Rich in history, culture and scenery, there is so much to explore in Vietnam. This fascinating tour reveals some of the country’s most extraordinary natural treasures, as well as the chance to discover Hanoi and the mesmerizing Old Imperial City in Hué. We have selected some of the very best accommodation to complement the tour, however the hotels and itinerary can be tailored to your taste. Please call our Private Travel Advisers on 020 7751 0880 to discuss options.

Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi for a 2 night stay, with the afternoon at leisure. Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Day 2 Start with a visit to the incredible Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and then see the simple two-room dwelling where he lived from 1948 until his final days. Take in the miniature One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature, the first Vietnamese university where mandarins were trained, and in the afternoon tour the alleyways of the old quarter by cyclo. End the day with a traditional water puppet show.

Day 3 Drive to Halong Bay and board a traditional junk for a 2 day cruise amongst dramatic limestone islands. Enjoy a five course lunch, then take a bamboo boat through the floating homes of Cua Van fishing village. Overnight on board the Halong Violet

Day 4 This morning transfer to a smaller boat to cruise the bay’s most untouched areas and kayak in the serene waters, returning to the Violet in the late afternoon.

Day 5 Join an early morning Tai chi class, then enjoy a leisurely brunch before disembarking mid-afternoon. Transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang and a 2 night stay in Hoi An. Overnight at The Nam Hai

Day 6 Take a guided walk of Hoi An, a charming World Heritage listed ancient town and once a prosperous trading port. View the stunning old merchants houses, the famous 100 year old Japanese Covered Bridge and Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, a beautiful Chinese temple. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 7 Drive from Hoi An to Hué, via the dramatic Hai Van Pass and the stunning Lang Co beach, arriving around midday. Visit Thien Mu pagoda before checking into your hotel for a 2 night stay. Overnight at La Résidence Hotel & Spa

Day 8 Visit the amazing Old Imperial City, modelled after the Forbidden City of Beijing, offering a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Continue to the Imperial Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and take in the tranquil elegance of these impressive sites.

Day 9 This morning is at leisure before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to by some as Saigon, for a 3 night stay. Overnight at Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel

Day 10 Take a walking tour of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, then continue to Reunification Palace. Afterwards head to the ornate Thien Hau temple and continue to Chinatown to explore the local market.

Day 11 Enjoy a drive through lush countryside to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Stretching over 200 kilometres, this incredible underground network was dug entirely by hand. Arriving back in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the War Remnants Museum.

Day 12 Morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or return flight.

Includes breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners, return scheduled flights, domestic flights, private air-conditioned transportation, an English speaking guide, entrance fees to all attractions visited
and use of a private lounge at Heathrow.