Signature: Vietnam from the Mekong Delta to Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Ho Chi Minh City, where the tropical heat mixes with the electric hum of a metropolis on the move. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to settle in. The evening is free to rest and refresh, preparing for the upcoming expedition.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Accommodation - Hotel des Arts Saigon

Meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and Expedition Expert for a welcome briefing before visiting the Reunification Palace. Walk the time-capsule rooms of the 1970s and descend into the wartime bunker, feeling the heavy silence of the past. For lunch, experience social impact dining at ST25 by KOTO, hearing inspiring stories of how hospitality training transforms the lives of disadvantaged youth. Explore the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office before a nostalgic coffee stop at a communist-era themed café. Conclude with a welcome dinner, celebrating the start to your expedition through Vietnam.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin with a welcome briefing and expert-led “Introduction to Vietnam” presentation, followed by an in-depth visit inside the Reunification Palace, including its wartime bunker — offering essential context for understanding modern Vietnamese history.Activity - Wander the historic halls of the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City. This former home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War became the location of the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank pushed through the palace gates on April 30, 1975. Activity - Enjoy a set-menu lunch at ST25 by KOTO, where the restaurant manager shares stories from KOTO’s social enterprise model.Activity - During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings before the afternoon walk.Activity - Explore key downtown icons — the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and a nostalgic coffee stop at Cong Cafe — before ending with a private top-floor welcome dinner.Activity - Enjoy a private top-floor welcome dinner at One River Restaurant featuring a pre-dinner cocktail session.Accommodation - Hotel des Arts Saigon

See the city through a new lens — literally. Join an immersive photography workshop using vintage film cameras to capture the texture of Saigon, framing shots of hidden cafés, peeling colonial facades, and bustling markets. After a classic pho lunch, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore the underground network with a Vietnam War veteran, gaining a visceral understanding of resilience and survival in the cramped, silent earth. Return to the city by scenic speedboat, letting the river breeze cool you as the skyline comes into view, transforming the ride back into a visual experience of life on the water. The evening is free to dine on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join an immersive photography workshop using vintage film cameras to explore hidden Saigon corners from Cheo Leo Coffee (the city’s oldest café) to former American barracks and local markets.Activity - Enjoy an authentic bowl of pho in a classic Saigon eatery known for its local flavors and cultural significance.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels with a Vietnam War veteran, gaining firsthand insights into the site’s history before returning to Ho Chi Minh City by scenic speedboat and ending the day with a relaxed evening at leisure.Transport - Enjoy a scenic speedboat transfer along the Saigon River, offering unique views of the city's skyline.Accommodation - Hotel des Arts Saigon

Leave the city for the lush, green world of the Mekong Delta. Stop at a local cacao farm to trace the stages from pod to bar, smelling the roasting beans and tasting unique specialties like cacao wine. After lunch surrounded by tropical foliage, transfer to Can Tho by speedboat, gliding deeper into the river's arteries past stilt houses and fishing boats. Settle into your resort with high tea by the pool. Join the group for a discussion and introduction to Life along the Mekong river, preparing for tomorrow's immersion in the "Rice Bowl" of Vietnam.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit a local cacao farm to learn about the cacao-making process firsthand, meet the farmer, and taste unique regional specialties such as cacao wine and fresh coconut juice.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Settle in with High Tea by the pool, where an expert provides an engaging introduction to the Mekong River’s ecology, culture, and local livelihoods.Accommodation - Legacy Mekong

Rise early to witness the Cai Rang Floating Market, where the river teems with boats piling high with tropical fruit — pineapples, watermelons, and dragon fruit hanging from bamboo poles. Navigate the colorful chaos as the sun rises over the water, revealing the daily life of river traders. Later, engage in a discussion delving into the challenges facing the Delta's ecosystem. Return to the city and fly to Da Nang and transfer to the ancient town of Hội An. The evening offers a culinary introduction to Central Vietnam with dinner celebrating the unique regional flavors in a beautiful, atmospheric setting.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Begin the day with a private boat ride through the Cai Rang Floating Market, witnessing sunrise over a river filled with trading boats and vibrant displays of fruit — followed by a walk through the lively land market. Cai Rang Floating Market is one of the ten most impressive markets in the world, characterized by colorful boats selling tropical fruits and vegetables that are tossed from craft to craft and a little coffee vendor boat bounces in and out of the gaps, serving strong iced coffee to both vendors and customers. This market is considered a special gem in Vietnam, boasting the uniqueness of life on the Mekong River.Activity - Participate in an intimate and insightful discussion with one of the Mekong Delta’s leading environmental expert, known as the Delta Boy.Activity - During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings before traveling to Can Tho Airport.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a private dining experience with Chef Duc at Mango Restaurant, offering an inspired culinary introduction to Central Vietnam.Accommodation - Anantara Hoi An Resort

