VIETNAM FROM NORTH TO SOUTH

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, meet your guide at the airport for your transfer to the hotel, where you can rest well for your upcoming tour.

DAY 03

HANOI (B)

Our full-day sightseeing in Hanoi begins with a tour to the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases art, traditional clothing, and reconstructions of traditional longhouses from 54 different ethnic groups. Next, explore 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. Then, we wander through Ba Dinh Square, a famous 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. This afternoon is free at leisure.

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 onboard as we set sail and cruise into the bay. Savor your first hour in the bay on the sun deck and let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery. We continue 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 onboard activities: sunbathing and photo opportunities. In the evening, the chef will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood and other traditional dishes.

DAY 05

HALONG BAY/HANOI/HUE (B)

Rise early for a tai chi session on deck 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 Hue, Vietnam’s imperial past.

DAY 06

HUE/HOI AN (B)

Today, we explore the ancient imperial city of Hue. Take a boat cruise along the romantic Perfume River, visit the elaborate mausoleums of the Tomb of Tu Duc and Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most ancient architectural structures for religious worship in Hue. We wander through the grounds of the citadel complex and observe high stone walls and the refined palaces and temples behind them.  Stroll through the traditional Vietnamese Dong Ba market before traveling to Hoi An.

DAY 07

HOI AN (B)

Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town, was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports during the 17th to 19th centuries. Our morning walking tour includes many of the town’s highlights. Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community, to link the city with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Near the bridge is Sa Huynh Museum, which houses exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history. Wander into the Tran Family Chapel, a 200-year-old house built for worshipping ancestors. Visit Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a Chinese pagoda built around 1690 and enlarged in 1900. It is a typical Chinese clan in the Hoi An area dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of sailors and fishermen. Stroll through the town’s traditional market and riverfront before returning to our hotel for a free afternoon.

DAY 08

HOI AN/HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

We fly this morning to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Ho Chi Minh City is also known as Saigon, the largest city and the financial center of Vietnam.

DAY 09

HO CHI MINH CITY (B)

We begin our sightseeing with a morning tour to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, this 156 miles underground network of tunnels and bunkers were used as operational headquarters by North Vietnamese forces in wartime. After lunch, discover the highlights of this bustling city, including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Chinatown, the Binh Tay Market, and Thien Hau Temple. This afternoon is free at leisure.

DAY 10

HO CHI MINH CITY  DEPARTURE (B)

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

Meals: B= Breakfast   L= Lunch    D=Dinner