Day 1 & 2: (Tuesday - Wednesday, July 14-15, 2026) – Houston to Taipei

Report to George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas (IAH) by 8:00 p.m. and proceed to ticketing counter.  Depart Houston, Texas on our flight to Taipei.  Lose one day crossing the International Dateline.

Meals: D/B (in flight)

Day 3: (Thursday, July 16, 2026) – Taipei to Da Nang to Hoi An

After a short layover in Taipei where we endure the Big Speech, we depart for Vietnam.  We land at Da Nang International Airport and proceed through immigration, retrieve our bags, clear customs, and board our waiting motorcoach.   Our first stop is Red Beach II (where U.S. Marines made their first amphibious landing in March 1965).  From here we head south on the beach road and make a quick photo stop at My Khe Beach on the South China Sea.  My Khe was better known as "China Beach" which was used as an in-country 'R&R' by U.S. troops.  A little farther south we pass through the site of the Marble Mountain Air Facility, a U.S. helicopter base during the war.  Next we visit the Marble Mountains.  The Marble Mountains are visually striking monoliths that rise from the flat coastal plain and are home to Buddhist shrines and numerous caves.  This area is famous for their stone-sculpture industries.  We climb to the top of the largest mountain and explore the VC hospital area located deep within.  Then drive to Hoi An where we check in and get ready to enjoy our Welcome Dinner.

Meals: B (in flight)_/_/D

Day 4: (Friday, July 17, 2026) – Hoi An

Today is a well-deserved free day.  You can relax by the pool, or you may want to roam by yourselves the streets and shops of this ancient port city, formerly known as Faifo, where Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese traders once walked.  The town ceased to be an important trade harbor when its inlet shoaled, and the port was moved north to Da Nang.  Shopping is excellent here and is one of the best places for tailor-made clothing.  There are literally hundreds of amazing little shops for your shopping pleasure.  Lunch and dinner are on your own.  Be sure to sample some of the many local restaurants and night spots in this fascinating little city.

Meals: B/_/_

Day 5: (Saturday, July 18, 2026) – Hoi An to Dong Ha

We rise early and travel north on Highway 1, we make our way up the breathtaking Hai Van Pass (Pass of the "High Clouds"), stopping at the top to take in a parting view of Da Nang and her Bay.  Hai Van Pass has been a vital military strategic foothold for centuries, and was garrisoned by Chinese, French, Japanese, and U.S. armies.  Bunkers and fortifications dot the hillsides.  At the northern end of the Pass, we stop for photos at the Fishing village of Lang Co.  Continuing north, we pass by Dam Cau Hai, one of the largest lagoons in Southeast Asia encompassing 112 square kilometers.  Reaching Phu Bai Airfield, we stop for photos.  Passing through Hue City, we venture farther north and come upon the My Chanh Bridge.  It was here that the ARVN held the line against invading NVA forces during the 1972 Easter Offensive and from which they launched their counterattack to drive Ho's forces back toward the DMZ.  North of here is the section of Highway 1 known as the 'Highway of Horror'.  During the NVA's 1972 Easter Offensive, thousands of local refugees - most of which were old people, women, and children trying to flee south - were mercilessly slaughtered by communist NVA troops and artillery.  The north side of the bridge is where the worst of the massacre occurred.  Massive numbers of people were trapped because the downed bridge prevented escape.  Soon thereafter we enter Quang Tri City where we stop at Long Hung Church, a Catholic Church in which ARVN troops sought refuge during the 1972 Easter Offensive invasion from the North and in which NVA troops sought refuge as they retreated during the ARVN counterattack. The church has been left as it stood after the battle, with scars from grenades, rockets, and bullets.  We also visit Bo De School, which provides a shocking and violent reality of the "Battle of 81 Days and Nights" for the city and its Citadel.  The battle is infamous for the huge amount of ordnance fired by both ARVN and NVA forces.  We then cross the Quang Tri Bridge and pass by the Ai Tu Airfield (Quang Tri Airbase).  After lunch in Dong Ha, we continue north to Gio Linh FSB (Forward) aka Alpha-2 which overlooks the DMZ from the Republic side.  We then drive through the southern DMZ and stop at the Hien Luong Bridge (better known as the Peace Bridge), walking over the Song Ben Hai (this river was the only true physical demarcation between the North and the South).  Upon our return to Dong Ha, we walk the Dong Ha Bridge (destroyed by Capt. John Ripley which stopped the initial NVA advance during the 1972 Easter Offensive) over the Song Bo Dieu.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 6: (Sunday, July 19, 2026) – Dong Ha to Hue

