Heritage Tour 2026: Between Past & Present

A 14-Day Homecoming Across Vietnam

This is not just a journey through Vietnam, it is a return to the places memory lives, and the spaces where silence still lingers.

For 14 days, we walk together through mountains, rivers, and coastal lands, guided not only by history and culture, but by journaling, reflection, and the stories we carry.

Here, the past is never lost; it breathes in the present.
Here, we remember there is no single way to be Vietnamese.
Here, we come home, to the land, to each other, and to ourselves.

A person wearing a conical Asian hat and beige jacket paddles a small wooden boat in green water.

Across spring’s renewal, summer’s abundance, and autumn’s stillness, each Heritage Tour invites you to experience Vietnam in its many rhythms.

Roots, Reflection, and Return.

  • As Vietnam awakens from winter, spring offers cooler days and gentle breezes, perfect for walking ancient streets, exploring quiet temples, and wandering rice fields just as they begin to turn green. Flowers bloom across the countryside, and the pace feels fresh, inviting, and full of renewal.

  • Summer in Vietnam is vibrant and alive. The rice terraces are lush, the days are long, and markets overflow with tropical fruits. This is the season for golden sunsets, evening lanterns glowing brighter against warm nights, and journeys filled with energy and abundance.

  • In autumn, Vietnam slows into stillness. The air is cooler, the skies are clear, and the Mekong Delta shines in harvest season. This is the time for reflection, to savor meals cooked with the year’s bounty, to walk riverside paths in peace, and to feel the balance between endings and beginnings.

Each region of Vietnam holds a different part of our story.

Northern Vietnam
Central Vietnam
Southern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

Origins & Memories

What called me to this land? Was it a question, a feeling, or a missing piece?

Hà Nội
Bắc Ninh
Mai Châu
Ninh Bình

Central Vietnam

Legacy & Continuity

What parts of my identity have I softened, hidden, or tried to explain away?

Huế
Hội An
Quy Nhơn

Southern Vietnam

Healing & Belonging

What values or memories am I carrying forward, and what might I leave behind?

Sài Gòn
Bến Tre
Củ Chi

  • A traditional Asian pavilion with a red tiled roof, circular window, and intricate woodwork, seen through surrounding green foliage.

    Hà Nội

  • Three pieces of printed paper with traditional Asian artwork depicting people in traditional clothing, sitting or standing, with some holding objects, on a woven surface.

    Bắc Ninh

  • A woman wearing traditional, colorful embroidered clothing and a headscarf, smiling as she holds a blue fabric with a sun and swirl design.

    Mai Châu

  • Three people in a boat floating on a river surrounded by lush green mountains and trees, with a large rock formation on the right and a cloudy sky above.

    Ninh Bình

  • Two women in traditional Vietnamese ao dai and nón lá hats walking along a corridor with deep red wooden columns and beams.

    Huế

  • Night scene of a space decorated with hanging paper lanterns and string lights, featuring traditional Asian artwork and red folding screens.

    Hội An

  • Person standing in shallow water on a sandy beach, near a round basket or container, with the ocean and waves in the background.

    Quy Nhơn

  • Bus terminal with a large clock, students with backpacks crossing the street, modern skyscrapers behind historical architecture, and a statue of the Virgin Mary in front.

    Sài Gòn

  • Two people wearing traditional woven hats navigate a small boat through a narrow canal surrounded by dense, tall tropical trees with lush green foliage.

    Bến Tre

  • Close-up of the front of a rugged, vintage off-road vehicle parked on a dirt path surrounded by green foliage and plants.

    Củ Chi

Tour Dates

March 15-28, 2026

Spring

July 1-14, 2026

Summer

November 1-14, 2026

Fall

Itinerary at a Glance

(Themes & Experiences)

For 2026, we’ve reimagined the Heritage Tour format with even more care.
We’ve slowed the rhythm of the journey, creating more time to reflect, journal, and connect in scheduled breakout sessions. The pace is relaxed, with spacious pauses and free time built in, so you can explore on your own while still holding space for community.

This isn’t just about where we go, it’s about how we move through each place, together.

  • The journey begins in the North, where ancient traditions meet modern life. Here, we’ll walk through streets layered with history, learn from master artisans who carry endangered crafts, and spend time with ethnic minority communities whose art and music hold stories passed down for centuries. Each day invites us to reflect on where we come from, and what has been carried silently across generations.

  • In the Central region, we explore Vietnam’s heart, a place of dynasties, spiritual devotion, and resilience. We’ll uncover legacies of empire, listen to the quiet lessons of temples and rivers, and take part in hands-on workshops where craft becomes connection. This is where we pause to ask: What has been preserved in me, and what am I ready to let go of?

  • The South invites us into its vibrant diversity, a crossroads of cultures shaped by migration, conflict, and renewal. From bustling city energy to the slow rhythm of rivers and groves, we’ll learn how people rebuild, remember, and move forward. This is where stories of war, diaspora, and resilience converge, reminding us that belonging is not a single place, but a way of carrying ourselves forward.

