Arrive in Hanoi where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.  Relax at the hotel or take a walk and explore the city streets.

Overnight in Hanoi

Discover the story of Hanoi by exploring its top sites and labyrinthine Old Quarter. See all the highlights including the Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — the resting place of Vietnam’s founding president. You’ll also see the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, an 11th century archaeological site, and the famous Temple of Literature. End the afternoon viewing Long Bien Bridge, which was partially bombed during the Vietnam War, then take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, finishing with a coffee at a local café.

Overnight in Hanoi

Drive about four hours to the coastal port of Halong to explore the amazing natural wonder of Halong Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your two-day cruise through the jade green waters will see you cruise to the far-most corners of the bay on a traditional wooden junk, visit fishing villages and kayak past jungle-clad karsts towering up out of the water. 

Overnight on board

Wake up with the sunrise and admire the bay at first light. Take a small tender boat to visit Surprise Cave the largest in the bay and so called because you really are surprised on entering!  The cave is filled with impressive limestone formations that have been illuminated for the best views. Cruise through the bay arriving back at the port around midday. Drive back to Hanoi arriving late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi

Fly to the former imperial city of Hue and explore the elaborate tombs belonging to past emperors. Nestled against the banks of the Perfume River, Hue has had an interesting history. See the mausoleum of the former emperor Minh Mang situated in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes and walk around the Imperial Citadel the seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty.

Overnight in Hue

Take a cruise down the romantically named Perfume River and let your mind wander to the empires of the past. Then drive about two and a half hours along the Hai Van Pass, the most scenic stretch of coastal road in all of Vietnam!  The scenic route climbs over the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’ before dropping down to the photogenic  fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive into the UNESCO Heritage Town of Hoi An late in the afternoon.

Overnight in Hoian

With its stunning mix of architecture, that tells a story of days gone by, to the colourful boats bobbing in the harbour, Hoi An is has a charm and style all of its own. Once a 15th century fishing village, the town is now a renowned for its tailors, galleries, boutiques and of course its food!  This morning, explore the beautifully restored town on a guided walking tour and see all the main sites.

Overnight in Hoian

Drive to Danang and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Discover the story of Saigon, from the days of the French rule to the war years with America – this is one city with a tale to tell! See all the main sights including the Reunification Palace, the Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. End your day with a speedboat trip down the river to see a different side of the city.

Overnight in Saigon

Travel by speedboat from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground city for Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. Cruise the Saigon River, taking in the scenery and river life as you leave the bustling city behind. In the tunnels, discover how the Viet Cong survived underground and see various man traps, bomb craters and other remnants of war. Then visit a farm and taste an unusual local specialty - cricket!

Overnight in Saigon

In the morning, drive to Cai Be in the heart of the Mekong Delta stopping to take photos in Tan An town overlooking the picturesque flat rice fields. On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating market and watch the locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then wander into the small villages to visit the orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village, the green pearl of Vinh Long town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of the garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a delightful walk through the bonsai garden. Continue the journey to Vinh Long and then drive to Can Tho, the largest town in the Mekong Delta.

Overnight in Can Tho

Rise early and go by boat to the township of Cai Rang to see the hustle and bustle of a floating market. Then, drive approximately three hours to the riverside town of Chau Doc, a colourful and sleepy town near the Vietnam-Cambodia border.  This afternoon take a cruise along the Vinh Te Canal which helps define the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.  After the cruise, head to Sam Mountain for breathtaking sunset views over a chequered patchwork of rice fields and earthen dikes.

Overnight in Chau Doc

Travel by boat four and half hours up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh the capital city of Cambodia. See the jewels of the Silver Pagoda with its floor made of silver and Buddha’s studded in diamonds. Hear the moving stories of the prisoners of Tuol Sleng and end your day on a lighter note as you shop for trinkets at the central market.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Fly to Siem Reap and the magnificent temples of Ankgor. This afternoon explore the ancient ruins of the Roluos group of temples.  These three small temples were the site of a former Angkorian capital. In the evening take your time to wander the old market area of the town with its labyrinth of lanes filled with boutiques, galleries, cafes and small bars. It’s the place to be after dark!

Overnight in Siem Reap

Be awestruck by Angkor Wat, marvel at the smiling faces of Bayon and the tree entwined temple of Ta Prohm, that featured in the movie Tomb Raider. You’ll also see the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of Leper King, the pyramid shaped Phimeanakas and watch the sunset from the top of Pre Rup. All the main highlight temples are covered so you won’t miss a thing!

Overnight in Siem Reap

This morning you might like to pick up some last minute souvenirs at the market before you transfer to the airport for your onward flight.