Beauty and Contrasts: An Epic Journey Through Vietnam

Arrive in Hanoi and take a private transfer in a luxury vehicle into town. Check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at the spa to cure your jet lag after a long flight before dinner at one of the cities top restaurants.

In the morning, explore charming Hanoi, the "Paris of the East," with its yellow-ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and gorgeous lakes. Stop by the late-11th-century Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Stroll through the Old Quarter to see networks of back alleyways, fronted by narrow "tunnels" or "tube houses" built to escape taxes depending on their street frontage, for a truly eclectic view into Hanoi street life. For dinner take a foodie tour with a local chef!

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh. The drive takes around two hours and passes through countryside, rice fields, and small villages. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful cycling trip through Ninh Binh’s rural scenery before an evening walk along Tam Coc’s main street. The area comes alive after dark in a relaxed way, with open air cafés and simple bars offering a place to pause for a drinks.

Start your day by visiting Tam Coc, or "Halong Bay on Land," and spend about one hour floating down the river and through the canals with a seasoned rower and guide. Enter three of the highlands' many natural caverns to see karst architecture. Take an afternoon flight to Da Nang and enjoy a private transfer to your next hotel before a contemporary Vietnamese dinner in Hoi An.

Tour My Son is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the most Cham temples and other structures in Vietnam. From the 2nd through the 13th centuries, My Son was the capital of the Champa civilization in Central Vietnam. This afternoon take a guided walking tour through Hoi An's winding ancient streets to see old merchant houses influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese architecture. Settle in for a pause at a hidden teahouse for a mindful tea experience.

Hue was the Imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Explore the Imperial Citadel, which is located in the heart of the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, some sections are incredibly well-preserved, and others are being carefully restored. Then drive to Ms. Nau’s local garden house and spend time with Nau and her family, listening to stories of how generations gather for important occasions and how family life is carefully maintained the traditions of making offerings to ancestors. The evening ends with a home cooked dinner, served either in the garden or the dining room, featuring simple Hue dishes prepared with care.

The morning meditation with a local monk experience takes place within a peaceful pagoda garden in Hue and begins with a mindful walk and a brief introduction to core Buddhist teachings, including the Four Noble Truths. The experience ends softly, leaving time for personal reflection before continuing onward to your flight to Ho Chi Min City. Upon arrival, get ready for a fascinating drive by 1960s vintage car to discover busy Saigon after dark, together with fun street food tasting in the most authentic local restaurants.

This walking experience offers a thoughtful introduction to Ho Chi Minh City, seen through its streets, architecture, and everyday life. Moving at an unhurried pace, the walk connects familiar landmarks with quieter corners, revealing how the city has evolved through different chapters of history. At the War Remnants Museum, gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s recent history through powerful personal stories.