Best of Vietnam

xperience the very best of Vietnam in 10 days on this classic tour from north to south. Visit bustling cities, tranquil backwaters, imperial ruins, faded colonial architecture and scenic landscapes dotted with reminders of the past. From charming Hanoi to the villages of the agriculturally rich Red River Delta, to a wonderful two-day cruise through the spectacular panorama of Halong Bay, followed by exploration of the enchanting riverside town of Hội An, the imperial capital of Hue, bustling Saigon and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam is as colorful as it is diverse.

Hanoi

In the ancient capital of Hanoi, you’ll find an enchanting city where a rich history melds with a complicated modernity. From faded French colonial architecture to ancient temples to Communist landmarks, Hanoi has it all wrapped up in a package of sensory overload. Visit national monuments, Ho Chi Minh’s house, pagodas and temples, ride on a cyclo rickshaw through the backstreets of the French Quarter and glimpse daily local life. At the end of the day, watch the legends of Vietnam play out in a Water Puppet theatre.

Red River Delta

Visit Tho Ha village in the Red River Delta and observe traditional country life and craft making. Wander through narrow, zigzagging terracotta alleyways past century-old houses. A former ceramic center, Tho Ha is now known for its rice paper production. Meet one of the local residents and visit the 17th century pagoda.

Cruise of Halong Bay

Weave between limestone islets in the UNESCO-listed bay on a two-day cruise aboard a deluxe junk boat. Explore the natural beauty of Tien Ong cave with its remnants of prehistoric life; kayak through a floating fishing village, where the residents have lived for generations drifting on the sea; swim and enjoy glorious views from Ti Top Island.

Hội An and Hue

Enjoy some relaxed exploration of the enchanting riverside town of Hoi An, with its narrow cobbled streets, merchant houses, market stalls, colorful lanterns and iconic Japanese Bridge. Later, appreciate the scenery of the Hai Van pass on the drive to the ancient imperial city of Hue, which is famous for its citadel, pagodas, and royal tombs. Visit the impressive seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda and the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.

Saigon and the Cu Chi Tunnels

Discover the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ on a tour of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and indulge in the famous Vietnamese cuisine on an evening food adventure. Make a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which are a feat of wartime ingenuity that proved to be a way to transport supplies in secret, a place to store guns and ammunition, and a planning headquarters for major operations. Small, removable panels, carefully covered with leaves, mask entrance and exit holes and you can examine the types of crude booby traps used to fend off enemy soldiers.

Please note this classic ‘North to South Vietnam in 10 days’ tour is just a sample itinerary. The featured excursions, activities, and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste, budget, and time availability in accordance with your personal wishes. All excursions and transfers are on a private basis (private transport with a private guide), with the exception of the cruise portion, which is on a shared basis with other passengers.