Discover Vietnam

Vietnam is a fascinating country ripe for discovery, with a rich mix of history, scenery, food and culture. Comprising a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by water buffalo and women in conical hats, the elegant and colourful cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, tropical palm-fringed beaches, mountainous forested interiors, the legacy of French colonial rule and an eclectic cuisine, Vietnam offers a perfect taste of Indochina.

Essential Experiences:
· Sample Vietnamese cuisine
· Cruising through the beautiful Halong Bay
· Watching a traditional water puppet show in Hanoi

The Tour: Travel from the elegant city of Hanoi in the north to vibrant bustling Saigon in the south. En route learn about the country’s turbulent history and visit areas of spectacular scenic beauty, including the waterways of the Mekong Delta and the World Heritage sites of Halong Bay and Hoi An.

Accommodation: With its burgeoning economy, Vietnam has an increasing number of excellent hotels throughout but prices, especially in the main cities, can be expensive. On this tour we have chosen properties that offer good standards and excellent value for money allowing us to include the real highlights - the 2 cruises aboard the Huong Hai Junk and the Bassac.

» Day 1 to Day 2: LONDON TO HANOI

Overnight flight from London to Hanoi. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

» Day 3: HANOI

Embark upon a full day city tour of Hanoi including the One-Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and History Museum. We'll then explore the Old Quarter on cyclos (tricycles with a seat up front for the passenger) before a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show. (B)

» Day 4 to Day 5: HALONG BAY CRUISE

Transfer 100 miles east to the beautiful Halong Bay where we embark upon our 2 night cruise aboard a traditional style junk. Sail amid the spectacular scenery visiting some of the islands and stopping off for the opportunity to swim or fish. (B,L,D)

» Day 6: HALONG BAY TO HOI AN

Transfer to a small bamboo boat to visit Luon cave before returning to the mainland. Transfer back to Hanoi for the onward flight to Danang, from where we transfer to Hoi An for the next 2 nights. (B,L)

» Day 7: HOI AN

This morning, we include a half day trip to My Son, the former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom where some of the ruins date back as far as the 7th century. In the afternoon we explore the delightful town of Hoi An. (B)

» Day 8: HOI AN

Day at leisure to enjoy the lovely setting of Hoi An, or our optional excursion to the historic city of Hue, including the famous Imperial Citadel (2010: £56pp). (B)

» Day 9: HOI AN TO SAIGON

Transfer to Da Nang airport for the onward flight to Saigon and upon arrival transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, embark upon an introductory city tour including Chinatown and Binh Tay market. (B)

» Day 10: MEKONG DELTA CRUISE

Pick up from your hotel and drive to Can Tho to embark on our cruise through the Mekong Delta. Depart downstream on the Hau river, with time to relax as we float past paddy fields, sugar cane plantations and forests. Stop off at a local village providing an opportunity to appreciate the local way of life. Anchor for the night near Tra On. (B,L,D)

» Day 11: MEKONG DELTA TO SAIGON

Continue the cruise, visiting floating markets before arriving back to Can Tho, where we disembark for our return journey to Saigon. (B,L)

» Day 12: CHU CHI TUNNELS

A morning excursion to the Chu Chi tunnels, am immense network of underground tunnels that were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and the base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Some 75 miles of the complex have been preserved by the government of Vietnam, and turned into a war memorial park. Our excursion allows us to enter this once secretive complex of tunnels - a testament to Vietnamese ingenuity. (B)

» Day 13: SAIGON TO LONDON

Return flight to London or choose from our optional extensions. (B)