Depart Hanoi and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay. Board your Feature Stay accommodation for the evening—a beautifully decorated junk-style boat that features modern conveniences. Set sail in total comfort as stunning views of scattered islands and towering limestone karsts unfold before you. Enjoy a seafood lunch onboard while learning about the region's geography. Visit a cave where your leader will point out fascinating rock formations or explore a fishing village to learn about local life. In the afternoon, enjoy opportunities for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach. End your day with a candlelit seafood dinner on deck, followed by stargazing and storytelling.

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast and perhaps participate in some Tai Chi on board the boat before returning to Hanoi. This afternoon, enjoy a unique experience and sit down to a captivating traditional Hat Xam performance. Hat Xam is a Northern Vietnamese art form dating back to the Tran Dynasty. Initially performed by blind artists, it was enjoyed by local working-class audiences until the late 1950s, when a wave of communism deemed all art forms as corrupting influences. Today, these performances are rare, but you and your group will have the opportunity to attend a private show in one of the few places where artists still perform acoustically. The performance lasts around 60 minutes and may include audience interaction—so be ready to get involved!

This morning, embark on a half-day tour of Hanoi with your leader. Discover a captivating city where tradition and modernity coexist as you learn about the Temple of Literature—an oasis of calm in the heart of the city. You'll also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton,’ which held American POWs. For lunch, enjoy a special meal at the fantastic KOTO Café—a social enterprise that provides hospitality training to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam and offers a creative menu of Vietnamese dishes made with local ingredients. This afternoon, say goodbye to Hanoi and fly south to Danang. Drive on to Hoi An, taking in the lush scenery along the way. The rest of the day is yours to explore or relax by the hotel pool.

Set off on a walking tour of Hoi An’s Old Town, discovering a blend of traditional treasures and cultural influences from historical traders. Your leader will share stories about the city’s history as you stroll through pagoda-lined streets, visit a Chinese assembly hall, cross the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, tour the ornately decorated house of a former trader, and check out a local museum. Hoi An was once a great trading port for pottery, and centuries-old pottery villages still exist today. No trip to Vietnam is complete without savoring its famed coffee—your leader will take you to a local coffee shop where you can enjoy a delicious brew while observing the hustle and bustle of Hoi An. You might want to try traditional egg coffee or a refreshing iced coconut coffee. Your afternoon is free for further exploration.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An. Consider browsing the markets for silk and other materials or collecting any garments crafted by efficient tailors. You can also hire a bicycle and ride along the scenic lanes to a nearby beach. Your leader will provide excellent recommendations for places to eat and drink. In the afternoon, transfer back to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, check into your hotel before heading out for a tour of this dynamic city, including a visit to the War Remnants Museum. In the evening, the enticing food stalls at Cho Ben Thanh Market might call you over with the sweet and savory aromas of pho and bun mam.

Today, venture outside the city to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network initially dug by the Viet Minh and later expanded by the Viet Cong. Explore a widened section of the tunnels with your leader, who will help you imagine what life underground must have been like. Learn how the tunnels housed hospitals, accommodations, and schools, and served as refuge, storage, and a military base for the Viet Cong. After returning to Ho Chi Minh City, take some time to spend with your fellow travelers and enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant—your leader will have great options!

Your adventure concludes after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend more time in Ho Chi Minh City, we would be happy to organize additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).