Why Visit Vietnam?

Vietnam has so much to offer with its vibrant street life, exquisite food, fascinating history, epic landscapes and diverse natural beauty.  A nation on the move, Vietnam balances cool urban culture with traditional values.  In the cities, ancient pagodas sit just around the corner from sleek rooftop bars; and in the countryside, life still follows the rhythms of the rivers and the rice harvest.  This contrast between old and new Vietnam is a big part of its appeal.  The Vietnamese have a strong sense of pride in their traditions.  If you’re a culture seeker, the central city of Hoi An is a treasure trove, as is Hanoi, the country’s graceful capital.  With its dynastic history, French colonization, and hard-fought route to independence, there’s a lot to learn about Vietnamese history.  Traveling to Vietnam provides the perfect opportunity to do so.  There is also no shortage of leisurely ways to enjoy Vietnam’s natural wonders.  Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay offer equal opportunities for relaxation and adventure in spectacular natural settings.

One of the first things you’ll notice when you visit Vietnam, is that the Vietnamese people are very friendly.  Most will go above and beyond to ensure that they are hospitable and accommodating to tourists.  As a mostly Buddhist country, Vietnam is known as a harmonious culture.  When you visit Vietnam, you can take the time to see Buddhist temples and learn more about this religion and the connected practices.  You will notice that there are rarely any visible or vocal disagreements or incidences of road rage.  Family is also a very important part of Vietnamese culture, with respect for elders of particular importance.

Finally, Vietnam is a multi-ethnic country with over 50 groups of ethnicities being represented.  As an example, the Hmong people of Sapa have their own distinct dialect, ways of living and dressing.  Despite the differences in ethnicity, religion and dialect across Vietnam, the country remains harmonious.

Ah the food!  This is one big reason why people love to visit Vietnam.  From pho to noodles, spring rolls, fresh papaya salad, and sweet treats, Vietnam has it all when it comes to food.  The food varies from North to South, with warming pho and hot pot popular in the North and spicier dishes more prevalent in the South.  Best of all, Vietnamese food is actually very healthy.  Think rice based, greens and herbs, fresh vegetables and so much color.  It’s mostly gluten free too!

And for those of you who are coffee lovers, did you know that Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter just after Brazil?  Vietnam’s Central Highland region is a huge coffee producer, mainly growing robusta beans.

Modern cafes across Vietnam offer a plethora of creative coffee concoctions to suit every palate.  From egg coffee in Hanoi to coconut coffee in Ho Chi Minh City, they infuse local ingredients and flavors into their brews.  Whether served hot or iced, black or with milk, this Vietnamese beverage offers endless possibilities for exploration and enjoyment.

Beyond its culinary appeal, Vietnamese coffee holds significant social and cultural importance, emphasizing connection and conversation.  Cafes, both traditional and contemporary, serve as gathering places where friends, families, and colleagues come together to unwind, socialize, and savor the moment.

PLACES WE’LL BE VISITING

Vietnam is a large country that spans 1,025 miles from north to south and there is SO much to see and do!  On this trip, we’ll be visiting all three regions (North, Central and South).  While we have plenty of fun activities on tap for you, we will also take some time for relaxation at the end of our trip.

Ho Chi Minh

Located in Southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is the largest city in the country, with 9 million residents.  Here you’ll find a mix of French colonial and modern buildings, markets, museums, street food, fine dining, parks, nightlife and more!  We will take some time to learn about the history of the country, including a visit to the War Remnants Museum and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary tunnel complex which played an important role during the Vietnam war.  Also nearby, we will spend a day exploring the incredible water world of the Mekong Delta.

Hoi An

Hoi An is a port city located on Vietnam’s Central Coast.  From the 15th to 19th centuries, it was one of the most prosperous trading ports in Southeast Asia.  Today, it is known for its Ancient Town, which is filled with yellow buildings, old roofs, tree lined streets, and colorful lanterns.  It feels like you’ve stumbled into a Vietnamese fairytale!  Our riverside hotel is just a 5-minute walk to the beautiful Hoi An night market.  In addition to exploring the city, we will have some fun learning the secrets of the Vietnamese kitchen with our own private cooking class!

