Essence of Vietnam

(15 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Saigon, Mekong Delta, Hue, Hoi An, Sapa, Halong Bay, Hanoi

This is the ultimate tour of Vietnam—an in-depth exploration of Vietnam’s most interesting cities and countryside, from the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, to the imperial ruins in Hue, and hill tribe villages in Sapa.

Begin in dynamic Saigon, the country’s bustling commercial center. With your own expert guide and driver, experience the city's most interesting neighborhoods, historic attractions, museums, art galleries and shops, markets, and excellent restaurants. One day, take an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels and watch an eccentric religious ceremony at the main temple of Cao Daism, a unique fusion of world religions.

Spend a memorable night deep in the rural Mekong Delta and travel by private sampan (traditional boat) through the canals to see floating markets and fishing villages.

Next, fly to Hue, the former imperial capital, in central Vietnam. Visit royal tombs, the imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, and take a cruise along the Perfume River. Meet with monks at an ancient pagoda and learn about Buddhism and life as a monk. Visit markets, sample Hue's vegetarian cuisine, and dine at a private home that once belonged to the royal family.

Continue on a coastal drive to atmospheric Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed riverfront town with colorful historic homes, charming cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets. With your guide, explore the beautiful backstreets, visit local villages, and enjoy a sunset boat ride on the river. Nearby, also see ancient Cham sculptures and tour Buddhist cave temples in the mountains. There will also be free time to relax at your luxury beach resort.

Next, fly to Hanoi, one of Asia’s most beautiful and enjoyable cities. Tour the fascinating Old Quarter, packed with hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, bamboo cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and much more. Stroll around the lake, and attend an evening theater performance before boarding a luxury overnight train to Sapa, a remote hill station in the far north of Vietnam. While there, tour lively hill tribe markets, cruise along a scenic river, take a short hike through a bamboo forest to local villages, and explore spectacular mountains covered with terraced rice fields.

One night will be spent on a luxury boat in beautiful Halong Bay. Cruise among the limestone islands while enjoying fresh seafood, swimming, visits to local islands, and activities on board.

The tour concludes in Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital. With your guide, ride cyclos around the lake to see the city's most beautiful French colonial architecture. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Attend an evening Water Puppet Theater performance. Visit ancient temples, excellent art and culture museums, and the city's best contemporary Vietnamese art galleries. Upon request, you may also wish to incorporate a cooking class. Each night, reservations will be made at Hanoi's most recommended restaurants, many of which are housed in restored French colonial villas.

Accommodation throughout the tour is in top room categories at Vietnam's best luxury hotels and resorts.