On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers.

Le Jardin Hotel Hanoi or similar

Spend the day discovering Hanoi’s highlights on a city tour. Visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison and Don Xuan Market. Walk through the crowded streets of the city’s Old Quarter, pay a visit to the Temple of Literature and the historical St Joseph’s Cathedral before stopping by Hoan Kiem Lake, situated in the heart of the city.

At the Ho Chi Minh quarter, see the Mausoleum where the former leader lies in state, the Presidential Palace and the One Pillar Pagoda. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Le Jardin Hotel Hanoi or similar

Breakfast and lunch

The day starts with a drive from Hanoi to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Visit the famous sanctuary of Dinh Tien Hoang, a former emperor of the Dinh Dynasty, and the temple dedicated to the Le Emperor.

After lunch (at your own expense) visit the Trang An Landscape Complex – a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. Venture through the expansive network of caverns and grottos as you glide along in a paddle boat. Transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic drive from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay, marvelling at the towering limestone karsts and vast paddy fields. Board a beautifully appointed junk boat and begin to cruise the impressive emerald waters of Halong Bay. Enjoy lunch before stopping to explore the many secluded corners of the bay. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar.

Athena cruise or similar

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Rise early to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, or choose to relax before feasting on a delicious buffet brunch. After disembarkation, drive back to Hanoi for your onward flight to the former imperial capital of Hue, situated on the banks of the Perfume River.

Pilgrimage Village or similar

Brunch

Explore Hue city’s main sites on a half day city tour including Emperor Tu Duc’s elaborate tomb, the Imperial Palace, the Ancient Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. After lunch (at your own expense) continue to Hoi An driving through scenic landscape and over the beautiful Hai Van Pass. Hoi An is beloved ancient town and will steal your heart away with its breathtaking landscapes, unique culture and friendly locals. This evening is free for you to explore Hoi An at leisure.

Le Pavilion Resort or similar

Breakfast

This morning, you will begin your walking tour of Hoi An which has a wonderfully preserved Old Town. The architecture of the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Visit a traditional ancient house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall, Chau Ong pagoda and the Japanese Covered Bridge. The tour will end in the town where you can enjoy more time at your leisure.

Le Pavilion Resort or similar

Breakfast

After breakfast, take a short drive to Danang to fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival continue your journey to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover the vast network of underground tunnels and their importance during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and check-in at your hotel. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and spend the evening at leisure.

Saigon Prince Hotel or similar

Breakfast

From Ho Chi Minh City, travel south to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta to experience the vibrant scenes and rural villages of Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’. Hop aboard a traditional wooden boat to start cruising along the floating market while sampling tropical fresh fruits. Disembark the boat temporarily to explore deeper about the local life by visiting the town’s business and craft factories. A leisurely sampan ride through canals is followed by a stop at an ancient house where a delicious home hosted lunch with Mekong’s specialties awaits.

After lunch, continue to cruise upstream toward Vinh Long. Along the way, you will observe the typical Mekong Delta rural local life with stops at a local brick and pottery making factory and a floating fish farm before returning to the mainland.

TTC Hotel Premium Can Tho or similar

Breakfast and lunch

An early morning departure from your hotel takes you to Cai Rang floating markets. Board a small boat and explore the waterways, which are packed with people who have come from the surrounding rural areas to sell all manner of fruits and vegetables. It’s a lively and colourful scene. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by mid-afternoon for check in to your hotel. This evening, join your group for a farewell dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant.

Saigon Prince Hotel or similar

Breakfast and dinner

Take part in a morning Ho Chi Minh city guided walking tour. Uncover the rich history of this spirited city as you visit some of its main attractions; Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the Municipal Theatre just to name a few. Enjoy these last moments in Ho Chi Minh City before you transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Breakfast