Day 1  Meeting, Dinner
Our tour starts in the late afternoon. We’ll have our get-acquainted meeting, meet our Vietnamese guide, and then enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner.

Day 2  Bai Dinh, Trang An
Today we take a 2 hour drive from urban Hanoi to the rural province of Ninh Binh. Our first destination is Trang An, often referred to as the “Halong Bay of the Mainland”. This excursion is by small boat. Sit back and enjoy the two-hour paddle through caves and past rural temples, always with the stunning backdrop of karst crags and towers. After having lunch at a local restaurant, we depart for a visit to Bai Dinh, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam and a popular site for Buddhist pilgrimages. Bring extra storage cards for your camera! After our full day in the countryside, we return to Hanoi for a free evening.

Q Hotel (2 nights)

Temple of LIterature, Halong Bay Halong cruising, cave visit
Our day begins with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Its traditional architecture and peaceful courtyards are most welcoming. Built in 1070 as a tribute to Confucius, it housed Vietnam's first national university. Then we are off to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most impressive scenic wonder. Views of sailing junks navigating the 3000+ karst islands and rocky outcrops jutting out of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. We board our sailing junk for an exploration of the bay, enjoy a seafood lunch and dinner, visit a cave, and spend a night on board (Note:  a single supplement may not provide for a single cabin on the junk). It is a wonderful experience to spend a night on the bay.

Day 4  Halong cruising, Flight, Family dinner
After breakfast, we continue cruising around Halong Bay, before returning to port and driving back to Hanoi. Arriving back to the capital's airport, we’ll catch a flight south to Hue. Tonight we'll have dinner with a local family.

Day 5 Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River Cruise
Located on the Perfume River, Hue is the former capital of the Nguyen dynasty. This morning we take a tour of the partially ruined Citadel, capital of Vietnam in the 19th century. Its six miles of walls contain the palaces and pavilions of the ruling Nguyen emperors and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor or his eunuchs and concubines were allowed entrance. Many buildings remain blackened and crumbling, creating an evocative ambiance, ideal for photographing or imagining the ghosts of the mandarins. Next we’ll visit the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, a center for antigovernment protest in the early 1960s. Another waterborne excursion on the Perfume River returns us to Hue where we'll have lunch in a Buddhist monastery.

Day 6  Royal Tomb, An Bang Cemetery
After our expansive breakfast buffet, we'll head to the surrounding countryside to visit one of the extravagant royal tombs in the area. Afterward, we'll continue on to the enigmatic An Bang Cemetery. The "City of Ghosts" is a local cemetery, with brilliantly colored structures built on white sand. This graveyard is unique in the world and the most magnificent in Vietnam.

Romance Hue Hotel (3 nights)

Day 7  Walking Tour
One of Vietnam’s most scenic road trips over Hai Van Pass begins our day. Our destination, Hoi An, was originally a Cham port town so has been influenced down the centuries by traders from many cultures. The town is a living museum, with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and European architectural influences. There are pagodas, assembly halls, attractive wooden merchant’s houses, and colorful tiled houses scattered along the small streets. Once a bustling port, today Hoi An’s ambiance, tranquility, and charm make it one of the most delightful places to visit in Vietnam. This afternoon will include a guided orientation of the town center.

Day 8 My Son
This morning, we visit My Son, the Cham civilization’s spiritual home, where Cham kings were buried as early as the fourth century. There are many carved stone towers, sanctuaries, and tombs to explore and photograph at this intriguing archaeological site. Before returning to Hue, we'll enjoy a local music and dance performance. This afternoon is free to explore, shop, or relax in Hoi An.

Day 9  Free Day
Today we continue our vacation from our vacation. Hoi An is a marvelous place to wander and enjoy the thriving riverside market – a good place to buy silk. Local tailors can create fine garments for a bargain price, all within a day. Imprint can arrange a Vietnamese cooking or photography class for those interested. Rent a bike for the day or just relax by the hotel pool.

