Highlights of Vietnam

An overnight journey to Vietnam

Arrive at London Heathrow, meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers, then board the overnight flight to Vietnam via Doha.

A gentle introduction to the bustling city of Hanoi

Land in Hanoi, coach transfer to four-star hotel with early check-in. Afternoon walking tour starting at Sword Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and French colonial streets. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Exploring Hanoi and its incredible street food scene

Full day sightseeing: Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One-Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Temple of Literature. Afternoon street food tour with local guide sampling bun cha and banh goi, ending at 'international crossroads' with Bia Hoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight cruise on UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay

Coach transfer to Ha Long Bay. Board luxury junk boat for overnight cruise among jungle-draped limestone islands. Seafood lunch on board, visit caves and islands, spectacular sunset. Cooking demonstration or relaxation in cabin. Dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ha Long Bay sunrise and boarding the sleeper train

Early risers enjoy sunrise and tai chi class on deck. Breakfast as ship sails back to shore. Coach back to Hanoi with stop at local craft centre. Evening traditional water puppet show. Transfer to Hanoi railway station and board the Reunification Express overnight to Hue in double occupancy Violette cabins.

Meals: Breakfast

The imperial city of Hue

Arrive Hue by train with picnic breakfast on board. Early check-in at four-star hotel. Afternoon guided tour: Thien Mu Pagoda (seven-storey Buddhist temple, 1601) and the Imperial Citadel (Nguyen dynasty capital 1802–1945, modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City). Free evening to explore Hue's restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Coastal Da Nang and on to Hoi An

Train from Hue to Da Nang with views of mountains and coastline. Visit Cham Museum and Marble Mountains. Transfer to four-star boutique hotel in central Hoi An. Free afternoon to relax by the pool or explore the Old Town.

Meals: Breakfast

Sightseeing in the 'Lantern City'

Guided tour of Hoi An: Tan Ky Old House (1741), Fujian Assembly Hall, 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Lunch at local restaurant. Lantern-making class at Xu Dang Trong Art Centre. Free afternoon and evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day at leisure in Hoi An

Full free day. Options include Cantonese Assembly Hall, Trang coconut village basket boat trip, Central Market street food, coffee shops, Night Market seafood dining.

Meals: Breakfast

Flying into old Saigon

Early breakfast, transfer to Da Nang airport for internal flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Photo stops en route to hotel: Reunification Palace, General Post Office, City Hall, War Remnants Museum. Check in to five-star hotel. Free evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Looking back in time in the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit Cu Chi Tunnels – vast underground complex (~155 miles) used during wars with France and the US. Optional entry into tunnels with guide. Free time over lunch. Return to Ho Chi Minh City with free evening.

Meals: Breakfast

A tranquil day in the Mekong Delta

Coach to Ben Tre island town on the Mekong Delta. Demonstration of local brick and grass mat making. Lunch at local restaurant with exotic fruits and regional cuisine. Return to Ho Chi Minh City by coach. Free evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A final day in Ho Chi Minh City

Leisurely day for sightseeing or shopping: Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, Bến Thành Market, Jade Emperor Pagoda, District 1 shopping. Evening coach transfer to airport for overnight flight home to London Heathrow.

Meals: Breakfast

Homeward bound

Land at London Heathrow in the morning. Tour concludes.