Hanoi

Hanoi is the second largest city and capital of Vietnam.  It is easily one of the best cities to visit in Vietnam and there are TONS of things to do!  We will spend our time exploring the charming and chaotic Old Quarter, eating delicious street food, and seeing the iconic Train Street.  We will also see a traditional water puppet show depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, history, and daily life, accompanied by live music at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a famous cultural attraction in Hanoi.

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh is known for its towering limestone karst mountains and beautiful valleys.  Here we will ride a boat through stunning rock formations, cycle through rice fields, visit temples and climb up to an amazing viewpoint.  Ninh Binh is also the perfect place to take a vacation from our vacation.  We will take a day to relax and unwind at our beautiful waterfront resort.  You can take a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy the scenery in the shaded comfort of the open-air terrace which features an extensive drink list and snack menu.  You can also take advantage of the full-service spa with a relaxing massage or other treatment.

Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago

For the grand finale of our trip, we will set sail on an overnight luxury boutique cruise in Lan Ha Bay in the Cat Ba Archipelago.  Lan Ha Bay offers a unique and authentic experience to travelers seeking to escape the crowds of the more touristy areas.  It is dominated by thousands of limestone karsts which rise out of the waters.  You can choose to go kayaking, explore a cave, visit a white sandy beach, or simply relax aboard the boat with a refreshing drink on the sundeck.  In the evening, we will be treated to a fine dining experience.  After dinner you can try your hand at squid fishing or enjoy stargazing while sipping cocktails on the Panorama deck with 360-degree views of the bay.

Summary

• Day 1. Evening arrival at Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 2. Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing and Saigon Evening Street Food Tour

• Day 3. Exploring the Tributaries of the Mekong Delta

• Day 4. Cu Chi Tunnels and flight to Danang – Hoi An

• Day 5. Hoi An – A Path Less Traveled

• Day 6. Spirit of Reu Private Cooking Class and flight to Hanoi

• Day 7. Explore Hanoi Like a Local

• Day 8. Hanoi to Ninh Binh, the first Ancient Capital

• Day 9. Free day to relax at Emeralda Tam Coc Resort

• Day 10. Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise

• Day 11. Lan Ha Bay and transfer to Hanoi for evening departure

Details

Fri, Nov 21 Day 1. Evening arrival at Ho Chi Minh City

Late evening arrival at Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport.  Meet our local guide and driver for transport to our hotel.

Overnight at La Siesta Premium Saigon Central

Sat, Nov 22 Day 2. Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing and Saigon Evening Street Food Tour

Free morning to relax after yesterday’s late evening arrival.

We’ll meet with our guide and head out to spend the afternoon exploring Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon).  Saigon is the country’s most dynamic city – a vital economic hub bustling with life.  The city could be described as a reconciliation of Chinese and American influences, while retaining its distinct Vietnamese charm and character.  Modern office skyscrapers next to Chinese pagodas, street markets, food vendors and imposing colonial buildings – they all create a fascinating dynamic urban landscape.  Our first stop on the tour will be the Reunification Palace.  This was home to one of the most famous scenes of the Vietnam War where North Vietnamese tanks rolled through the front gates symbolizing the end of the war.  It’s now a museum that you can visit!  Afterwards, we’ll stop at a local restaurant for our welcome lunch.  Then we’re off to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.  Later we’ll head to the War Remnants Museum, one of Vietnam’s most popular museums, which focuses primarily on the American side of the Vietnam War.