Leaving very early we head inland. Vietnam is a very long, thin country, and we traverse it today from the coast almost all the way to its border with Laos.  We visit the U.S. base at oCon Thien (the Hill of Angels), after which we stop for photos at the Cam Lo Bridge.  Turning west on Route 9 we point out places of military importance during the war, including the Khe Gia Bridge, the Rockpile, Vandergrift Combat Base (LZ Stud), Ca Lu, and the Hairpin.  Lunch will be in Khe Sanh Village prior to entering Khe Sanh Combat Base where we spend ample time exploring.  Originally, the Khe Sanh base was a U.S. jungle outpost close to the border with Laos.  The area grew into a major military base and airstrip under LBJ and was the scene of a 77-day siege in 1968, as well as many vicious hill battles in 1967-68.  We then stop at Lang Vei Special Forces Camp, overrun in the first-ever NVA tank assault.  Co Roc Mountain soars to the heavens just across the border.  On our way back we stop at Camp Carroll (the joint-forces artillery plateau).  We may also stop briefly at the Lew Puller School in Dong Ha before motoring to Hue (the old Imperial Capital of Vietnam).  Here we stop for the night.  Tonight dinner is on our own.

Meals: B/L/_

Day 7: (Monday, July 20, 2026) – Hue

Today we begin our study of the 1968 Tet Offensive battle for the southern city.  The Battle of Hue (1968) was one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war, and we spend the remainder of the day visiting strategic sites around the city.  We follow the actions of 1/1 and 2/5, covering, among others, the old Shell Gas Station, the Football Stadium, the former MACV Compound, Tran Cao Van Street, Joan of Arc Girl's High School, Hue University, Treasury, Public Health Building, Provincial Capital Building area, and the Church of the Redemptress.  Famous for its university, this town, known for open and radical thinking, is also home to the high school that graduated Ho Chi Minh, General Giap, and President Diem.  We then enjoy a relaxing Dragon Boat cruise up the beautiful Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda.  It was from this pagoda that in 1963 Monk Thich Quang Duc was driven to Saigon where he immolated himself in protest to the SVN government's oppressive treatment of the Buddhist people.  After lunch, we enter the Citadel with its ramparts and towers, and visit sites specific to the northern battle, including the Chuck Meadows and Dong Ba Gates.  We finish at the Imperial Palace gate blown by 1/5, which allowed the ARVN to enter and lower the NVA flag that had flown from the main flagpole for 24 days.  Our battle study complete, we take some time to visit the Forbidden City, home to the ancient emperors.  Heading back to the hotel across the new bridge, we point out the Circle Sportif Club.  Tonight, dinner is on our own.  You may want to grab a pizza or a burger at the DMZ Bar, just a short walk from our hotel.

Meals: B/L/_

Day 8: (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) – Hue to Saigon

Very early this morning we fly from Phu Bai Airfield to Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhut Airport.  Tan Son Nhut was once the busiest airport in the world.  Departing the airport, we head into the center of the by most Vietnamese) and visit the War Remnants Museum; Reunification Hall (Old Presidential Palace); Notre Dame Cathedral; and the Old Post Office.  We also drive past the former U.S. Embassy area which now houses the new U.S. Consulate.  After lunch, we stop at Cha Tam Church where South Vietnam President Diem had fled and disguised himself as a priest during the 1963 coup.  It was from this place that Diem was captured, taken away, and murdered.  Twenty days later, U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  Some claim the two deaths were related.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 9: (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) – Saigon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi (Iron Triangle)

