Blaring horns. French Colonial buildings. Picturesque lakes. And the smell of incense in the air. Welcome to historic Hanoi! Meet your fellow explorers and kick things off with a DE-licious street food tour through the Old Quarter. Our in-the-know Trip Leader will take us to all the local spots for goodies like bánh mì, pho, spring rolls and egg coffee – trust us, it's tasty.

Then: head to Bai Hoi (aka Beer Corner). No guesses how this place got its name. Pull up a roadside stool with a cold Bia Hà Noi and get to know the gang – we might be a mixed bunch, but we're all in it together. Cheers to that! (D)

Ready to delve deeper into this incredible city? We thought so. Slip on the Birks and explore with your Trip Leader – ticking off the likes of One Pillar Pagoda, Lenin Park, Northern Gate, Cua Bac Church, B52 Lake and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (you can visit later, if you like). Then, we're heading to a local bún cha eatery for lunch. How many spring rolls is too many? Stupid question.

What you do this afternoon is 100% up to you, but if you're chasing that off-the-beaten-path experience – jump aboard a locally guided Vespa tour. History buffs should check out Hoa Lo Prison. Catch a water puppet show at Thang Long theatre. Or stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before hunting down a local hole-in-the-wall for a bowl of pho. (B/L)

Halong Bay: World Heritage Site. The jewel in Vietnam's crown. One of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature'. Whichever way you look at it, Halong Bay is pretty damn special. So, today we're gonna do it properly with an overnight junk boat cruise. Spend the day swimming in glittering turquoise water, exploring limestone islands, digging into freshly made meals, and dancing into the sunset with your travel buds. This? This is what makes the memories.

*Heads up! If you selected twin-share accommodation for this trip, you might be bunking with an extra trip mate for the duration of the cruise. All part of the experience, right? (B/L/D)

Rise and shine, sailors! Kick off the day with a refreshing dip and hearty brunch. Then: we're dropping anchor back in Hanoi, where there's free time to get your explore on.

Afterwards, we're moving on to ancient Hoi An the traditional way – by overnight train! This is your chance to catch up on some zzzs and swap tales with your trip mates. It doesn't get more authentic than this. (B)

Hop off the train and wave chào to the locals – after a short drive from Da Nang prepare to be SERIOUSLY charmed by the ancient city of Hoi An. This stunner is a patchwork of all the civilisations to leave their imprint here. Expect: rustic Chinese shophouses, multicoloured French Colonial villas, and one helluva spectacular Japanese bridge.

Want help discovering this gem of a place? We got you. There's an optional basket boat ride followed by a delish local cooking class up for grabs – your mad new gastro skills are sure to impress the Tinder matches back home. Or soak up views of the forest and surrounding villages on a sunset paddle boat adventure along the river. Dreams = made.

You wanted more free time to explore. So, here it is. Need some suggestions? Opt for a full day private tour of the Ba Na Hills. You'll head up into the clouds in a cable car and tick off several epic sights, including the Insta-worthy Golden Bridge (Google it and get excited). Rather do your own thing? Explore the buzzing Central Market. Get a custom piece made by the city's famous tailors. Or cycle to An Bang Beach for chilled boho vibes.

Tonight, we'll have free time to explore the lantern-filled magic of Hoi An Old Town. There's also a delish evening street food tour to get stuck into. You'll wanna come with an appetite (and probably an elastic waistband). (B)

Great news guys: you've got another free morning to soak up Hoi An. Take one last pic of the Japanese bridge and pick out your fave silk lantern souvenirs before we hop back on the bus. Our next stop? The Marble Mountains. These spellbinding limestone rock formations are like being dropped into a screensaver. Just: wow. Lunch is included today, so prepare for more lip-smacking Vietnamese goodness.

Later: grab some snacks for tomorrow's brekkie cos we're choo-choosing the overnight train once more as we make tracks for Nha Trang. Shotgun top bunk! (B/L)

Jump off the train in Nha Trang like the local pro you now are. Grab some brekkie at a local café before exploring this beaut coastal city. Nha Trang is Vietnam's diving capital – but it's not just underwater marvels that you've got to look forward to. Need some recs? Soak up the city's top sights on an optional guided tour followed by a visit to one of the city's famous mud baths. Or get horizontal lying on paradisical white-sand beaches during a full-day tour of Nha Trang's nearby islands. Can't get enough of Vietnamese grub? There's also an evening cycle and street food tour on offer.

Tonight, show off your best moves at a beach party. This is livin'.

