Trip Overview
Experience Vietnam’s vibrant past and present by foot, bike, and boat. Explore some of the country’s most evocative locales and get off the beaten path to learn about today’s Vietnamese way of life.
Welcome to Vietnam!
Begin your exploration of Vietnam in Hanoi, where you’ll explore the narrow, vibrant streets of the historic French Quarter on foot and stroll past Ho Chi Minh’s imposing mausoleum with your guide.
Your expert Vietnamese guide joins you throughout your trip, offering in-depth and colorful information about the cities and towns you’ll visit, teaching you a few Vietnamese words and some local secrets along the way.
Meet up with your biking guide, who will fit you to a bike and helmet and lead you on narrow paved paths as you pedal through local neighborhoods, markets, and homes, learning about the small communities on the outskirts of Hanoi. Your ride will end at a local restaurant for lunch where you can enjoy a typical Vietnamese meal! Afterward, you’ll have an afternoon to explore more or to kick your feet up, take in a water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form.
Private Boat Cruising
Next, head to the water in Ha Long Bay for two nights of private boat cruising. After getting to know your home for the next two nights, hop in kayaks and paddle around a traditional fishing village and islands with sheer rock faces dropping into the ocean. If you’re up early enough, Tai Chi on the upper deck is a serene way to see the Bay as the sun rises over the coastline of the mainland. Savor breakfast as you float along, soaking in the scenery before kayaking and swimming at Cong Dam, a pristine section of the bay with small coves and tiny secluded beaches.
Hue, Hoi An, and the Imperial City
After one more early morning floating Tai Chi session, fly to Hue, where you’ll visit the Imperial City, a colorful traditional walled estate with quarters for the Empress, the Emperor’s mother, and the Emperor’s concubines. One of the trip’s highlights is your dinner with a local family, who will regale you with stories of growing up during Vietnam’s rebuilding period. Take time to ask questions and share stories and laughs over the many traditional dishes of Hue that were originally developed to entice the Emperor.
In Hoi An, prepare your taste buds as your group works together to create your own three-course Vietnamese meal! While you’re in Hoi An, explore the welcoming city, test a local restaurant, or even visit a local tailor to get custom articles of clothing made.
Siem Reap in Cambodia
Finish your journey with a 3-day adventure in Siem Reap, a charming city located in northwestern Cambodia. Embark on a Tuk-Tuk adventure to explore the captivating Ruins of Siem Reap, partake in a traditional water blessing ceremony before sampling a variety of delightful Khmer cuisine dishes. This trip wouldn’t be complete without witnessing the sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple – the crown jewel of the temples around Siem Reap. This one last temple will take your breath away and is an image you’ll keep in your mind (and photo album!) for many years to come.
Main Attractions
- Explore local Hanoi and its historic highlights in a convertible army jeep, cycle through the medieval citadel of Hanoi – Hoa Lo
- Cruise and kayak through the environmentally protected region of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay where the number of boats is limited
- Roll up your sleeves and dive into the flavors of Vietnam in a morning cooking class in Hoi An
- See the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat at Sunrise
- Explore the remote ruins in the jungle
- Be a part of a water blessing by local monks to ensure your safe travels
What You'll See and Do
- Bicycling
- Cooking Class
- Cultural Exploration
- Historical Sites
- Kayaking
- Local Delicacies
- Private Cruise
- Spa Element
- Swimming
- UNESCO Site
- Women-To-Women Exchanges
Download Extended Itinerary
- Oct 27 > Nov 6, 2025
Download Itinerary PDF - Nov 10 > Nov 20, 2025
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