At 5:00 pm we’ll head out for our evening street food tour.  We’ll start near a public park where locals gather after work.  Then we’ll head to Tan Dinh church, the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh city.  Admire the intricate Gothic and Renaissance elements that have managed to survive Vietnam’s turbulent periods.  We’ll continue our walk to Tan Dinh market, a truly authentic Vietnamese market and a well-known shopping location for locals.  At the front of the market, a multitude of street vendors offer some of Saigon’s best street food.  Our guide will take us on an evening stroll through the neighborhood, stopping along the way to sample a number of savory and sweet delights such as sup cua, banh xeo, fresh spring rolls and sweet tofu pudding which has a smooth, creamy texture similar to a light flan.  We’ll round out the evening with a stop at a live music café.  Rub elbows with the locals while listening to Vietnamese music, then return to our hotel with memories of this authentic night out.

[B, L, D]

Overnight at La Siesta Premium Saigon Central

Sun, Nov 23 Day 3. Exploring the Tributaries of the Mekong Delta

This morning we’ll depart for our journey, around 2.5 hours, to Ben Tre in the heart of the Mekong Delta.  Upon arrival, we’ll stop at the vibrant My Long market where we will observe the daily activities of locals as they sort and sell a myriad of fresh fish and local produce and see the specialty rice paper cake being made.  Board our boat as we cruise the waterways, through coconut jungles with a canopy of palm trees and along small canals.  Stop at a local farmer’s house to observe how coconut jam is skillfully crafted.  Here, we'll enjoy the flavors of tea and jam while enjoying the charming ambiance.  Next a tuktuk ride will take us through local villages where we will stop to see the art of coconut processing in a local workshop.  We'll also have the privilege of connecting with local villagers who will regale us with tales of the community's way of life.  Enjoy a journey on a wooden rowboat as we gently glide along the shaded waters of some small canals.  The picturesque scenery will provide ample opportunities to capture truly mesmerizing photographs.  Lunchtime beckons, and we'll be treated to a feast of local specialties at a charming riverside restaurant.  Here, we can unwind and savor the culinary delights in a serene setting.  Following our meal, our boat journey will lead us back towards Ben Tre where we'll make a stop at a traditional brick kiln.  Here we will gain an insight into the intricate art of handcrafting bricks and experience more of the local industry.  After another short cruise, we will be met by our driver for the trip back to Ho Chi Minh city.  Dinner on our own.

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Overnight at La Siesta Premium Saigon Central

Mon, Nov 24 Day 4. Cu Chi Tunnels and flight to Danang – Hoi An

Meet our guide in the morning and drive to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels.  The tunnels are 75 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, in an area that played an important role during Vietnam's wars for independence and reunification.  More than 200 km of tunnels were dug here by the Vietnamese guerrillas and are often the highlight of South Vietnam touring.  We will be able to explore the bedrooms, meeting rooms, air-raid shelters, smokeless kitchens, and experience life underground in this extraordinary tunnel complex.  After visiting the tunnels, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Danang.

Flight VN 134 Ho Chi Minh city SGN 15:30 – Da Nang DAD 16:40, Economy, Vietnam Airlines

Arrival at Da Nang airport, meet our driver and guide and head to our hotel in Hoi An.

After settling into our rooms, we’ll transfer to a local restaurant for a group dinner.

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Overnight at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel

Tue, Nov 25 Day 5. Hoi An – A Path Less Traveled

After being picked up from our hotel, we’ll head to Hoi An Central Market where our walking tour begins.  As we explore the seemingly endless myriad of alleyways, we will visit a number of local workshops, important cultural sites, and see how the locals spend their days.  Be prepared to greet a lot of people, as locals love to engage with outsiders and are proud of their businesses that have grown up in these narrow alleyways.  We’ll then take a break on a veranda overlooking the river where we can watch fishing and tour boats glide through the waters, while enjoying a refreshing drink.  From here we’ll continue through the old town which is filled with yellow buildings, tree lined streets and a multitude of colorful lanterns.  Our guide will tell us stories about the area, explaining local customs and fun facts about life here.  We will also pass over the famous Japanese covered bridge.  Finally, we’ll head through the old town to a lovely local restaurant for lunch where we can try Cao Lau, a local noodle specialty and a perfect way to end a busy morning exploring Hoi An’s sights.  After lunch, we’ll take part in a workshop led by a local family who will show you the skills required to make your own colorful handmade lantern.  Lanterns are one of the most famous symbols of Hoi An and are believed to bring good luck, happiness and wealth.  The lantern is foldable and will fit in your suitcase to take home as a souvenir!

