Treasures of Vietnam 14 days from $5,490
Experience Vietnam on a journey from cosmopolitan Hanoi to the tropical island of Phu Quoc, visiting the enchanting cities of Hoi An and Hué and exploring Ha Long Bay and the Mekong Delta. HIGHLIGHTS Fly in a seaplane over Ha Long Bay for an aerial view and cruise the bay in a traditional-style junk. �
Take a cooking class in Hoi An, and set out on an exhilarating moped street food tour of Saigon. �
�
Venture into the floating markets of the Mekong Delta by longtail boat.
Immerse yourself in the island paradise of Phu Quoc, snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing on the beach. �
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Hanoi, Vietnam Arrive in Hanoi and take the rest of the day to relax after your flight. The next morning, set out on a private city tour with your guide, visiting Ho Chi Minh’s stilt home, the Temple of Literature, and Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. Days 3 & 4 – Ha Long Bay and Hoi An Board a seaplane for a scenic flight over the karst landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Then settle into a traditional-style junk for an overnight cruise on the World Heritage-listed bay. Spend the morning exploring the bay and its islands. Return to Hanoi for your flight to Da Nang, and transfer to Hoi An with a private driver. Days 5 & 6 – Hoi An Take a private tour of Hoi An’s Old Town, delving into the history of this charming port city. During a free afternoon, consider riding bikes along the surrounding rice paddies. Join a chef the next day for a visit to the morning market to select traditional ingredients, then head to the acclaimed Red Bridge Cookery School to create and sample Vietnamese favorites. Days 7–9 – Hué and Ho Chi Minh City Travel by private car to Hué, and enjoy a free afternoon. Then join your guide for a private tour of Hué’s important historical sites, including the World Heritage-listed Hué citadel and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Later, try out a bamboo paper art called truc chi. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. En route, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, extensive underground passageways used during the Vietnam War. This evening, discover Saigon from a local’s perspective, sampling street food and listening to music as you zip around town on the back of a Vespa. Days 10 & 11 – Can Tho and Phu Quoc Venture into the Mekong Delta with your private guide today. Arrive in the riverside city of Can Tho, and explore on your own. Then climb into a longtail boat to visit the floating markets of Cai Rang. Fly to Phu Quoc, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. Days 12 –14 – Phu Quoc Savor two full days to discover beautiful Phu Quoc. Snorkel the reefs or visit the island’s interior by moped, or simply relax on the beach.
WHERE TO STAY Silk Path Hotel Hanoi Well located for exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi and the French Quarter, and for taking a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. Indochina Sails Custom-designed wooden junks built between 2007–2010, combining classic 1930’s Indochine style with modern comfort. Ancient House Resort On the banks of the Thu Bon River near Hoi An, and modeled around the 200-year-old house of a Chinese merchant. Azerai La Residence Hué Modern hotel built around an Art Deco villa set along the Perfume River, with saltwater pool and extensive spa. La Veranda Resort Enchanting French colonialstyle mansion nestled amid gardens on the beach at Phu Quoc.
27