Delicacy Hotel (3 nights)

Day 10  Cao Dai Temple, Mekong
This morning we depart Hoi An for nearby Danang, where we board our flight to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon (flight included). Upon arrival we will depart for the Mekong. Enroute we’ll stop to visit the vibrant and colorful Cao Dai temple. Indigenous to Vietnam, Caodaism is a unique fusion of Taoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Confucianism. At Cai Be we begin a Mekong River boat trip, taking us to our island homestay. Dinner tonight is followed by local entertainment. (Note: our homestay accommodations are clean and comfortable with private facilities and AC, but plain and rustic. A single supplement does not guarantee a private room at the homestay.)

Day 11  Mekong activities
After breakfast we will embark on our morning’s activities. We’ll explore the small waterways of the delta in sampans, stop to visit businesses and observe the locals plying their trades. After sampling various tropical fruits, local candies, and other local specialties we’ll return to our homestay for relaxation. For those interested, you will have the opportunity to participate in the preparation of our traditional dinner.

Day 12  Cu Chi Tunnels
Today we depart the Delta and return to Saigon. Enroute we’ll visit a thriving riverside market and then one of the most important sites in the area, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. These complex tunnels were used by the Viet Cong in the long war against the Americans and were instrumental to the Vietnamese victory. Cu Chi is actually the name of the district that covers an extensive underground network (approximately 125 miles) of tunnels. They contained storage, refuge, hospitals, accommodations, and even schools. A section of the tunnels has been widened to allow tourists a feeling for what underground life must have been like.

Day 13  City Tour, War Remnants Museum
This morning we take a tour of the city, passing the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Post Office. We'll visit the War Remnants Museum for a sobering yet informative lesson on the Vietnam War. Your afternoon is free to relax or explore. We'll then gather for our final dinner together.

Northern Charm Hotel (2 nights)

Day 14  Tour Over The tour ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

 [Tour hotels and itinerary details are subject to change.] 

Day 1  Welcome Meeting
For those opting for the Angkor extension, we'll fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia. In the afternoon we’ll gather for a short briefing with our ace guide Kheang. The day concludes with a classic Cambodian dinner.

Day 2  Angkor Wat, Banteay Srie
Our destination this morning is Angkor Wat, the jewel in the great Angkor crown, the world’s largest religious building, and Southeast Asia’s premier sight. Our guide will interpret its long bas relief galleries, distinctive corncob prangs, and concentric walls and moats:  which together constitute a metaphor for the Buddhist cosmos. Lunch is Khmer style in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we’ll head to Banteay Srie, a small but intricately carved temple complex considered to be the jewel of early Khmer architecture. Additionally, the journey to and from Srie affords opportunities to see village life.

Day 3  Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, APOPO, Khmer Dance
We start our day with Angkor Thom, a royal city encompassing famous Bayon temple, the Elephants and Leper King Terraces, and one of the oft-photographed Angkor Thom Gates. The Bayon is a popular favorite with labyrinthine passages to explore and multiple towers – each with 4 enigmatic Khmer faces. The south gate may well be the most photographed destination at Angkor. Its massive “4-face” tower and ‘tug-of-war’ warrior balustrades adorn many books and brochures. We will finish our morning with a visit to the APOPO organization training center. This fascinating charity trains Tanzanian rats to sniff out landmines, saving thousands of Cambodian lives. After a mid-day break we’ll visit Ta Prohm, made famous in the movie “Tomb Raider”. This complex was left in its natural state, overwhelmed by the jungle. The roots of giant trees weave in, on, and through the temple ruins and walls of the complex. We’ll take plenty of free time here for photographers to record these iconic Angkor images. Tonight we’ll indulge in a traditional dinner while enjoying classical Khmer dance.

Steung Siem Reap Hotel (3 nights)

Day 4  Extension Over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfer arrangements.

[Extension hotel and itinerary details are subject to change.] 

Blessed with an open, welcoming, and engaging society, Vietnam is a nation balanced between deeply held traditions and an exploding modernity that make it a uniquely wonderful travel destination. The war is a distant memory and Americans are now appreciated as partners in economic opportunity. Vietnam is more about experience than checklists. Being paddled on a river by a local, taking a cooking class, having a dress or suit tailor-made in a day, relaxing in a hammock in the Mekong Delta, or having lunch in a monastery – these are the activities you’ll cherish from this outing. There are, of course, great sights to be enjoyed, including the Temple of Literature, Halong Bay, the ruins of My Son, and Hue’s Citadel. Add in the best food in Southeast Asia and you have a formula for travel memories to last a lifetime. 

