VIBRANT VIETNAM

Our trip starts in Ho Chi Minh, the most populous city in Vietnam, with around 10m people calling this place home. If you’re not joining us directly off the back of our Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam trip, you’ll be picked up at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and transferred to the first hotel of our trip. We’ll gather as a group for the first time this evening for a welcome meeting and dinner – a perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.

After breakfast at the hotel you’ll be led on an expert-led tour of the city. This bustling metropolis, formerly known as Saigon, is full of iconic landmarks and hidden gems. We’ll start by heading to the park to glimpse the morning rituals of Saigonese locals, before heading to a vibrant flower market. After stopping to refuel with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a cherished local cafe, we’ll visit a striking Buddhist temple. Having learned about local traditions regarding exercise, trade and religion, it’s time to dive into the culinary aspect of Vietnamese culture with a well-earned lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon you’re in for a real treat as we meet local legend Mr Duc Dau, a passionate musician and custodian of an impressive collection of traditional Vietnamese musical instruments. Mr Dau’s life story is as captivating as his music, and you’ll get to enjoy both with a special private concert, brimming with warmth and hospitality.

Vietnam is massive, so exploring the country’s culturally rich northern regions can be a logistical nightmare from Ho Chi Minh, which is why we’ll take a flight this morning to Danang, before transferring to the nearby coastal city of Hoi An. In the afternoon we’ll embark on a guided tour of one of Vietnam’s most easy on the eye cities. It boasts Unesco World Heritage status thanks to a remarkably well-preserved old town, in the classic style of Southeast Asian trading ports from the mid-to-late 20th century. We’ll start at the 16th-century Japanese Bridge, a landmark iconic enough to be featured on Vietnamese currency, before wandering along the ancient streets of the city to discover a diverse range of cultural influences. You’ll get an authentic taste of local culture by visiting a home that has housed 14 generations, before heading to local legend Ms Quynh’s tailor shop to learn about the significance tailoring has to this ancient trade city.

This morning we’ll explore the tumultuous wartimes of 20th-century Vietnam at the fascinating Ky Anh Tunnels, found beneath the village of Thach Tan. This network once covered over 32km and our tour with war veteran Mr Ta will give you an eye-opening insight into village life during these dark times. From a sobering activity to the opposite, we’ll follow up with a visit to Distillerie d'Indochine, a charming little rum-making spot on the picturesque shores of South Hoi An. You’ll be greeted with a freshly made mojito, before learning all about the process of distilling Sampan rum, followed by a guided tasting session. Delicious!

Rural life awaits again today as we head to the charming farming village of Tra Que, but first a refreshing iced coffee at a quaint local cafe. Fully awake and caffeinated, we’ll explore a bustling market where you can work on your haggling skills and pick up some fresh ingredients required for our cooking class later on. Then it’s time to embark on a scenic boat trip to Tra Que. Take in glimpses of riverside life and watch local farmers hard at work. On arrival you’ll be greeted with an organic beverage, before we get to work helping out the locals with farming and fishing. Alternatively, you could opt for a relaxing massage before the group gathers for our cooking class. Using fresh ingredients and guided by experts, you’ll learn the secrets behind some of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes and the techniques used to make them. Luckily you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch. We’d say it’s delicious, but that depends on your cooking skills! 

Another domestic flight this morning takes us from Danang up to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Once settled in we’ll head to Hỏa Lò Prison for a profound insight into Vietnam's tumultuous history. The prison was originally built by French colonizers in the 19th century and became known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ for housing Vietnamese revolutionaries and, during the Vietnam War, American POWs. Having wandered down corridors and into dark, dingy cells, you’ll leave the museum with a valuable understanding of the nation’s complex past. Later in the afternoon you’ll be whisked around the city’s manic Old Quarter on a cyclo, exploring its 36 historic trading streets. Finish the day off with dinner at a local restaurant, but not before you get a taste of Vietnamese folklore, thanks to the beautiful artistry on show at a traditional water puppet show.

Dive deeper into the heart of Vietnamese heritage this morning on a tour of the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the historic Temple of Literature. The former is a tribute to the nation’s founder, who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. Visit his Mausoleum, see the Stilt House where he used to live and the Presidential Palace itself. You’ll notice the profound reverie with which Vietnam sees its leader. Then it’s onto the Temple of Literature, the country’s first ever university, to wander through its serene garden spaces and along the scholarly halls that paint a vivid picture of the country’s academic and philosophical traditions. All that learning leaves you hungry! So we’ll take you straight to a local restaurant afterwards for lunch, and you’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your own leisure.

Vietnam’s most iconic landmark is not man made. In fact, not even the most audacious artist could sculpt a sight as spectacular as Halong Bay, the Unesco World Heritage site that draws countless visitors every year. The best way to see the bay is by boat, so hop onboard, enjoy your welcome drink and get ready for a full day and night of spectacular views, featuring towering limestone karsts and wildlife-covered cliff faces. A buffet lunch is served onboard, which showcases the region’s finest local delicacies. In the afternoon we’ll stop at Ti Top Island, where you can choose between a refreshing swim in the bay’s waters, or epic views of Halong at the end of a hike up the mountain. Back on the boat, we’ll enjoy French-style crêpes on the sundeck, and you’ll have access to kayaks as well as a range of onboard activities. More canapés on the sundeck await in the evening, before a sumptuous dinner is served in the restaurant. Cap off a remarkable day in the bay with an optional squid fishing activity, before settling into your cabin for the night.

It’s hard to think of a more special sight to wake up to than the serene waters of Halong Bay, and we’ll keep the vibes going with a sunrise yoga session onboard the boat, followed by tea, coffee and cake. We’ll float on over to the grand cavern of Sung Sot Cave, where a guide will take us through the geological wonders that have formed here over several millennia. As we settle back at the restaurant for brunch, be sure to make the most of your final chance to take in the iconic sights of Halong Bay. Back in Hanoi, we’ll gather one last time as a group to enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and raise a toast to the magical nation of Vietnam. 

Sadly, our time together in Vietnam has come to an end, but what times we’ve shared! Vibrant cities and remote villages, cultural landmarks and historical insights, authentic local experiences and a healthy dose of stunning natural beauty. This trip has it all. After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Nội Bài International Airport (HAN) in time to catch your flight home.