You wanted more time to explore, and we LOVE making you happy. So here it is! Grab your travel buddies and hit Nha Trang Beach for some sunshine, swimming and snoozing. Or tick off the city's best hiking trails. Your Trip Leader has heaps of food recs for when you get peckish. Then, pack up your bags ‘cos we're taking to the skies this afternoon. Our destination? Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – a capital with nearly 9 million people, it's a bubbling pot of energy, excitement and hidden gems. Aka your perfect match. (B)

This morning, it's time to pull out your history hat – we're off to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Surrounded by jungle that was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong, take a guided tour of the area and learn all about how this underground network was used by guerilla fighters during the Vietnam War. Then: we'll drop into an organic farm for a lesson in local produce and a traditional homemade lunch. Tasty times.

Back in the city, the evening is up to you. Grab the whole group for dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Get lost in the streets and find yourself along the way. Or there's an optional beer tasting on the cards at the Saigon Skyview observation deck – the highest point in HCMC. (B/L)

This is not over Ho Chi Minh – we're coming back for you later. Today's all about the wet stuff as we set our sights on the 'rice bowl' of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta region. This tropical maze of rivers and swamps looks like it's dropped straight outta The Jungle Book. For real. Wanna know how to make markets more fun? Put them on boats, obvs. We'll check out the world-class pineapple tossing skills of the traders at the traditional floating market in Cai Be.

Then: time to take to the waterways with a pit stop at a local bonsai gardener's home for an included lunch. Hope you like leafy greens. And tonight? We're hunkering down in a traditional homestay with a local family, where our host will give us a masterclass in Vietnamese cooking. Heads up: rooms are shared here, so settle in and swap notes on the adventure so far. (B/L/D)

Wake to the sound of the village stirring to life, and catch sight of the locals preparing for a new day. After a group brekkie at our homestay, we'll jump back on a boat towards the waterfront city of Vinh Long for an included lunch – stopping along the way to see how some of the locals make their living.

Afterwards: it's time to return to HCMC where there's an optional motorbike tour on the cards. Soak up allll the city's highlights, including Saigon Central Post Office (designed by the same guy as the Eiffel Tower), Dong Khoi Street, Gia Long Palace and the Old Central Market. And tonight? Seek out some shellfish, rice paper pizza, and the city's specialty – com tam *wipes drool from chin*. (B/L)

No lies, it's an early wake-up call this morning. But you'll have plenty of time to catch up on some zzzs as we roll into Cambodia! Ancient wonders. Serene landscapes. And a fascinatingly diverse history – Cambodia delivers on all fronts. We'll kick off in Phnom Penh, where the evening's yours to sample some sizzling street food along Sihanouk Boulevard. OR go full-out with an optional cocktail tour of the city. Be rude not to, right? (B)

We'll begin the day with a sobering visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – documenting the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge during their ‘revolution'. There's a lot to take in, but learning about this devastating period of the country's history is important to fully understand modern Cambodia.

Later on, quiz your expert Trip Leader on the best bargains to sniff out at the iconic art deco Central Market. And this evening? We'll take to the water for a sunset cruise on the mighty Mekong. This is what you came for. (B)

We'll swap Phnom Penh for Siem Reap this afternoon, with time to spare for some immense optional activities. Wanna do some good? There's an optional half-day tour around some local social enterprises. Learn about a range of awesome projects that are helping make Cambodia a better place. Or discover the treats on the streets with a finger-lickingly good evening food tour. There's even a night under the big top with the Cambodian Circus on offer. Can't say we don't spoil you!

Later, immerse yourself in the neon-jungle of Angkor Night Market or experience the crazy that is Pub Street. Go steady – tomorrow is packed with memory-makers that you're not gonna want to miss. (B)

Ready for a real-life temple run? This is it. First up: we'll explore the Angkor Thom complex with our local guide. Venture through statue-lined South Gate, the intricately decorated Bayon Temple and check out the Elephant Terrace. Then it's onto Ta Prohm – a ruin filled with crumbling towers and overgrown tree roots. Think: Tomb Raider.

