This program was custom designed to examine the history of Vietnam, the mix of indigenous cultures and Chinese influence, religions, and the country’s modern transformation under French colonial rule, Communist revolution, American intervention and recent globalization.
This itinerary is subject to change. Travel demands flexibility. We will strive to balance adaptability with remaining on schedule. Please trust that, when it is not possible to follow the plan laid out below, Our program leaders will work to find substitutions that retain the quality of this Study Travel program. Various details may be added or changed due to information obtained while making reservations, or perhaps on site, especially because of the weather. BLD indicate included group meals.
Saturday, October 8 Depart USA
Individual departures from your home town.
Sunday, October 9 Arrive Hanoi (D)
Welcome to Hanoi. We’ll be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. Welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet Our fellow travelers. Then we’ll have a group welcome dinner at KOTO restaurant, a wonderful project which provides vocational training for underprivileged people. Overnight at Q Hotel, theqhotel.com.vn.
Monday, October 10 Hanoi (BL)
This morning we’ll embark on a full-day tour of the city, visiting major sites such as One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. We’ll also visit Van Mieu (The Temple of Literature), the first Vietnamese University, founded in in the 11th century by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong. We’ll learn about the educational system in traditional Vietnam, which was still applied until early 20th century. We’ll also examine the importance of Confucian belief and its influence on social order in Vietnam. Then, we’ll head to the local market next to the Temple of Literature to experience a bit of local life, and then have a group lunch. Next up is Tran Quoc Pagoda, on the banks of West Lake, a very interesting site to learn more about Buddhism and typical architecture in Vietnam. Dinner on your own and overnight at Q Hotel.
Tuesday, October 11 Hanoi (BD)
Today we’ll head to one of the biggest and most important museums of Vietnam, the Ethnology Museum, to discover the very interesting ethnical mosaic of Vietnam. We’ll be able to learn more about each ethnic group’s traditions and culture. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a traditional water puppet performance. Our host Liem invites us into his home, a small-scale theatre that continues a long running family tradition, passed down from generation to generation. We’ll witness not only the show itself but gain behind-the-scenes insight into how the puppets are made and animated. Liem is only too happy to discuss the history and development of this age-old cultural practice. Overnight at Q Hotel.
Wednesday, October 12 Hanoi/Day Excursion to Halong Bay (BL)
Today will be a long day, but worth it. We’ll travel by private minibus to World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, which is dotted with sandy coves, grottoes and 1600 limestone islands formed over millennia by wind and water erosion. There’s a reason Halong Bay is one of the most photographed places in Vietnam — it’s ridiculously beautiful. We’ll board a traditional junk with other groups and glide through azure waters while enjoying a seafood lunch on board. After lunch, we’ll sail past some of the bay’s most iconic locations and then disembark for a guided walk to Surprise Cave and climb up to the top of island. There’s no better way to travel Halong Bay for a day. We’ll return to Hanoi for dinner on your own. Overnight at Q Hotel.
Thursday, October 13 Hanoi – Hue (BD)
This morning we’ll explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter through the ancient “36 streets” and discover an impressive array of shops that sell everything from souvenirs to exquisite silk clothing, jewelry and beautifully embroidered tablecloths. We’ll continue to the heart of Hanoi, Hoan Kiem Lake, with its magnificent Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son temple. Experience the spiritual harmony of different religions coexisting in the same place. In the afternoon we say goodbye to Hanoi and transfer to the airport for our flight to Hue. Group dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Cherish Hotel Hue.
Friday, October 14 Hue (BD)
The former imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue holds the treasures of Vietnam’s royal past. It’s a curious mix of bustling streets and tranquil settings. We’ll visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City, which was almost entirely destroyed by bomb blasts during the war. Then we’ll visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the beautiful lake with its frangipani and pine trees. This evening, we’ll experience local life in its most authentic way: helping to prepare dinner with a Vietnamese family, dining with three generations, and learning all about their life. Overnight at Cherish Hotel Hue.
Saturday, October 15 Hue/Day Excursion (BL)
Today, we’ll visit the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), established in the 1950s, on this day trip from Hue. We’ll drive to Quang Tri and stop at Truong Soon National Cemetery on the historic Road 9 linking with Laos. Then we’ll continue to Hien Luong Bridge and the fascinating tunnels at Vinh Moc, which were initially built in the late 1940s as a resistance hideout against the French and were extended and enlarged during the American War in order to accommodate civilian families trying to survive the aerial bombardment. On our way back we’ll stop by La Vang Basilica, known as one of the most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites of Vietnam. Dinner on your own back in Hue. Overnight at Cherish Hotel Hue.
Sunday, October 16 Hue – Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City (BD)
After breakfast, take a short flight (approximately 1 hour) to Saigon, Vietnam’s economic hub. Vietnam’s largest city is a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. On arrival, take a tour of the city, passing the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House. Head to the War Remnants Museum for a sobering yet informative lesson on the Vietnam War. Here we’ll see things like old military equipment, an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. Then, pay a visit at Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda, famous in Saigon for a set of about 100 statues made from cardboard that depict a meeting of genies with the Jade Emperor. It has now become a favorite destination of tourists. Lunch on your own at an appropriate point. Group dinner. Overnight at M Boutique Hotel, millenniumboutiquehotel.com.
Monday, October 17 Saigon (BD)
We’ll embark on a full-day walking tour for a fun and fascinating insight into the history, culture, and the daily life of the locals in this busy, buzzing city. We start our tour by heading to Chinatown and wandering through the fascinating back streets near Cho Lon. This area is one of the busiest commercial districts of Saigon and its atmospheric streets are home to some of the city’s most interesting sites. From there, we’ll pay a visit to Thien Hau Temple, which was built in the early 19th century and dedicated to the goddess of seafarers. We delve deeper into Chinatown, visiting the amazing Cholon and Binh Tay Markets, which are full of energy and dazzling array of goods. Then we’ll stop at Fito Museum, which displays over 3,000 objects relating to traditional Vietnamese medicine and dating back to the country’s foundation. Heading back to down-town, we’ll pass the major Saigon sights: Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, and the Opera House. Lunch on your own at an appropriate point. We’ll cap our Vietnam adventure with a farewell dinner at Rex hotel. Overnight at M Boutique Hotel.
Tuesday, October 18 Departure (B)
Individual departures.