limestone karsts jutting out from verdant green rice fields. Today you will visit the ancient caves of Tam Coc, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Tam Coc, literally “three grottoes”, and refers to the 3 caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave. Each of these caves were created by the erosion of cliffs over millions of years by rain, waves, and geological changes and offers their own unique impressions.

Today, hop on a bike and ride through tiny paths in rice fields and dirt roads that lead to local villages. Pass by villagers and children who will wave and say "hello" to you. See where people live, how they work in the fields, and how they spend their day. Make your way up to Hang Mua Temple, which sits on top of a hill. While a challenge to get to, its views that overlook the Tam Coc Caves and the paddy fields below are worthwhile. Explore the legendary Hoa Lu, the old capital of Vietnam. Over one thousand years old, the town houses a number of edifices, pagodas, walls, and relics that still exist in this abandoned fortification. Do not miss the La Dai Hanh Emperor Temple, the Phat Kim Princess Temple, or the One-Pillar Pagoda (similar, but not the same as Hanoi's famous structure).

This morning, depart Ninh Binh and travel by private vehicle to Ha Long Bay, a journey of approximately three hours. Upon arrival, board your overnight cruise and settle into your cabin before setting sail through the bay’s spectacular seascape of limestone karsts and emerald waters.

During your cruise, enjoy a variety of activities and excursions arranged by the vessel, which may include sightseeing, kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, or other onboard experiences. Spend the evening relaxing on board and enjoy an overnight stay amidst one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural landscapes.

After enjoying the morning’s activities and brunch on board, your cruise returns to Ha Long Pier in the late morning. Upon disembarkation, meet your private guide and enjoy a brief introduction to Ha Long City, offering insight into the region beyond the bay itself.

Visit the striking Quang Ninh Museum, a contemporary architectural landmark whose exhibits explore the area's coal mining heritage, culture, and natural history. You may also stop along the Hon Gai waterfront to enjoy views across the bay and experience local life along the shoreline.

Following your tour, transfer to the InterContinental Ha Long Bay Resort and check in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the resort’s facilities, unwind by the pool or spa, or explore the marina district and waterfront promenade at your own pace.

This morning, transfer privately from Ha Long Bay to Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong, a journey of approximately one hour, before boarding your flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Central Vietnam, enjoy lunch by the coast before continuing to your hotel. Da Nang is known for its long sandy beaches, modern waterfront, and proximity to some of Vietnam’s most important cultural sites. After time to settle in, visit the Marble Mountains, a cluster of limestone and marble hills rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape. Explore a network of caves, tunnels, and Buddhist sanctuaries adorned with statues, carvings, and shrines, while enjoying panoramic views over the coastline and countryside below.

Begin the day at a relaxed pace on China Beach, enjoying the calm coastal atmosphere just outside your resort. After breakfast, continue to nearby Hoi An, a beautifully preserved historic trading town and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences.

Explore the atmospheric Old Town, where pale yellow merchant houses, temples, cafés, galleries, and tailor shops line narrow streets. During your visit, meet a local family known for preparing cao lau, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, traditionally prized for its distinctive texture and regional ingredients.

In the afternoon, unwind with a gentle cruise along the Thu Bon River, disembarking at a local village before returning to your hotel. This evening, you may wish to return to Hoi An independently, when the town’s lanterns glow and the night market comes to life.

This morning, set out on a leisurely bicycle ride through the countryside surrounding Hoi An, passing rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and traditional farming villages. Along the way, visit a local community where you can gain insight into rural life through hands-on activities such as tending crops, planting rice, and meeting the water buffalo that remain an important part of daily agricultural life. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family featuring fresh herbs and vegetables harvested from the surrounding gardens.

In the afternoon, journey to My Son Sanctuary, the spiritual and political center of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Dating from the 4th century onward, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a remarkable collection of red-brick Hindu temples and ruins set amid a lush jungle valley. Explore the atmospheric site while learning about the history, architecture, and cultural legacy of one of Southeast Asia’s most important ancient civilizations.

Head south to Saigon via flight from Danang in the morning. In the afternoon, experience the bustle of this exciting city which used to be the capital of the south. While Hanoi feels more quintessentially Vietnam with tradition dictating the way of life, Saigon more eagerly embraces modernity, innovation, and foreign influence, making it a dynamic international metropolis. Take a stroll around a downtown boulevard lined with impressive and historically significant French colonial buildings including the Opera House, the Continental Hotel, General Post Office, and City Hall. Then head to Cholon, the city's Chinatown, which dates back to 1778 and is home to a few temples, pagodas, a mosque, and a small Catholic cathedral. While in Chinatown, explore the main market, Binh Tay, which is fringed by an outer wet market and a food court near the back where shoppers stop for snacks and buy takeout meals.

Your day is dedicated to the history of modern Vietnam and the war that formed it. Start with a visit to the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a short speedboat ride away. This network of underground tunnels were once used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat. Here, you will meet a veteran who will take you through the tunnels and tell you his side of the story of the 'American War.' In the afternoon, you will visit the War Remnants Museum an emotionally-powerful and historically significant site that is a must-see for anyone who visits this country.

Depart Ho Chi Minh City this morning for a scenic journey to Ben Tre, located in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden boat and cruise through the region’s intricate waterways, passing riverside communities and gaining insight into daily life along the Mekong.

Throughout the day, explore the delta’s agricultural traditions with visits to local family-run enterprises, including a fish farm, a beekeeping and candle-making workshop, tropical fruit orchards, and an oyster mushroom farm. Enjoy a peaceful sampan ride through narrow palm-lined canals and discover the countryside further by bicycle or buggy. Depending on timing, you may also visit a traditional moonshine distillery to learn about local production methods.

A home-hosted lunch featuring regional Mekong specialties will be served at a local family residence, offering a warm introduction to the area's culture and cuisine. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City, reflecting on a day spent exploring one of Vietnam’s most fertile and culturally rich regions.

Enjoy your breakfast, whether at the hotel or a last bowl of pho or banh mi on the street, and spend your morning at leisure until your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward.