Highlights of Vietnam

Day 1 - London Heathrow to Hanoi

Overnight Malaysia Airways flight via Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2 - Hanoi

Transfer to the Mercure La Gare or similar for three nights.

Overnight accommodation - Mercure La Gare (RO)

Day 3 - Hanoi

Visit Ba Dinh Square where silent sentries guard the mausoleum where Ho Chi Minh lies in state (closed every Friday & Monday & October/ November). See the simple cottage where Uncle Ho lived and worked and visit the nearby museum. After lunch, explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple and, if time permits, stroll around the old French quarter before attending a traditional water puppetry show.

Overnight accommodation - Mercure La Gare (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Hanoi to Halong Bay to Hanoi

Early pick up for the drive to Halong Bay (approx. 3.5 hours). Halong Bay, meaning "dragon descending to the sea", is listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty due to its picturesque seascape of more than 1,500 limestone islets rising from the sea. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip with fresh seafood lunch prepared and served on board. Late afternoon transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight accommodation - Mercure La Gare (B,L)

Day 5 - Hanoi to Hue

Early morning visit to the Temple of Literature, followed by a cycle tour through the old quarter of Hanoi. Transfer to Hanoi Airport for the flight to Hue (ticketed locally), royal city of the 13 Nguyen dynasties. Enjoy a tour of the Imperial Citadel and a boat trip on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda.

Overnight accommodation - Huong Giang Hotel (B,D)

Day 6 - Hue to Danang to Hoi An

After breakfast, visit the striking royal tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Overland transfer to Danang via the spectacular Hai Van ("Cloudy Pass") and Marble Mountains. Proceed to the riverside town of Hoi An.

Overnight accommodation - Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Hoi An

This morning explore Hoi An, a World Heritage Site and florid trading town on the Silk Route since the 16th century. We visit a traditional house, the Japanese covered bridge as well as the Hoi An fish and produce market. Enjoy a boat trip along Thu Bon River to see the local life along the banks of the river before lunch. In the afternoon drive to the archeological site of My Son, the longest continuous occupation for religious purposes within Southeast Asia, now a large complex of mystical ruins.

Overnight accommodation - Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa (B,L)

Day 8 - Hoi An to Danang to Ho Chi Minh City

Early morning transfer to Danang airport for onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City (ticketed locally). Orientation tour on arrival to include the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Dong Khoi street. After lunch visit Cholon (Chinatown) and Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight accommodation - Rex Hotel (B,L)

Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels to Ho Chi Minh City

Journey out of the city centre to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built first as a defence against the French, and later expanded during the American war. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. Note: Your guide will advise you the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering (some are easily accessible by stairs). Return to Saigon for afternoon visit to Presidential Palace and the History Museum. Rest of day at leisure.

Overnight accommodation - Rex Hotel (B,L)

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City to London Heathrow

Morning at leisure before departure to airport for Malaysian Airways flight to London Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur. (B)