As Vietnam is 6 hours ahead of the UK, many flights arrive the next day. (If you want to come out to Hanoi a day or two early, please let us know).

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Please note, if you arrive early your room may not be ready – rooms are generally ready after 230pm – but we’ll do our best. If you’re arriving in the very early hours of the morning (and want to go straight into a room) you may want to book a room for the night before.

This morning we’ll take you on a half day tour of some of the sights of the city. An orientation drive with stops, this will include Hoa Lo Prison (known by Americans as the Hanoi Hilton) by those who were imprisoned there. We’ll see the atmospheric Phu Tay Temple (the only temple on this tour) as well as a tour around local markets by cyclo.

This morning we drive to Halong Bay where you will board ship ready for your cruise around the area. Please note your Tour Leader will not accompany you as you will have a cruise director. You’ll enjoy some free activities on board such as Tai Chi and a simple cooking class. The views of the bay from the deck of the ship will be extraordinary.

Today we dismembark out ship  and head for Ninh Binh near the village of Tam Coc. The landscapes here, with the Karst mountains, are stunningly beautiful. Late this afternoon (or the following morning) we’ll take you on small boats into nearby caves (the river runs through the cave system). You may also like (completely optional) to cycle around the area which is very flat with interesting little trails through lovely countryside and unique landscape formations. Tonight, evening at leisure, you may like to visit the village to find a restaurant of choice (there are plenty) or dine in our lodging.

Later this morning we leave our tranquil surroundings and drive to Hanoi airport for our flight to Imperial Hue.

Today you have a free day, but you might like to consider two optional (and chargeable) excursions. One, is to visit the Imperial city with a short boat ride along the Perfume River. A second, is to see the Demilitarised Zone (known as the DMZ), concentrating on the US Vietnamese battle grounds as well as the ‘Viet Cong’s’ hidden cave system. We can advise.

Today we take you to the station for a train ride to Da Nang over Hai Van pass – approximately 3.5 hours. This will be a beautiful experience. Later, check into hotel with the evening free.

Today we’ll take you into the town for a short walk and visit to some historical houses. It’s a very pretty place. The rest of the day is free. Later you may like to explore more of this lovely town at your own pace (there’s good shopping too), spend an afternoon on the beach which is just a couple of miles away, or cycle around the pretty countryside and beaches. Tonight, you may like to try one of Hoi An’s many restaurants from French to Vietnamese.

Today you may like to spend more time exploring this beautiful town, cycle to nearby beaches or visit Ba Na Hills (we can arrange) a new attraction in Viet Nam which features the stupendous Golden Bridge; a bridge held up ‘by hands’ over forests and jungle. Please note we may have to move this optional experience to Sunday, as currently the site is open weekends only.

Today we take you to Da Nang Airport for our flight south and drive into the Mekong Delta.  Rest of the day/evening is free. You may like to cycle around the canal area by bicycle or relax in your new surroundings. 

An early morning start, we travel by boat to see locals trading by boat on floating markets and continue through serene jungle canals. This is a beautiful, photogenic area where you’ll witness local life. Rest of day free to relax and explore the local area. 

Today we make our way to the vibrant city of Saigon. Part of this journey is by boat. Rest of evening is free in the busy city.

This morning we take you to Cu Chi tunnels, an area of traps and underground caverns in the jungle used by Vietnamese patriots against the Americans. Later, we return to Saigon for a tour of the city. We’ll visit the War Museum, Reunification Palace and the historic centre. This evening we enjoy our farewell dinner.

We take you to the airport for your flight home.

BB = Bed/Breakfast. HB = Breakfast & Evening meal.