Compare Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by Himalayan Glacier Adventure vs The Best of Southeast Asia: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam by Road Scholar

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport, a company representative will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Hanoi Central which will take almost an hour. You can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 2: Hanoi City tour

This full day tour takes us around Hanoi’s most interesting sights; including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilts House, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. The next stop is the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Then we drive to peaceful West Lake with lovers street Thanh Nien, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, we visit one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Later we will tour the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets and guilds. Today we also tour Hoan Kiem Lake – the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple. We end today’s tour with a visit to the unique Water Puppet Show in Thang Long Theater.

Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Cruise (Huong Hai Sealife (Suite))

After early breakfast we begin our four hours drive through the beautiful country side to Halong bay. We set out on our cruise from Bai Tu Long Bay area. During the cruise, we get to enjoy the beautiful islands, namely Tea pot, Mat Quy –Monster Face, Yen Ngua, Man’s Head, Tortoise and many others. Today we also have a bit of fun outside our ship and explore Hang Sung Sot, one of the largest and most famous cave in the entire Halong Bay. We continue cruising through limestone islands and stop at Ti Top Island where we can enjoy swimming or walking up to the summit and admiring a fantastic view of the Halong Bay. In the evening, you will attend the chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Later you can relax or try squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi then fly to Saigon (Brunch)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

There will be a Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning. After breakfast we can enjoy the tranquil lagoon at Luon cave by a traditional rowing boat or by kayaking. Drive back to Ha Long city from where your driver will take you to the airport from where you will fly to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

The itinerary above is operated by Huong Hai Sealife and thus may be altered depending on the weather without prior notice.

Day 5: Saigon: Chu Chi tunnels, city tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

Today we visit the famous Chu Chi tunnels in the morning. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Next, drive back to Saigon and visit several landmarks of the city which is by far Vietnam’s most modern city. Observe some of the best examples of French colonial architecture represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. We will also tour The Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 and The War Remnants Museum which has a wealth of images from the wars. End today’s tour with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a fantastic place for bargains of every kind!

Day 6: Cruise Cai Be floating market then drive to Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Victoria Can Tho (Superior))

After breakfast we drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be which is well-known for its floating market. Next, enjoy a cruise along the waterways and canals labyrinth before stopping at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch, including the popular meal of ‘Elephant ear fish’. We continue exploring the tributaries and canals of the delta throughout the afternoon before leaving for Can Tho city for a good night’s sleep.

Day 7: Can Tho to Cai Rang floating market, My Tho then drive back to Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

After breakfast we take a boat to Jin In and explore the floating market of Cai Rang which is another exciting floating market in the Mekong Delta. Later, drive to My Tho where we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is one of the best-known temples in the region before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Fly to Siem Reap, tour Angkor Wat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

After arriving at Siem Reap, Cambodia, we begin our tour of Cambodia’s 12th century capital of Angkor Thom. We begin by visiting South Gate which has huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean. Bayon Temple is known for its unique 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. We also visit the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Next, enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Phnom Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap: Angkor Complex

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

Today, we visit the 10th century temple of Banteay Srei Temple regarded as one of the crown jewels of classical Khmer Art. Then, we will continue our visit to Banteay Samre, which was built in the third quarter of the 12th century. In the afternoon, we will visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, then see Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”) which was once used for ritual bathing. Then it’s off to Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Keo (constructed in the late 10th and early 11th century) and Ta Prohm (one of the area’s most beautiful temples). Overnight in Seam Reap.

Day 10: Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake then fly to Bangkok,Thailand

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages (complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals), and then visit the school known as “Les Artisans d’Angkor.” We will then transfer to Siem Reap international airport for our flight to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 11: Bangkok: city sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

Today we tour Bangkok’s most prominent landmarks beginning with Pak Klong Talad, a bustling around the clock market. Then we take a short Tuk Tuk ride to Saranrom Royal Garden where we can relax and learn about a variety of Thai plants. Next, visit the Royal Regalia Museum and admire beautiful jewelry, which used to be ornaments of the royal officers and consorts. Our next stop is the temple of The Emerald Buddha held by all Thais as the symbol of national independence. In the afternoon, we take a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River and get acquainted with the local lifestyle. We pass through the Grand Palace and pay a brief visit to the Royal Barge Museum which houses ceremonial King’s Barges decorated with multi-color glasses, gilt and stuccos. Our boat ride ends at Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 12: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

We have no activities planned for today. A representative of the company will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your onward flight.

