This is the best cultural tour of Vietnam, an in-depth exploration of Vietnam’s most interesting cities and countryside. Start your trip in charming Hanoi, ride cyclos around the fascinating Old Quarter to see the city's most beautiful French colonial architecture and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects…Attend a water puppet theater performance. Visit ancient temples, culture museums, and more. Spend one night on a cruise in beautiful Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone rock sculptures jut dramatically from the sea and numerous grottoes have created an ephemeral, fantastic landscape.

 
Next, fly from Hanoi to Hue, the former imperial capital, in central Vietnam. Visit royal tombs, the imperial Citadel, and take a cruise along the Perfume River. From Hue, depart on a coastal drive to Hoi An ancient town, which is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.
                       
There will be time to relax before flying to Saigon for city touring and take an excursion to the network of secret tunnels in Cu Chi that were used during the Vietnam War. Continue to Can Tho, exploring vibrant floating market, lush fruit orchards and other aspects of life on the Mekong river. Your tour concludes with a final night in Saigon; the next day you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.