Days 1-2: UK - Saigon

Fly overnight to Saigon via Hong Kong and transfer to the hotel before our welcome dinner of local cuisinee.

Day 3: Saigon

Saigon is Vietnam’s largest and busiest city. Sightseeing today includes a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the French-style Post Office. We also visit Cholon (the Chinatown of Saigon), the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda and Ben Thanh Market for some shopping. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Days 4-5: Mekong Delta - Vinh Long

Over the next two days we explore the Mekong Delta first hand travelling by various types of boats in and around Vinh Long Province. Visit floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations and stay overnight at a local farmer’s house where we participate in cooking the evening meal, as well as enjoying the authentic Vietnamese hospitality and a music show. The following day, continue exploring the delta area before returning to Saigon.

Day 6: Cu Chi Tunnels & Tay Ninh day tour

Visit the famous tunnel system at Cu Chi and then attend the noon service at the Cao Dai Temple, which is one of the most striking structures in Asia.

Day 7: Saigon - Nha Trang

Fly to Nha Trang and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to stroll along the beach of this seaside city.

Day 8: Nha Trang Cruising

Cruise around the islands off Nha Trang visiting the Tri Nguyen Aquarium at Mieu Island, Tam Island and a local fishing village. There is also a chance to swim in the South China Sea.

Days 9-10: Nha Trang - Hoi An

Fly to Danang and transfer to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An stopping at the Cham Museum, Marble Mountains and China Beach en-route. Our walking tour the next day takes us through the narrow streets of the historic centre of Hoi An where we visit one of the oldest homes, which is still occupied by the descendants of the merchants that built it over 200 years ago. Also visit the Japanese Bridge, Hoi An market and a local Chinese Pagoda. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 11: My Son day tour

Drive to My Son, the most important Cham intellectual and religious centre, dating back to the 4th Century. Explore these UNESCO listed ruins on foot before returning to Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An - Hue

Drive over the Hai Van Pass, which provides a spectacular panoramic view of the central coastline, to Hue, the former historic capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Visit the Imperial Citadel, the centrepiece of the royal empire which was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. This evening, take part in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes designed for the Royal Courts.

Day 13: Hoi An - Hue

Sightseeing today includes a boat trip on the Perfume River and visits to the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs. Fly to Hanoi, a charming and richly historic city of lakes, parks and shaded boulevards, also known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. Visit the Ethnology Museum in the afternoon and enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Days 14-15: Hanoi

Sightseeing today includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and a drive around Hoan Kiem Lake. The next day, we enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter, visit the Dong Xuan Market, the Temple of Literature and enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets in the evening.

Days 16-17: Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Drive to Halong Bay, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam. Relax and enjoy seafood meals onboard. Stay overnight on the traditionally designed junk boat and continue cruising between the nearby islands the following day. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon, driving through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.

Day 18: Hanoi - UK

Transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.

Day 17: OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Hanoi – Sapa

Transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.

Days 18-20: Sapa

The town of Sapa is surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and rice terraces and is home to many ethnic minorities. Over the next three days we explore the local area including the many markets, the different minority villages, spectacular valleys and fine examples of tribal architecture. There will be 5-6 hours of walking each day. We spend two nights in Sapa and on our third night, we transfer to Lao Cai station and board the overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 21: Hanoi – UK

Arrive early in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel for breakfast and day use. Later today, transfer to Hanoi Airport and fly to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home the following day filled with many happy memories.