After our workshop, we’ll head back to our hotel where you can relax or explore more of Hoi An on your own.

Teh Dar Show

At 5:30 pm we’ll meet in the lobby of our hotel and take aWed short walk to the Lune Performing Arts Center where we will see a spectacular Teh Dar show.  This hour-long production features live music, acrobatics, contemporary dance, and more.  Combining breathtaking handling of bamboo, circus arts, and enchanting live music from authentic tribal instruments such as the Gong, elephant drum, buffalo horn, and T’rưng, the show depicts a realm of mythical mountains, jungles and tribal life in all its wildness and beauty.  Dinner on own after the show.

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Overnight at Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel

Nov 26 Day 6. Spirit of Reu Private Cooking Class and flight to Hanoi

Today we will learn the secrets of the Vietnamese kitchen!  We will meet our guide and driver in the morning to transfer to a local café to start our day, as the locals do, enjoying traditional Vietnamese iced coffee (Cafe Sfra Oa).  Next, we’ll visit the hub of Vietnamese village life, a bustling local market where we’ll engage with local sellers and learn about the fresh produce we will prepare in our cooking class.  Gain an insight into the scents and flavors of Vietnamese herbs and spices and experience real Vietnamese market culture, learning how to bargain and find the freshest ingredients.  During the “Spirit of Reu” cooking class we will learn to prepare special local dishes and be given a sound understanding of the ingredients and flavors used in Vietnamese cooking.  At the end of class, we will sit down and enjoy a delightful lunch prepared by us!

After lunch, our driver will transfer us to Danang airport to take the flight to Hanoi.

Flight VN 1544 Danang DAD 16:10 – Hanoi HAN 17:35, Economy class, Vietnam Airlines

Upon arrival in Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport, we’ll meet our guide and driver and head to our hotel.

After settling into our rooms, we will head to a local restaurant for a group dinner.

[B, L, D]

Overnight at May De Ville Lakeside Hotel

Thu, Nov 27 Day 7. Explore Hanoi Like a Local

 If you’re an early riser, feel free to take a short walk from the hotel to Hoan Kiem Lake to join groups of local people practicing tai chi and aerobics – a regular morning routine!  After breakfast, we’ll meet with our guide to visit Ngoc Son temple in the middle of the lake, then we’ll head to a traditional café where we can try Vietnam’s local iced coffee, ca phe sua da, and if you’re feeling adventurous – the “egg coffee.”  We then continue to a street food stall for a delicious banh mi – a typical baguette sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients.  Afterwards head to Hanoi’s Old Quarter where we will see some of the French colonial architecture of former times, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral – a French gothic building constructed in 1886.  Next, walk to the Hoa Lo Prison, where Vietnamese as well as American and French prisoners of war were once held.  Then it’s on to the Huu Tiep Lake, better known as B-52 lake, where the wreckage of a US B-5 bomber can still be seen.  At noon, we’ll stop to enjoy Hanoi’s traditional bun cha noodle dish, made with grilled pork and rice noodles.  In the afternoon, we’ll go to the Temple of Literature built in 1076, where Vietnam’s first university was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite – a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past.  Last but not least, head to a street where the tracks of Hanoi’s railway pass only meters from the entrance to homes and businesses.  Together with our guide, we can walk along the tracks and take some beautiful photos of the city.  The day finishes with a refreshing glass of draught beer at a local bia hoi spot – a chance to mingle with the locals.

Thang Long Water Puppet Show

This evening we will head to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, a famous cultural attraction in Hanoi.  Water puppetry has become a significant cultural symbol of Vietnam.  In 2010, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.  We will see a traditional hour-long performance depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, history, and daily life, accompanied by live music.  After the show, dinner on our own.

