VietnamSignature: 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.
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet your Expedition Leader and Group
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.
Reunification Palace Visit
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.
Social Impact Dining at ST25 by KOTO
Enjoy a set-menu lunch at ST25 by KOTO, where the restaurant manager shares stories from KOTO’s social enterprise model.
Free Time
During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings before the afternoon walk.
Signature Saigon City Walk
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.
Welcome Dinner at One River Restaurant
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.
Vintage Camera Photography Experience
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.
Your Foodie Moment: Pho Lunch
Enjoy an authentic bowl of pho in a classic Saigon eatery known for its local flavors and cultural significance.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cu Chi Tunnels Guided Tour
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.
Speedboat
Cut swiftly through the water en route to the next stop (and hang on to your hat).
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Local Living Moment: Cacao Farm Experience
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
High Tea & Expert Introduction to Mekong Life
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.
Sunrise at Cai Rang Floating Market
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.
Signature Moment: Private Roundtable with Dr. Nguyen Huu Thien
Participate in an intimate and insightful discussion with one of the Mekong Delta’s leading environmental expert, known as the Delta Boy.
Free Time in Can Tho
During your free time, relax at your hotel or explore your surroundings before traveling to Can Tho Airport.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Private Dinner at Mango Restaurant
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.
Hoi An Guided Walking Tour and Exploration
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.
Free Time in Hoi An
Travel back to the hotel for free time in the afternoon.
Signature Moment: Behind-the-Scenes Japanese Covered Bridge
Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, accompanied by a conservation specialist who shares insider knowledge on preservation.
Your G for Good Moment: Oodles of Noodles Demonstration and Lunch
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.
Free Time in Hoi An
This morning, enjoy free time for leisure or last minute shopping in the Old town before check-out.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Dinner & Concert at Ben Xuan Garden House
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.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
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.
Hue’s Heritage by River & Citadel
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Royal Tombs
Explore one of Hue’s most remarkable mausoleums. Visit the tranquil lakes, stunning architecture and pavilions surrounded by pines.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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 G Value Fund. 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.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Complex, and One Pillar Pagoda
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.
Foot Massage at Dao's Care Spa
Enjoy a restorative foot massage experience at Dao’s Care, a social enterprise dedicated to training visually impaired therapists.
Long Bien Bridge Guided Visit
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.
Your Foodie Moment: Hanoi Elevated Street Eats Tour
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 G Value Fund by Insight Hanoi's founders.
Night Tour at the Temple of Literature
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.
Van Long Wetlands Boat Trip
Experience the tranquility of the Van Long Nature Reserve, gliding through peaceful wetland landscapes surrounded by limestone karsts and rich biodiversity.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Wildlife Talk
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Cuc Phuong Conservation Experience
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Farewell Evening at Emeralda Resort
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.
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
