A Taste of Vietnam

Overview

from$2299Tour + Flights from$1599Tour Only 10days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Sep 24, 2024 departure from LAX

$300 Instant Savings. Expires Dec 21, 2023.*   All prices reflect savings.

$199 deposit. Lock in your spot for less.^††

Carefree Booking. Change your travel plans with no penalties. See details & restrictions.^†

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packaged, may accommodate up to 24.) More of these packages Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout
Departures	February 2024 – April 2025	Group Size	16 travelers max
Themes	History & Culture,  Bucket List
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This moderately-paced, locally hosted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Dates

Select a date Feb 27 - Mar 7, 2024 Mar 26 - Apr 4, 2024 Apr 9 - Apr 18, 2024 Sep 24 - Oct 3, 2024 Oct 8 - Oct 17, 2024 Nov 5 - Nov 14, 2024 Nov 19 - Nov 28, 2024 Dec 10 - Dec 19, 2024 Jan 7 - Jan 16, 2025 Feb 25 - Mar 6, 2025 Mar 25 - Apr 3, 2025 Apr 1 - Apr 10, 2025 Nov 21 - Nov 30, 2023 Dec 12 - Dec 21, 2023 Jan 9 - Jan 18, 2024 Jan 16 - Jan 25, 2024

Travelers

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To book, we only require a per-person deposit, which you can pay with your credit card or PayPal account. This deposit will be applied towards the cost of your package. The balance is due 75 days prior to departure (or within 72 hours, if you're booking less than 75 days prior to departure), and can be paid by credit card, PayPal, check or money order.

Changes to your package, departure date, or flights may require an increased deposit. If you select our optional Trip Protection Plan, the premium will be added to your deposit.

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Itinerary at a Glance

• 1 Depart USA
• 2 En route
• 3 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
• 4 Ho Chi Minh City
• Optional Excursion: Mekong Delta – Ben Tre with lunch, $80
• Optional Excursion: Saigon Nightlife by Vespa (purchased locally), $130
• 5 Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang & Hoi An
• Optional Excursion: Cu Chi Tunnels, $55
• 6 Hoi An
• Optional Excursion: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge, $120
• Optional Excursion: Hoi An walking tour (purchased locally), $35
• Optional Excursion: Sunset Cruise on Thu Bon River (purchased locally), $55
• 7 Hoi An & Halong Bay
• 8 Halong Bay & Hanoi
• 9 Hanoi
• Optional Excursion: Authentic Life in Hanoi, $47
• 10 Depart Hanoi/Arrive USA

Bangkok Independent Optional Extension

• 10 Depart Hanoi/Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
• 11 Bangkok
• 12 Bangkok
• 13 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

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Dates & Prices

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA

• Check-in for your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam via Taipei, Taiwan

Day 2 En route

• Cross the International Dateline and lose a day. (You will recover this day on the return leg of your trip.)

Day 3 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

• Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
• Enjoy an afternoon tour of Ho Chi Minh City including Reunification Hall and Saigon Post Office
• Join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner

Grand Hotel Saigon or similar Dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel, located in the city's heart and within easy access to shopping, touring, and dining.

This afternoon, explore dynamic Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by many locals). Begin at the historic Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace. It was towards this modern building that North Vietnamese resistance fighters' tanks (the Viet Cong) rolled on April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell. From 1885 to 1954, Vietnam was the French colony of Indochina, and you'll see remnants of the French influence throughout the city. Visit the Saigon Post Office, designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel, famous for designing the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It served as a communication hub for American soldiers and Vietnamese citizens during the Vietnam War. Today, it still operates as a functioning post office, stands as a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage, and serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of French colonialism in Vietnam.

Later this evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.

Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City

• Full day at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City or optional excursions

Grand Hotel Saigon or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Mekong Delta – Ben Tre with lunch, $80

Depart your hotel this morning, heading south to the Ben Tre Province. Stop along the way to discover how Vietnamese farmers work in the rice fields and observe the daily life of the villagers of the Mekong Delta. Next, cruise the small canals and arroyos of the Mekong lined with palm and coconut trees. Sip on Vietnamese honey tea while strolling through fragrant fruit orchards and learn more about "Mekong culture." Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City this afternoon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant offering freshly caught fish.

Minimum 3 passengers to operate.

Optional Excursion: Saigon Nightlife by Vespa (purchased locally), $130

Tonight offers a chance to experience the vibrant nightlife of Saigon from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. The city comes alive at sundown, and people congregate on sidewalks, parks, and all over the city. The first stop on your culinary exploration will be to sample some light evening snacks and refreshments at a rooftop bar. Continue through the city streets, seeking out bustling stalls serving authentic Vietnamese dishes. Conclude the evening at a hidden cafe where you can enjoy a musical performance over a drink and ice cream, and see the new generation of Vietnamese unwind and flaunt their unique style.

Minimum 2 passengers to operate.