[B, L]

Overnight at May De Ville Lakeside Hotel

Fri, Nov 28 Day 8. Hanoi to Ninh Binh, the first Ancient Capital

 We’ll meet our guide in the morning and drive to Ninh Binh, a city about 2.5 hours south of Hanoi, where we will enter the stunning Tam Coc Region.  Much of the topography in this region consists of soaring limestone karst mountains.  Here, we will visit the Tam Coc grottoes and admire the spectacular, peaceful scenery while gliding along a river among the rice paddies and limestone mountains.  After the boat ride, we’ll have time to explore the Thai Vi temple.  With its ornate carvings, tranquil gardens and rich history, this temple is a gem of ancient architecture and spiritual significance.  Afterwards, we’ll take a short bike ride through the rice fields and villages (flat easy path) where we will get a glimpse of the daily life of the locals while enjoying the serene beauty of the countryside.  We’ll then have lunch at a local restaurant, before heading on to visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries when Vietnam was under the Dinh and Le dynasties.  We will then transfer to our resort to relax for the remainder of the afternoon.

Group dinner at resort.

[B, L, D]

Overnight at Emeralda Tam Coc

Sat, Nov 29 Day 9. Free day to relax at Emeralda Tam Coc Resort

 Today we will take a vacation from our vacation!  Enjoy the amenities at our resort -- take a dip in the infinity pool, get a massage at the spa, or enjoy the shaded comfort of the open-air terrace.  With an extensive drink list and snack menu, it’s the perfect spot for chilling time.  You can also take a short walk into town where you will find a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.

For anyone who is interested, there will be an optional short hike in the morning at Hang Mua, a mountain with spectacular viewpoints.  When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning panorama of the region’s mountains, rice paddies, winding river and the villages below.  Also at the top, you will find the Lying Dragon Statue, an impressive stone sculpture that is approximately 200 meters long.

Lunch and dinner on own.

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Overnight at Emeralda Tam Coc

Sun, Nov 30 Day 10. Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise

This morning we will depart for Ha Long.  Arrive at 11:45 am and transfer to the Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise boat.  Enjoy a welcome drink as we receive a cruise briefing, safety instructions, and get settled into our suites.  We will then depart for Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago while enjoying lunch on the boat.  Lan Ha Bay is untouched and remote as not many cruise boats use this route.  Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening.  You can choose to go kayaking, visit a white sandy beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, or simply relax aboard the boat with a refreshing drink on the Sundeck.  Spa treatments are also available throughout the day and evening at the White Lotus Spa.  In the evening, we will be treated to a fine dining experience.  After dinner, you can try your hand at squid fishing off the lower deck of the boat or enjoy stargazing while sipping cocktails on the Panorama Deck with beautiful views of the bay.

[B, L, D]

Overnight on Heritage Binh Chuan

Mon, Dec 1 Day 11. Lan Ha Bay and transfer to Hanoi for evening departure

This morning you can choose to relax on the cruise boat or head off on an optional excursion in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave.  Admire the sparkling stalactites on the ceiling and feel the soul of the surrounding nature.  Enjoy a delicious brunch while cruising back to the mainland.

We will then meet our guide and driver and head back to Hanoi for our departure flight back home. 

On our way to the airport we will stop at Bat Trang pottery village for a visit.  Bat Trang is a top brand in Vietnam and Asia and the vendors offer a wide variety of exquisite ceramic goods.  All products here are created by experienced artisans.  In the market’s little pottery courtyards, you can observe the ceramics-making process.

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(Photos of accommodations shown below)

Nights 1 – 3:  La Siesta Premium Saigon Central

https://lasiestahotels.com/saigoncentral/

Discover luxury and hospitality at La Siesta Premium Saigon Central Hotel.  Located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, this hotel is close to the city’s iconic landmarks and attractions.  Boasting 91 luxurious guest rooms, the hotel offers a casual all-day dining restaurant, a refined Vietnamese restaurant, and a lively Sky Bar and lounge for late-night cocktails.  Their team of professionals take pride in delivering unforgettable experiences that have established them as one of Vietnam’s most highly esteemed boutique hotel groups.

