Vietnam's Cultural + Culinary Trails

Upon arrival, our VIP Fast Track Immigration Service streamlines your entry formalities. After an efficient and seamless transition through immigration and customs, our private car and driver will take you to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel, each handpicked for their ideal city-center locations. The balance of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish. 

Today’s culturally immersive sightseeing begins with a privately guided visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, where centuries of scholarly tradition echo through its peaceful courtyards and ancient pavilions. Continue to the Fine Arts Museum, home to an impressive collection encompassing ancient artifacts and contemporary works—offering deep insight into the country's evolving artistic expression. Then, step into the creative world of Zó Studio, where young local artists are reviving the traditional craft of making Dó paper from the bark of the Dó tree; if you wish, you can even try your hand at crafting your own piece of this textured, highly-durable paper. 

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore on your own before this evening’s culinary excursion. Begin with a stroll through a colorful neighborhood market, experiencing a slice of local life as your personal guide offers insights into the variety of products for sale and their uses in traditional Vietnamese cooking. Continue to the home of our host and head into the kitchen to watch as she skillfully prepares some of Northern Vietnam’s signature dishes. As the aromas fill the air, discover the stories and techniques that bring these recipes to life before gathering around the table to enjoy this homecooked meal. Meals B+D 

Begin your morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. An impressive monument crafted of marble, granite and precious woods, this is the solemn resting place of the leader who led the country’s struggle for independence from French Colonial rule. Continue exploring the surrounding complex, including the elegant Presidential Palace, once the residence of the French Governor-General, and One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus-shaped structure originally built in the 11th century. 

Next, hop aboard a traditional cyclo for a delightful ride through Hanoi’s atmospheric Old Quarter. These historic streets, many named after the goods once crafted or sold there—such as Tin Street and Bamboo Street—still hum with local trade and time-honored craftsmanship. 

Then, visit the Ngoc Son Temple, gracefully set on a small island in the middle of scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. Learn the legend behind its name, which tells of a 15th-century emperor who returned a magical sword to a divine turtle in the lake’s water. Conclude your day with a charming performance of water puppetry, a centuries-old art form that originated in the rice paddies of northern Vietnam.  Meals B+L 

The chauffeured transfer from the bustling city to Ha Long Bay is just a few hours, but the magnificent landscapes that greet you upon arrival will feel worlds away from Hanoi. On arrival at the cruise pier, a brief speedboat transfer brings you to our luxury ship—the perfect base for discovering the remote beauty of Lan Ha Bay and the natural wonders of nearby Cát Bà Island. As we glide deeper into the bay, lunch is served on board, accompanied by ever-changing views of limestone karsts and jade-colored waters. 

This afternoon, we anchor near Cát Bà and step ashore to explore Viet Hai Village, a remote community nestled in a verdant valley surrounded by forested peaks. A leisurely bicycle ride through the valley offers a glimpse into daily life in this isolated settlement, where residents live in harmony with nature, growing their own produce and fishing the bay’s rich waters. Accessible only by sea, the village remains a serene and self-sustaining enclave. 

Returning to the ship, we sail toward our anchorage for the night in the quiet expanse of Lan Ha Bay. Before dinner, join the onboard chef for a hands-on cooking demonstration, learning how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh, local ingredients. As evening falls, relax with a digestif at the bar, take in the moonlit seascape from your balcony, or join the crew for a bit of lighthearted squid fishing under the stars—an amusing and memorable end to a remarkable day. Meals B+L+D 

Early risers can greet the day with a Tai Chi session on the terrace deck as the sun rises over the tranquil bay. Afterwards, enjoy a selection of traditional Vietnamese coffee, tea, and light breakfast pastries in the dining room—a gentle start to the morning. 