Day 5 Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang & Hoi An

• Enjoy the morning at leisure or take an optional excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels
• Flight to Da Nang
• Explore Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant

Hoi An Historic or similar Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure, or take advantage of an optional morning excursion to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang on the coast of the South China Sea. Upon arrival, continue your journey to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hoi An was once a major port city during the 15th to 19th century, with ships arriving worldwide to obtain silk and other fabrics, sugar, tea, and ceramics. Its historic buildings reflect the cultural influences of Chinese, Japanese, and European traders who once lived and worked here. The city's old town area is remarkably well-preserved, with narrow streets and alleys that are lined with traditional houses, temples, and merchant shops. Hoi An's traditional Vietnamese architecture is well preserved, and the area has many historic temples and pagodas.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore on your own. Take advantage of Hoi An's tailor-made clothing. Skilled tailors create custom-made clothes at a fraction of the cost of similar items in the West. 

Join your fellow travelers for a special dinner at a unique local restaurant this evening. STREETS International is much more than your typical restaurant; it is an innovative vocational training program for underprivileged children to learn hospitality management, entrepreneurship skills, and the culinary arts. Tonight, you'll support the program and enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the students.

Optional Excursion: Cu Chi Tunnels, $55

The Viet Minh built the Cu Chi Tunnels in the 1940s. This incredible network of tunnels once stretched for 210 miles and contained extensive Viet Cong infrastructure, including tactical quarters, storage rooms, kitchens, a school, and even an underground hospital. Most entrances were so well disguised that only a tiny portion of the system was ever discovered during the war, even though some 125 miles ran under a U.S. military base. If you wish, you can enter the tunnels or view them from outside. 

Minimum 2 passengers to operate.

Day 6 Hoi An

• Full day at leisure in Hoi An or optional excursions

Hoi An Historic or similar Breakfast

Optional Excursion: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge, $120

Depart this morning for Ba Na Hills, a mountainous theme park perched high among the mountains of a former French resort. First, ascend one of the world's longest and highest cable car rides while taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Once on top of the mountain, visit the Linh Ung Pagoda, Loc Uyen Garden, and the Quan Am Pavilion. Get your camera ready to take incredible pictures of the bridge, the neighboring hills, and the distant ocean. Next, amid the misty hills of the mountains, bask in awe at the Golden Bridge, held by two hands that seemingly protrude out of the Earth to hold it up, be taken by the guide to the Monkey Garden and finally to God Mountain, the highest peak in central Vietnam. 

Stroll through the Golden Bridge amid the misty hills of the mountain, and enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang city. Later head into Fantasy Park to enjoy some fun and games after. Spend the rest of the day leisurely before returning to the hotel in the early evening.

Minimum 3 passengers to operate and cannot be combined with any other optional tours on this day.

Through April, 2023: $115

Optional Excursion: Hoi An walking tour (purchased locally), $35

Embark on a morning or afternoon optional walking tour through the streets of Hoi An, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries. Hoi An's architecture and relaxed lifestyle have little changed over the years. Explore the ancient town center and visit the sites of former merchants' homes, a 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and a Chinese Communal Hall. Before you return to your hotel, enjoy browsing and shopping in one of Asia's most colorful local marketplaces. At the end of the tour, have a unique chance to visit Reaching Out, a fair trade gift shop showcasing high-quality handicrafts by disabled craftspeople in Vietnam. Handicrafts are made at onsite workshops or private homes across Vietnam. 

Minimum 2 passengers to operate, and cannot be combined with the discounted optional excursions package.

 

Optional Excursion: Sunset Cruise on Thu Bon River (purchased locally), $55

After shopping and sightseeing in Hoi An, set off on a relaxing sunset cruise along the Thu Bon River. Cast off from the town center and watch the UNESCO Heritage trading houses fade from view. The boat will travel north, entering smaller estuaries surrounded by leafy palm trees and dotted with quaint houses. Witness life on the river as local farmers return from the fields laden with vegetables and school kids frolic on the riverbanks. The Hoi An river cruise ends in the last light of day. Pass by Hoi An’s fishermen, watching as they gracefully cast their massive nets for the evening’s fresh catch. For a closer look, climb into a small bamboo vessel known as a thung chai and paddle along the calm waters. Watch the sky turn brilliant shades of purple and orange as the sun sets over the river, then return to shore for the evening.  

Minimum 2 passengers to operate, and cannot be combined with the discounted optional excursions package.

Day 7 Hoi An & Halong Bay

• Visit China Beach (also known as My Khe Beach)
• Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi
• See the Red River Delta as you transfer to Halong Bay
• Explore Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight. En route, stop at China Beach, which was used as a recreation base for the United States Army and Navy, as well as an evacuation center as ships could safely anchor in the harbor.

Continue to the airport. After a short flight, board your touring coach and transfer to lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterward, travel through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Halong Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful bay in the northern region of Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its stunning limestone rock formations that rise majestically out of the turquoise waters, creating a dramatic and otherworldly landscape.

Arrive at your hotel for check-in. The balance of afternoon is at leisure.