Nights 4 – 5:  Little Hoi An Boutique Hotel

http://littlehoian.com/

Located in the heart of Hoi An, this riverside hotel offers guests a superb location whether your pleasure is relaxing, shopping, dining or simply exploring the Hoi An Ancient Town.  It is just a 5-minute walk to the popular night market.  This hotel features 30 stylish rooms that are tastefully designed and decorated with a perfect blend between the Vietnamese lifestyle architecture and Heritage influenced theme, to ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Nights 6 – 7:  May De Ville Lakeside Hotel

https://maydevillelakesidehotel.com/

Located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, this hotel is ideally situated just 300 meters from the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and Night market.  It offers beautifully appointed rooms with a view of the city.  Unwind after a busy day at the pool or spa.  Also, don’t miss the Rooftop Bar, offering panoramic views of Hanoi's Old Quarter and a breathtaking sunset view each evening.

Nights 8 – 9:  Emeralda Tam Coc

https://emeraldatamcoc.com/

This beautiful waterfront resort is surrounded by the tranquility of majestic nature and panoramic views of Tam Coc.  It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.  You can take a dip in the swimming pool or enjoy the shaded comfort of the open-air terrace which features an extensive drink list and snack menu.  You can also take advantage of the full-service spa with a relaxing massage or other treatment.

Night 10:  Heritage Binh Chuan

https://heritagecruises.com/

The design of the Heritage Binh Chuan ship is pure, artful and elegant.  The 20 air-conditioned suites are spread across the first and second decks, all with en-suite bathrooms, panoramic windows, sitting area and expansive ocean views from a furnished balcony.  Sun lovers will relish time on the Panorama deck featuring an inviting swimming pool and a fully stocked pool bar, complete with sunchairs and umbrellas.  Spa treatments are available throughout the day and evening at the White Lotus Spa.  The culinary experience aboard Heritage Cruises is meant to inspire you to discover more about Vietnam, as food is such an integral part of the travel experience.  You will not only enjoy new and classic flavors, but also a taste of the culture of this beautiful region.

Inclusions

Itinerary as described with all entrance fees and costs for all activities

10 nights accommodations (4-star hotels and cruise)

Overnight cruise on the Heritage Binh Chuan

2 domestic flights (Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An and Hoi An to Hanoi)

10 breakfasts at hotels

8 lunches (includes one afternoon street food tour)

5 dinners (includes one evening street food tour)

Private ground transportation for the group

Local guides accompanying the group

Tips/gratuities for local guides and drivers

Exclusions

International airfare

Any meals or beverages not listed in Inclusions

E-Visa:  $25

Travel Insurance

Trip Price - $2,494 (double occupancy)

Trip Booking Deadline:  March 15, 2025

Single Room Supplement:  $750 (This is to have your own room without sharing/having a roommate, not for upgraded rooms)

Deposit: $750 (30% of trip price) due at booking

Final Balance Due - August 21, 2025

Estimated Airfare: $1,250 - $1,950  (Price varies depending on your departure airport, flight quality, etc.)

Cancellation policy: Only 100% refundable only within two weeks of paying your deposit.

While a 30% deposit is due at booking, the balance can be paid over time using our self-service payment feature. You can make payments of any size at any time by logging into your account on the Gen X Travel Club website. This is a great way to finance/budget for the cost of a trip; instead of paying a larger single lump sum payment for the balance, you can make small monthly payments over time.

• An E-Visa is required for U.S. citizens entering Vietnam.  You will need to apply online prior to the trip and the fee is $25.  Your passport should be valid for at least six months.

• The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. In larger cities you will encounter quite a few people who know English.

• The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong, symbolized by ₫ or VND. Vietnamese notes are a mix of small paper bills (no coins are used).

