zHill Tribes of China & Vietnam

A morning drive brings you to magnificent Ha Long Bay to board our Paradise Cruise vessel for an unforgettable overnight cruise. Inspired by traditional Vietnamese junks, this modern 5-star ship features just 17 outside staterooms, a stylish restaurant and bar, and plenty of windows and open deck space to enjoy the scenery. As you set sail from Tuan Chau Island, you’ll cruise across the Bay of the Descending Dragon into a mesmerizing landscape of fantastic rock formations rising up from emerald green waters and past pristine beaches, mysterious caves and timeless floating villages. During the afternoon, you can also attend a culinary demonstration with our skilled onboard chef and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Your cruise today includes lunch, dinner and an unforgettable voyage deep into this captivating tableau of mountains, sea and sky.  Meals L,D

Early risers can join a Tai Chi demonstration on deck as the sun casts its first golden rays across the unforgettable peaks and inlets of the Bay. After a leisurely breakfast onboard, you’ll have more time to enjoy the scenery before disembarking. Return to Hanoi for your included afternoon flight to Danang where you’ll be met and escorted to the luxurious Anantara Resort. The balance of this afternoon and evening are at leisure to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B

Known as Faifo to early western traders, the historic city of Hoi An was one of Southeast Asia’s most important ports during the 17th to 19th centuries, home to Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Portuguese merchants. Today, Hoi An is remarkable for its collection of original Chinese temples and glorious homes built by these wealthy merchants of earlier times. This morning’s guided excursion to Hoi An features a walking tour designed to showcase these former merchant homes, as well as the temples, art galleries and colorful local markets that make this city so delightful. As you explore the traffic-free cobblestone streets of this ancient port, it’s easy to imagine yourself a sailor of the 18th century when it was one of the busiest ports in all of Asia! Return to the Anantara Resort and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.  Meals B

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the Danang Airport for your included flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the luxurious Park Hyatt. Ideally located on Lam Son Square, this striking city-center hotel is Saigon’s best, heralded for its attentive service. The remainder of this day is free to step out and explore at your own pace.  Meals B

If Hanoi and Hoi An reveal Vietnam’s long and colorful history, then Ho Chi Minh City is a look at the future. Situated on the edge of the Mekong Delta, the city is poised for growth – with lots of new construction, new technology, and new opportunities for its residents. Your extensive exploration of this bustling metropolis begins this morning with Notre Dame, a handsome neo-Romanesque cathedral which was closed by the Communist regime after the 1975 takeover, but is flourishing once again. Continue with the impressive Post Office and Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was toward this building that the first Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975, famously crashing through its gates.

In the afternoon, your sightseeing continues in the bustling Cholon district, the heart of the city’s Chinese community. You’ll also visit Cha Tam Church and Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Seas. Before returning to your hotel, you’ll explore the bustling Binh Tay Market and stop by the diminutive and charming Cai Dai temple.  Meals B

After breakfast you’ll visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible underground network that once stretched for 210 miles. This tunnel complex was built by guerilla fighters beginning in 1940 and construction continued throughout the Vietnam War. Marvel at secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters, and even conference rooms. You’ll have ample opportunity to view the excavated areas from above. The more adventurous can choose to explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels. Your guide will advise you on the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering and some are easily accessed by stairs. Return to Saigon in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of this day at leisure.  Meals B

Our Tour Extension ends this morning after breakfast.  Meals B