Day 1 Departures In Flight

Day 2 En route In Flight

Day 3 Arrival Bangkok, Orientation Bangkok

Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening. Please note that if you arrive late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview tomorrow.

Check in to the hotel, unpack, freshen up and relax. Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and go through any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure.

At own arrangements.

Day 4 Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Welcome Dinner Bangkok

Getting in and out of motorcoaches and tuk tuks. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day at the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple, then to Wat Pho. Wat Pho and Emerald Buddha are sacred sites. Conservative dress required (no shorts); shoes must be removed to enter the Temple, but socks are permitted; photography not allowed.

We take a private motorcoach to the Grand Palace area. The Grand Palace with its surrounding complex is Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the extraordinary architecture, artistic detail, and amazing history have made it a cultural icon. The Palace is no longer the royal residence, but is used for important ceremonial occasions. In addition to the Palace itself, there are more than 100 structures, many beautifully designed and decorated, including Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most important and sacred temple. The Wat Phra Kaew temple houses the so-called Emerald Buddha, painstakingly carved from a single block of green jade. The Emerald Buddha was discovered in a stupa in Chiang Rai in 1434, covered in plaster. Legend says its history goes back to India in the year 43 BCE. It now sits in splendor on a golden throne and watches over the Thai nation. We continue by motorcoach to Wat Po, close to the Palace. The oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok, it has more than 1,000 images of the Buddha including one of the most famous - the Reclining Buddha, nearly 150 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) high. Wat Pho was also one of the country’s earliest centers of public education. It is the national headquarters for preserving and teaching traditional Thai medicine including Thai massage which is still practised there.

After lunch we take our private motorcoach back to the hotel where we have some time to rest.

At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Family-style meal. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with complimentary glass of wine or local beer. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Fly to Chiang Mai, Kantoke Dinner with Lanna Family Chiang Mai

Walking up to 1 mile at airport and at the home hosted dinner.

This morning we are joined by a local expert for a presentation on Thailand’s political economy: the interdisciplinary study of economics, political science, sociology, and other disciplines to understand the impact and influence of political factors in economic outcomes. Known as Siam until 1939, Thailand has been a unified kingdom since the mid-14th century. The national government is in transition. Following the lecture, we check out of the hotel and transfer to the Bangkok Airport for our flight to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, we transfer to our hotel and check in. We then visit a local Lanna family’s home to learn about Thai traditions and customs from them. We also learn about the architecture of the traditional Lanna house, the family’s gardens, and Northern Thai cuisine.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

At the family's home. Experience a traditional Northern Thai Kantoke dinner.

Day 6 Doi Su Thep Temple, Lecture with Monk Chiang Mai

Walking up 200 steps to the top of Doi Suthep. Transfer is approximately 12 miles/45 minutes each way by motorcoach.

We travel to Doi Suthep by motorcoach to experience a Buddhist tradition. Here we view the procession of the monks before they ascend the 309 steps of the Golden Naga staircase to reach the glittering, golden pagodas at the sacred Doi Suthep Mountain. We continue with our Group Leader to Wat Suan Dok, the Buddhist University, where we take a short walk around the temple to learn about its history and understand why it is revered as one of the city's most sacred sites. We learn more about Buddhism from the monks as we stop and take some time to chat with them.

Free time. This afternoon is available for you to explore on your own. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Experience the traditional Northern Thai dish of Khao Soy. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

At own arrangements.

Day 7 Elephant Experience, Elephant Dung Paper Making Chiang Mai

Drive to encounter the Thai elephants is approximately 34 miles/1 hour each way. Walking up to 2 miles on unpaved, dirt roads.