Refuel and rehydrate – next we're headed for Angkor Wat temple. The biggest temple complex in the world, ‘otherworldly' doesn't even come close to describing this place. Afterwards, soak up an epic sunset during an optional quad bike tour. Then, we'll settle in for our final group dinner at a local eatery. WHAT an adventure it's been. (B/D)

17 days of incredible adventures with a pack of strangers who are now like family. Get down to breakfast and swap those socials – you'll need them for next year's reunion trip. Not ready for The End? There's a final chance to flex your chef skills with an optional cooking class at a local farm. Or why not set off on an e-bike tour and immerse yourself in the beauty of the local countryside? Ngl, it's pretttty dreamy. Then, it's time to really say goodbye. Unless you're gonna keep the adventure going on our Delve Deep: Northern Thailand trip? We love your style. (B)

Blaring horns, French colonial buildings, peaceful lakes, and the scent of incense in the air - welcome to historic Hanoi. Meet your fellow travellers and kick things off with a street food tour through the Old Quarter. Our in-the-know Trip Leader will guide us to the best spots for bánh mì, pho, spring rolls, and egg coffee (yes, it's a thing – and it's delicious).

Later, we'll head to Bia Hoi Corner. We might be a mixed bunch, but we're all in it together, so grab a stool, order a cold Bia Hà Noi, and toast to new adventures. Stay: Wanderlust Station Hostel or similar (D)

Ready to get to know this incredible city a little better? We thought so. Join your Trip Leader to explore landmarks like the One Pillar Pagoda, Lenin Park, Northern Gate, Cua Bac Church, B52 Lake, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You can always swing back to your favourite sights later, with plenty of time to soak it all in. Then we'll stop at a local bún cha spot for lunch - and no, there really is no such thing as too many spring rolls.

This afternoon is yours to spend as you like. Fancy something different? Hop on a locally guided Vespa tour. History fan? Visit Hoa Lo Prison. Or take in a water puppet show at Thang Long Theatre. You could also wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and find a hidden pho joint for dinner. Stay: Wanderlust Station Hostel or similar (B/L)

Halong Bay: a World Heritage Site, the jewel of Vietnam, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. However you describe it, this place is truly special. Today we'll take it all in with an overnight junk boat cruise - think swimming in clear turquoise waters, exploring limestone islands, enjoying freshly prepared meals, and watching the sun set over the bay. It's the kind of day you won't forget. *Just a heads up: if you've chosen twin-share accommodation, you might be sharing with an extra trip mate during the cruise – but it's all part of the adventure! Stay: La Regina Classis Cruise or similar (B/L/D)

Rise and shine to a refreshing morning swim and a hearty brunch. Then we set sail back to Hanoi, where you'll have free time to explore at your own pace.

Later, we continue our journey to ancient Hoi An – travelling the traditional way, by overnight train. It's the perfect chance to get some rest and share stories with your fellow travellers. Stay: Overnight train (B)

Hop off the train and say chào to the locals. First up: the Marble Mountains - these striking limestone formations feel like something out of a dream. Lunch is included today, so get ready for more delicious Vietnamese flavours.

Then, prepare to be charmed by the ancient city of Hoi An. This stunner is a patchwork of all the civilisations to leave their imprint here. Expect: rustic Chinese shophouses, multi-coloured French Colonial villas, and one spectacular Japanese bridge. Want help discovering this gem of a place? We got you. There's an optional basket boat ride followed by a delish local cooking class up for grabs – your new gastro skills are bound to impress back home – whether it's a date or just your mates. Or soak up views of the forest and surrounding villages on a sunset paddle boat adventure along the river. It's what dreams are made of. Stay: Hoi An Paradise Hotel or similar (L)

You wanted more free time to explore - here it is. Need some ideas? You could join a full-day private tour of the Ba Na Hills, heading up into the clouds by cable car and visiting highlights like the famous Golden Bridge (worth a Google). Prefer to go your own way? Check out the lively Central Market, have something custom-made by one of Hoi An's legendary tailors, or cycle out to An Bang Beach for laid-back boho magic.

This evening, wander through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Old Town or join an optional street food tour for a taste of the local favourites. Bring your appetite to make the most of the night. Stay: Hoi An Paradise Hotel or similar (B)

Good news - you've got some free time to soak up Hoi An. Snap a final photo of the Japanese bridge and pick up a silk lantern or two before we hop on the bus to Da Nang this afternoon. Once we arrive, it's a good idea to grab some snacks for tomorrow's breakfast - we'll be boarding the overnight train again as we head to Nha Trang. Stay: Overnight train (B)

Hop off the train in Nha Trang - you're a pro at this by now. Grab breakfast at a local café before heading out to explore this coastal city. Known as Vietnam's diving capital, Nha Trang has plenty to offer both above and below the water. Looking for ideas? Join an optional city tour followed by a visit to one of the famous mud baths, or spend the day relaxing on white-sand beaches with a tour of the nearby islands. Still hungry for more local flavours? There's an optional evening cycle and street food tour too.

