Vietnam: North to South

Day 1 – USA-Hanoi

Depart on your flights to Hanoi, Vietnam.

Day 2 – Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and meet the local program team at the airport before transferring to the hotel. Depending on arrival time, take an introductory walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter either before or after the welcome dinner. The walk provides a first view of the capital’s narrow trading streets, local shops, food stalls and daily street life.

Day 3 – Hanoi

Begin near Hoan Kiem Lake with a hands-on egg coffee workshop. Learn how Hanoi’s distinctive drink is prepared and make your own version. Continue to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda to understand the formation of modern Vietnam. After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, followed by Hoa Lo Prison for an introduction to French colonial rule and the Vietnam War. Conclude with a traditional water puppet performance.

Day 4 – Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (Cruise)

Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board an overnight cruise and enjoy lunch while sailing among limestone islands and karst formations. Scheduled activities may include a cave visit, kayaking or a small-boat excursion, subject to the vessel, port regulations and conditions. Return to the vessel for sunset, dinner and an evening on-board.

Day 5 – Ha Long Bay Cruise - Hue

Join the cruise’s scheduled morning activities and enjoy breakfast on-board while continuing through the bay. Disembark in the late morning and transfer for the flight to Central Vietnam. On arrival, meet the local team and continue to the hotel in Hue.

Day 6 – Hue

Explore the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the former political and ceremonial centre of the Nguyen Dynasty. After lunch, visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, a Buddhist monastery associated with Hue’s religious traditions and Zen teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Continue to the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. After a short rest, join an evening cyclo food tour introducing Hue’s royal culinary traditions and everyday local cooking.

Day 7 – Hue - Hoi An

Travel south toward Hoi An across the central coast and Hai Van Pass. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An Ancient Town’s historic streets, merchant houses, assembly halls and covered bridge. After dinner, experience the town by lantern light and release a lantern on the Thu Bon River.

Day 8 – Hoi An

Join a lantern-making workshop with a local craftsperson and make a lantern to take home. Continue to Tra Que Herb Village to learn about cultivation and regional ingredients, followed by a hands-on cooking class and lunch. Later, travel to the coconut-palm waterways for a traditional round basket-boat ride. Return to Hoi An Ancient Town for dinner.

Day 9 – Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer early to Da Nang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, travel directly toward Cu Chi after lunch. Visit selected areas of the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn how the underground network supported movement, communication, shelter, storage and daily life during wartime. Entering narrow tunnel sections is optional.

Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City - USA

Take a guided walk through central Ho Chi Minh City, which may include the Central Post Office, former colonial government buildings, Nguyen Hue Boulevard and surrounding districts. After lunch, visit either the Reunification Palace or the War Remnants Museum. Continue to the former secret weapons bunker before time at Ben Thanh Market. Transfer to the airport for your return home.