Vietnam

Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto and Vancouver late this evening for the overnight flights via Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival at Saigon Tan Son Nhat airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for the next three nights. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore until we gather for our welcome dinner at the hotel. Nearby, you can visit the Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, the restored Post Office and the famous Ben Thanh Market, all within a 10-minute walk.

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel (3 nights)

Cu Chi, a district outside Saigon, unveils a network of intricate tunnels, built as a defence against the French. Learn about the ingenuity and unwavering resolve of the Viet Cong, whose stories echo through these tunnels. After lunch, visit the former Presidential Palace, now a museum, including the bunkers that were the headquarters for the Saigon Government during the “American War”. Continue to the History Museum, which houses an excellent display tracing the origins of the indigenous Vietnamese. If time permits, we will see Notre Dame Cathedral, the restored central Post Office, and visit the bustling Ben Thanh market.  

Set off on a scenic drive to the Mekong Delta, passing lush rice fields en route to My Tho and making a stop at the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Embark on a boat ride along the Tien River to Qui (Tortoise Islet), where fishing ports and boat-building workshops dot the landscape. Stroll through fruit gardens and enjoy a snack while listening to the melodies of Southern Vietnamese folk music. Our exploration continues as we visit the Bee House, a family-owned beekeeping site, followed by a rowboat ride along the water palm creek of Cai Coi. Hop on a "xe loi," a motorized rickshaw, and traverse through gardens, vegetable fields, and rice fields until reaching our lunch spot.

Take a flight north to the historic town of Hoi An. Situated between the famous De Vong River and the pristine shores of Cua Dai Beach, our resort is one of the finest in the area. There will time this afternoon for a swim or a stroll along the beach. As the evening approaches, we will dine at a local restaurant.

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort (3 nights)

In a country ravaged by war only a generation ago, Hoi An managed to remain untouched. As we wander through the storied cobbled streets of this ancient seaport, we are transported to an era when it stood as one of Asia’s busiest ports. Our guided walk leads us to visit former merchant homes, temples and art galleries, as we absorb the atmosphere of one of Vietnam’s most colourful marketplaces.

Venture to the heart of rural Hoi An and catch a glimpse of the daily life of a local fishing village, the thriving wildlife, and the abundant water palm groves. Skilled craftsmen harvest these palms to create traditional roofing for houses. The lush groves and meandering water channels create a peaceful retreat. Enjoy a guided tour through the villages, shaded from the sun by a canopy of bamboo thickets, passing by local homes, and flourishing vegetable and fruit gardens. In the afternoon you can unwind in our resort or explore the charming streets and shops of Hoi An.    

Leaving behind our rural paradise, we head for the capital city of Hanoi. Upon arrival, we are greeted by our local guide and embark on a thrilling rickshaw ride through the capital to the Ancient Quarter, also known as the 36 Corporations District. This captivating maze of streets in the old town center offers a myriad of traditional crafts, including votive paper-making, bamboo products, furniture, and more.

AIRA Boutique Hotel  (2 nights)

You may choose to take a stroll and observe locals partake in Tai Chi, callisthenics, and friendly games of badminton or ping pong. A visit to the Hang Be Market is a must for street food and traditional fabrics. Our exploration begins with the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. At the Museum of Ethnology, we will delve into the rich heritage of Vietnam. Continuing to the complex dedicated to the late Ho Chi Minh, encounter his mausoleum and the stilt wooden house where he resided. Discover the One-Pillar Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest dating back to the 6th century. Nestled in Hoan Kiem Lake, the enchanting Ngoc Son Temple awaits. 

Journeying through mystical landscapes we ascend into the mountains towards the former French Hill Station of Sapa. Leaving the lowland behind, the scenery undergoes a breathtaking transformation where diverse ethnic communities such as the H’Mong and Giay thrive. By mid-afternoon, we will have free time to take in the sights of the city.

BB Hotel Sapa (3 nights)  

Departing early, we travel through spectacular mountain scenery to the secluded village of Pho Long, where the lively Saturday market attracts the H’Mong, Dao, and Nung hill tribes to buy, sell, and socialize. Step into the lively market, where vibrant colours ignite the scene, intermingling with tantalizing aromas of spices and fresh fruits.     Following lunch at a local restaurant, we make our way back to Sapa to explore the enchanting community of Cat Cat. This remarkable enclave, renowned for its artistry and cultural heritage, invites visitors to witness the legacy of craftsmanship and immerse themselves in age-old traditions.

Today enjoy a full day tour with lunch, exploring the settlements of Dao, Giay and H’mong in the Lao Chai and Ta Van Ray districts. This area is celebrated for its diverse and welcoming ethnic communities, filled with rich traditions. Be captivated by the mesmerizing terraced rice paddies, gracefully cascading down the hills. Afterwards, we will explore the countryside, visiting the Silver Waterwall and Heaven’s Gate, the highest road in all of Vietnam.

Make the most of your free morning in Sapa by unwinding or exploring the city on foot, or perhaps take a cable ride to the summit of Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest mountain at 3,143 meters. Marvel at the incredible views that encompass you from all directions. In the early afternoon, we gather for the return drive back to Hanoi.

AIRA Boutique Hotel (1 night)   

Journey to the legendary Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s eighth wonder of the world. Three thousand spectacular chalk and limestone outcroppings, cliffs, arches, and coves form a dragon’s tail across the bay. Aboard a modern cabin cruiser, we navigate through the area whose name translates as “Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea”. We will stop at an islet to climb through a series of caves and grottoes, showcasing some of the world’s most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Take a refreshing swim in the bay or simply relax and sunbathe on the deck.

Stellar of the Sea Cruise (1 night)

Early this morning there is the chance to practice Tai Chi on the sundeck whilst the sun rises over the bay. A buffet breakfast is served as the boat continues cruising, allowing guests a last chance to enjoy the beautiful views of this unique seascape. After brunch on board, we debark and return to Hanoi for our last night and a special farewell dinner of Vietnamese specialties at the Wild Lotus Restaurant (or similar).

AIRA Boutique Hotel (1 night)

Enjoy a final relaxing morning before we transfer to the airport for our flights back to Canada via Hong Kong. Those travelling via Vancouver will arrive home the same day, while Toronto-bound passengers will overnight in Hong Kong and arrive home on Friday.