Highlights of Vietnam – 9 Days

This morning, meet your expert private guide for an immersive exploration of Hanoi’s historic sites. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you might pause outside the mausoleum of the revered leader and visit the simple stilt house where he lived, set amid peaceful gardens. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a tiny 11th-century temple rising from a lotus pond, and then wander the courtyards of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. In this tranquil Confucian temple, admire ancient architecture and imagine the scholars of centuries past. Next, delve into the darker chapters of history at Hoa Lo Prison – the “Hanoi Hilton” – learning poignant stories of resilience. At midday, enjoy lunch at a charming restaurant renowned for its local cuisine and colonial ambiance. Afterward, partake in a true Hanoi ritual: stop at a hidden café to sip egg coffee, a silky concoction that reflects Hanoi’s inventive culinary spirit. Later, return to your hotel to relax. This evening, you might choose to explore Hanoi’s dining scene on your own or ask your guide for an insider’s recommendation – perhaps a trendy fusion bistro or a classic French-Vietnamese fine dining venue in the French Quarter. (B, L)

Embrace Hanoi’s lively morning energy with a guided stroll through the Old Quarter, where each narrow lane brims with traditional crafts, from silk merchants to spice traders. Climb aboard a cyclo (rickshaw) to leisurely weave through these historic streets, observing temples hidden down alleys and daily life unfolding on the sidewalks. Transition from sightseeing to tasting as your guide leads you on a gourmet adventure: a walking street food tour. Follow the tantalizing scent of grilling meats and fresh herbs to sample Hanoi’s most beloved dishes – savor the perfect balance of flavors in a bowl of pho noodle soup, bite into crispy banh xeo pancakes, and relish the sweet freshness of seasonal fruits. For lunch, take part in a hands-on cooking class or chef-led market visit, diving deeper into Vietnamese culinary traditions as you create classic dishes and enjoy them for midday meal. The afternoon is free for you to shop for silk souvenirs, visit an art gallery, or simply unwind at a café to watch local life. In the early evening, gain insight into Vietnam’s arts with VIP seats at a traditional water puppet show, where colorful puppets dance on water accompanied by live folk music. After the performance, a special treat is arranged – meet one of the puppet masters backstage for a behind-the-scenes look at this age-old art form. Tonight, you have the option to dine at one of Hanoi’s top restaurants (our suggestions range from a contemporary Michelin-starred venue to an intimate colonial villa eatery) or relax at your hotel. (B, L)

Fly south to Hue, the former imperial capital, and step into a slower pace of life rich with royal heritage. Upon arrival, a private guide introduces you to the city’s highlights. Begin at the Imperial Citadel, a sprawling walled fortress and palace complex. Stroll through its massive gates into what was once the Forbidden Purple City, reserved for emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. As you wander among restored pavilions and ornate temples, imagine the ceremonies and intrigues that once animated these courtyards. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered temple overlooking the Perfume River; listen to the soft chanting of monks and the distant toll of temple bells that lend Hue its serene atmosphere. At midday, pause to taste Hue’s distinctive cuisine with lunch at a garden house restaurant, sampling dishes originally created for the imperial court – a delicate blend of flavors that reflect the city’s royal legacy. In the afternoon, take a leisurely dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River, drifting past misty riverscapes toward the lavish tombs of the Nguyen emperors. Explore one of the most impressive tombs, adorned with mosaic artistry and set in a scenic hillside garden, as your guide shares stories of imperial ambition and architectural symbolism. This evening, experience a true trip highlight: an exclusive royal-style dinner. You are welcomed into a historic private residence (once belonging to descendants of royalty) for an imperial banquet. Dine on refined Hue dishes prepared from secret family recipes, served in splendid courses, and engage in warm conversation with your hosts about their family’s heritage. Surrounded by antique furnishings and flickering lantern light, you’ll feel transported to Hue’s imperial era – a dining experience both culturally immersive and exquisitely memorable. (B, L, D)

Bid farewell to Hue and embark on a scenic journey over the Hai Van Pass, often called “The Cloud Pass,” which offers breathtaking views of the coast where mountains meet the sea. Your private driver navigates the winding route as you gaze out at panoramic vistas – lush peaks on one side and the blue East Sea on the other. En route, stop at a village by Lang Co Beach to stretch your legs and enjoy a refreshment, or perhaps visit a local fishing hamlet for a glimpse of daily life by the water. Crossing into Vietnam’s sun-kissed central region, you arrive in the lively city of Danang. Here, take a short break to visit the Marble Mountains, five limestone outcrops sheltering Buddhist shrines inside dramatic caves – an intriguing spiritual site and a chance to climb up for a view of the surroundings. Continue south to Hoi An, arriving by afternoon at this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage town that once thrived as a trading port. After settling into your luxurious boutique accommodations (maybe a French colonial mansion or a beachside resort), step out with your guide for an introductory walk through Hoi An’s pedestrian-friendly Old Town. Admire the faded yellow merchant houses along atmospheric lanes and cross the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An. As dusk falls, the town takes on a magical glow.