  • Arrive in Vietnam’s capital and gather as a group for the first time. We’ll explore the city’s historic heart, walking through streets rich with trade, culture, and memory. In the evening, we share a welcome dinner and circle to begin our journey together.

  • We trace Vietnam’s ancient roots with visits to historic landmarks and cultural spaces. Along the way, we meet with one of the country’s last remaining folk-art masters, experiencing firsthand how endangered crafts are being preserved.

  • Leaving the city behind, we travel into a peaceful valley surrounded by rice fields and limestone mountains. Here, we are welcomed by local hosts who introduce us to traditional music, textiles, and cuisine.

  • A morning bike ride through the countryside connects us with daily rhythms of village life. Later, we visit a conservation site to learn about Việt Nam’s biodiversity and the efforts to protect its wildlife. Evening is spent in quiet reflection in a serene rural setting.

  • We experience one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking river landscapes, drifting through caves, temples, and dramatic karsts. Later, we step into the country’s first imperial capital, exploring historic sites that shaped the nation’s early dynasties.

  • We fly south to Huế, the former imperial capital, where we begin to uncover stories of emperors, temples, and the cultural heart of the country. Evening includes a performance of traditional court music, set against the river’s backdrop.

  • A full day devoted to exploring the imperial citadel, tombs, and pagodas, followed by hands-on workshops in traditional crafts that remain vital to local identity. Our evening is left free for personal discovery.

  • We take a scenic drive along one of Việt Nam’s most stunning coastal routes before arriving in Hội An, a town once central to international trade. Here, we walk through lantern-lit streets and explore its multicultural heritage.

  • In the morning, we bike to a farming village to learn about organic cultivation practices, followed by a cooking class where we prepare local dishes together. Afternoon and evening are open to explore at your own pace.

  • A full day traveling through rural Việt Nam to reach Quy Nhơn. Here, we settle into a beachside setting with time to rest, reflect, or simply enjoy the ocean views.

  • We dive into the region’s revolutionary history and martial arts traditions, exploring how local uprisings shaped the nation. We also learn about the Cham civilization and end the day with reflections on Việt Nam’s literary and poetic heritage.

  • We fly to Sài Gòn, bustling, diverse, and layered with history. In the afternoon, we embark on a guided exploration that blends hidden historical stories with the city’s vibrant street food scene.

  • We journey into the Mekong Delta to explore its waterways, coconut groves, and community resilience. We meet with local families, visit small workshops, and connect with ongoing community projects that highlight strength and survival. Evening is spent at an eco-lodge along the river.

  • Our final morning begins with coffee by the river before returning to the city. The afternoon includes optional experiences, museums, markets, or last walks through the city, before gathering for a farewell dinner to share stories, laughter, and reflection on our two-week journey.

Breakout Sessions: Stories, Connection & Healing

At the heart of Between Past & Present are our guided breakout sessions, moments set aside for pause, reflection, and shared storytelling.

These sessions are designed to deepen your connection, not only to Vietnamese history and culture, but to yourself and one another. Through facilitated conversation and journaling, we create space to explore questions of identity, belonging, memory, and migration together.

These sessions often become the soul of the tour, moments where walls soften, stories unfold, and something unspoken finds language. Many leave these circles with not just new insight, but new kinship.

True to the ethos of Third Culture Vietnam, these gatherings are shaped by those who walk the path, guided by facilitators who have lived the same in-between.

Updated Pricing for 2026

For 2026, we’ve intentionally adjusted our pricing to make the Heritage Tour more accessible, while keeping the same depth, intimacy, and care that defines the experience.

This reflects our commitment to:

  • Keeping group sizes small and meaningful (12 participants max)

  • Continuing journaling, reflection, and cultural immersion as the heart of the journey

  • Honoring local guides, artisans, and communities we partner with

The value of this experience is not just in the itinerary, it’s in the space we hold together, the stories we share, and the connections you’ll carry home.

Pricing Tier

  • Shared Room (Double Occupancy)

    ($2,499.00 USD + 10% VAT)

  • Traditional tiled rooftops in a Vietnamese town

    Private Room

    ($2,999.00 USD + 10% VAT)

Flexible Payment Options

All payments are processed via PayPal, where you can choose your preferred method:

  • Credit or debit card

  • Bank transfer

  • PayPal balance

Accommodations: Enjoy a blend of comfort and authentic local experiences with accommodations ranging from 4 or 5-star hotels to charming homestays and eco-friendly lodges. Each stay is carefully selected to provide a restful and enriching experience in every city, offering a deeper connection to the local culture and environment.

Guidance: Journey alongside a host from the Vietnamese diaspora, someone who has lived the questions of identity, belonging, and return, paired with a licensed local tour guide. Together, they offer both lived perspective and expert knowledge, enriching your experience with personal stories, historical context, and cultural depth. This dual guidance allows for a more intimate and nuanced connection to Vietnam’s landscapes, heritage, and people.

Meals Included: Daily breakfast and lunch are included, featuring a range of local and international cuisine to provide a taste of the region's culinary diversity.

