Magnificent Mekong

Descend into the mysterious, once-secret tunnels used as supply routes, hospitals and living quarters by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. These subterranean passageways outside Ho Chi Minh City are a tiny part of a huge network that extends through much of Vietnam. Stop to explore the memorial park of Cu Chi, preserved by the Vietnamese government. As you walk with your guide, you will glimpse daily life underground, where soldiers spent days out of sight of American forces; they came above ground at night to seek supplies, farm their land or engage in combat. Narrow passages lead to living quarters, small dining halls where soldiers shared meals and conference rooms where campaigns such as the Tet Offensive were planned. After time to explore the tunnels and the memorial park above ground, rejoin your motor coach. Note that this tour is not recommended for those with back issues.

Witness a cultural performance representing the current cultural reckoning of Vietnamese life in a grand setting. Depart your hotel on foot and walk through the stunning city of Ho Chi Minh to the Saigon Opera House, built in 1898. As you approach, admire the impressive architecture, representative of French Colonial times. Once inside, enjoy a drink in this historic atmosphere before heading into the theater itself. Take your seat to witness the AO Show, with “AO” derived from Lang Pho or "village and city." This performance depicts the contrast between these two lifestyles, displaying both the cultural richness of the Vietnamese countryside and the nation’s rapid urbanization. Witness impressive acrobatic acts and a bamboo circus, and hear live music that recalls southern work songs, all aimed at demonstrating the changing world of Vietnam.