Classic Hanoi
to Saigon
Trip Overview
This 15-day tour of Vietnam immerses you in a cultural adventure that you’ll be talking about for many years to come. In it, you explore all the hidden passageways in a house used as a secret bunker by the Viet Cong; ride a water buffalo and get hands-on planting rice; you'll row basket boats with local fisherman at our “secret beach” that’s not yet mentioned in any guidebooks (there, you can also collect some of the most beautiful shells we’ve ever seen!); you'll watch exhilarating dragon dances and see a mock battle in period costumes that occur only once a year at a Tet Festival (February 2025 tour only); you'll eat dinner at a Michelin recognized restaurant and a few nights later in a clam hut in the middle of a lagoon; marvel at beautiful silk lanterns in Hoi An (the whole town is one giant photo opp!) and watch silk worms at work; “wow!” at the views as we drive along the stunning Hai Van Pass overlooking the South China Sea; visit the UNESCO World Heritage Cham ruins of My Son; learn the symbolism for dragons, phoenix, unicorns, turtles and bats and how they are used to tell stories in temples and pagodas. These are just a few of the magical activities we have in store for you.
This highlight tour of Vietnam is comprised of a small, 4-8 person group. The entire tour will be a mix of urban and rural adventure and will feature the people, culture, food, handicrafts and unbelievably beautiful landscapes of Vietnam. Throughout your trip, you’ll receive an introduction to Vietnamese street food, sample specialty foods of each region we visit and enjoy several multi-course home-cooked Vietnamese meals in traditional Vietnamese homes. You’ll visit Vietnamese markets and temples and learn all about the fascinating culture of the Vietnamese people
Only 8 people will be included on this tour (but 4 guests are adequate for the tour to make). Are you a laid back, intrepid, fun-loving traveler who's up for an adventure? Then this tour has your name all over it. If you’re ready to go or if you’d like to learn more, please call or email us. We hope you’ll accept an invitation from Vietnam and Open Door Travel to create stories, memories and the experience of a lifetime.
*Note that the February 2025 version of this tour is 16 days to accommodate an extra day to attend an extraordinary Tet Festival!
Taste the salt on your lips as the spray from the South China Sea mists your face. Round basket boats like these are used by local fisherman to ferry fish back to their larger boats. Just like these prior tour guests, you’ll get to try your hand at rowing them.
The charm and beauty of silk lanterns in Hoi An. When you see how beautiful this typical shot from the night market is, imagine how lovely it will be when your group floats candles down the river in front of shops like these. And oh yes ... you get to make a wish along with your candle!
You’ll have the thrill of exploring many of the cities we visit from the back of a motorbike driven by professional drivers! In Hanoi, you’ll be on vintage Russian Minsks - a real treat!
This “secret beach” is great because there are tons of craggy rock outcroppings everywhere. It not only makes for cool photos but creates some spaces like private little rooms. And that makes it a great place to do yoga if you choose.
I guarantee that the cuisine in Vietnam will be one of the highlights of your tour. My last guests struggled to identify their favorite meal because so many were fantastic. One simply said "We ate like kings." And you will too.
Climb through all 3 of the secret tunnels (one comes out under a bathroom sink!) in this safe house used by the Viet Cong for ammunitions storage and hear the stories of the man who built it!
Enjoy the excitement of double dragons dancing exuberantly at a Tet Festival. (only on February 2025 tour)
The Imperial Citadel’s East Gate in Hue, the first outer entrance to the Forbidden Purple City at the center. During feudal times when the Citadel was still a bustling palace, only men were allowed to use this gate. Women had to use the West Gate on the opposite side of the city.
Four generations of Mr. Sau’s family have been making thuyền chai - Vietnamese basket boats - for over 50 years. He’ll tell you stories, teach you how and later we’ll get to ride in one!
During our 2 days in paradise, stroll down the beach to this relaxed little restaurant and enjoy a fresh coconut while taking in the luscious views.
Enjoy the high life of Vietnam at night and the real life by day. You’ll have a chance not only to ride one of these water buffalo (the humorous Vietnamese call them BMW's ... Buffalos Make Way) but you can also try your hand plowing with one.
Design and charm abound in many Vietnamese restaurants. We’ll not only eat at Michelin recognized spots, but enjoy delicious street food as well.
The Quintessence of Tonkin, a spectacular new must-see show in Hanoi, takes place right on a real lake with stages that raise and lower so the performers seem to glide on water. Part light show, part ballet, part spectacle, this musical amazement celebrates the ancient culture of North Vietnam … and I have a ticket with your name on it.
City of Ghosts is a fascinating place that is way off the beaten tourist path. It's not only cool to look at, you’ll learn the intriguing story of how it came to exist. While here, you’ll learn the symbolism for dragons, phoenix, unicorns, turtles and bats and how they are used to tell stories in temples and pagodas.
Mi Quang is a soup made with wide, flat, turmeric rice noodles layered with pork, shrimp, egg and peanuts in a deliciously flavorful savory broth. And I know where the best one is served. Come with me!
There seem to be about 10 million ways to catch fish in Vietnam. These large nets are ubiquitous in a few areas of the country and it's quite interesting to see how they work. Come along to find out!
These Cham ruins were buried in the jungle for hundreds of years before being rediscovered by some French hunters about 100 years ago. Now it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll visit them at sunrise before any other tourists arrive so you can experience the sacred energy that drew the Cham people to build their temples here.
Hundreds of villagers dress in period clothing and carry antique weapons for ritual ceremonies at a Tet Festival. (only on February 2025 tour)
Guarding this opulent tomb of the last Vietnamese emperor to be buried in Vietnam is Vietnam’s own version of the Chinese terra cotta army.
We’ll explore mysterious Vietnamese temples where the air is heavy with incense, lifting the prayers of the faithful to god.
Fascinating stories flow in the home of this high ranking mandarin as you see opulent rooms like these. Here, hanging over his water gardens, the wealthy mandarin spent his leisure time playing games and music, smoking opium and writing poetry. Exquisite features and stories abound here!
Fishermen in this part of Vietnam use round boats made of bamboo and tar for fishing. The seas are not always as smooth as this one so they learn really great balance in these boats. This man turns his boat into a one-man rodeo as he shows off his balancing skills.
Experience the thrill of having a train pass at speed just inches from where you’re sitting on Hanoi’s famous Train Street!
On a tiny island just a short ride in a basket boat from our “secret beach” I found ALL of these shells in only about 20 minutes. Are you a shell collector? Then I've found your spot!
You'll be hard pressed to have a bad meal while you're in Vietnam. Pho is Vietnam’s national dish. Traditionally served at breakfast, the broth, made from star anise, black cardamom, cinnamon and cloves, has a distinctive Asian flavor that can easily create an addiction.
These near life-size votive paper offerings are made for UNESCO recognized Mother Goddess worship which is only practiced in Vietnam. We’ll visit the families who make them and you’ll get to try your hand at it.
Sample accommodation. Clean, comfortable rooms each with private bathroom and Western toilet.
UPCOMING DEPARTURES
3 star hand-selected budget boutique accommodations, 8 people maximum and a visit to Vietnam's hottest new sensation -
Hanoi's Train Street!
Tour Dates 2025
February 8 - 23, 2025
*February dates include an extra day in Hanoi
to attend an amazing Tet Festival!
16 days $6985
payable in 3 payments
Itinerary (click each line for detailed info)
