Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples of this unique city.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi city tour (B, L)
This morning, a city tour introduces you to the historical and cultural highilights of Hanoi. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed Mondays and Fridays plus Oct-Nov) and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc. Take a break from walking as you tour Hanoi's Old Quarter by cyclo, a chauffeur-pedalled tricycle. End the day with a visit to your choice of museum: the Ethnology, Army, History or National Fine Arts Museum.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Lu - Hanoi (B, L)
Leave the city behind with a short drive through rural northern Vietnam to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan river boat through the rice paddies and enormous limestone karsts to reach the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. End your visit with a climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda, for views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay and enjoy the lush scenery as you drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Upon arriving in Halong, board a traditional wooden junk boat and set off to cruise among hundreds of islets and discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay. This afternoon visit 'Sung Sot' cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay and perhaps enjoy a swim off of the boat's swimming platform before the sun sets.
Overnight onboard a junk boat
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (B, L)
For early risers, enjoy watching the sun rise from the boat's deck. The boat cruises back to the harbour this morning and after disembarking, drive back to Hanoi and catch a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival your private vehicle will be waiting for you for the short transfer to Hoi An, where the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this quaint town.
Overnight in Hoi An.
Day 6: Hoi An – Hue (B, L)
This morning, a walking tour of the Hoi An's ancient town centre will take you back in time to when the town was a major trading port in Asia. After lunch, depart for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Along the way, stop in Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum before continuing the drive over the 'Pass of Ocean Clouds' and through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 7: Hue (B, L)
Your visit to the former imperial capital of Vietnam, begins with a boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River. From here you will visit Hue's Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, from which the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. In the afternoon, visit the mausoleums of two of Hue's former emperors. The mausoleum of Tu Duc features tranquil gardens and lakes, whilst Emperor Khai Dinh's is designed in an elaborate European-influenced style.
Overnight in Hue.
Day 8: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
After breakfast, a short flight takes you to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. A full day city tour begins in the city's bustling Chinatown, followed by the enormous Binh Tay Market where everything imaginable is for sale. This afternoon, visit the War Remnants or the History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. Finish the day with a stroll around the colonial sights of the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office amongst others.
Overnight in Saigon.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B, L)
Today, leave the bustle of the city behind for a day exploring the scenic rice fields, waterways and colourful markets of the Mekong Delta. Cruise the many tributaries of the Mekong to visit Cai Be floating market, wonder through vibrant tropical fruit gardens as well as visiting home cottage industries making 'pop' rice.Return to Ho Chi Minh City late this afternoon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City (B)
The day is at your leisure for last minute sight-seeing or shopping until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight
