Best of Vietnam Discovery

Day 1 Arrive Hanoi, Vietnam

On arrival, you are met and privately transferred to your hotel of choice. The remainder of the day is free to relax

Day 2 Hanoi

Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks with a French influence from its colonial days. With less traffic and congestion than many other Asian cites, it is an attractive town to start your Vietnam adventure. Your day of sightseeing includes the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 AD, and the oldest school in the country. Then on to Hoan Kiem Lake, with its Tortoise Tower, the Opera House, built between 1901 and 1911, and the One Pillar Pagoda, an engineering wonder. You will also enjoy a water puppet show. (B L)

Day 3 Halong Bay Excursion

Drive through the countryside to beautiful Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone peaks rising from the ocean. Your cruise of Halong Bay on a traditional wooden boat will explore the many caves and islets, and glide by the floating villages of the fishermen and pearl farmers who live on the bay. (B L)

Day 4 Hanoi - Danang or Hoi An

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Danang. On arrival you will be met and taken on a private tour of the city including the Cham Museum, an open-air museum of some of the world’s finest sculptures of the Champa civilization. You will also visit China Beach, made famous by the TV series, and the area where American troops came for rest and relaxation during the war. Your final stop is the beautiful Marble Mountains, five peaks that represent the five elements of the universe. Then transfer to your hotel in Danang or Hoi An. (B)

Day 5 Hoi An Excursion

From Danang, head south to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town that was a major port from the 17th to the 19th centuries. In-depth private sightseeing will include many of the temples and pagodas, the Tran Family Chapel built more than 200 years ago, Quan Thang House, one of the town’s oldest homes, Phung Hung House, where one family has resided for more than eight generations and much more. You will also cruise the Thun Bon River to the village of Kim Bing, home to many woodworkers and shipbuilders. (B)

Day 6 Danang or Hoi An - Hue

Journey north over the Truong Son Mountains, a region of stark beauty and scenic views. On arrival in Hue, tour the Old Imperial City, built in the early 19th century. Within its walls are numerous palaces and temples as well as a library and museum. You will also see the Forbidden Purple City, a replica of Beijing’s Forbidden City, which was reserved for the personal use of the emperor and his servants. (B L)

Day 7 Hue - Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most colorful city. Private sightseeing includes the Reunification Palace, called Independence Palace before the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) in 1975, the War Remnants Museum, Bih Tay Market, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, and much more. Your evening is free. (B L)

Day 8 Ho Chi Minh City

A full free day in this delightful city. Your local host will be a wealth of information on things to see and do, favorite restaurants and the best places to shop. There are several optional outings to choose from, including the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels built during the Vietnam War connecting command posts, hospitals, shelters, and weapon factories for the Viet Cong. Afterward, visit Tay Ninh, home to the Caodai Great Temple, one of the most striking structures in all of Asia. There’s also an optional outing to the Mekong Delta that includes a cruise and lunch. (B)

Day 9 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to the airport for your return flight. You arrive back your homeland. (B)