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Initial Vietnam Itinerary
April 1-18, 2025
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
Arrive in Hanoi
Yay! We've finally landed in Vietnam! We'll check into our "home" for the next four nights in the city of Hanoi. We will be staying right in the Old Quarter, the historic center of Hanoi. We will most likely be arriving late at night so there are no events planned for this day. (Meals not included)
TUESDAY, APRIL 1
We will start our long journey from the US by flying into Hanoi.
Vietnam, here we come!
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
Today we'll have a low key day as we adjust to the time change. You are free to sleep in, get out to explore, relax at home...whatever you need. We will then meet up with our tour guide in the evening for a fabulous Street Food Experience (making food safety a top priority.) We will spend 3 hours walking around every corner of the Old Quarter where we can sit on small plastic stools, tasting all the best street foods. (Lunch and Dinner included)
FRIDAY, APRIL 4
Today we will meet up with a new tour guide for a morning tour of the Old Quarter. Our tour guide(s) will be college students who are anxious to improve their English. By touring with these lovely young people, we will have the opportunity to learn about their culture and their dreams, while helping them improve their chances of a profitable career.
In the afternoon, we will participate in an authentic cooking class while also learning about the Vietnamese culture. We will start out shopping at a typical market and return to a restaurant kitchen to start cooking...and then, of course, enjoy the food we have just prepared! (Meals: B, L, D)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
Today we'll spend the full day with our student guides touring the Temple of Literature, Hao Lo Prison Museum (known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the war), and Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum. After the tour, we will dine at a restaurant whose mission is to help youth living in poverty, teaching them skills that will enable them to make a living in the hospitality field. It is called KOTO, which stands for Know One, Teach One. Read more about KOTO here.
(Meals: B, L, D)
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
Overnight on a junk boat in Bai Tu Long Bay
Today we are in for a real treat as we head to Bai Tu Long Bay (the less-touristy option to Ha Long Bay). We have an early start as the tour van picks us up at 7:30am to travel toward the coast. We'll arrive in Bai Tu Long Bay by noon and head out on a wooden "junk boat" (below) for an over-night tour. We will have lunch while cruising through the magnificent bay, then exploring the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave, enjoy relaxing, swimming or kayaking on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island. After a full day, we will each have our own cabin for a peaceful night floating on the bay. (We do not have to bring all of our belongings to the boat as we will be returning to our home in Hanoi for one more night. Just pack a day bag.) (Meals: B, L, D)
MONDAY, APRIL 7
Back in Hanoi
We'll wake to the morning view of the Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. We'll have breakfast in the fresh air, then head out on a rustic row-boat to visit Vung Vieng fishing village. After lunch on board, we will disembark and drive back to Hanoi for our last night in the city.
We'll enjoy a traditional water puppet show performed by local artists. (Meals: B, L, D)
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
Sung Village CBT
We leave Hanoi today to embark upon a truly authentic Vietnamese experience. We'll be visiting a community-based tourism site (CBT) in Da Bac, staying in Sung Village. Sung Village is situated in the mountains, with stunning views and friendly local people. Home to the Dao Tien ethnic group, this village still preserves its pristine scenery and local culture. Click here for a more detailed itinerary of this 3-day Da Bac trip. (Meals: B, L, D)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
We will continue our stay at Da Bac as outlined on the itinerary (see link under "Tuesday").
(Meals: B, L, D)
The detailed itinerary outlines our morning at Sung Village. After lunch, we will return to Hanoi to catch a plane to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). We'll check in to our new home in Saigon for the next 4 nights.
(Meals: B, L, D)
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
Once again, we will be shown around the city by student tour guides. We'll visit Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh market, War Remnants Museum, Jade Emperor Pagoda and more. There's so much to see! (Meals: B, L, D)
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
Today we will drive out of the city to visit the Cao Dai Temple. Cao Dai Temple is the center of Caodaism, an indigenous Vietnamese religion combining the teachings of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. The temple is famous for its unique architectural style reflecting its blended traditions. It is truly breathtaking. (Meals: B, L, D)
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
Today is a free day to do as you please. Some may want to stay home and relax, others may want to explore a museum or some other local site not in our itinerary, while others may want to go to the beach. The choice is yours. (Meals: B only)
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Today we leave our home in Saigon and head south to the Mekong Delta. We'll be spending three nights at a CBT in Can Tho where accommodations will be a little rustic but we each get our own room. (Click here for photos.) We'll have a relaxing afternoon by the pool or curled up on a hammock with a good book. For full details of this 3-day trip, click here. (Meals: B, L, D)
MONDAY, APRIL 14
This is one day that I am willing to get up at an unreasonable hour. Today we visit the floating market, a site not to be missed. We'll leave at 6am as that it the best time of day to experience the market. In the afternoon, we can do an easy bike ride in the country and have lunch along the way.
TUESDAY, APRIL 15
Today will be a free day to relax before heading home tomorrow or to venture out on another excursion. The choice is yours. (Meals: B, D)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
THURSDAY, APRIL 17
Sadly, our trip comes to an end and we head home from Can Tho airport after experiencing both city life and traditional country life in Vietnam. We've spent time with indigenous people and learned about their culture. We have experienced the amazing beauty of Vietnam. Friendships have been formed and perhaps we'll travel together again some day. Safe Travel!
(Meals: B, L)
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
Arrive home!
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