Vibrant Vietnam

We leave home for an overnight flight to Hanoi!

We will arrive the Hanoi airport and will take a one hour drive through bustling back streets of north Vietnam to the Old Quarter where we begin our journey.

Here we will stay in a historic boutique hotel, and soon after, have dinner at a local restaurant, and enjoy a traditional water puppet show.

We begin our day with breakfast and traditional egg coffee with locals. We will depart soon after to visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Trying authentic Vietnamese street food like banh mi and pho throughout the day. Dinner will be served at Bun Cha Obama, the locally owned restaurant made famous by Anthony Bourdain and US president Obama.

Morning departure, and travel to Ha Long Bay (about 3.5 hours from Hanoi). Embark on an overnight cruise among the stunning limestone karsts. Activities include kayaking, visiting caves, and enjoying fresh seafood.

Taking a cruise on Ha Long Bay offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. As your boat glides through the serene emerald waters, you’ll be surrounded by an enchanting seascape of limestone karsts and lush islands. The ever-changing light casts magical reflections on the water, creating an otherworldly ambiance that’s perfect for relaxation and reflection. Cruises typically include stops at various scenic spots, such as the famous Sung Sot Cave or the tranquil beaches of Ti Top Island, allowing you to explore the bay’s stunning geological formations and enjoy some leisure time on the sand.

Next morning we continue our cruise. Onboard, you’ll experience a blend of luxury and comfort, with many cruises offering well-appointed cabins, gourmet dining, and top-notch amenities. Whether you’re savoring a fresh seafood meal on the deck, enjoying a massage, or participating in activities like kayaking or swimming, the cruise allows you to fully appreciate the bay’s beauty from a unique vantage point. The tranquil pace of life on the water, combined with the stunning scenery and cultural experiences, makes a Ha Long Bay cruise a memorable and rejuvenating adventure.

In the afternoon we return to Hanoi.

After an early breakfast we transfer to the airport for sour flight from Hanoi to Hue. After transferring to our hotel for 2 nights, we’ll meet our guide for a tour of the Imperial City, including the Forbidden Purple City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Dong Ba Market.

In the morning we set out again to explore the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors (Khai Dinh and Minh Mang). After lunch wei’ll take a boat trip along the Perfume River and visit traditional craft villages.

In the morning we travel by private van from Hue to Hoi An (about 3-4 hours). We’ll then explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll visit dress/suit makers shops, a Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House. In the evening we’ll enjoy lantern-lit streets and take a boat ride down the canal at night.

Explore My Son Sanctuary, a Hindu temple complex in the morning. Cooking class in the afternoon. Relax on An Bang Beach or explore more of Hoi An’s shops and cafes.

Fly from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used during the Vietnam War. Visit Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local street food. Explore Saigon’s infamous walking street.

Depart Saigon for the US