Travel to Ba Ria–Vung Tau and visit the Long Tan Memorial Cross, set among peaceful rubber plantations. Reflect on the Battle of Long Tan, one of the Australian Army's best-known engagements of the Vietnam War. Continue to the former 1st Australian Task Force Base at Nui Dat, explore the Long Phuoc tunnel complex, and finish with views from Horseshoe Hill, once a strategic Australian observation post.

Discover Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling economic hub shaped by French, American, and Soviet influences. Admire French architecture at the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and City Hall, then reflect at the War Remnants Museum with its candid exhibits on decades of conflict. Step into history at the Reunification Palace, preserved exactly as it was on April 30, 1975, when South Vietnam surrendered.

From the 7th to 17th centuries, Champa culture thrived in southern Vietnam, blending Indian influences with Hinduism and Buddhism while leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy. At this museum, see highlights of Cham sculpture, from intricate animal figures to elaborate altars dedicated to Shiva.

Visit Non Nuoc Beach, once a popular R&R destination for American soldiers during the Vietnam War and the setting for the television series "China Beach." Nearby, explore the Marble Mountains, a group of limestone peaks representing the five elements. Discover caves, caverns, and temples dedicated to Buddhist deities.

Hoi An, a merchant city that escaped the destruction of modern wars, offers a glimpse of old Vietnam. Once a thriving port, its streets still reflect Japanese, Portuguese, French, Dutch, and Chinese influence. Tour 18th-century merchant houses, a Japanese covered bridge, and ornate Chinese assembly halls.

Visit a local market with a chef and learn how to select fresh ingredients, from ripe fruit to herbs commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. Then, take part in a hands-on cooking class featuring the flavours and ingredients of Central Vietnamese dishes before enjoying the meal you've prepared.

Discover the art of Hoi An's iconic silk lanterns, handcrafted by local artisans and believed to bring good fortune. Learn about their history, shapes, colours, and traditional production techniques before creating your own lantern to take home.

On the way to Huế, travel along Hai Van Pass, a scenic mountain road connecting Huế and Da Nang. Famous for its winding roads, mist-covered peaks, and breathtaking coastal views, it is considered one of Vietnam's most spectacular drives.

The tombs of Emperors Minh Mang (1820–41) and Khai Dinh (1916–25) reflect very different legacies. Minh Mang’s vast Chinese-style complex, built by 10,000 workers in just three years, contrasts with Khai Dinh’s ornate mausoleum, a Baroque palace of dragons and imported French materials that took 11 years to finish.

From 1802 to 1945, Hué was Vietnam’s capital, its grandeur centred on the massive citadel built by Emperor Gia Long. Though much was destroyed in the Tet Offensive, highlights remain, including the red-and-gold Thai Hoa Palace, site of imperial ceremonies, and the soaring Ngo Mon gate, once reserved for the emperor’s elephants.

Cruise along the Perfume (Huong) River to Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601 and the oldest pagoda in Hue. A centre of Buddhist teachings and philosophy for centuries, the pagoda also houses the blue Austin car that transported monk Thich Quang Duc to Saigon before his 1963 self-immolation in protest of the persecution of Buddhists.

The colourful, bustling Dong Ba Market is the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs. Look for “non Hue,” translucent conical hats with hidden patterns or writing inside that glow beautifully on the wearer’s face when sunlight shines through—a unique specialty of the region.

Legend says Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers were born when dragons defended Vietnam, their spines forming cliffs, their tails shaping beaches, and their fiery stones becoming the islands that rise dramatically from the water. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Kayak through the scenic Trinh Nu area or explore Trinh Nu Cave, a remarkable limestone cavern in Ha Long Bay. Discover impressive stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by natural sunlight, revealing the cave’s unique geological formations.

Start your day in Ha Long Bay with a peaceful sunrise Tai Chi session on the boat deck.

Sung Sot Cave is the largest limestone cave in Ha Long Bay, with two chambers, impressive stalactites, a small lake, and even monkeys nearby.

Discover Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital for nearly 4,000 years, where ancient temples and French colonial palaces meet modern life. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the 11th-century Temple of Literature, explore the Old Merchant Quarter’s traditional shops, and pay respects at Ho Chí Minh’s Mausoleum. The Army Museum offers a compelling look at Vietnam’s turbulent history.

KOTO is Vietnam’s first social enterprise, where business and social impact intersect. Its philosophy, “Know One, Teach One,” encourages graduates to pass on their knowledge, creating a cycle of learning and empowerment. Tonight, enjoy a meal prepared by the trainees and support the program’s mission.