We travel by vans to the Mae Taeng district to visit an elephant sanctuary. Here we learn from local experts about the plight of the Asian elephant and what this organization is doing to help save these majestic animals. We have the opportunity to meet and interact with a few elephants.

We visit the workshop at the elephant sanctuary to see how elephant dung is used to make paper. We have the chance to participate in the paper-making process. We return to Chiang Mai and have the late afternoon and evening free. Take this opportunity to explore further on your own, or simply relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At the elephant sanctuary. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

Day 8 Fly to Luang Prabang, Baci Blessing Ceremony Luang Prabang

Flight to Luang Prabang is approximately 1 hour.

Free time. Take this opportunity to explore further on your own, or simply relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

We come together in the afternoon to transfer by motorcoach to the airport. Today we fly to Luang Prabang. Upon our arrival in Luang Prabang, we transfer by motorcoach to our program hotel and check in. After some time settling in, we transfer to a 400-year-old traditional Lao house set behind two wat. Here we enjoy a Baci Blessing Ceremony - a traditional Lao welcome (or farewell) ceremony wishing us good luck.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

At the ancient house, we have a traditional Lan Xang-style meal. Coffee, tea and water included. During dinner, we witness Lan Xang traditional dance.

Day 9 Alms Giving, Morning Market, UNESCO Lecture, Wat Xieng Thong Luang Prabang

Early morning wake up for alms giving. Coaching approximately 2 miles around the city. Walking approximately 2 miles through the market and at the temple.

Before breakfast, we travel by minivans into town to witness a very traditional part of Lao culture - Tak Baht. We witness devout Buddhists giving alms to monks as they make their daily procession. Hundreds of monks from different temples will walk through the city in their traditional ritual of collecting alms for their daily meals. We then walk through the morning market to see all the items on sale for the day. We return to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we are joined by a local expert for a lecture on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang. We then board our minivans to discover more of the city for ourselves. We visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most important Lao monasteries and a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. The temple complex has over twenty structures including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences. It was built in 1559/1560 by the Lao King Setthathirath and was used as a royal temple where the Lao kings were crowned until 1975. It was in this year the monarchy was dissolved in Laos. After our visit, we transfer by minivans to a local restaurant for lunch.

Free time. This afternoon is available for you to further explore Luang Prabang, or simply relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

Day 10 Mekong River Cruise, Pak Ou Caves, Village Visit Luang Prabang

Getting on and off small boats. Walking up riverbanks to explore local villages. There are around 220 steps at Pak Ou Caves to see all the Buddha images in the first and second set of caves.

We take a private boat up the Mekong River to explore the Pak Ou Caves with a local guide. These caves house thousands of votive Buddha statues left by pilgrims.

We stop by a local village along the river. The location of the village visit can change depending on the time of year. We meet with the local villagers and learn about their daily lives and what they do to sustain themselves in this remote region. We cruise back to Luang Prabang for some free time this afternoon.

Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

On board. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

Day 11 Lecture at Ethnology Museum, Fly to Siem Reap Siem Reap

Driving approximately 8 miles/20 minutes in Luang Prabang, including the airport transfer. The drive from Siem Reap airport to the hotel is approximately 6 miles/30 minutes.

We are joined by a local expert for a presentation on the different ethnic groups that make up Laos and the current conflicts that they face. We then board our minivans for a field trip to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum. We explore the museum independently and transfer back to the hotel where we have some down time before lunch.

We come together in the afternoon to transfer by minivan to the airport. This afternoon we fly to Siem Reap. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, we transfer by motorcoach to our program hotel and check in. After settling in, we watch a documentary on the Angkor Temples.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

At the hotel. Coffee, tea and water included.

Day 12 Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, School Visit, Cultural Performance Siem Reap

Walking up to 1.5 miles at Ta Prohm, along dirt and wooden paths through the temple. Walking for approximately 1/2 mile at Banteay Srei, without a lot of shade in hot and humid conditions.

