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Vietnam

Walking Vietnam: Paths of Wonder from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City

Program No. 22552RJ
Enjoy comfortable walking adventures throughout Vietnam, beginning in the capital city of Hanoi and ending in Ho Chi Minh City — Saigon. Explore villages, citadels, bays and more!
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Start
Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall Group
Length
17 days
Rating (4.97)
Activity Level
Starts at
3,399
Flights start at
1,175
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
33 meals ( 14B, 10L, 9D )
3 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
4 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Participants arrive throughout the day and early evening. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to rest and relax after your journey to Vietnam. Program Orientation will be held at the hotel at 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and go through any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach [or bus] unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings and include water, coffee/tea, and additional drinks will be available for purchase. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Approximately 4 miles of walking today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we have a walking exploration introducing us to the highlights of Hanoi, the ancient, charming capital of Vietnam. We begin in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the ‘36 streets.' This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It is a fascinating place to explore. We walk through charming Hang Be Market, around Hoan Kiem Lake and pause at Ngoc Son temple. After our walk, we coach to the Temple of Literature. Constructed in 1070 to honor Confucius, it was the site of Vietnam's first university. Scholars from all over Vietnam come to the Confucian Temple of Literature to pray for success in their studies.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we stroll to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, viewing its impressive exterior. Ho Chi Minh, revered as the father of modern Vietnam, is honored here. We continue to the Ho Chi Minh House on Stilts, where he lived from 1958 to 1969. This modest home reflects his philosophy of simplicity, humility, and closeness to the people, offering a stark contrast to the grandeur of the nearby Presidential Palace. Next, we visit the Presidential Palace, mainly used for ceremonies and receptions for diplomats and foreign leaders. We also stop and visit the nearby historic One Pillar Pagoda, a renowned Buddhist temple, located on the same grounds. Afterward, we board our motorcoach and visit Hoa Lo Prison, infamously known as the "Hanoi Hilton," where John McCain was imprisoned during the Vietnam War. We transfer by motorcoach back to the hotel and have time to relax before setting out to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater for a show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form portraying scenes from rural life and national history.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The coach transfer from Hanoi to Mai Chau is approximately 90 miles/4 hours, with rest stops along the way. Limited walking today; around 30 minutes from the lodge to a restaurant for dinner.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We walk to the Women’s Museum for a guided visit where we learn about the contribution of women to Vietnam's history and culture as well as their roles in military conflicts and commerce. We view the remarkable collection of propaganda posters, costumes, tribal basketware and fabric motifs from ethnic minority groups in Vietnam. We return to our hotel and check out.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Afternoon:
We depart by coach for the picturesque village of Mai Chau, surrounded by mountains and rice paddy fields. The villagers of Mai Chau are mostly of the White Thai ethnic tribe, distantly related to the tribes of Thailand, Laos and China. Upon our arrival in Mai Chau, we check into our hotel. We have some time to relax before we walk to a local restaurant for dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner, we walk back to our hotel and have the rest of the evening at leisure.
Activity Note
Board minivans and travel from the hotel to Nature Reserve, approximately 1 hour. Walking in Nature Reserve and nearby villages, approximately 4.5 miles/3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We transfer by minivans to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. On arrival, we trek along footpaths surrounded by picturesque hills with splendid tiers of rice terraces. We pass several idyllic villages surrounded by lush farmland and beautiful mountains. The path is steep and it can get slippery if it rains. We recommend bringing your fold-up walking poles with you.
Lunch:
We enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the local villages in the nature reserve before coaching back to Mai Chau.
Afternoon:
We board our minivans and return to Mai Chau, and enjoy free time this afternoon.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The coach journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh is 100 miles/4 hours, with rest stops along the way. In the afternoon, the coach from Ninh Binh to Hoa Lu is approximately 15 miles/30 minutes. Walking approximately 2.5 miles/2 hours, with stops to look at sites along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We transfer by coach from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, located in the Red River Delta, close to Ha Long Bay. This area is famous for its spectacular limestone karst topography jutting out of the horizon. Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, we check in to the resort hotel and enjoy lunch.
Lunch:
At the resort.