Walk the vibrant streets of Hội An, smelling the street food and admiring the yellow merchant houses draped in bougainvillea. Join a workshop at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported partner, to learn the art of making local noodles while supporting youth empowerment. Later this evening holds an exclusive after-hours access to the Japanese Covered Bridge. Accompanied by a conservationist, walk the silent, lantern-lit structure without the crowds, learning about the efforts to preserve this icon. Conclude with a light dinner in the old town, watching lanterns float down the Thu Bon River.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Join a walking tour of Hoi An, including Hoi An Market, a traditional ancient house, and an Assembly Hall, followed by free time to explore the ancient town on your terms.Activity - Travel back to the hotel for free time in the afternoon.Activity - Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, accompanied by a conservation specialist who shares insider knowledge on preservation.Activity - Try some of the oodles of noodles (more than 26 types!) available in Hoi An though this tasty cooking class. Former street youth that are part of this community project will help you prepare and cook a number of different types of noodles. Then, enjoy your delicious creations while learning more about local cuisine. This hospitality training program helps youth practice their English, increasing their skill set and opportunities available to them in the tourism industry.Accommodation - Anantara Hoi An Resort

Board the Heritage Train for a scenic journey to Huế, watching the dramatic coastline and lush Hai Van Pass unfold through the window — a route often called one of the most beautiful in the world. Arrive in the former imperial capital and settle in. The evening brings an exclusive experience at the Ben Xuan Garden House, the residence of an imperial descendant. In the candlelit garden villa, surrounded by antiques and orchids, enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by an intimate musical performance. It is a moment of pure connection to the refined cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - This morning, enjoy free time for leisure or last minute shopping in the Old town before check-out.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Spend the evening at the elegant home of artist-musician Camille Huyen, a descendant of Emperor Minh Mạng, featuring a private dinner and intimate musical performance in a beautifully preserved garden villa.Accommodation - Azerai La Residence

Cruise the Perfume River to the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda, a symbol of the city rising from the mist. Explore the vast Imperial City by electric car, stopping for a traditional tea tasting to learn the nuances of royal blends and the philosophy of Vietnamese tea culture. Savor a vegetarian lunch at a historic restaurant, honoring the Buddhist roots of the city. Visit the tomb of a Nguyen Emperor, admiring the harmony of architecture and nature in the pine forests. After, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital where ancient temples sit beside French villas.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a scenic Perfume River boat ride to Thien Mu Pagoda, followed by an electric-car visit through the Imperial City, ending with a traditional tea tasting at the historic Nhi Do Mai Tea House.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Explore one of Hue’s most remarkable mausoleums. Visit the tranquil lakes, stunning architecture and pavilions surrounded by pines.Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Accommodation - Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Complex before enjoying a restorative foot massage at Dao's Car, a social enterprise supporting visually impaired therapists. Walk the historic Long Bien Bridge and hear stories of resilience from the Expedition Leader. In the afternoon, hop on a cyclo for an ‘elevated street eats' tour, weaving through the traffic to sample bun cha and egg coffee while learning about a unique initiative supported by the Planeterra Foundation. Conclude the day with an atmospheric night tour of the Temple of Literature. Watch a cultural performance in the ancient courtyards, illuminated by soft light that highlights the stone stelae of scholars past.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enter the Ho Chi Minh Comple, a significant historical and cultural landmark honoring the revolutionary leader, President Ho Chi Minh, to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Complex, and One Pillar Pagoda.Activity - Enjoy a restorative foot massage experience at Dao’s Care, a social enterprise dedicated to training visually impaired therapists.Activity - Travel to Long Bien Bridge for a guided bridge tour with an expert talk on Red River trade, colonial engineering, wartime survival, and everyday life under/around the bridge.Activity - Enjoy an immersive cyclo-led street food journey curated by Insight Hanoi — from bánh cuốn to bún chả to an egg coffee performance — capped with a special talk about Planeterra by Insight Hanoi's founders.Activity - Conclude the night with the Temple of Literature Night Tour, a beautifully staged cultural performance and optional calligraphy workshop.Accommodation - Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Travel to the karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called "Halong Bay on land." Glide through the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve on a small boat, the only sound being the dip of the oar and the call of birds. Search the limestone cliffs for the critically endangered Delacour's langur. After a family-style lunch, check into your resort. The afternoon features an exclusive session with a National Geographic Explorer. Gain rare insight into Vietnam's ecosystems and the fight to protect its most vulnerable species, deepening your appreciation for the natural world around you before a relaxed dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Experience the tranquility of the Van Long Nature Reserve, gliding through peaceful wetland landscapes surrounded by limestone karsts and rich biodiversity.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Join an exclusive wildlife session with a Nat Geo Grantee, gaining rare insights into Vietnam’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.Accommodation - Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Witness conservation in action at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and Save Vietnam's Wildlife organizations which were founded by National Geographic Explorer, Thai Van Nguyen. Walk the quiet paths to see the meticulous care given to pangolins and langurs, learning about the challenges of rehabilitation and release. Return to the resort for a celebratory farewell dinner. Toast the expedition and the people working to protect the country's unique heritage, reflecting on the path from the bustling south to the wild beauty of the north.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Visit both the Primate Rescue Center and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife Rescue Center, gaining firsthand insight into Vietnam’s leading conservation efforts. Then, hear from Mr. Thai Van Nguyen or a member of his team about deepening the understanding of wildlife protection, endangered species, and real-world conservation challenges in Vietnam.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Return to the resort for an expert-led wrap-up presentation followed by a family-style farewell dinner, celebrating the journey and the people working to protect Vietnam’s natural heritage.Accommodation - Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh

Your expedition to Vietnam concludes today. Transfer to the Hanoi airport, provided at any time during the day.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.