Inside Vietnam

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, famous for its rich culture, bustling life and colonial influences. Its small lakes, busy streets and secluded alleyways are all waiting to be explored.

For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner.

There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Hanoi at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is a 45-minute drive to the hotel. Stay: Nesta Hotel, Hanoi (or similar) (Comfortable)

This morning, we'll take a walking tour of Hanoi, taking in the main sights such as the Presidential Palace and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Our tour leader will fill us in on the history as we go.

In the afternoon, there's the option to take a cyclo tour to discover Hanoi's Old Quarter. You'll notice that the streets here are named after various crafts or specialities; Paper Street, Silk Street, Basket Street and so on. You'll also notice food vendors selling noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers - it's the perfect time to try some street food.

Take some time to soak in your surroundings as the tempting smell of the food mingles with the scent of incense from the local temples.

Alternatively, there's the option to see a water puppet show. This is a centuries-old art form where wooden puppets dance across the water to live folk music. Stay: Nesta Hotel, Hanoi (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

Today, we say goodbye to Hanoi and drive for two-and-a-half hours to the island of Cat Ba, the largest island in the Bay of Tonkin and a UNESCO Biosphere site. The island is made up of rolling hills and towering cliffs and has a lush-forested interior pocketed with natural cave systems.

After settling into our hotel, we'll have time to explore Cat Ba's green interior and some of its best caves. We first take a short, forested walkway to Trung Trang Cave which extends into the side of one of Cat Ba's many limestone cliffs.

Next, we visit Hospital Cave, so-called as it was used as a shelter by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and its 17 separate rooms included a working operating theatre and even a cinema. Stay: Cat Ba Paradise Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we discover Lan Ha Bay, a lesser visited but nonetheless beautiful extension of stunning Halong Bay. The greater Halong Bay area is one of Southeast Asia's greatest natural attractions and is listed as one of the eight natural wonders of the world. The landscape is made up of hundreds of limestone islands that rise from the jade-green waters of the bay like the scales of a submerged dragon. Halong actually means 'where the dragon descends to the sea', and local legends talk of a time when this rugged landscape was created by the pounding tail of a dragon as he ran from the mountains into the waters of the bay below.

Later today, we'll board the Reunification Express overnight train to Hue. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we choose to travel by train instead of flying - cutting carbon emissions and enjoying a more authentic experience of local life along the way. We'll travel in comfortable 'soft-sleeper' four-berth cabins with bunk beds - all bedding is provided. Each carriage has both Western and Asian-style toilets, plus a basin.

Please note, our tour leader will assign beds and do their best to keep our group together, but we might need to share cabins with other travellers. Stay: Overnight train from Hanoi to Hue (or similar) (Simple) (B/L)

We'll arrive in Hue this morning, a peaceful city known as one of Vietnam's key cultural and religious centres. The Perfume River flows gently through the city and has inspired poets and artists for centuries with its serene beauty. In the afternoon, we'll take a relaxing boat ride along the river to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest temple and a cherished symbol of the city, surrounded by tranquil gardens and stunning views.

But Hue isn't just about history - it's a food lover's paradise! Prepare to delight your taste buds with the city's legendary royal cuisine, famed for its delicate spices and unique flavours. Don't miss trying 'bun bo Hue', a spicy beef noodle soup that perfectly captures the city's rich culinary heritage. Other must-try dishes include 'com hen' (clam rice) and 'banh khoai' (crispy pancakes). Stay: Thanh Lich 2 Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable)

This morning, we'll explore Hue's incredible Imperial Citadel, a stunning palace built by Vietnam's last emperors. Even though parts were damaged in the past, the impressive walls and buildings still give a real sense of the city's royal history and charm.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. You could check out the famous Emperor's Tombs, each with its own unique vibe and beautiful surroundings. Or head to Dong Ba Market to dive into local life and taste some amazing street food. Stay: Thanh Lich 2 Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we'll set off on a breathtaking drive along the Hai Van Pass, also called the Ocean Cloud Pass. Along the way, enjoy charming rural scenes with thatched wooden houses and lush rice paddies, all framed by stunning sea views.

Next, we'll explore the Marble Mountains - five striking peaks that represent the elements of water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. Inside, you'll find peaceful Buddhist grottoes and beautiful temples carved into the stone.

Afterward, we'll stop at My Khe Beach, once known as China Beach by American troops, to relax on its soft, white sands.

