Vietnam - The Changing Face of Southeast Asia

Rice paddies tended by farmers in conical hats, a two-thousand-mile coastline with sandy beaches and mountains covered in the vibrant greens of lush tropical vegetation. Welcome to Vietnam, one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful countries.

We begin in Hanoi, amidst shaded streets, French colonial architecture and the surrounding lakes of the downtown core. At Halong Bay, we travel on turquoise waters amid spectacular, cliff-faced islands and warm water. We spend the night on the bay and enjoy incredible seafood feasts before returning to Hanoi for a famous water-puppet show.

Heading south, we visit the first national park in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong. We explore Hue, the former ancient capital modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. We visit the Citadel, Vietnam's Forbidden City and the local Dong Bay market. Traveling over the spectacular Hai Van Pass, we stop at China Beach before arriving in Hoi An. In Hoi An, a restored open-air museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, we savor the international character of the region's history.

We learn about the Cham people at My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before flying south to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and exploring the famous Cu Chi tunnel complex and the Mekong Delta.

Explore Dalat, the "City of Flowers", including a visit to a silkworm workshop. See Dalat's "Crazy House", the former palace of the emperor Bao Dai. Enjoy a riverboat trip on the Tein River and overnight in Can Tho.

Our adventure concludes in the bustling city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).