Vietnam and Bangkok
Day 1

Departure on an international flight.

Day 2

Arrival in Hanoi. After a short rest, set out to take a one hour Cyclo ride around Hanoi's old streets. Relax as you weave through the narrow alleys of Hanoi's ancient Old Quarter, glimpsing everyday life. We will take you past Hoan Kiem Lake stopping at Ngoc Son Temple. This evening attend a traditional water puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form especially designed for depicting scenes from rural life, and many episodes of national history. Dinner at Wild Rice Restaurant.

Day 3

This morning enjoy a city tour of Vietnam's capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of "Uncle Ho's" final resting-place. Continue your visit to see Ho Chi Minh's Œhouse on stilts', his home from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house is surrounded by quiet and peaceful gardens. Sitting to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049; the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Journey to the National Fine Arts Museum, located in colonial France's former Ministry of Information has an eclectic mix of contemporary Vietnamese art, religious pieces, lacquer-ware and sculptures. Continue to the Temple Of Literature. Vietnam's first university constructed in 1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Hoa Lo prison (known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the American war). Continue to visit the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam) and Quan Thanh Temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty). Later visit the Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam's diverse culture through its unique presentation of objects and dress from daily life.
Vietnam is one of the most fascinating countries in Asia. At a major crossroads for commerce and cultural exchange, Vietnam has been shaped for centuries by outside influences and religions. Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity, the Chinese, Khmers, French, and Americans have all left their mark on Vietnam, and together have created the unique culture which exists today. Modern Vietnam exhibits a vibrant contemporary energy, blended with the strong traditional culture of a proud and ancient past. This program is designed to introduce students to this rich cultural heritage, while experiencing hands-on the reality of present-day Vietnam through lectures, visits, and interaction with Vietnamese from different walks of life. Particular attention will be given to the American War and its impact on contemporary culture, especially literature. The program concludes in Bangkok, Thailand, one of the most important cultural centers in Southeast Asia.
Day 4

Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Huong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. While cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay while enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board the junk.

Day 5

Leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Huong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. While cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay while enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board the junk.

Day 6

After breakfast cruise by Monkey Island before arriving in Cat Ba. Cat Ba offers a stunning variety of landscapes and ecosystems, including offshore coral reefs, sandy beaches, and mangrove swamps. Optional activities include kayaking and hiking. Lunch on board.

Day 7

Happy New Year! After breakfast drive to Cat Ba National Park with a stop at the Trung Trang cave. Trek to Viet Hai village. You have a picnic lunch before taking a boat back to Cat Ba. Dinner at the hotel.