Visit a Dao community in the mountainous Binh Lieu district, where you will mingle with the residents, whose ancestors immigrated from China beginning in the 12th century. Life here is largely agricultural, and the Daos have terraced the landscape over the centuries to grow rice. After pausing for photos at an expanse of terraced rice paddies, you will visit a highland village and begin your immersion into the Dao’s way of life. You will stop in homes and stores to discuss the rural lifestyle and perhaps visit a nursery school. Daos in this area typically raise buffaloes, cows and pigs, which you may have the opportunity to feed. In addition to rice, corn is commonly grown and you will sample wine made from it. You will see many of the crops grown here in an open market, along with spices. The Daos are one of 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam, and this experience will present a typical day in their lives.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Spend the day in a Dao community in the mountainous highlands of Vietnam.
• See how the Daos have transformed the landscape to grow rice in terraced paddies.
• Mingle with the Daos in their homes, markets and around the village.
• Enjoy the opportunity to feed the community’s pigs and sample corn wine.

Cruise serene Halong Bay on a traditional junk until landing on Cat Ba Island, where you will hike through a national park and plant a tree. So visually spectacular that it has been deemed a World Heritage Site, the bay contains nearly 2,000 islands that rise precipitously out of the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The largest island is Cat Ba, another World Heritage site with spectacularly dramatic natural features, including rugged limestone hills and narrow valleys blanketed with vegetation. The park’s bio-diversity is extraordinary, especially with regard to plants, many of which have medical uses. Even though the land is protected, more than a million people visit annually and affect the environment. You can do your part to reverse some of the damage by joining a forest clean-up. Afterwards, you will plant a tree in an area with minimal foot traffic so it can thrive for years to come. Following lunch at a local restaurant you will return to the ship via local ferry and coach.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise on a traditional junk through Halong Bay, an island-dotted World Heritage site.
• Walk through the forested national park on Cat Ba island, another World Heritage site.
• Help protect the natural environment by participating in a light forest clean-up.
• Leave your mark in a positive way by planting a tree in the national park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Witness the breathtaking scenery from the decks of an iron boat. Gliding through the gin-clear waters of the bay, absorb one of the most magnificent natural splendors of the Far East. Arriving to the pier in Ha long city, begin your fascinating cruise through Ha Long Bay, one of the world's outstanding natural wonders, resembling a geographic work of art with thousands of limestone islets soaring dramatically from the clear emerald waters. This densely concentrated zone of kharst islands, world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See tiny islands dotted with rock arches, sheer cliffs, innumerable white sand beaches and peaceful coves. Like sculpted cartoon characters, these limestone islands have fanciful names: Heavenly Gate, Tortoise Rock, Man Head Rock, The Isle of Wonders, Tea Pot Rock and Devil's Face. A stop is made at impressive Thien Cung Cave, with a chance to climb up. Continue to enjoy this relaxing cruise through the stunning landscape.

Journey to the Royal Park Theater for a water puppetry performance devised more than a thousand years ago by villagers to celebrate the end of rice harvests, mark religious festivals and entertain the royal court. Water puppetry has evolved over the centuries from folk art to a more established art form. An important part of Vietnam's cultural heritage, this theatric form not found anywhere in the world but Vietnam, has a traditional link to the earth, water and the local rice farmers.

The puppets range from 12 to 40 inches in height and from two to ten pounds. Many of the puppets are so heavy and complex that they require two or three puppeteers. During the performance, the puppeteers hide themselves behind a long screen and manipulate the wooden puppets with bamboo rods and strings while standing chest-deep in water. The show depicts Vietnamese life like weddings, domestic animals and school examinations accompanies by the music of bamboo flutes, drums, bells and single-string violins.

Travel off the beaten path and discover what lies beyond the urban areas of this destination. Meditate in the serene setting of a Buddhist monastery.

Embark on a scenic drive that takes you into the lush green countryside, passing small villages that are surrounded by bamboo fences and limestone walls, rice fields and water buffaloes.

Visit a monastery dedicated to Zen Buddhism and learn the history of Vietnamese Buddhist Zen. After fighting a fierce war with Kublai Khan's troops in the 13th century, King Tran Nhan Tong gave up his throne to become a Buddhist monk, establishing a sect of Buddhism in this area. During your visit, the monks will show you how to meditate and restore your energy through using Zen techniques.

You'll enjoy a walk through the streets of a small village observing a real Vietnamese community, its homes, village temples and market. Visit the home and garden of a local farmer where you’ll learn about life on the farm, growing crops are how the various farm animals are raised. You’ll be offered tea and seasonal products to taste.