Fly into Vietnam’s largest city, a sprawling metropolis comprising everything from narrow alleyways to new world skyscrapers. Home to over 9 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is still known to many as Saigon, and features remnants of French colonial charm alongside busy street food stalls and neon lights.

Set out with your private guide to explore the city’s main landmarks, including the Museum of Vietnam History. The museum features exhibits on the Vietnamese culture and its development, partly as a struggle for independence from Chinese domination and partly as the march southwards by the Viet people from the Red River Valley, absorbing ethnic groups and territory along the way. Stop to see the Reunification Palace, French colonial Notre Dame cathedral, and the Main Post Office.

Later, enjoy a private walking tour of the thematic streets of Saigon. From birds to bonsai to antiques, there is a street for everything. Browse local markets selling everything from decorative flowers to wartime objects.

Journey through the lush countryside northwest of Saigon to Cu Chi, where you will learn about the vast underground network of tunnels (totaling 155 miles!) used during the war. These tunnels, once used by the Viet Cong as shelter to infiltrate the city during the Tet Offensive of 1968, are now maintained as a museum. Afterward, return to Saigon and tour the War Remnants Museum, depicting the Vietnamese perspective of French occupation and the “American War.” This evening, enjoy a food and nightlife tour of Saigon by Vespa. Zip around the city like a local with stops at a rooftop bar, Vietnamese street food stalls, artsy cafes and more.

Dive into the realm of the mighty Mekong Delta. The longest river in Southeast Asia, the Mekong comes alive in this region, where fish farms, riverside homes, and villages abound. Explore some of the Delta’s islands by boat, learn about life on the river, and meander through a local market.

Explore the Can Tho floating market early this morning by boat. Here, larger boats anchor in the middle of the river and display their wares, while smaller vessels “shop” from boat to boat. Vegetables and fruit make up the majority of transactions, and the most active hours are the early morning ones. After shopping and exploring, take the scenic drive back to Saigon and fly to the central coast city of Danang.

Enjoy a private walking tour in the nearby town of Hoi An, famous for its classic immigrant architecture and thriving artist colony. Today a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Hoi An is filled with small streets, shops, markets and cafes. Explore the local market, Tan Ky House, Fukien Assembly Hall, and the 400-year old Japanese covered bridge. Here you can also see local residents raising silkworms to produce silk for Hoi An’s burgeoning textile industry. Local tailors abound, and you can have clothes tailor-made during your stay here.

Spend the day in lovely Hoi An exploring on your own. You may choose to take a bike ride through the countryside, visit the Cham Hindu temple ruins at My Son, participate in a cooking class, or relax with some beach or spa time.