Day 8 Halong Bay & Hanoi

• Set sail on a 5-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay
• Transfer to Hanoi
• Enjoy the evening at leisure in Hanoi

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the pier to set sail on your private junk for a 5-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. Discover the mystical scenery of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands are just out of the emerald sea in bizarre shapes and surrounded by colorful floating villages to create a truly breathtaking destination. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on junk while it’s cruising. After lunch on the cruise, return to Halong harbor and continue to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest to the evening is yours at leisure.

Day 9 Hanoi

• Enjoy a half day morning tour of Hanoi
• See Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda
• Continue on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university
• Conclude your tour with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison
• Visit the Hidden Gem Café and try a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee
• Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or take part in an optional excursion

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

This morning's half-day tour of Hanoi begins with a view of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and exploring his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, built on stilts, is surrounded by peaceful gardens. In the same complex, you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a glimpse into Vietnam's past. Next, visit Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the "Hanoi Hilton." This notorious prison got its nickname during the Vietnam War—which the locals call the "American War," one of many endured in recent times. Long before Americans were imprisoned here, many Vietnamese who fought against the French were held here.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at KOTO (Know One Teach One) restaurant, a non-profit restaurant and vocational training program for young people in Vietnam. Continue to the Hidden Gem Café, a unique coffee shop built around sustainability and reducing the use of plastics. Take notice of the unique décor as you meet the owner and learn more about how this idea came to fruition. Watch as he shows how a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee is made, and indulge in a tasting.

Enjoy your last evening in Vietnam at leisure or take part in an optional excursion.

Optional Excursion: Authentic Life in Hanoi, $47

Your optional afternoon excursion allows you to explore Hanoi through the Old Quarter, known as the 36 Streets. This bustling area of narrow streets and lanes is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. There's no doubt that these are entrepreneurial people, and you'll see the evidence as you wind your way slowly through the quarter. You'll find plenty of photo opportunities, so have your camera ready. Pass by Hoan Kiem Lake and admire the colonial architecture of St. Joseph's Cathedral. Escape the hustle and bustle to Nha Chung Alley, where you will get the chance to meet with a local and discover an in-depth view of the lives of Hanoi residents through three generations. Continue with a refreshing walk along Phung Hung street parallel to the railroad, which played an essential role during the Vietnam War and was built during French colonial rule. End the tour by enjoying the beautiful mural paintings highlighting Hanoi life in the old days and the city's living heritage.

Minimum 3 passengers to operate.

Day 10 Depart Hanoi/Arrive USA

• Today, transfer to the airport to check-in for your return flight to the USA
• If your schedule permits, take advantage of an optional extension to Bangkok, Thailand

Breakfast

Bangkok Independent Optional Extension

Day 10 Depart Hanoi/Arrive Bangkok, Thailand

• Transfer to the airport to board your short flight to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand
• Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel
• The rest of the day is yours at leisure

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Transfer to the airport to board your short flight to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to take in your new surroundings and explore the city independently.

Your hotel boasts a prime location within walking distance of many attractions.

Day 11 Bangkok

• Half day Bangkok sightseeing tour
• Afternoon at leisure

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, enjoy a half day sightseeing the major landmarks of Bangkok. Begin the day visiting the Grand Palace, which for 150 years functioned as the home of the king, his court, and the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadeite (jasper). Continue to Wat Pho, Bangkok's oldest temple, home to the magnificent reclining Buddha and the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage. It is also regarded as Thailand's first university.

Day 12 Bangkok

• Full day at leisure in Bangkok

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok or similar Breakfast

Day 13 Depart Bangkok/Arrive USA

• Today, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Hotels

Grand Hotel Saigon

Deluxe

Grand Hotel Saigon is one of the oldest hotels in the city. It was completely restored in 1997. Nestled in Saigon's scenic riverside area and within walking distance to major commercial and entertainment addresses, this French colonial style hotel provides the perfect base for having a completely relaxed vacation.

More information

Hoi An Historic

First Class

This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of old town in close proximity to shops and other attractions. The Hoi An Historic is admired for its location, charm and world-class facilities. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool, Jacuzzi and tennis courts, along with a spa, beauty salon and fitness center.

More information

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long

Deluxe

Best Western Premier Sapphire Ha long sits on the edge of Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. The hotel is close to Bai Chay Beach and Sun World Ha long Park and provides excellent standards, all supported by attentive Vietnamese hospitality.

More information

Le Jardin Hotel & Spa

First Class

Located in the heart of Hanoi, near the government district, Le Jardin Hotel & Spa is ideally situated to explore the vibrant, culture-rich Vietnamese capital.  The Senses Spa is a perfect place to relax and revitalize body, mind and soul. A variety of massages and spa treatments are available.

More information

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok

Deluxe

COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is a contemporary and stylish hotel located in the central district of Sathorn. The hotel is located 10 minutes away from Silom’s vibrant nightlife scene with close access to train stations, including the Skytrain Station. COMO Metropolitan is a mixture of relaxation and excitement, quietly removed from Bangkok’s traffic, yet steps away from the areas nightlife, shopping and restaurants.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Reviews & Photos

Trip Details

• What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
• Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Travel visas are required for this package. Please review the visa & entry requirements.
• Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
• Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
• Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
• What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
• What should I know about Thailand? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
• What should I know about Vietnam? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.

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