Highlights of Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi

On arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing and welcome drinks with your fellow travellers. Stay the next two nights at The Ann Hotel (or similar).

Day 2: Hanoi

Spend the day discovering Hanoi’s must-visit sites including the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the “Hanoi Hilton Prison”. 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. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea before you continue your exploration of the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, the Hanoi Opera House, and a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake. (BL)

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Drive past scenes of traditional rural life as you travel from Hanoi to Halong City, the gateway to Halong Bay. On arrival, board a well-appointed junk boat, enjoy a delicious lunch and begin cruising among some of the 3,000 islands which rise from the sea. In the evening, retreat to your private cabin, or relax on the main deck or at the bar. Overnight on-board Bhaya Cruises (or similar). (BLD)

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hue

Take part in a sunrise Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck before enjoying brunch on board. Cruise back to port to disembark. Drive to Hanoi airport where you will fly to the former imperial capital of Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in and an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Eldora Hotel (or similar). (R)

Day 5: Hue to Hoi An

Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s sites including Emperor Tu Duc’s elaborate tomb, Imperial Palace, Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda. From Hue, drive to Hoi An, admiring some of Vietnam’s most stunning scenery along the way. On arrival in Hoi An, check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon of independent exploration. Stay the next two nights at Hoi An Silk Marina Resort & Spa (or similar). (B)

Day 6: Hoi An

Visit the technicolour Tam Thanh village. With amazing artworks covering the walls, streets and alleyways, this once sleepy corner of Hoi An is brought back to life. Visit Thanh Dong Organic Farm, learning the traditional farming methods adopted by this village. Chat with the local farmers and take part in the farming activities. In the afternoon, take a walking tour to discover the mix of Chinese, Japanese and French influenced architecture. (B)

Day 7: Hoi An to Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels

Drive to Danang before flying to Saigon, Vietnam’s commercial capital. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Take a moment to freshen up before your journey continues to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover the network of underground tunnels while learning about their role in the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon and spend the remainder of day at leisure. Stay the next two nights at The Hotel Equatorial (or similar). (BL)

Day 8: Saigon – Mekong Delta

Venture to the Mekong Delta and spend the day exploring the many palm fringed canals, local temples and markets. Enjoy a delicious lunch made from locally harvested produce. On your return drive to Saigon, stop by a Cao Dai temple with its spectacular architecture and vivid colours. Arrive back to Saigon to join your group for a farewell dinner. (BLD)

Day 9: Saigon

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Saigon. Wander along Dong Khoi Street, admire the grand architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral, stop at the Reunification Palace, and get lost amongst the many stalls and vendors within Benh Thanh Markets. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. (B)