12 Days Cultural Exploration

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the historic Old Quarter. Meet your tour director for a brief orientation.
Overnight in Hanoi.
 

Explore Sword Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, the French-built Cathedral, and Hanoi Opera House.
In the afternoon, visit Ba Dinh Square, view Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and explore the Temple of Literature—Vietnam's first national university.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Learning point: How do Hanoi’s historic and colonial influences shape its identity today? What surprised you most about its cultural landmarks?
 

Morning visit to the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Afternoon transfer to Sapa. Free time in the evening to explore the town.
Overnight in Sapa.
Learning point: Learn about Vietnam’s ethnic diversity.
 

Trek 12km through Muong Hoa Valley. Meet local villagers and learn about the Black H’mong’s way of life.
Evening cooking class and cultural exchange at a homestay, with H’mong music and dance.
Overnight at homestay.
Learning point: Learn from the H’mong community, how the ethic communities preserve their traditions.
 

Cable car ride up Fansipan, Vietnam’s highest peak, and visit mountaintop temples.
Return to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Learning point: How do geography and spirituality connect in Vietnamese cultures.
 

Morning sampan boat ride in Tam Coc, through caves and limestone cliffs.
Afternoon biking to Hoa Lu, visiting ancient temples of the Dinh and Le kings.
Evening flight to Hue.
Overnight in Hue.
Learning point: What makes a location historically significant, how to preserve it

Explore the Imperial Citadel, Thai Hoa Palace, and Forbidden Purple City. Take a river cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda, and visit Emperor Tu Duc and Minh Mang’s tombs.
Lunch in a traditional village home.
Overnight in Hue.
Learning point: value of historical architecture, how is leadership honored in my society.
 

Drive through Hai Van Pass, stopping at the Cham Museum in Da Nang.
Arrive in Hoi An and stroll through the ancient town. Participate in a lantern-making workshop.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Learning point: Influence of the Cham civilization and Hoi An’s trade history.

Morning visit to My Son Sanctuary to explore Cham civilization ruins.
Afternoon biking along the Thu Bon River and time to relax at Cua Dai Beach.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Learning point: Why do some cultures disappear while others endure?
 

Fly to Saigon. Visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum.
Afternoon tour of Cho Lon (Chinatown) and Thien Hau Pagoda.
Overnight in Saigon.
Learning point:  Vietnam’s recent history and the legacy of war, What can be learned from a country's painful past and how a country remembers and heals from conflict.

Travel to Ben Tre. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, cruise the canals, and visit island villages. Join a coconut candy-making workshop.
Return to Saigon for a farewell party.
Overnight in Saigon.
Learning point:  River life and ecological resilience in the Mekong Delta, How is climate change affecting places like this, What role does nature play in our daily life.
 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.