We depart by motorcoach at around 7am to reach Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple, before the crowds. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been largely left to ruins. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite for many. Some may feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed there) as they pick through the rubble. We continue by motorcoach to Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This pink sandstone temple was built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V and is located approximately 45 minutes from Siem Reap town.

We board our motorcoach and return to Siem Reap town. Along the way we stop by a local school to learn about the Khmer educational system. If school is in session we can visit the primary section and interact with teacher and students. Those who wish to can also explore the Angkor National Museum which showcases the Khmer Empire. The museum holds collections of invaluable artifacts from the Khmer empire and gives a great introduction to this once powerful kingdom.

We enjoy a private traditional Khmer dance show. This art, once nearly lost for good, is now being revived in Cambodia with young students learning this traditional dance.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

Day 13 Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Floating Village Siem Reap

Walking in Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom will be physically straining today. We will spend the whole morning at these ruins, which have uneven steps and stairways. Please remember to bring a flashlight for the early morning visit. You will need to be able to get in and out of small boats and climb up ladders to see a traditional stilt house on the Tonle Sap Lake.

We immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. The best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is also the only temple to have remained a significant religious center since its construction. It was built to embody the Hindu tradition – specifically dedicated to the god Vishnu – but gradually shifted to become a primarily Buddhist site as the official religion of the Khmer Empire changed. After breakfast we explore Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing temple of Bayon.

We transfer by motorcoach to a jetty on Tonle Sap Lake. From here we board small boats to explore the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. We visit a local home to learn about life on the water, and a pagoda to receive a monk's blessing. This is a very old Buddhist tradition.

At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.

Day 14 Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Walking Discovery Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Walking approximately 2 miles/2 hours along the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City, with stops along the way.

We transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap International Airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival, we transfer to our program hotel in the city center.

We embark on a walking discovery of Ho Chi Minh City and learn some more about Vietnamese history. We stop by the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and Pittman Apartment Building, from where the last US evacuees were flown out of the city in 1975. We also walk to the City Hall and Opera House.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

We experience the traditional dish of pho and fresh spring rolls.

At own arrangements.

Day 15 Lecture at University, Student Interaction, Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located outside the city, approximately 1.5-2 hours travel by motorcoach each way (depending on traffic). Walking up to 2 miles at the Cu Chi Tunnels on dirt paths.

We board our motorcoach to visit a local university. Here a professor gives us a presentation on the history and culture of Vietnam. Afterwards, we have a chance to chat with some of the university students and learn about higher education in Vietnam.

We depart by motorcoach to experience the Cu Chi Tunnels - an immense network of interconnecting underground tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American forces, and helped achieve ultimate military success.

At leisure.

For early risers, there is the opportunity to join locals for some morning exercise. At Tao Dan Park the local city people practice tai chi, aerobics and badminton. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

Day 16 Mekong Delta Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Getting on/off a motorcoach and a boat; driving approximately 75 miles/2.5 hours each way. Walking approximately 2 miles/2 hours around a village in the Delta.

We set out early for the Mekong Delta. Here we board a boat to explore a region of Vietnam that few visitors get to experience. We make a number of stops, disembarking the boat and walking, to encounter the local people as we visit pagodas, the Cao Dai Temple, a riverside market, workshops, and historical sites. Further upriver, we visit a local family who make handicrafts from native water hyacinth.

We continue exploring the local area before heading back to Ho Chi Minh City by motorcoach.

At leisure. Prepare and pack for your flight tomorrow.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

Day 17 Fly to Hanoi, Hanoi Discovery Hanoi

Getting on/off a motorcoach; minimal driving time. Walking up to 2 miles in total throughout the day; paved walkway at Ba Dinh Square. Shorts, tank tops and hats are not permitted at Ba Dinh Square.

We transfer by motorcoach to Ho Chi Minh City airport for our flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we transfer to our program hotel.

