Our representative will meet all today's arrivals in the Arrivals Hall at Noi Bai International Airport ahead of their 45-minute transfer to the hotel. Check into your room, or store luggage if arriving earlier than the check-in time. 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. This evening, meet your group for dinner and a welcome briefing with your Vietnamese Local Guide or National Escort. Your guide will introduce themselves and the programme at dinner. Please note: As per the Introduction, we operate a tipping kitty system at Wendy Wu Tours, which covers tips for all guides, drivers and meals, etc. The tipping kitty is paid directly to the National Escort (usually at the welcome briefing). They will distribute the kitty accordingly during your tour. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.

Confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels. These cramped tunnels were central to some of the Viet Cong’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive. The tunnels were used as hiding spots in combat, as well supply routes, hospitals and living quarters. Sightseeing here involves two hours on foot on uneven mud paths, and, if you choose, crawling through a short section of the tunnels. This afternoon, explore modern day Saigon (HCMC) with its heady mix of local culture and colonial French influences. We pass the Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the impressive Central Post Office, see the Reunification Palace and spend some time in reflection at the emotive War Remnants Museum. The latter displays military equipment, photographs and artefacts relating to the Vietnam War from 1961-1975. It can be emotional; you will have time to explore independently.

Drive 2.5 hours down to the picturesque province of Ben Tre, situated along the mighty Mekong. 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 this afternoon.

Fly 1 hour and 15 minutes to Danang and transfer to the charming town of Hoi An. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and ancient streets of this charming town. Visit one of Hoi An’s oldest homes, built over 200 years ago and still occupied by the descendants of the merchant family that originally built it. You will also visit the traditional Hoi An Market, the Quan Cong Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Later visit the Reaching Out arts and crafts workshop. If you wish to have anything custom-made by Hoi An’s many tailors, sandal-makers or glasses-makers, it is recommended to visit these locations today or early on Day 6. Please note: The local flight schedule is variable and subject to change. If your flight departs in the afternoon, the walking tour will be moved to the following day.

This morning, head to the colourful market to experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas. There will be an opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in our cooking class today. Next, head to a restaurant, where you will be given demonstrations of how to make some of the regions specialties, have a go at cooking yourself before enjoying the dishes you have prepared for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is free at your leisure to explore the ancient town, or perhaps go to the beach.

Enjoy a free day at leisure to explore Hoi An.

Drive approximately 4 hours to Hue – a journey that will take you over the scenic Hai Van Pass. The scholarly city of Hue is the embodiment of Vietnam’s dynamic past, wearing its history on its sleeve. Upon arrival, head to Emperor Minh Mang's Tomb to explore this opulent and exotic resting place, laid out in formal Chinese style. Emperor Minh Mang reigned in the Nguyen Dynasty, from 1820-1840. This beautiful mortuary complex comprises of almost 40 monuments and is surrounded by gardens and pools. Then visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City which is still being restored many years after the destruction caused by street fighting and bombing during the American War in Vietnam. Continue by road to Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River.

This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. Begin at the Confucian Temple of Literature before an exhilarating cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and French Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. Wrap up your day’s touring with the opportunity to try a traditional Vietnamese egg coffee.

Take a road trip into Vietnam’s northern Highlands, arriving in Sapa in the late afternoon. The vast panoramas of ribboning rice terraces that snake their way across these highlands are a testament to the extraordinary farming skills of the many communities in the region. Your hotel here will be your base for the next three nights. You will need to pack a smaller overnight bag for your trip to Sapa. Main luggage will be left in safe storage at the hotel in Hanoi and picked up on your return.

Transfer to the small Giay village of Ta Van, in the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy a scenic 1 and a half hour walk through the tranquil rice terraces towards the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai. Marvel at the cascading paddy fields that cling to the mountainside and take in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking views before heading over to nearby Lao Chai village where you will learn the art of Batik painting. Join a hands-on master class led by a local expert and take your creation home. The day concludes with a stroll to the main road before transferring back to Sapa town. Next day, start this half-day walking tour by visiting the rustic village of Suoi Ho. Take a stroll through its sleepy streets and get a glimpse of village life. Later, enjoy views of the stunning countryside as you walk along the Suoi Ho River, en-route to the second village of Ma Tra. Soak up its vibrant culture and visit its quaint Christian church, before being picked up by car and returning to Sapa Town. Walking today will be approximately 3 and half hours.

This morning you will have a chance to reach to the summit of Vietnam’s highest peak, Mount Fansipan by cable car to admire stunning views of Muong Hoa valley and Hoang Lien National Forest from above. The cable car transports you from the base of the 3,143-metre mountain to its highest point within 15-20 minutes. It stops near the top of Fansipan mountain for fantastic photo opportunities. Time permitting, you may wish to take the 600 steps to reach the summit (not recommended in wet weather). Visit Sapa Museum before your afternoon drive back to Hanoi.

Drive around 2 and a half hours today from Hanoi to Halong, where you will take an overnight cruise to the farmost corners of the bay. Boarding your boat could involve navigating your way over and through other boats, moored between it and the dock, sometimes without handrails, ladders or assistance from staff. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise out into the bay, stopping to anchor for an afternoon of activities. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting underground caves on the islands which involves climbing up and down lots of steps. End the day on deck with a drink in hand to watch the sunset over the bay followed by a freshly prepared dinner, before retiring to your cabin for the night. 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 such as mist, fog, wind, rain and storms 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 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. Our guides will make every effort to inform you at the earliest possible moment should there be any itinerary changes. Next day, spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After an early lunch (or brunch meal) disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi. This evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, an artistic open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

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.