Later, why not head out to see what Nha Trang's evenings are all about? You'll be spoilt for choice, with lively beachfront bars, music drifting along the sand, and plenty of spots to sip something cold under the stars. Stay: Liberty Central Nha Trang Hotel or similar

You wanted more time to explore – consider it done. Gather your travel companions and head to Nha Trang Beach for some sunshine, swimming, and serious relaxation; or tackle one of the city's best hiking trails. Your Trip Leader will have plenty of food recommendations when hunger strikes.

Afterward, pack your bags - this afternoon we fly to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). With nearly 9 million people, this city buzzes with energy, colour and non-stop surprises – get ready to dive in and soak it all up. Stay: Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel or similar (B)

This morning, it's time to pull out your history hat - we're off to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Surrounded by jungle that was once a stronghold of the Viet Cong, take a guided tour of the area and learn all about how this underground network was used by guerilla fighters during the Vietnam War. Then we'll drop into an organic farm for a lesson in local produce and a traditional homemade lunch.

Back in the city, the evening is up to you. Grab the whole group for dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Get lost in the streets and find yourself along the way. Stay: Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel or similar (B/L)

We're not done with Ho Chi Minh City yet - we'll be back later. Today, it's all about the water as we explore the Mekong Delta, often called the ‘rice bowl' of Vietnam. This network of rivers and swamps feels like something out of The Jungle Book. Want to see markets done differently? We'll visit the traditional floating market in Cai Be, where traders show off impressive pineapple-tossing skills. Then we'll cruise the waterways, stopping at a local bonsai gardener's home for an included lunch.

And tonight, we'll stay with a local family in a traditional homestay, where our hosts will teach us some Vietnamese cooking. Rooms are shared, so it's a great chance to swap stories and reflect on the day. Stay: Mekong Delta Homestay Ut Thuy or similar (B/L/D)

Wake to the sound of the village stirring to life, and catch sight of the locals preparing for a new day.

After a group breakfast at our homestay, we'll jump back on a boat towards the waterfront city of Vinh Long for an included lunch - stopping along the way to see how some of the locals make their living. And tonight? Be sure to try some shellfish, rice paper pizza, and the city's specialty - com tam (a Vietnamese dish made from fractured rice grains. Stay: Phan Anh Backpackers Hostel or similar (B/L)

It's an early start this morning – but there'll be plenty of time to catch up on sleep as we make our way into Cambodia. Ancient wonders, serene landscapes and a rich, diverse history – Cambodia delivers on all fronts. We'll begin in Phnom Penh, where the evening is yours to explore. Sample sizzling street food along Sihanouk Boulevard – or opt for a cocktail tour of the city. Stay: Pacific Hotel or similar (B)

We'll begin the day with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – a sobering reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge's rule. It's a lot to take in, but understanding this period is key to making sense of modern Cambodia.

Later, ask your Trip Leader for tips on finding the best bargains at the iconic art deco Central Market. In the evening, we'll take to the water for a sunset cruise on the Mekong. This is what you came for. Stay: Pacific Hotel or similar (B)

This afternoon we'll leave Phnom Penh for Siem Reap, with time for some great optional activities. Explore the city's street food on an evening tour – a chance to sample some delicious local dishes – or hop on a foodie Vespa tour for a fun, fast-paced taste of Siem Reap. Want something completely different? Head out on a sunset quad bike tour through the countryside, then, if you're still up for more, spend the night under the big top at the Cambodian Circus.

Later, check out the neon-lit Angkor Night Market or the buzz of Pub Street – but go easy, tomorrow is full of moments you won't want to miss. Stay: The Twizt - Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel or similar (B)

Ready for a real-life temple adventure? First, we'll explore the Angkor Thom complex with our local guide. Walk through the statue-lined South Gate, take in the intricate Bayon Temple and visit the Elephant Terrace. Then it's on to Ta Prohm – a ruin of crumbling towers and tangled tree roots. Refuel and rehydrate – next is Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world. ‘Otherworldly' barely does it justice.

Afterwards, we'll be watching the sun set from Bakheng Hill, before we come together for a final group dinner at a local eatery. What an adventure it's been. Stay: The Twizt - Lifestyle Hostel & Hotel or similar (B/D)

Seventeen days of unforgettable adventures with a group of strangers who now feel like family. Enjoy breakfast together and swap contact details – perfect for planning that reunion trip. Not ready for it to end? There's still time for an optional cooking class at a local farm, or an e-bike tour through the beautiful countryside. Then it's time to say goodbye – unless you're continuing the journey on our North Thailand: Rivers & Rice Fields. Now that's the spirit. (B)