• Credit cards are accepted at hotels, spas, larger restaurants, etc.  Smaller restaurants and street vendors typically only take cash.  Upon arriving in Vietnam, you’ll want to have some cash in the local currency. You can find ATMs accepting international cards just outside the arrival gates at all major airports. ATMs are a common sight in Vietnamese cities, and you should have no trouble locating one in most destinations.

• Vietnam doesn’t use one common plug type, so you’re likely to encounter a couple of different kinds of electrical sockets while you’re there. The main ones are Type A, which takes two flat pins like in the US, and Type C and F, both of which are found across Europe and take two round pins.

• Internet & Wi-fi is widely available throughout the country.

• The time zone in Vietnam is Indochina Time (ICT) and is 12 hours ahead of Washington, DC.

• There’s no set rule about tipping in Vietnam as it’s not a normal part of Vietnamese culture.  However, tipping is increasingly common in some situations, such as at spas. Tipping in restaurants and cafes is not expected but always appreciated.

• Vietnam’s geography creates a range of weather patterns, with both tropical and temperate zones.  In late November we can expect hot weather (low 90s) in the Southern region, warm weather (low 80s) in the Central region, and cooler weather (mid 70s) in the Northern region.  Late November is the start of the dry season in the Northern and Southern regions but there will be a chance of rain in the Central region.

• Our health will be a top priority on the street food tours and our guide will only take us to street food stalls and open-air restaurants where the food quality and safety procedures have been thoroughly scrutinized and held to high standard.

Our first night at the hotel is Friday, November 21 and the official itinerary starts on Saturday, November 22.  Note that we are arriving into Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and departing from Hanoi (HAN).  You can opt to come in a day earlier to get some rest and adjust to the time difference (Vietnam is 12 hours ahead of Washington DC).  Flight prices depend on your departure airport, flight quality, etc.

Option 1:  Shortest flight path (more expensive option):

Price:  $1,926 (includes baggage fees and seat choice)

Korean Airlines (outbound)

Flight KE094

IAD Washington/Dulles – Depart Thurs, Nov 20, 2025, 11:50 am

ICN Seoul/Incheon – Arrive Fri, Nov 21, 2025, 5:40 pm

Layover 1 hour 55 minutes

Flight KE477

ICN Seoul/Incheon – Depart Fri, Nov 21, 2025, 7:35 pm

SGN Ho Chi Minh – Arrive Fri, Nov 21, 2025, 11:20 pm

Korean Airlines (return)

Flight KE454

HAN Hanoi – Depart Mon, Dec 01, 2025, 11:00 pm

ICN Seoul/Incheon – Arrive Tue, Dec 02, 2025, 4:55 am

Layover 5 hours 20 minutes

Flight KE093

ICN Seoul/Incheon – Depart Tue, Dec 02, 2025, 10:15 am

IAD Washington/Dulles – Arrive Tue, Dec 02, 2025, 9:50 am

Option 2:  Long layover on the way to Vietnam (least expensive option):

Price:  $1,263 (includes baggage fees and seat choice)

Turkish Airlines (outbound)

Flight TK8

IAD Washington/Dulles – Depart Wed, Nov 19, 2025, 9:25 pm

IST Istanbul – Arrive Thurs, Nov 20, 2025, 3:20 pm

Layover 11 hours 30 minutes

Flight TK162

IST Istanbul – Depart Fri, Nov 21, 2025, 2:50 am

SGN Ho Chi Minh – Arrive Fri, Nov 21, 2025, 4:30 pm

Turkish Airlines (return)

Flight TK165

HAN Hanoi – Depart Mon, Dec 01, 2025, 10:30 pm

IST Istanbul – Arrive Tue, Dec 02, 2025, 5:40 am

Layover 1 hour 55 minutes

Flight TK187

IST Istanbul – Depart Tue, Dec 02, 2025, 7:35 am

IAD Washington/Dulles – Arrive Tue, Dec 02, 2025, 11:00 am