Transfers: Smooth and seamless city transfers are arranged for your convenience, including both bus transportation and domestic flights, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience between destinations.

Tour Inclusions

International Flights: Arrival and departure flights are not included in the tour package.

Evening meals and alcohol are not included, except where explicitly mentioned in the itinerary. This offers you the flexibility to discover local cuisine and enjoy your evenings as you wish. The arrangement allows for personal exploration and the opportunity to reflect on your day in the unique settings of each destination.

Travel Documentation and Insurance: Travel visas are mandatory for entry into Vietnam and must be obtained by participants prior to travel. Travel insurance, while not provided as part of the tour package, is strongly recommended for all participants to ensure coverage for unforeseen circumstances.

Exclusions

Same Soul, New Rhythm.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Click the link below to submit your participant form and begin your path toward Between Past & Present.

FAQs for our 2026 14-Day Vietnamese Heritage Tour(s)

(Tour Date: March 15 - 28, July 1 - 14, and November 1 - 14)

  • Pricing (including 10% VAT):

    Shared Room (Double Occupancy): $2,499 + 10% VAT = $2,748.90 USD

    Private Room: $2,999 + 10% VAT = $3,298.90 USD

    Deposit: A non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot on the tour. This deposit is part of the total cost:

    Shared Room: $600.00 USD

    Private Room: $720.00 USD

    Payment Schedule Including 10% VAT:

    First Payment: 40% of the remaining balance after the deposit, adjusted for VAT, due 3 months (September 1, 2025) before the tour starts.

    Shared Room: Calculate the first payment on the remaining $2,698.90 ($2,748.90 - $600.00 deposit) First Payment: $859.56 (40% of $2,148.90)

    Private Room: Calculate the first payment on the remaining $2,578.90 ($3,298.90 - $720.00 deposit) First Payment: $1,031.56 (40% of $2,578.90)

    Final Payment: The remaining balance, including VAT, due 1 month (October 1, 2025) before the tour start date.


    Shared Room: $1,289.34 (remaining balance after first payment)

    Private Room: $1,547.34 (remaining balance after first payment)

  • Group Size: We prioritize a small and intimate group setting to enhance the travel experience for each participant. The tour is limited to 12 participants. This approach ensures personalized attention and fosters deeper connections, both among group members and with the local culture.

  • If the 2026 Tours are canceled because they does not meet the minimum number of participants, we will provide a refund of your deposit, minus any bank transaction fees. Alternatively, you may choose to transfer your deposit to a future tour date. We are committed to accommodating your needs and ensuring you have the opportunity to join us on this exceptional adventure when it best suits you.

  • The tour price includes accommodations in 4 or 5-star hotels, charming homestays, and eco-friendly lodges, daily breakfast and lunch, full escort by Heritage Hosts along with local guides, and all city transfers including bus transportation and domestic flights within Vietnam.

  • Breakfast and Lunch: Breakfast and lunch are included daily as part of your tour, offering a variety of local and international cuisines to suit all tastes.

    Evening Meals: Evening meals are not included in the tour package. This arrangement allows you the flexibility to explore and enjoy local cuisine on your own each night, fostering personal exploration and providing opportunities to experience the culinary diversity of each destination at your leisure.

  • International flights to and from Vietnam are not included in the tour price. A travel visa for Vietnam is mandatory and must be obtained by participants before travel. While travel insurance is not included, it is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

  • Accommodations: Our accommodations are based on double occupancy, and you can choose from shared rooms in 4 or 5-star hotels, homestays, and eco-lodges. We strive to arrange shared rooms that are comfortable and safe. Private room upgrades are available at an additional cost.

    Room Assignment: We will make every effort to accommodate your preferences and ensure your comfort. If there are any issues with your room assignment, we will do our best to address them promptly and provide a suitable solution.

  • More than 90 days before the tour start date: Only the deposit is forfeited. No additional fees apply.

    60-90 days before the tour start date: 50% of the total tour cost, including VAT, is charged.

    Additional Fees: A $50 administrative fee plus any applicable bank fees for processing the refund.

    30-59 days before the tour start date: 75% of the total tour cost, including VAT, is charged.

    Additional Fees: A $75 administrative fee plus any applicable bank fees for processing the refund.

    Less than 30 days before the tour start date: 100% of the total tour cost, including VAT. No refunds are given, therefore no administrative or bank fees apply.

    Explanation of Fees

    Administrative Fees: These fees cover the costs associated with managing the cancellation and refund process.

    Bank Fees: If applicable, these fees cover charges imposed by banking institutions for processing refunds, which can vary depending on the method of payment originally used (e.g., credit card, bank transfer).

  • Daily activities vary and may include walking tours, cultural experiences, and light trekking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. All city transfers are arranged, including bus transportation and domestic flights, ensuring a seamless travel experience between destinations.

  • Yes, participants can opt out of specific activities; however, there is no reduction in the tour price for missed activities. Optional activities and add-ons may be available at additional costs.

  • Additional costs include dinner and evening meals, alcohol (except where explicitly mentioned), and personal expenditures like souvenirs and optional activities.