From there, it's a short drive to the enchanting UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, where history and vibrant culture await. Stay: Vinh Hung Old Town Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

Today is yours to explore Hoi An at your own pace.

This historic merchant town was once one of Southeast Asia's busiest trading ports in the 17th and 18th centuries. First settled by the Portuguese in the 16th century, Hoi An still charms visitors with its beautifully preserved medieval streets and architecture.

You might want to stroll across the iconic Japanese Bridge or explore the intricate Chinese temples and meeting halls scattered throughout the Old Town. The town is full of vibrant shops, cozy cafes, lively bars, and excellent restaurants - perfect for souvenir shopping, getting custom clothes tailored, or simply relaxing by the river and watching the world go by.

For something hands-on, consider joining a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes using fresh, local ingredients - a delicious way to dive into the culture. Or, you could completely unwind with a traditional massage. Stay: Vinh Hung Old Town Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we'll visit My Son, one of Vietnam's most sacred and captivating Cham sites. The Cham people were ancient rulers who broke away from Chinese control in 2 AD to build their own kingdom. The journey to My Son is a bit bumpy as we wind through lush, wooded hills, but it's well worth it to explore the impressive clusters of Cham temples scattered around the site.

The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy more of Hoi An. You might want to try a famous banh mi from one of the local vendors or take part in a lantern-making workshop, crafting the colourful lanterns that light up the town. If you prefer, the beach is just a short taxi ride away, or you could take a peaceful boat trip on the river. Stay: Vinh Hung Old Town Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

We're starting the day early to catch our flight to Saigon. After a quick drive to Danang Airport, we fly into Ho Chi Minh City - known as Saigon by the locals - and then head down to the amazing Mekong Delta. This area is one of the most unique spots in Vietnam, with its endless rivers, coconut palms, and small villages that feel like a whole different world.

We take a boat to our guesthouse where we enjoy traditional food from the Delta and then we hop on a local ferry to a nearby village and explore by trishaw, weaving through lively streets and local markets. Then, we jump onto traditional wooden sampan boats to cruise through the narrow canals, soaking in the peaceful vibe and watching everyday life float by.

We'll spend the night in a guesthouse, giving you a real feel for the laid-back, authentic charm that makes the Mekong Delta such a special place. Stay: Ut Trinh Homestay - Ben Tre (or similar) (Comfortable) (B/L/D)

This morning, we have even more time to explore the winding canals of the Mekong Delta. As we glide along the peaceful waterways, there's a chance we'll meet some of the locals going about their days. We might also catch a glimpse skilled workers turning fresh coconuts into tasty treats and useful products.

After soaking up the tranquil atmosphere and rural charm, we'll hop back in the vehicle and make our way back to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, carrying with us the unforgettable sights and stories of the Mekong Delta. Stay: Alagon Central Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we'll dive into the sights of Old Saigon, now known as District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, our tour leader will point out landmarks like the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the grand General Post Office, and some iconic French Colonial hotels like The Rex.

Next, we'll visit the Independence Palace - also called the Reunification Hall - and the powerful War Remnants Museum, which offers a gripping look at Vietnam's turbulent history.

In the afternoon, we'll explore a different side of the city by wandering through Old Saigon's narrow back alleys. Here, you'll see everything from quirky local shops and bustling markets bursting with colourful fruit and everyday goods, to churches, schools, and cozy homes all packed into tight spaces.

Our walk finishes at Saigon's 'secret Weapons Bunker' - a discreet tube house hiding a trapdoor leading down to a basement stocked with rifles, grenades, and ammunition. This bunker was a crucial part of the 1968 TET Offensive. You'll have time to explore the hidden rooms, filled with decommissioned weapons, photos, news clippings, and other wartime memorabilia. Stay: Alagon Central Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

This morning, we take a drive out of the city to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels - an underground network that played a key role during the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're feeling adventurous, you can crawl through a specially adapted narrow section of the tunnels to get a real sense of the tight, claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong endured.

Afterwards, we'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City, where the afternoon is yours to relax or explore further. You might want to check out the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for some shopping, visit the bustling cafes for a taste of local life, or explore the trendy art galleries and rooftop bars scattered around the city. Stay: Alagon Central Hotel (or similar) (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Ho Chi Minh City at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is around a 40-minute drive from our hotel, depending on traffic.

Want to see more of Southeast Asia? Tick off the highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia on our longer 20-day combo tour. (B)