Xin chào! A private transfer from the airport will take you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. In the late afternoon, you will take a trip to visit the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, then sip on a cocktail as you admire stunning views of the city from one of the best rooftop bars in Hanoi. You’ll savor your first bites of Vietnamese food for dinner at one of the capital’s finest restaurants, overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake. Stroll through the buzzing night market in the Old Quarter before turning in for some well-deserved rest.

This morning, you’ll head southwest, snaking through suburbs, villages, rice fields, and rolling farmland en route to the beautiful Mai Chau River Valley. You’ll stop to visit a local hill tribe where you’ll learn about local handicrafts and the production of traditional silk and cotton textiles, and rice wine. Venture deeper into the valley for a taste of the natural rhythm of local life; watch a local folk dance accompanied by a glass of local rice wine. Then head back to your eco lodge accommodation for dinner and a good night’s sleep. 

Start your day with a rousing walk through the local hill tribes market. You’ll then head back to Hanoi for a fun afternoon cyclo tour of the city. Throughout the afternoon you’ll learn about Vietnam’s fascinating history and the many wars it has endured. At dinner, meet a former fighter pilot, and PBS host and journalist Nguyen Qui Duc and hear their experiences of the war. 

Start your day with a stroll along Hoan Kiem Lake, popular with early morning joggers and tai chi practitioners. Breakfast in a local cafe will consist of egg coffee - a sweet, frothy, and distinctly Hanoian beverage made of egg yolk and condensed milk - and pho. Then you’ll hop on a short flight to the old imperial capital of Huế. Arguably the most beautiful city in the country, it was the capital from which Vietnamese emperors chose to rule the country, until French colonization in the late 19th century. Join a sunset boat trip on Perfume River, and enjoy the exquisite scenery, followed by herbal tea. Tonight, you’ll dine in the scenic countryside setting of our hotel. 

Huế is known for its exquisite royal tombs. Today you’ll visit the tombs of Tu Duc, the longest-reigning monarch of the Nguyen Dynasty, and Khai Dịnh, whose intricate burial chamber took over a decade to construct. Then board a dragon boat back to Huế, followed by a visit to a Buddhist monastery and the vast imperial citadel. Then you’ll hit Dong Ba market, to try an exciting assortment of foodie treats, including me xung, an addictive sesame snack. Visit the Ben Xuan Résidence, Theatre, and Painting Exhibition, where cake and green tea will be served to you in the stunningly beautiful gardens, backing right onto the Perfume River. You will be treated to a private concert by a group of extraordinary musicians and then enjoy a memorable meal.

Hit the road early this morning and make your way to beautiful Hoi An, traveling along one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes. It’ll be a full day on the road, but you’ll pause at local farms, relics from the French and American Wars, and, if we’re lucky, a local spot that makes nuoc mam, the highly addictive, Vietnamese fish sauce made from concentrated fish brine. Only 80-odd miles from Hue, Hoi An feels like a separate world from its northern cousin. You’ll spend your first night exploring its distinct architecture, buzzing shops, and unique cuisine, sampling dishes like savory cao lau soup and delicate white rose dumplings. Tonight, board a ferry to an island where you’ll enjoy dinner at one of the country’s best restaurants. 

After eating lots of other people’s culinary creations in recent days, we’re going to do some cooking of our own today. This morning, you'll tour the local market at sunrise, just in time to see local fishermen begin selling their catch. Inspired by the sights and smells, you’ll pick out your own ingredients and take them to a private studio for a hands-on cooking class. After learning the secrets of some popular Vietnamese dishes, and sampling your creations for lunch, you’ll join an opera mask drawing experience, taking you into a local artist's house to learn the art of folk-art drawing in Central Vietnam. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner along the waterfront, tasting a mouth-watering array of Hoi An delicacies. 

After a leisurely morning in Hoi An, depart for the south around midday. It might feel like you’ve hopped a few centuries into the future—or more precisely, to the futuristic Ho Chi Minh City. Once known as Saigon, this up-and-coming city is swarming in an endless sea of scooters (over eight million of them!), battling for space with new luxury sedans. Hidden between gleaming skyscrapers and fast-food chains, however, are alleyways crammed with vendors selling small bowls of soup, grilled meats, sugary sweets, and more. Take a vintage Vespa tour of the street before getting down to some serious street food snacking. 

Your Vietnam adventure comes to an end today. If you plan to extend your stay in Vietnam, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Vietnam for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure!