Best of the South (Vietnam)

Arrive in the vibrant modern city of Ho Chi Minh, a fast-paced metropolis that throngs with activity day and night. The streets buzz with shops, restaurants and bars, and the sights are numerous. Learn about Vietnam’s turbulent history at the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence that is now infamous as the location for the fall of Saigon. Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum, then lighten the mood as you see the city’s French influence in action at the Notre Dame Basilica and the charming Old Post Office.

Hop on a boat and explore the coconut islands, orchards and rice paddies of the Mekong Delta. Visit a local coconut business and marvel at how the oils, fibre and flesh are separated and used to make various products such as rope and sweets. Wander around a local village and see the coconut fibres being weaved into mats, then learn about the numerous temples you’ll see dotted among the rice paddies. Treat yourself to a delicious three course lunch then relax and watch the palms drift by as you cruise to Can Tho, where you’ll spend the night. The next morning, continue your Mekong adventure and haggle for bargains at Chang Rai’s floating market.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City and improve your culinary repertoire at a Vietnamese cooking class. First, search Ben Thanh Market for fresh ingredients, herbs and spices, then spend the rest of the day creating and eating your very own Vietnamese gastronomic masterpiece. The next day, take a speedboat down the Saigon River to the cramped Cu Chi tunnels, crawl through the chambers and learn about their fascinating historical significance. After you’ve absorbed the history, it’s time to visit a local cricket farm. The crickets are bred to eat, and you can even try some tasty cricket spring rolls, if you are brave enough!