Christmas in Vietnam

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. This afternoon is at leisure before this evening's welcome dinner.

Spend the morning discovering the guerrilla warfare tactics of the Viet Cong at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Stop for lunch at an organic farm before returning to Saigon for an afternoon city tour. This fascinating city is a blend of colonial architecture and modern innovation, wearing its history on its sleeve. Visit the poignant War Remnants Museum, along with the Reunification Palace, the French Colonial Central Post Office, and the 19th-century Notre-Dame Cathedral, decorated with festive lights.

Head southwest to Ben Tre for a boat trip on the Mekong Delta. Paddle through the palm-lined canals, stopping to visit a bee farm for a cup of honey tea. After lunch, visit the beautiful gardens of the Vinh Trang Pagoda en route back to Saigon.

Take a short flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This UNESCO-listed town is a delight to explore, with traditional silk lanterns lining the streets and gondolas bobbing on the river. Visit an old merchant family's house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market before dinner.

Afterwards, why not visit one of the town's legendary late-night tailors? The clothes-makers here are famous for their ability to deliver high-quality, custom-fit clothing in just 24 hours.

Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a cooperative farming community that supplies many local restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Their secret: instead of traditional fertiliser or chemicals, they use an all-natural seaweed found in the village lagoon. Enjoy the lush green countryside, stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work and try your hand at their traditional techniques. This afternoon is at leisure.

Drive across the famously scenic Hai Van Pass to reach Hue. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Upon arrival, explore the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. Later, visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a cruise on the Perfume River.

This morning, fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi, where the afternoon is at leisure.

Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you'll visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed at certain times of year) and the Stilt House set in the gardens of the Presidential Palace. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Board a traditional sailing ship on Halong Bay and cruise out into its tranquil waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it's easy to see why it is one of Vietnam's most beloved destinations. Enjoy excursions such as kayaking or exploring island caves this afternoon.

Tonight, relax and enjoy Christmas dinner - Vietnamese style! The festive meal is served on Christmas Eve in Vietnam thanks to French influences left over from the colonial period. Enjoy the celebrations with newfound friends and your National Ecort as the stars glimmer over the bay.

Begin a Christmas Day like no other – watching the sun rise over Halong Bay. Sail into Lan Ha Bay – Halong's equally beautiful but lesser-known twin! Far fewer cruise ships are permitted to operate in Lan Ha Bay, thanks to its protected status as part of Cat Ba National Park. Enjoy the Halong experience without the crowds.

Today, choose from included activities such as kayaking at Ho Ba Ham (Three Tunnel Lake). Here, limestone tunnels connect three peaceful lakes within the bay – an extraordinary place where time seems to stand still. Alternatively, join a tour of Cua Van Fishing Village, a colourful floating village inhabited by multiple generations of fishermen and their families. Enjoy a Christmas drinks reception on deck this evening before a second night on board.

Rise early on Boxing Day for a beautiful sunrise over the bay. Begin the morning with a choice of activities – a revitalising Tai Chi session on deck at sunrise, or an early morning adventure to Sung Sot Cave! This vast grotto has two impressive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, and is one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Return to the ship and enjoy brunch on board as you sail back to the embarkation point. Drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

This evening, experience the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.