We rise early and head to Tay Ninh Province to visit the Cao Dai Holy See Temple and observe the Noon Ceremony.  Simply stated, the Cao Dai covers all bases.  Among their deities of worship are Christ, Buddha, and Confucius.  Some minor saints are Sun Yat-Sen, Joan of Arc, and for some reason, Victor Hugo.  After lunch, we explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground labyrinth of some 75-miles combined.  At least 43,000 enemy soldiers died defending this strategic maze of tunnels which contained supply depots, arms caches, training facilities, hospitals, and troop accommodations.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 10: (Thursday, July 23, 2026) – Saigon - My Tho

Very early this morning, we travel south to the town Ap Bac where ARVN units with US military advisors, including John Paul Vann, fought off a spirited VC attack in January 1963 that began to raise questions about ARVN effectiveness under the Diem regime.  Then, we arrive at My Tho in the Mekong Delta where we take a boat trip on the Mekong River to visit the Unicorn and Coconut Islands, local houses, and workshops.  On our return to Saigon, we stop to remember Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk whose self-immolation shocked the world and forced another crisis of confidence in the Diem government.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 11: (Friday, July 24, 2026) – Saigon to Pleiku

Today we leave Saigon by plane and arrive on the Central Highlands at Pleiku.  We will pass the site of Camp Hollaway where a 1965 rocket attack on the US Army base there began Johnson's escalation of American involvement in Vietnam.  Then we ride out to the Ming Yang Pass where French Mobile Group 100 (FM100) was ambushed in 1954 as the French evacuated the country.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 12: (Saturday, July 25, 2026) – Pleiku

We leave Pleiku and head north on Highway 14 to Kontum and Dak To.  Kontum was one of the major objectives of the 3-prong 1972 Easter Offensive.  We then head NW to Dak To, one of the war's bloodiest and controversial battles, fought in November 1967.  After walking the ridge lines to Charlie and Delta Hill Memorials, we head back to Pleiku.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 13: (Sunday, July 26, 2026) – Pleiku to Ha Noi

This morning we fly from Pleiku to Ha Noi.  We land at Noi Bai Airfield (heavily bombed during the American War).  We then cross the Red River and its dikes to explore the Ha Noi environs.  We head into the center of Ha Noi to visit the new Vietnamese Military History Museum, Hoa Lo Prison (the Hanoi Hilton), West Lake, and the John McCain Monument.  If time allows, we may stretch our legs as we trek to the B52 Lake.  Tonight dinner is on our own.

Meals: B/L/_

Day 14: (Monday, July 27, 2026) – Ha Noi

Today, our last full day in Vietnam, is a free day.  Lunch is on our own, however, tonight all hands are required at our very special Farewell Dinner.

Meals: B/_/D

Day 15: (Tuesday, July 28, 2026) – Ha Noi to Taipei to CONUS

After breakfast, we transfer to Noi Bai Airfield for the flight to Taipei.  Departing from Taipei, we gain a day enroute to the continental United States by re-crossing the International Dateline, arriving in Houston this same day.

Meals: B/L/D (in flight)

Tour Price: $5,495.00 / Per Person is based upon Double Occupancy (2 people per room)
Single Supplement is $598.00

Ground Only Price: $4,495.00 / Per Person is also based upon Double Occupancy (2 people per room)
Single Supplement is $598.00

Tour Price Includes:

1. International roundtrip airfare from our George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas (IAH) gateway.    Alternative Gateways
   • Ground Only Tours - International roundtrip airfare is not included.
2. Air-conditioned motorcoach transportation.
3. Vietnam airfare.
4. Vietnam Visa Processing and fees.
   • Ground Only Tours - Vietnam Visa Processing and fees may or may not be included.
5. Hotel Accommodations throughout tour.
6. Virtually all meals, as indicated in itinerary.
7. Historical Trip information packet, containing maps and other information pertaining to your tour.
8. Admission fees to all sites, museums and special attractions listed.
9. Services of our experienced Directors & English--speaking local guides.
10. Gratuities (NOTE: VBT American guides are prohibited from accepting tips.)
11. Bulk-baggage handling.

• VBT - We use only highly-experienced U.S. Marine Corps Veteran guides.
• VBT - Runs 15-day tours which ensures unrushed touring.
• VBT - Has virtually all-inclusive pricing. (Beware of hidden charges forced on you by other tour operators).
• VBT - Gets you to places other companies cannot access.
• VBT - Our tours are designed for customization based on participant's requests (no off-the-rack tours).