Afternoon:
We transfer by coach to the site of Vietnam's first capital, Hoa Lu. Here we view the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968 - 980), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980 - 1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, most of which has since been destroyed, once covered an area of three square kilometers. Afterwards, if time and weather permits, we take a half-hour walk up one of the surrounding limestone karst hills for breathtaking views.
Dinner:
At the resort.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Board minivans and travel from the hotel to National Park, approximately 1 hour. Walking around Phuong National Park for approximately 2 hours, with stops along the way. Getting on/off small rowboats to enter Thien Ha Galaxy Cave, walking inside the cave mainly flat level surfaces.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board minivans and drive to Cuc Phuong National Park. Upon arrival, we attend a presentation by a local expert about the work of the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Our Group Leader then leads us on a guided walk through both the national park and the Rescue Center. Afterward, we reboard our minivans and continue down the road for a short walk through the tropical forest.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant at Cuc Phuong National Park.
Afternoon:
We transfer by coach to explore the Thien Ha (Galaxy) Cave located near the foot of Tuong Mountain. To get to the cave we will board small boats and enjoy a peaceful scenic ride through a river canal for approximately one mile. We return by coach to our hotel.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours with rest stops along the way. Our Ha Long Bay program may be subject to change depending on weather conditions and approval from port authorities.
Breakfast:
Early morning at the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach and depart for Ha Long Bay. "Ha Long," which means "Bay of Descending Dragons," is a stunning area, famous for its scenic ocean karst topography. We arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with check-in formalities to board our Vietnamese junk. Once aboard, our Cruise Manager goes through the itinerary and safety briefing.
Lunch:
Aboard the junk.
Afternoon:
Using small rowboats to come ashore, we will visit Luon Cave, and explore the cave's limestone formations and diverse ecosystem. Luon Cave is one of the 60 known caves in Ha Long Bay. We next board our rowboats and visit Titop Island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. We return to our vessel in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
On board the junk.
Evening:
At leisure. At the end of the day the junk sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Enjoy the sunset over the enchanting Ha Long Bay. Prepare for check-out in the morning.
Activity Note
The drive from Ha Long Bay to Hanoi International Airport is approximately 111 miles/2.5 hours, with a stop along the way. Flight time from Hanoi to Da Nang is approximately 1 hour. It is an early evening flight (subject to change). The drive from Da Nang airport to our hotel in Hoi An is approximately 20 miles/1 hour.
Breakfast:
Enjoy sunrise over the bay. Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck with complimentary tea and coffee. At around 7.00 a.m. a light breakfast is served.
Morning:
Early morning exploration of Suong Sot Cave, the biggest and most stunning cave in Halong Bay. We return to the junk , check-out of our cabins, and start cruising to the port. We disembark mid-morning and transfer via coach to Hanoi International Airport for our flight to Da Nang.
Lunch:
We have a light snack lunch at the airport.
Afternoon:
We arrive at Hanoi Airport late in the afternoon and board our flight to Da Nang. Upon our arrival in Da Nang, we transfer by coach to our program hotel in Hoi An and check in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The field trip walking around old Hoi An is approximately 3 miles/1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We become more familiar with the art of Vietnamese cooking with a start-to-finish cooking course. This four-hour class combines a market visit with an overview of ingredients common in Vietnamese food and a hands-on cooking class where we make our own multi-course meal. It is a great way to see all the nooks and crannies of a Vietnamese market and understand the secrets behind Vietnamese cooking. The class begins with a one-hour visit to the Hoi An market where we learn how to select the freshest ingredients. We return to the cooking school where a lovely air-conditioned room with individual cooking stations will be used for the cooking class. Here each dish will be made as we follow step-by-step instructions. Additional assistance is offered by staff to those that might need some extra help. The class not only covers cooking techniques but also herbal remedies and tricks to using Vietnamese vegetable graters and knives. Our efforts are rewarded by the lunch that we have made for ourselves!
Lunch:
Enjoy your cooked meal at the school.
