From its earliest days as part of Imperial China, then a French colony, and now as a unified, independent nation, Vietnam has had a complex history, incredible cuisine, and warm and welcoming people. During The Evolved Traveler’s 11-night luxury journey, “Essential Vietnam,” you will experience an insider’s view of this remarkable country. 

Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) where you will see the Reunification Hall, War Remnants Museum, and attend an evening performance at the Saigon Opera House. Continue to the resort city of Nha Trang and travel by cyclo, stopping along the way to sample various types of street food. Take an early morning excursion to the salt fields of Ninh Deim to witness the sea salt harvest. In the old-world trading port city of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, shop for local ingredients in the company of a chef and then take part in an interactive private cooking class. Meet some of the members of the Lifestart Foundation and take part in a traditional painting and silk lantern making workshop. The city of Hue offers many wonderful experiences— cook a vegetarian lunch with the Buddhist nuns at the Dong Thuyen Pagoda, participate in a colorful kite making workshop, and visit a traditional “garden house,” which is the home of one of Hue’s most famous architects who has invited you for a traditional Vietnamese dinner. Your culinary adventures continue in Hanoi, including lunch at a training school for the culinary arts, dinner with a Hanoi family, and a street food tour with a local food blogger. Take part in an early morning Tai Chi lesson and venture through the surrounding villages of Hanoi by bicycle. Your journey to Vietnam concludes with a boat trip through the magnificent rock formations Ha Long Bay and an overnight onboard.

HIGHLIGHTS: Visit the Reunification Hall and War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City * Witness the sea salt harvest in Ninh Deim * Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Hoi An * Cook a vegetarian lunch with the Buddhist nuns at the Dong Thuyen Pagoda * Relax on an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay