Walking – easy city tour, 3-5 hours.

With so much to see in Hanoi, we start early for our exploration of historic cultural sites. If Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is open this morning, we will stop to silently pay our respects by walking through the cool, dim chamber where his body is kept (long pants and covered shoulders are required). If the Mausoleum is closed, we can instead visit one of several interesting museums addressing the history and culture of Vietnam.

We then explore the Presidential Palace where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Originally the home of the Governor General of Indochina, the immaculate grounds became the center of revolutionary activity once North Vietnam achieved independence in 1954. Ho Chi Minh opted not to move into the palace at that time, believing it belonged to the North Vietnamese people, and instead lived in the neighboring “House on Stilts.” Here the revered Uncle Ho worked amid the gardens, mango alley, and carp-filled pond. The whole structure has been preserved in perfect condition, a tribute to the well-loved leader. 

Next we visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Built after King Ly Thai To’s vision of a bodhisattva sitting on a lotus in 1049, the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda sits atop a pillar jutting out of a lily pond. Soon after the temple was built, the King’s wife gave birth to a son, and today childless couples still visit the pagoda to make prayer offerings. The Temple of Literature is perhaps Hanoi’s best-preserved ancient site. Also built in the 11th century, Van Mieu, as it is known in Vietnamese, served as the national university for 700 years.

Midday we take a break for lunch at the Song Thu restaurant. Afterwards we head to Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake. The temple is set on a tiny island on the lake and dates back to the 13th century. The lake itself is a picturesque focal point of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike. After this we take a relaxing one hour “cyclo” tour through the Old Quarter. Also known as the “36 Streets,” this bustling area of narrow alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore, with plenty of photo opportunities. We end our afternoon at the Thang Long Opera to enjoy a traditional water puppet show. Although the story is told in Vietnamese, it is a rich experience that is enjoyed by locals and travelers alike.

After freshening up at our hotel, we dine this evening at the acclaimed Seasons restaurant.

Optional Tai Chi lesson – easy, about 1 hour; optional hike – moderate, about 30 minutes.

Early risers will be treated to ideal light for photographs, and perhaps you’ll join other guests on deck for a morning Tai Chi lesson. After breakfast, we continue our cruise through the unforgettable landscape, stopping at one of the most spectacular beaches – Ti Top – where you are free to disembark and hike up 400 steps to a panoramic view of the bay.

We return to our point of departure by midday, and return to Hanoi. Along the way, we’ll take time to stop at a small village known for its hand-painted pottery; here you are free to try your hand at this traditional Vietnamese craft. 

Upon arrival back to Hanoi, we check in for our flight to Hué. Upon arrival in Hué you will be transferred to your hotel where you are free to enjoy dinner on your own.

Walking – easy, 2-3 hours.

Before departing Hué today we explore Phu Mong village, a community of ancient garden houses. Like other garden houses in Hué, the romantic and peaceful Phu Mong garden houses, each within its own private landscape, typically has two main areas: the wood structure and a surrounding garden, both designed according to geomancy and the owner’s spiritual life and talents. About 200 years ago, Phu Mong was home to a senior royal officer of the Nguyen Dynasty. Due to the rank of the early owners, the houses were built solidly and they withstand the monsoons, typhoons, and squalls which often devastate the central city. Phu Mong today includes more than ten garden houses built 150-200 years ago; we’ll have the opportunity to visit several.

After exploring the village we drive south along the mountainous coast of central Vietnam En route to Hoi An, we ascend Hai Van Pass, with its incredible views over the Lang Co Lagoon and the South China Sea. 

On the south side of the pass, we enjoy an easy stroll amid plantations to Khe Su village, nestled at the foot of Bach Ma Mountain. This small, traditional village relies on the income derived from their cottage gardens. A huge variety of crops are cultivated including cassava, beans, sugar cane, tea, bananas, pineapple, mango, coconuts, and jackfruit. Here we are surrounded by typical features of the Vietnamese countryside – lotus ponds, livestock, and stacked rice stalks.

We’ll also have time for a short climb up the Marble Mountains to see the shrines and limestone caves that blanket the hills, with spectacular views over the famed “China Beach” before lunch in Danang.

Later this afternoon we arrive in Hoi An, a picturesque town along the Thu Bon River. This exceptionally well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port, dating from the 15th century, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the hotel and its surroundings. The French patisserie near the hotel’s pool is just the place for dessert for those who have had a full day. Others may choose to see the city at night and sit at one of the many sidewalk cafés for an evening treat.

Walking – easy city walking, 3-4 hours.

This morning we transfer to the airport in Danang for a one hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City (known until recent years as Saigon), arriving around 9 a.m. Upon arrival we transfer to our deluxe hotel before heading out to explore Cholon (the Chinese quarter), the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, and the immense Binh Tay Market. We’ll enjoy lunch at Quan An Ngon, a popular local restaurant specializing in typical Vietnamese dishes.

This afternoon finds us at the Reunification Palace, which was the residence of the president of South Vietnam until 1975. We’ll also visit the War Remnants Museum, where various themed rooms display images and artifacts from the war. This may be a very moving visit for some with memories of this time in history. We’ll later drive through the colonial center of old Saigon, with its old Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and City Hall, on our way to the lively Ben Thanh Market, an ideal place for shopping.

This evening we return to our landmark hotel for dinner.

This morning after breakfast you are free to depart at your leisure; airport transfers will be provided.