Essential Vietnam

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and drive to a city centre hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at leisure.

This morning depart via speedboat along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a series of tunnels used by the Vietcong to evade the American invaders. Explore the maze of tunnels with your guide - also on display are various homemade mantraps and the remains of an American tank. Return to Ho Chi Minh City with lunch en-route and follow this with visits to some of the city's major attractions including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. (B/L)

Enjoy the day at leisure - perhaps enjoy some souvenir shopping in popular Ben Thanh Market. This evening drive to the train station and board the train for an overnight adventure (late check-out in the hotel included). Overnight onboard in a 4-berth air-conditioned cabin. (B)

Arrive in Danang and transfer to Hoi An. The historic town of Hoi An was one of the most important ports in central Vietnam, visited by sailing ships from all over the world seeking trade in silk, ceramics and spices. In the late 19th century, trade moved to Danang and Hoi An turned back into a sleepy fishing village. Now, with its Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An has become a popular tourist destination, where travellers buy tailor-made suits and marvel at the quaint narrow streets packed with ancient Chinese, Portuguese and Japanese architecture. The small town is easy to navigate so your time is at leisure to explore. (B)

Spend the day at leisure, perhaps rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, take a boat trip on the Tu Bon River, relax on the beach, or enjoy the wonderful cuisine on offer at some of the town’s cafés. (B)

Enjoy the day at leisure until driving to Danang railway station for the overnight train north to Hanoi. Overnight onboard. (B)

Arrive early morning and drive to the hotel. Enjoy breakfast and early check-in. This afternoon head out to discover Hanoi, Vietnam’s modern day capital. Discover the One Pillar Pagoda and visit the Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first institute of learning - before exploring the incredible labyrinth of narrow streets in the Old Quarter on a fun cyclo tour. Watch a traditional water puppet performance in the evening. (B)

Experience the beauty of one of Indochina’s most iconic vistas - Halong Bay. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive natural wonder consists of around 1,600 limestone islands rising from the sea. Board a traditional junk and sail out into the bay. Explore caves, take a dip in the emerald waters or go kayaking before enjoying traditional Vietnamese cuisine, prepared on board by the crew. Watch sunset and spend the night on board. (B)

During your buffet breakfast this morning cruise to Me Cung Cave a remnant of the Stone Age era some 10,000 years ago. Explore the cave and its impressive stalagmites and stalactites. Return to the ship for a light brunch while cruising back to the pier. Drive back to Hanoi and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B/L)

Transfer to airport after breakfast for flight back to the UK. (B)