Landscapes & Capitals Viet Nam

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's largest city. Upon arrive you'll be met by your local guide and transferred downtown. The first thing you'll become aware of is the sheer number of motorcyclists in seemingly constant motion around town. About 92% of commuters travel by shared motorbike, sometimes carrying three of more people. Always keep your camera on hand as the traffic mayhem tends to offer fantastic photo opportunities!

This morning your guide will present the historic overview of the city as you take in the main points of interest. It's an energetic city and the architectural disorder gives you some idea of the rapid growth over the past decade. The past and present may be found on the same block; French colonial heritage buildings flanked by a flashy Louis Vuitton boutique. Architectural highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. The stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Viet Nam's largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Viet Nam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

After breakfast, we set out on an excursion toward Vinh Long province (2 hour drive). We head for Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, the country’s ‘rice-basket’. The landscapes reveal a diversity of life and scenery from the sprawling Saigon city to the peaceful delta. On arrival in Cai Be, board a private wooden motorized boat to explore the river life and agriculture along her banks and waterways. We pass the bustling Cai Be floating market, where hundreds of boats filled with fruits, vegetables, and other products anchor alongside the riverbank for miles. Local traders live on the river and have done so for generations, living and trading out of their boat homes. Continue the cruise across large tributaries of the Mekong River then boat through narrow cannels (depending on water level) offering snapshots of local life. We disembark to walk through villages, past fruit gardens and typical homes. Stop at a local restaurant in a garden setting for lunch serving typical Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, you might want to rest with a short power nap on a hammock, stroll around the orchards or try rowing a small sampan… Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

We transfer back to the Saigon airport for your flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival it’s a short drive to the Cham Museum of Da Nang city for an introduction to the Classical Era of South East Asian art and history. The time span roughly corresponds to the medieval period in Europe. The Champa Kingdom was a maritime powerhouse, trading in spices and ivory. The culture was highly developed, leaving a legacy of refined artworks and architecture. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. After the Classical interlude, we continue past the striking Marble Mountains for photo opportunities and on to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show (China Beach) and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Our end destination is Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched, and as you wander the relatively traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport it is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. And don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors, so if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have traditional Viet Namese dresses tailored —this is the spot.

Today your guide will lead you through Hoi An’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque riverside town was a major trading port between the 15th to 19th centuries. Mansions built by prosperous Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants characterize the enchanting Old Quarter. Appreciate the vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets visiting temples, houses, artisan workshops and the bustling fish market along the quay. Late morning, get involved in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. The chef offers us an introductory cooking class that leads into lunch together. After your market visit this morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Viet Namese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.