Afternoon:
We join our Group Leader for a half-day walking discovery of Hoi An, a major trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries. On our leisurely walk, we will get to know this charming, old-world, trading port with its narrow streets, traditional houses and grand former merchants’ homes. We will visit the town’s iconic 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the Chinese Communal Hall before taking in the sights and sounds of the colorful local marketplace. The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Coach from hotel to Tra Que 20 minutes, walk in to the village, 10 minute walk. The drive from Hoi An to Hue is approximately 77 miles/3 hours, with stops along the way. Walking around the village is approximately 3 miles/1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We check out of our hotel, and visit Tra Que Vegetable Village, located in the communal area of Hoi An. We walk through many gardens growing a large variety of vegetables and learn about some of the traditional organic techniques used by the farmers. We relax at a nearby house and soak our feet in an herbal bath. There will be a short cooking demonstration before a delicious lunch overlooking the gardens.
Lunch:
At the village after a cooking demonstration.
Afternoon:
We transfer by coach to Hue. The drive takes us along one of the most breathtaking highways in Asia. We travel over the Hai Van Pass offering spectacular views of the South China Sea. Upon our arrival in Hue, we check into our hotel with time to rest and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner:
We enjoy an authentic Hue-style dinner in one of the traditional gardens.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The walking distance is approximately 4 miles today.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We board our motorcoach and transfer to the Hue Citadel and walk around the grounds, exploring where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Although the Citadel still retains some of its original grandeur from the era of construction, the visible damage to the structure reflects the tumultuous years of Vietnam's recent past. We reboard the motorcoach and transfer to Chua Thien Mu, the “Celestial Lady Pagoda," which was constructed in 1601. The 21-meter-tall tower is the centerpiece of the pagoda and represents seven reincarnations of the Buddha overlooking the peaceful Perfume River. On the grounds of the pagoda is the Austin car made famous in 1963 by a resident monk, Thich Quang Duc, who drove the vehicle to Saigon to protest against the southern regime. The photo of his self-immolation was captured and became one of the most well-known images of the war.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we continue our walk for approximately one mile to Ho Quyen (the tiger fighting arena). It was built in 1830, during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, to stage yearly battles between an elephant and a tiger. A few-hundred meters away is Long Chau Temple, known locally as Dien Voi Re (the Palace of the Crying Elephants). This is the palace where royal elephants were buried and worshipped. Next, we board our motorcoach and transfer to Khai Dinh Tomb, an impressive complex located on Chau Chu Mountain. The tomb was built for Khai Dinh, the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty of Vietnam.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
The flight time from Hue to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is approximately 1.5 hours. Walking today for approximately 1.5 miles, with stops along the way.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we transfer by coach to Hue airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Lunch:
At own arrangements.
Afternoon:
Upon our arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, we transfer to our hotel and check in. After some down time, we take a historic walk from our hotel to visit some of the iconic monuments and buildings found in Ho Chi Minh City. Our walk will take in sites such as the Opera House, Continental Hotel, the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Rex Hotel. We finish our walk at the iconic rooftop Saigon-Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel, and enjoy a refreshing cocktail at happy hour.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant nearby the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking today 2-3 miles over mainly even terrain, with a few steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We meet in the hotel foyer and transfer via motorcoach to a buzzing local market selling fresh produce, textiles & numerous street food offerings. We wander through narrow back alleys lined with shops, uncovering the close-knit community that thrives within this bustling city market. We board our motorcoach and transfer to lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We visit the University of Social Science and Humanities for a presentation on Vietnamese Development in the Past 20 Years. After the presentation, we will meet with the professor and university students to discuss the changes and their visions for the future. We return to the hotel for some free time in the late afternoon.
Dinner:
Dinner at own arrangements.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking around a village in the Mekong Delta for approximately 4 miles/2.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we depart from the central pier in Ho Chi Minh City aboard a speedboat for a scenic field trip to the Mekong Delta. We explore an area of the Mekong Delta that few other visitors get to experience. We have many fascinating cultural stops including Tuong Van Pagoda, a riverside market, local workshops and historical sites along the way.
Lunch:
We enjoy a traditional Mekong Delta lunch at a local pagoda prepared by a private chef.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we visit the colorful Cao Dai Temple, which combines beliefs from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other major religions. We return via speedboat and return to Ho Chi Minh City. Once arrirved, we transfer by motorcoach back to the hotel. Enjoy some downtime before we gather for our farewell dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends. Pack and prepare for departures home tomorrow.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s travel information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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 rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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