Continue sailing to a tranquil and idyllic spot known as Frog Lake where you can join in a delightful kayaking excursion. This secluded corner of Lan Ha Bay, with cliffs rising dramatically from jade-green waters, offers a stunning backdrop for exploration. Paddling through a labyrinth of limestone islets and rocky outcroppings, you’ll be mesmerized by the raw beauty and stillness of the surrounding seascape. 

Back on board, a hearty brunch is served as we cruise toward the disembarkation point. Take time to savor the final moments of your voyage before a short speedboat transfer returns you to the pier. From here, our car and driver will take you back to Hanoi for your included flight to Hue. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by our in-the-know resident guide and chauffeured to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel. This evening is yours to dine and relax as you wish.  Meals B 

After breakfast, join your personal guide for a foray into Hue’s imperial heritage. Your exploration begins at the Imperial Citadel, former seat of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Enter within its imposing walls to marvel at palaces and pavilions as your guide shares fascinating insights into a vanished world of emperors and mandarins. 

Continue to the lesser-known An Dinh Palace, built over a century ago by King Dong Khanh. Though more intimate in scale, its ornate interiors and faded grandeur showcase Vietnam’s graceful architecture during the neoclassical period. Your journey then takes a more intimate turn with a rare visit to a private royal temple; normally closed to the public, it offers further insight into French influences on Vietnamese culture and architecture. 

The highlight of your morning is a private conversation with the former director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center—the individual instrumental in achieving the city’s UNESCO World Heritage designation. This intimate exchange offers rare insights into the challenges and triumphs of preserving Hue’s royal treasures. Your morning concludes with a gracious lunch hosted at the family home of your guide. Over elegantly prepared dishes that reflect the refined culinary traditions of Hue, continue the conversation and deepen your understanding of this storied city.  Meals B+L 

After an early breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the station to embark on a memorable journey aboard the heritage train that links Hue and Danang. Considered one of Vietnam’s most scenic rail routes, this journey offers a captivating glimpse of Central Vietnam’s natural splendor. Settle in and enjoy the relaxed rhythm of train travel as the ever-changing landscapes unfold beyond your window. 

Upon arrival in Hoi An, transition from rail to river with a serene sunset cocktail cruise along the Thu Bon River. Step aboard a traditional boat and drift into the golden hour, when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the water and surrounding countryside. Sip on refreshing cocktails and savor light appetizers as you glide past tranquil villages, fishing boats, and verdant riverbanks. It’s a peaceful, picturesque introduction to the charms of this historic town.  Enjoy three nights here in Hoi An at your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel.  Meals B 

This morning, head to a peaceful organic herb farm just outside Hoi An for our Herbal Taste Challenge—a sensory experience that blends fun with learning. Begin with a warm welcome and a cup of fragrant herbal tea made from plants grown in the garden. Then, divided into small teams, take part in a series of taste and scent challenges designed to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of Vietnam’s vibrant herbs. 

After the games, enjoy a simple farm-to-table lunch featuring toasted bread topped with either minced pork and herb sauce or a vegetarian garlic-herb option, paired with a fresh garden salad and refreshing glass of hibiscus juice. Back in town, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace. 

This evening, embark on a culinary adventure through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Guided by a local food expert, you’ll explore the town’s signature dishes and the stories behind them. Begin with a stop for bánh mì, Vietnam’s beloved sandwich, followed by a visit to a shop famed for their white rose dumplings—delicate, hand-folded treats made only in Hoi An. The staff make up to 6,000 dumplings each day and you can watch them in action before trying to make a few yourself. Continue with a tasting of bánh xèo Hoi An, a delicate rice flour crêpe filled with savory ingredients, and cao lầu, a tasty noodle soup dish prepared with pork and fresh greens. 

Down a quiet alley, step into a 250-year-old ancestral home. Spend time with the resident artisan who not only shares his family’s stories but also demonstrates the art of crafting intricate silver jewelry in his workshop. End the evening tasting green bean cake, a local specialty, and the perfect close to your day of culinary discovery.  Meals B+L+D 

Step back in time this morning as you explore Hoi An’s Ancient Town c, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkably preserved architecture and enduring cultural traditions. From the 16th to 18th centuries, this city thrived as one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports, welcoming merchants from Japan, China, the Middle East, and Europe. The wealth and diversity of that era are still evident today in the town’s graceful fusion of architectural styles and cultural influences. 

