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 take a private transfer (2.5 hours) to Hanoi for a flight to Danang. You are now in central Vietnam; Danang is a large coastal city known for its sandy beaches. Have a quaint seaside lunch before continuing along the coastal road to your hotel. After checking in and freshening up, head out again to explore the Marble Mountains. This cluster of marble and limestone hills are home to numerous caves and tunnels, many which were converted into Buddhist grottoes containing carvings, statues, and rockface reliefs.

Take in the central region's serene vibe as you start the day relaxing on the expansive China Beach, just outside your resort. After breakfast, it is time to head to nearby Hoi An, a charming historical city. Explore its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with exceptionally-preserved architecture and street planning that reflects the foreign and indigenous influences that together create its unique identity. Admire the charming pale yellow buildings that house restaurants, art galleries, cafes, and particularly tailor shops which is a specialty of the town. Have a special visit to a local family that is famed for their cao lau noodles, the specialty dish of Hoi An. It is said the noodles are best made in Hoi An due to the local water source which gives them a finer texture. In the afternoon, wind down with a relaxing cruise on the Thu Bon river. Disembark at a local village before heading back to your hotel. We recommend returning to town in the evening when its famous colorful lanterns are lit and the night market comes to life.

Go for a peaceful bicycle ride through the charming countryside, past bucolic villages and farmlands. Stop at a village where you can get hands-on experience of a farmer's life by helping water crops, plant rice, and if you're adventurous, drive a water buffalo. Share a meal with a local family and enjoy the garden-fresh vegetables and herbs. After lunch, set off for the jungles to explore My Son temple and the surrounding ancient ruins from the Cham empire dating back to the 4th century. These mystical Hindu grounds were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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 Saigon and begin your drive to Can Tho, along the way stop at Cai Be, a river-land mixed town in the Mekong Delta. Board a private sampan for a cruise down the Delta. Your exploration begins when the boat crosses the mighty Mekong river to reach one of the region’s most fertile islands, Tan Phong. Here you will temporarily leave your boat for a leisure bicycle ride through small and shady village roads with lush orchards on the way. En-route, you will stop to visit local families making traditional and handicraft products such as a rice wine distillery, bamboo nail files, furniture’s made from water hyacinth, and hammocks made from banana ropes. After the cycling trip, enjoy a local sampan ride through the island’s tiny canals. Your boat journey comes to an end as you arrive at a retro French-Indochinese restaurant for a lunch of Mekong Delta specialty dishes. After lunch, continue your drive along the countryside until reaching Can Tho in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Today you will experience a half-day private boat experience on the Mekong Delta, discovering one of Vietnam's most active floating markets. Depart from your hotel early and board a boat to head into the heart of daily life along the riverbanks. Your journey begins with breakfast as you leisurely cruise towards the vibrant Cai Rang Floating Market. Arriving at the floating market, you'll find yourself amidst a colorful array of traders' boats. Leaving the floating market behind, the sampan will take you ashore to gain insights into the local culture and traditions. After this delightful immersion into the heart of the Mekong Delta's ancient trading culture, the sampan will return to the Ninh Kieu Quay, where you'll disembark and return to your hotel by car. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

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.