A TASTE OF VIETNAM

DAY 01

DEPART U.S. FOR HANOI, VIETNAM

Today we board our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.

DAY 02

ARRIVE HANOI

Upon arrival in the Vietnamese capital, we transfer directly to our hotel where you can rest well for your upcoming tour.

DAY 03

HANOI (B)

Our full-day sightseeing in Hanoi begins with a visit to the Museum of Ethnology which showcases art, traditional clothing, and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from fifty-four different ethnic groups. Next, visit the Temple of Literature with its walled courtyards and graceful gateways. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university. Explore the Ba Dinh Square, a popular complex of the cultural and historic site, including the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. Continue to the infamous Hoa Lo Prison built by the French to imprison political prisoners, Hoa Lo was sardonically nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War by American POWs.

DAY 04

HANOI/HALONG BAY CRUISE (B/L/D)

Depart the city in the morning and head to the seaside port of Halong Bay. Board a traditional junk boat and get acquainted with the facilities on board as we set sail and cruise into the bay. The cruise continues cruising through a fishing village on the bay and passes the spectacular limestone caves dotted around the bay. Soak up the sun on the top deck with optional on-board activities: sunbathing, and photo opportunities. In the evening the chef will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood and other traditional dishes. Overnight on-board.

DAY 05

HALONG BAY/HANOI/HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

Greet the day on deck with a tai chi session as the sun rises, followed by breakfast in the restaurant. Spend the morning cruising through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the wharf. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, famous for its French colonial landmarks. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

DAY 06

HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

We begin our sightseeing with a morning tour of the historic center, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and the heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall, the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Afterward, dive into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes, and weapons. Then visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas. In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a walking tour from Tran Hung Dao Street through Nguyen Trai and Soai Kinh Lam market, visit Cha Tam Church. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess. Our last stop is the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

DAY 07

CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

In the morning, we will visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground network from which North Vietnamese forces operated in wartime. This afternoon is free at leisure.

DAY 08

SAIGON DEPARTURE (B)

We depart for the airport for our overnight flight to the U.S.

Meals: B= Breakfast   L= Lunch D= Dinner