On arrival in Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be met by an English-speaking representative and transfer to your hotel. Please note: Early check in is not included. If your flight arrives in the morning and you wish to arrange this, please speak to your reservations consultant. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.

This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Sightseeing here involves two hours on foot on wide but uneven paths through the forest, seeing examples of reconstructed bamboo traps, Viet Cong kitchens, and tunnel entrances. Should you choose, you will also have the opportunity to spend a few minutes underground, on a short, crouched walk through an example section of the tunnel network, which has been slightly enlarged for visitors’ safety. Stop for lunch at an organic farm en route back to Saigon. Explore the city’s heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. See the Notre-Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the poignant War Remnants Museum. The latter is an emotional visit; you will be given time to explore independently.

Drive 2 and a half hours down to the picturesque province of Ben Tre, situated along the mighty Mekong Delta. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, because its rich and fertile lands produce huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables and tropical fruit. Spend the day cruising and exploring, travelling by motorised, wooden boats between the islands and changing to smaller, paddleboats in the canals. Sightseeing involves hopping on and off these boats, often on unsteady and slippery surfaces, sometimes without handrails or assistance. Return to Saigon.

Take a 1h20min flight from Saigon to Danang and transfer 45 minutes through the countryside to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Head out on a walking tour of the Old Town, with visits including Chua Ong Chinese Pagoda, a 200-year-old merchant house, and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge. With its charming yellow buildings and vivid silk lanterns, a stroll through this traditional town feels like stepping back in time.

Head out into Hoi An’s peaceful countryside to visit an organic farming community. Here you can enjoy the lush green landscapes and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. You’ll even have an opportunity to try the techniques for yourself! The afternoon is at leisure to head to the beach or explore the Old Town’s charming shops and boutiques.

Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking a scenic drive over the dramatically beautiful Hai Van Pass. This afternoon, discover Hue’s imperial history, beginning at the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, the symbol of the city.

This morning, visit the Royal Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This funerary complex comprises dozens of monuments set in beautiful surroundings with gardens and pools. Later, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi. Please note that as you have multiple days in Hanoi, your National Escort may change the order of touring based on local flights and schedules. No touring will be missed.

Discover the sights of Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter for an insight into the Vietnam War. Visit the Humble House on Stilts, where Ho Chi Minh lived in the grounds of the Presidential Palace, and see his Mausoleum in Ba Dinh Square. Visit the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university, before taking a cyclo tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo (rickshaw) takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. Wrap up your ride with an opportunity to taste some ‘egg coffee’ – a local speciality.

Drive 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, where you will take an overnight cruise to the far-most corners of this famously beautiful bay by boat. Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities such as kayaking, swimming, or relaxing on an island beach (determined by the local weather conditions). Sightseeing may include visiting underground caves on the islands, which require climbing up and down steps inside and outside of the caves. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset, followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night. Please note: You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Halong Bay. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up your return. Please note: Weather conditions may delay the departure time of your cruise, or in some cases your cruise may be cancelled. Notifications of any delays or cancellations may not be known until your group’s arrival in Halong Bay. If your cruise is cancelled after your arrival in Halong Bay, you will have lunch in Halong City and return to Hanoi. If notification of the cruise cancellation is given prior to your departure for Halong Bay, an alternative day trip will be arranged to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc or ‘Halong Bay on Land’, an area located approximately 2 hours from Hanoi.

After a night anchored out on the bay, rise early to enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on deck as the sun rises. Cruise back to port, stopping en route to visit one of the bay’s impressive caves. Return to Hanoi, where your afternoon is at leisure ahead of this evening’s farewell dinner.

Any time before your flight is at leisure and breakfast will be included. You will be transferred from your hotel for approximately 1 hour to Noi Bai International Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.