In the evening, Hoi An transforms into a wonderland of lantern light. Stroll along the Thu Bon River bank as thousands of colorful lanterns sway gently overhead and reflect off the water. You might join locals in a beloved custom – launching a paper lantern downstream, watching your wishes float away on the current. Explore the night market brimming with handcrafted souvenirs, or stop by a traditional teahouse for a cup of fragrant lotus tea. Dinner is at your leisure tonight. You may choose to dine at an elegant riverside restaurant, savoring dishes like white rose dumplings and cau lao noodles, or enjoy fresh seafood by the beach. Whether you opt for fine dining or street food delights, Hoi An’s charm is sure to captivate you this evening. (B, L)

Wake up to the sounds of village life and the scents of the sea in Hoi An. This morning, dive into a hands-on cultural experience with a private market visit and cooking class. Accompanied by a local chef, wander through Hoi An’s bustling central market, where stalls burst with tropical fruits, herbs, and fish just brought in from the coast. Engage with friendly vendors as your chef-guide explains the ingredients fundamental to Vietnamese cuisine. Armed with baskets of fresh produce, head to a charming countryside cooking studio or riverside villa. Here, roll up your sleeves and learn to prepare regional specialties – perhaps tam huu (Hoi An’s skewered savory rolls) or a fragrant lemongrass and chili-infused dish. Under expert guidance, transform raw ingredients into a delicious feast and then sit down to relish the fruits of your labor for lunch. In the afternoon, explore Hoi An’s rich artisanal heritage. Visit a local workshop to learn the art of lantern-making, joining a craftsman who shares generational knowledge as you create your own silk lantern keepsake. Alternatively, take a leisurely bicycle ride into the surrounding countryside, pedaling past emerald-green rice paddies and water buffalo lazing in the fields. You’ll arrive at Tra Que Organic Village, where farmers cultivate vegetables and fragrant herbs using traditional methods – a wonderful chance to try your hand at farming alongside them or simply enjoy a refreshing herbal drink. Back in the Old Town, your guide can introduce you to historic assembly halls adorned with ornate carvings, remnants of the town’s Chinese merchant past. This evening, treat yourself to Hoi An’s romantic allure one last time. Perhaps enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the Thu Bon River, drifting under a cotton-candy sky as fishermen cast their nets. For dinner, you may wish to indulge in Hoi An’s culinary scene: dine on French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in a restored colonial home or sample street food delicacies like savory pancakes at the night market. The night is yours to savor, as silk lanterns usher you back to your hotel under a canopy of stars. (B, L)

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Hoi An. You might take a final walk through the quiet lanes, pick up tailored clothing from one of the town’s famed bespoke tailors, or simply lounge by the pool amid your resort’s lush gardens. Later, transfer to Danang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City – still often called Saigon – the dynamic metropolis of southern Vietnam. Arrive in Saigon by afternoon, where a stark contrast to Hoi An’s tranquility awaits: here, modern skyscrapers soar next to colonial-era buildings, and the city pulses with energy. Your private guide and driver greet you and whisk you to your luxury hotel in the city center. After check-in, set out on an orientation tour of downtown Saigon. Stroll along the tree-lined boulevards of the French Quarter, viewing the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral (its red-brick facade a legacy of the 19th-century French presence) and the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, with its vaulted roof and vintage charm. Continue to the grand Saigon Opera House and the historic Hotel de Ville (City Hall), illuminating the city’s colonial past. As the sun begins to set, Saigon’s frenetic pace picks up even more. This evening, dive into its culinary underbelly in an exhilarating fashion – on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Join expert drivers for a nighttime street food tour that blends adventure with gastronomy. Weave through busy streets and hidden alleys, stopping at famed local eateries and street kitchens that only insiders know. Savor sizzling seafood grills served roadside, bite into a banh xeo crepe fresh off the griddle, and cheers with new friends over a cold glass of bia hoi beer. Along the way, pause at a rooftop or secret cafe for a signature Vietnamese cocktail, catching a glittering panorama of the Saigon skyline. This immersive night out is as much about culture as cuisine – you’ll feel the city’s electric nightlife and taste its best flavors, all while traveling as the locals do. Return to your hotel full of both food and unforgettable memories. (B, D)

Your day in Saigon begins with a journey into Vietnam’s wartime past. Depart early for the Cu Chi region, taking an exhilarating route by private speedboat along the Saigon River. As you cruise out of the city’s bustle, watch the skyline recede and the scenery turn into lush countryside and riverbank villages. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits and refreshments on board, arriving at the Cu Chi Tunnels before the crowds. This extensive underground network was used by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War – an ingenious hideout and supply system stretching for miles. Explore the well-preserved tunnels with your guide, and if available, meet a war veteran or local historian who shares personal insights, bringing context to the harrowing stories of courage and resilience. You may even try crawling through a widened section of tunnel to feel the claustrophobic reality the soldiers endured (optional, for those who wish). After this moving encounter with history, return to the daylight and transfer back to Saigon. Enjoy lunch at a sophisticated restaurant known for its modern Vietnamese cuisine – a chance to reflect on the morning’s experience while dining in comfort.

In the afternoon, delve deeper into Saigon’s cultural tapestry. Visit the Reunification Palace, frozen in time since the fall of Saigon in 1975, where you can walk through the war command bunkers and the rooms of 1960s decor that once hosted foreign dignitaries. Next, your guide leads you through the War Remnants Museum for an unflinching look at photographs and artifacts that depict the impacts of decades of conflict – a sobering but important stop that underscores the resilience and forward-looking spirit of the Vietnamese people today. To balance the day’s serious themes, you might cap off your sightseeing with a visit to Ben Thanh Market or a high-end boutique gallery, where bustling stalls and contemporary artworks showcase Saigon’s vibrant commercial side. As evening approaches, return to your hotel to freshen up for a grand finale to your journey. Tonight, celebrate your Vietnamese adventure with a farewell dinner at one of Saigon’s most acclaimed restaurants. Settle into an elegant dining room – perhaps at a chic venue helmed by a Michelin-starred chef – and indulge in a multi-course feast that fuses traditional dishes with innovative techniques. Toast with a glass of fine wine or a craft cocktail to the unforgettable experiences you’ve collected over the past days. For a final treat, head up to a stylish rooftop bar overlooking the city. Amid the twinkling lights of Saigon’s skyline, enjoy a last nightcap and soak in the view of this city that never sleeps. (B, L, D)