Kingdoms & Cultures: Vietnam & Laos

Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city. Upon arrive you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred downtown. The first thing you’ll become aware of is the sheer number of motorcyclists in seemingly constant motion around town. About 92% of commuters travel by shared motorbike, sometimes carrying three of more people. Always keep your camera on hand as the traffic mayhem tends to offer fantastic photo opportunities!

This morning, your guide will present the historic overview of the city as you take in the main points of interest. It’s an energetic city and the architectural disorder gives you some idea of the rapid growth over the past decade. The past and present may be found on the same block; French colonial heritage buildings flanked by a flashy Louis Vuitton boutique. Architectural highlights include the Notre Dame Cathedral, built between 1877 and 1883. The stone used to create it was exported in its entirety from France. Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam’s largest post office. Continue to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We end the architectural highlights with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

OR ~ Take an Art Tour: Join a passionate art specialist on a journey that takes a closer look at the major shifts in 20th and 21st century Vietnam through the eyes of artists. From the grand halls of the HCMC Fine Art Museum to the fresh white spaces of leading contemporary art galleries. The tour is based on the personal experiences of artists who studied, fought, witnessed and documented major changes in twentieth century Vietnam. This themed tour is not just for art lovers but for all those who want to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s modern and contemporary history.

Transfer to the Saigon airport for your flight north to Da Nang. Upon arrival it’s a short drive to the Cham Museum of Da Nang city. The museum houses the largest and most impressive collection of Cham sculpture and artifacts, dating from the 4th to the 14th centuries. We continue past the striking Marble Mountains for photo opportunities and on to Non Nuoc Beach, immortalized for many by the US television show, China Beach and still one of the most spectacular beaches in Asia. Our end destination is Hoi An. In a country ravaged by war, Hoi An managed to remain untouched. Wander the relatively traffic-free streets of this ancient seaport. It is not hard to imagine yourself amidst the sailors and merchants of the 18th Century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Don’t forget that this is the town famed for its great tailors; so if you brought anything with you to be replicated—or want to have traditional Vietnamese dresses tailored —this is the spot.

Today your guide will lead you through Hoi An’s historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The picturesque riverside town was a major trading port between the 15th and 19th centuries. Mansions built by prosperous Japanese, Chinese, and European merchants characterize the enchanting Old Quarter. Appreciate the vivid sense of history as you walk the narrow streets. Visit temples, houses, artisan workshops and the bustling fish market along the quay. Late morning, get involved in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef. The chef offers us an introductory cooking class that leads into lunch together (not to worry, you won’t be obliged to cook your own lunch). After your market visit this morning, you will have gained a good understanding of local ingredients and the basic techniques of Vietnamese cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own or spend a few hours with the tailors of Hoi An.

Say good-bye to Hoi An as we drive northward to Hue. Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was Vietnam’s Imperial City and thus the seat of 13 Nguyen Emperors. Today, the city has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Tour the Imperial city of Hue and the Thien Mu (Heavenly Lady) pagoda – the most beautiful pagoda located atop a hill with magnificent views. Then sit back and relax on a scenic cruise along the Perfume River.

Our explorations of the Imperial capital continue as we tour around Hue. Travel through shady, scenic landscapes to arrive at the majestic, serene tomb of Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst fragrant frangipani trees. We also pass by the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh before heading to the airport for a flight to the modern-day capital of Ha Noi. Upon arrival, you will have a private transfer with a guide to your hotel downtown.

Our explorations of the Imperial capital continue as we tour around Hue. Travel through shady, scenic landscapes to arrive at the majestic, serene tomb of Nguyen Emperor Tu Duc, set amidst fragrant frangipani trees. We also pass by the mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh before heading to the airport for a flight to the modern-day capital of Ha Noi. Upon arrival, you will have a private transfer with a guide to your hotel downtown.