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 Vietnam’s largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Perhaps you would like to take an Art Tour. Join a passionate art specialist on a journey that takes a closer look at the major shifts in 20th and 21st century Vietnam through the eyes of artists. From the grand halls of the HCMC Fine Art Museum to the fresh white spaces of leading contemporary art galleries. The tour is based on the personal experiences of artists who studied, fought, witnessed and documented major changes in twentieth century Vietnam. This themed tour is not just for art lovers, but for all those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s modern and contemporary history.

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 Southeast 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. 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. 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. 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 Vietnamese 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 (don’t worry, you won’t be obliged to cook your own lunch). After your market visit this morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.

You will be collected from your hotel for a private transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Ha Noi. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel downtown. The afternoon is free for you to explore leisurely or consider booking a Spa treatment in your hotel.

(All museums in Ha Noi are closed on Monday & Friday) This morning, we travel by rickshaw cyclo (traditional bike-propelled cart) and by foot along tree-lined boulevards and through the 1000-year-old “Old Quarter”. Other stops on your visit include Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda and the hallowed “Temple of Literature”- Van Mieu as it is known in Vietnamese – the country’s most renowned temple complex. A Confucian sanctuary and academy, the center once housed the country’s first university, founded in 1076. Take time to wander through the stone tablets and soak up a thousand years of learning with your local guide. After lunch at another of our favorite local spots, we leave you to enjoy the afternoon as you see fit. Depending on your interests, your tour guide will be happy to lead you to some of the city’s more interesting art galleries or take you on a shopping tour for silks and linens (this is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to pick up gifts for people back home). There are numerous historic sites to recommend or even a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse culture. In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a performance of water puppetry, an art form that developed in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam.

This takes us to the end of your stay with us. You will have a private transfer with your guide to the airport for your flight home. Safe onward travels.