We board our motorcoach to visit Ba Dinh Square. This is where Ho Chi Minh read out the Declaration of Independence in 1945. Across the street, we find the One Pillar Pagoda, constructed to celebrate the heiress Emperor Ly Thai Tong who dreamt about receiving a son from the Buddhist goddess of mercy and compassion. Our exploration continues at the Temple of Literature, only a few years younger than Hanoi itself. This, the country’s oldest monument to education, is one of the world’s earliest universities. Dedicated to Confucius in 1070, it initially accepted only children of the nobility, but by 1442 it embraced gifted students from throughout the country. The preserved and reconstructed buildings are a rare example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Its lovely courtyards, trees, gardens and paths provide a tranquil glimpse into the past. Next, we explore Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter by electric car. Remnant of a bygone era, the Old Quarter has the original street layout and architecture of old Hanoi. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city consisted of only about 36 streets, most of which are now part of the Old Quarter. Each street then had merchants and households specialized in a particular trade, such as silk traders, jewelry, etc. The street names nowadays still reflect those specializations, although few of them remain exclusively in their original area of commerce.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At own arrangements.

At a local restaurant. Coffee, tea and water included.

Day 18 Coach to Ha Long Bay, Vietnamese Junk, Fishing Village Halong Bay

Driving approximately 113 miles/3.5 hours with a stop along the way. Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk boat. We will anchor and spend the night aboard the junk. Land excursions require getting in/out of rowboats, which comfortably sit 4 people.

After checking out of the hotel, we drive to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and board a traditional Vietnamese junk for one night. "Ha Long", which means "Bay of Descending Dragons", is a stunning site famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and peaceful horizon. Along the way, we learn about Northern Vietnamese life from our Group Leader.

In the afternoon, we set out to visit a local fishing village. We transfer from the junk to the smaller rowboats. The rowers will be locals wearing traditional costumes.

At leisure. Enjoy the sunset view in Ha Long Bay. Be sure to prepare for check-out in the morning.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

On board the boat. Buffet. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

On board the boat. Plated meals. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 19 Ha Long Bay, Water Puppet Performance, Hanoi Hanoi

Getting on/off a Vietnamese junk. Land excursions involve getting in/out of rowboats which comfortably sit 4 people.

We transfer from the junk to the smaller rowboats and explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. We learn about the topography of Ha Long Bay and how this cave is a distinct, characteristic feature. We get back on our junk and prepare for check-out. Mid-morning, we have brunch in the boat's dining room. After disembarking, we transfer back to Hanoi.

On our way back to Hanoi, we stop at a local village to learn about the traditional water puppet art. We meet the artist and discuss the art form, Mua Roi Nuoc. We then enjoy a private performance. Water puppetry is performed in a pool, depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form is a centuries old variation on ancient Asian puppet traditions. Puppets would be put out to watch over crops. When fields flooded, villagers would entertain themselves with the puppets. We continue to Hanoi for some free time this afternoon.

At leisure.

On board the boat. Watch the sun rising over the bay with coffee, tea and pastries.

On board the boat.

At own arrangements.

Day 20 Village Exploration, Hanoi Hilton, Farewell Dinner Hanoi

Transfer by motorcoach is approximately 5 miles/1 hour round trip.

This morning we travel by motorcoach to a local village to learn about traditional life in Vietnam. We explore a farmer’s home, take a bicycle or tuk tuk ride around the village and the rice paddy field, and participate in a cooking demonstration.

We return to Hanoi and explore the Hoi La Prison ("Hanoi Hilton") where John McCain was imprisoned during the Vietnam War. The remainder of the afternoon is free time. Take this opportunity to further explore Hanoi on your own, or simply relax.

At leisure.

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.

At the village. Coffee, tea and water included.

Farewell Dinner with complimentary glass of wine or local beer. Coffee, tea and water included; additional beverages available for purchase.

Day 21 Program Concludes, Departures Home In Flight

Hotel check-out is 12:00noon

Prepare for check-out. Program concludes. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram Feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!

At the hotel. Buffet featuring a variety of options including local and international cuisine with both hot and cold dishes. Coffee, tea and water included.