Vietnam: History Global Politics

Day 1 – USA - Hanoi

Depart on your flights to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Day 2 – Hanoi

Meet the local guide at Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to the city centre. After lunch, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Tower for an introduction to Hanoi’s history, French colonial architecture and lively street life. Enjoy a welcome dinner before checking into the hotel.

Day 3 – Hanoi

Join a guided walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter before a hands-on egg coffee workshop. Continue to a ceramic workshop where students create handmade pottery using traditional techniques. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, followed by Hoa Lo Prison, originally built during the French colonial period and later used during the Vietnam War.

Day 4 – Hanoi - Hue

Visit Huu Tiep Lake, home to the remains of a B-52 bomber, before continuing to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area and One Pillar Pagoda. Lunch is served at KOTO, a social enterprise providing hospitality training for disadvantaged youth. In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. After dinner, transfer to Hanoi Airport for the evening flight to Hue.

Day 5 – Hue

Explore the Imperial City, the political and cultural centre of the Nguyen Dynasty for more than 140 years. Continue to a traditional incensemaking village before lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and Tu Hieu Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple associated with Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. End the day with a cyclo ride and Hue street-food experience.

Day 6 – Hue

Travel from Hue for a full-day excursion to the former Demilitarized Zone, once the dividing line between North and South Vietnam. Visit Road 9 National Cemetery, Rockpile Hill, Dakrong Bridge, Khe Sanh Combat Base and Hien Luong Bridge across the Ben Hai River. These sites introduce the military, political and human stories of the conflict and reunification. Return to Hue after dinner.

Day 7 – Hue - Hoi An

Travel by private vehicle from Hue to Hoi An, crossing the central coastline and Hai Van Pass. Continue to My Son Sanctuary, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom. In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An and explore its Ancient Town, merchant houses and assembly halls before a boat ride on the Thu Bon River.

Day 8 – Hoi An

Create a traditional Hoi An lantern in a hands-on workshop. Continue to Tra Que Herb Village to learn about local farming before a Vietnamese cooking class and lunch. In the afternoon, take a traditional basket-boat ride through the coconut-palm waterways before returning to Hoi An for dinner.

Day 9 – Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to Da Nang Airport for the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After lunch, explore the historic centre with Notre Dame Cathedral from outside, the Central Post Office, Book Street, City Hall, Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Saigon River waterfront.

Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to the Ben Duoc section of the Cu Chi Tunnels to understand the underground network used during the Vietnam War. After lunch at a historic pho restaurant, visit the Secret Weapons Bunker, where weapons used during the 1968 Tet Offensive were hidden. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for exhibits on the war and its lasting impact.

Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City - USA

Enjoy a relaxed morning before visiting the Independence Palace, a key landmark of reunification. After lunch, walk through Ben Thanh Market before the transfer to the airport.