Halong Bay Halong cruising; cave visit
Our day begins with a visit to the “Hanoi Hilton” where American POW’s were imprisoned during the Vietnam War. 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  Hue
Halong cruising; Flight

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  Hue

Citadel; Thien Mu Pagoda; Perfume River Cruise

Hue. 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  Hue

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. 

Day 7  Hoi An

Walking Tour Hoi An

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  Hoi An

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  Hoi AnFree 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.

Day 10  Ben Tre Homestay

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  Ben Tre Homestay

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  Saigon

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  Saigon

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.

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  Siem Reap

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  Siem Reap

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  Siem Reap

Angkor Thom; Ta Prohm

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.

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.]