Note:  While the Vietnam tour is not particularly physically demanding in the typical way, the country is hot and humid, which has an enervating effect. Additionally, at certain times during the tour we’ll be climbing in and out of boats, exploring caves, and climbing many steps, etc. Those activities require a reasonable level of strength and dexterity - and an adventurous spirit. However, nothing is required on our tours. Travelers may skip any activities they chose and accommodation will be made for them. 

• The wonders of Hue and Hoi An
• Homestay visit Mekong Delta
• The karst geology of Trang An
• Halong Bay overnight
• Exploring the Cu Chi tunnels
• Tours of Hanoi and Saigon

Visa Requirements: Participants must obtain Visitor Visas for all countries at their own expense.  The acquisition of visitor visas to any country is the sole responsibility of the traveler. Imprint is unable to assist with the acquisition of visas or issues you might encounter during the process.

Vietnam requires an E-visa prior to arrival. We recommend the Vietnamese government., but there are many reputable outfits providing E-visas. Cambodia issues visitor visas upon arrival ($36) or an E-visa can be acquired online before arrival.

Q: How do I obtain a visa for Vietnam?
A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Vietnamese Embassy website: VIETNAM  If you would like help acquiring your visa there are many reputable outfits providing E-visas.

Q: What information will I need to complete the online visa process?
A: A digital passport size headshot, digital image of passport ID page, if you click yes on agency you can list Imprint Tours

Q: How much will the visa cost?
A: $25

Q: How long will the process take?
A: Usually a few days to a week.

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?
A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a 'Manage Booking' page where you can view and edit all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule. Information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex is also included in the confirmation email. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?
A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights, (Hanoi > Hue, Denang > HCMC) are included.

Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?
A: The tour starts in Hanoi (HAN) on Jan 15 (late afternoon) and ends Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) on Jan 28 after breakfast.

Q: What is I am extending post-tour to Cambodia?
A: You should book your flight home from Siem Reap airport (SAI).

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?
A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day to catch an early flight?
A: Yes, you can depart any time on the 28th and will not miss any important tour activities.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?
A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?
A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Q: When can I feel comfortable booking my flights
A: Avoid booking flights before May 15, 2025 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after May 15?
A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by May 15, you may assume the tour is a go.

Early Pay Discount (EPD)

Q: How do I access the Early Pay Discount (EPD)?
A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must book your trip and pay in full by the designated date. The payment system already reflects this discount and the price will be adjusted to full (+ $300) on May 16. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Post-tour Angkor extension

Q: How do I sign up for the optional post-tour Angkor Wat extension?
A: For logistical reasons, the optional extension is listed as a separate tour product in the registration process. You can add it during your initial registration or at any time later, until final payment is due.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- or post-tour hotels bookings, how do I book extra hotel nights?
A: For pre-tour nights, our Hanoi hotel is the Q Hotel. If you would like to book post-tour nights in Ho Chi Minh City, we are using the Northern Charm Hotel. Bookings are under Intrepid Travel Vietnam and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Q: What if I am extending to Cambodia (Angkor)?
A: Our Siem Reap hotel is the Steung Siem Reap.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?
A: Hotels are listed in the itinerary section above.

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?
A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from Vietnam/Cambodia, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays or mistakes due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & Activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?
A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for countries you plan to visit. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns.

This tour involves moderate to difficult physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain, getting in and out of boats (often without a dock), riding bikes, kayaking, etc. Additionally, the climate is tropical. Heat and humidity can be quite enervating. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities and environmental conditions.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?
A: Be flexible, respectful, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness. We recommend Trawick.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling.

In case you haven't read our Terms and Conditions carefully, we would like to repeat the importance of purchasing travel protection.

For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go.

We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

• Trip Cancellation

• Trip Interruption 

• Trip Delay 

• Missed Connection

• Baggage Benefits

• Baggage and Personal Effects 

• Baggage Delay 

• Emergency Accident and Sickness

• Medical Expense 

• Dental Expenses 

• Emergency Evacuation 

• Repatriation of Remains  

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.