Accompanied by your personal guide, venture beyond the main thoroughfares and into the narrow backstreets and hidden alleys that reveal the quieter side of Hoi An. Visit elegant former merchant homes and vibrantly adorned communal halls that reflect the town’s multicultural past. Stroll through quiet residential quarters where traditional wooden houses still stand, and pause at the famous Japanese Covered Bridge—an enduring symbol of the town’s international heritage. 

Discover lesser-known corners as you meander through narrow passages to reach a unique 2-story temple, where your engaging guide will share stories of the shifting fortunes that have defined Hoi An across the centuries. To further deepen your understanding of local life, visit the Hoi An Folklore Museum, which offers insight into the daily rhythms, customs, and history of its residents. Before returning to your hotel, you’ll stop by a local café tucked down a small alley to refresh with some traditional Vietnamese coffee.  Meals B 

We include today’s chauffeured transfer to the airport and your flight to Saigon. On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to your choice of deluxe or luxury hotel in the heart of town. The balance of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B 

After breakfast, join your personal guide to explore the vibrant spirit and layered history of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. This full-day tour reveals the city’s cultural richness—from its bustling markets to its political landmarks. Begin in Chinatown, a dynamic enclave that has long been home to Saigon’s Chinese-Vietnamese community. Wander through its lively markets, traditional medicine shops, and centuries-old temples, where generations of history linger in the incense-infused air. 

Then delve into another facet of Vietnam’s traditions with a visit to a local martial arts house. Enjoy an engaging introduction to Tai Chi and other indigenous forms, watch a demonstration by skilled practitioners, and try your hand at basic movements in a hands-on session that connects physical practice with cultural heritage. Continue your exploration with a relaxed cyclo ride through the city’s atmospheric streets; Discover colonial-era architecture and ride along tree-lined boulevards, stopping along the way to sample popular street snacks—an authentic taste of daily life in Saigon. 

Your final stop is the historic Independence Palace, formerly known as the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam. A symbol of Vietnam’s political past, this mid-century modernist landmark was the site of the fall of Saigon in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country. Wander through its preserved halls and underground war rooms, where history feels both recent and monumental.  Meals B+L 

Begin your day with a privately guided tour of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. Housed in a graceful French colonial-era mansion, the museum showcases a diverse collection of Vietnamese art, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. Then take a short stroll along the city’s most famous antique street: Once just a narrow alley, it was widened by the French in 1920 and known as Rue de Reims during the Colonial era. Today, it remains a hub of vintage treasures, known for its antique shops and storied past. 

A highlight of the day awaits in a 1960s-era Saigon apartment, where you’ll meet a gifted artist who spent over a decade with XQ Vietnam, a thriving gallery established in 1996 and renowned for its intricate hand embroidery. A multi-talented performer and visual artist, she shares her creative journey and the ways traditional Vietnamese craft continues to evolve in contemporary spaces. 

This evening, take part in an exclusive culinary experience hosted in a private home, tucked down one of Saigon’s hidden alleys. Your host—author of Saigon: The Lifestyle & The Food and Easy to Cook: 40 Delicious Vietnamese Dishes—is also an accomplished photographer. Begin with a guided walk through a local market and quiet neighborhood lanes, sourcing fresh ingredients that reflect the soul of Vietnamese cuisine. Back at her home, enjoy a carefully curated dinner where each dish is paired with infused cocktails that echo its flavors. Between courses, learn a few photography tips to better capture food and street scenes—ensuring you leave with both full senses and memorable images.  Meals B+D 

You’ll be chauffeured to the airport today for your onward flight.  Meals B