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.
The following itinerary is tentative. The framework is provided here to give you an idea of the cities and visits. Details will be confirmed by mid-February 2023.
Day 1 Depart United States
Individual flights from U.S.
Day 2 Arrive Hanoi (D)
Most flights are likely to arrive late in the evening, around 10 or 10:30
Transfer to the hotel included
Day 3 Hanoi (BL)
Late morning welcome gathering
Group lunch
We’ll divide these visits between today and tomorrow:
One Pillar Pagoda – we’ll start our discussion on Buddhism, which permeates society and the practice of which differs from that in Laos and Thailand
Ho Chi Minh Complex – a good place to get an overview of Uncle Ho and his influence on the country
Van Mieu (The Temple of Literature) – founded in the 11th century and offering an educational system that was still applied until the early 20th century; a nice opportunity to be introduced to Confucianism and its influence on social order in Vietnam
Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and very near our hotel
Local market – as we walk through the streets, our guide will purchase fruits from local vendors so that we may sample them
Dinner on your own
Day 4 Hanoi (BD)
We’ll visit sites listed on Day 3 that we didn’t get to yesterday
Finish by lunch, on your own
Afternoon free
Group dinner
Day 5 Hanoi /Excursion (BL)
This will be a long day, but worth it:
Private coach to Halong Bay, taking the leisurely route along rice fields to learn about this farming staple and see the farmers in action
Board our boat, with seafood lunch on board
Cave tour, optional climb to top of one of the islands or optional swimming
Return to Hanoi, stopping for a dinner snack on your own along the way
Day 6 Hanoi (BL)
Ethnology Museum – well-designed to learn about the 50+ ethnicities in Vietnam
Group lunch
Water puppet performance in a private home
Dinner on your own
Day 7 Hanoi to Hue (B, L or D)
Perhaps a chance to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and the ancient 36 streets, and see Hoan Kiem Lake and the famous Huc Bridge
Fly to Hue (Meals and any other site visits will depend on flight time)
Day 8 Hue (BL)
Imperial Citadel – a UNESCO Heritage Site, where we learn about the most recent emperors who abdicated after World War II
Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc – a beautiful site with a lovely lake and many frangipani trees
Group lunch at a nearby pagoda
Mid-afternoon: remainder of the day free with dinner on your own
Day 9 Hue/Excursion (BL)
Full day excursion to get a sense of the impact of the war on Vietnam:
National Cemetery, DMZ, Vinh Moc Tunnels
Group lunch
On the way back to Hue, visit La Vang Basilica – there are about 7 million Catholics in Vietnam still today, many people sought refuge here during the war
Return to Hue around 4:30
Dinner on your own
Day 10 Hue to Hoi An (BL)
Transfer via private motorcoach, about 2-1/2 hours, to Hoi An, a smaller, lovely, well-preserved port city dating from the 15th century
Group lunch
Mid-afternoon: remainder of the day free with dinner on your own
Day 11 Hoi An (BL)
Walking tour of the city, most of which is a UNESCO heritage site
Group lunch
Mid-afternoon: remainder of the day free with dinner on your own
Day 12 Hoi An to Saigon (B, L or D)
1 hr private transfer to Da Nang to fly to Saigon
Meals and any other site visits will depend on flight time
We’ll try to fit in a conversation with a representative at the American Consulate, which was the Embassy during the war
Day 13 Saigon (BL)
War Remnants Museum
Ngoc Hoang (Jade Emperor) Pagoda – a multifaith temple known for its elaborate tile work, hundreds of small statues, and incense coils
Group lunch
Mid-afternoon: remainder of the day free with dinner on your own
Day 14 Saigon/Excursion (BL)
Mytho and Mekong Delta – providing a glimpse into an area that has provided for the country for centuries and is important to present day
Group lunch
Return to Saigon likely around 4:30
Dinner on your own
Day 15 Saigon (BD)
Fito Museum – traditional Vietnamese medicine, another thread from centuries ago to the present
Free time with lunch on your own
Possible show at the Opera, performance schedule permitting
Farewell group dinner at the infamous Rex hotel, site of daily briefings from the U.S. military during the war, what journalists called the “Five O’Clock Follies.” The rooftop bar was a well-known hangout spot for military officials and war correspondents and provides a lovely spot overlooking the city lights
Day 16 Depart Vietnam (B)
Airport transfer included
Departures on individually-booked flights
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO CAMBODIA
Day 1 of Extension (Day 16 of Core Program) Saigon to Siem Reap (BL)
Transfer to airport for group morning flight to Siem Reap
Group lunch
Guided city walking tour
Dinner on your own
Day 2 (Day 17) Siem Reap (BL)
Ta Prohm
Angkor Thom
Afternoon free with lunch on your own
Group dinner at a local restaurant with traditional dance show
Day 3 (Day 18) Siem Reap (B
Banteay Srey
Banteay Samre
Group lunch at the hotel
Transfer to the airport
Departures, likely in the early evening, on individually-booked flights
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