Days 1-2: UK - Saigon

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

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: Saigon - Mekong Delta - Saigon

Travel by coach to My Tho and enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River to explore the delta, also known as the ‘Rice Basket’ of Vietnam. Visit local floating markets, villages, home industries and plantations. Travel to Can Tho city for an overnight stay. The next day, continue exploring the Mekong Delta 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 7-8: Saigon - Dalat

Travel by coach to the cooler climate of the Central Highlands and the beautiful Hill Station of Dalat. It is often referred to as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ with its lush green forests and waterfalls. Dalat is the honeymoon capital of Vietnam giving the entire area a romantic flavour, especially the graceful architecture of the older buildings. The next day we visit Lat Village before travelling to the Lake of Sighs, where legend tells of a distraught girl who threw herself into the lake when she thought she had lost her love.

Day 9: Dalat - Nha Trang

Travel by coach to Nha Trang where we will cruise around the nearby islands. Visit the Tri Nguyen Aquarium at Mieu Island, Tam Island and a fishing village.

Day 10: Nha Trang - Qui Nhon

Travel to Qui Nhon visiting Cham Po Nagar Tower en-route. These ruins date from the Hindu Kingdom of Champa which ruled from the 2nd to 15th Centuries.

Day 11: Qui Nhon - Hoi An

Stop off at Son My to pay homage to the victims of the My Lai massacre before continuing to the UNESCO listed town of Hoi An.

Days 12-13: Hoi An

Our walking tour 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. This afternoon and the following day are at leisure for you to enjoy this relaxing town as you please.

Day 14: Hoi An - Hue

Drive to Hue, the former historic capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Enjoy a cyclo tour to the Imperial Citadel, the centrepiece of the royal empire which was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. We also enjoy a boat trip on the Perfume River and visit Thien Mu Pagoda. This evening, take part in a cooking class focusing on select local dishes designed for the Royal Courts.

Day 15: Hue - Hanoi

Visit the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh Royal Tombs this morning. Fly to Hanoi, a charming and richly historic city of lakes, parks and shaded boulevards, also known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’. In the evening enjoy a performance of the famous Water Puppets.

Day 16: Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Drive to Halong Bay, the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Vietnam and commence cruising onboard the traditionally designed junk boat. Relax and enjoy a seafood meal onboard whilst cruising between the nearby islands. Return to Hanoi in the afternoon, driving through the striking rural countryside of the Red River Delta.

Day 17: Hanoi

Sightseeing today includes visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Sep-Dec), Stilt House and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. We also enjoy a walking tour of the Old Quarter and a drive around Hoan Kiem Lake. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 18: Hanoi - UK

Transfer to Hanoi Airport and fly to the UK via Hong Kong, arriving home later the same day filled with many happy memories.