This morning meet the rest of your group for a Heritage Hanoi city tour. Highlights include the Women’s Museum, offering an insight into the incredible role women have in Vietnamese culture; Hoa Lo, the infamous prison nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton; the Temple of Literature; Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum; Ho Chi Minh’s Historic House; and the One Pillar Pagoda. Lunch is included today at KOTO, a not-for-profit restaurant helping troubled youth learn culinary skills to bring them a higher education and a brighter future. Return to Hanoi’s Old Quarter for an Ancient City Walking Tour to discover the bustling and narrow streets of this 1,000-year-old city centre.

Transfer to Halong Bay, with its thousands of islands jutting from the sea. Upon arrival board your cruise vessel for lunch as it sets sails out amongst the stunning seascape. Spend the afternoon cruising amongst the limestone islands with excursions along the way and onboard activities to enjoy. Overnight onboard.

For the early risers, a Tai Chi session is available on the sundeck or you may wish to simply watch the sun rising from behind the mountains, enjoy dawn break with coffee and a light breakfast. Cruise back to port with stops along the way before enjoying a buffet brunch on board. Upon arrival at the port, disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for a flight to Danang. Upon arrival, transfer to your Hoi An hotel.

This morning discover the ancient ruins of My Son, a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence. My Son is Vietnam’s counterpart to the grand cities of other Asian civilzations such as Angkor (Cambodia), Bagan (Myanmar), Ayutthaya (Thailand), and Borobudur (Java). Return to Hoi An for a lunch of traditional Hoi An food followed by a short Hoi An walking tour which will showcase the historic old buildings. Ancient shop houses line the streets, the Japanese covered bridge is a landmark and you’ll discover the history of this ancient trading port.

Today spend the day at leisure. Hoi An is one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam with its charming old town filled with art shops, homewares, cafés and tailors. During the 17th and 18th centuries Hoi An was a major Asian trading centre, it is a wonderful town for getting clothes tailor-made or for buying souvenirs, Hoi An also boasts an excellent beach. Optional extra tours are available upon request (additional charge).

Today transfer to Hue via the Hai Van Pass with stops along the way. Explore Marble Mountain and admire the huge array of artisans at the carving village set at the base of these historic mounds. Take the steps (or lift) to the top for a scenic view. Stop at one of Danang’s landmarks, the Dragon Bridge, before visiting the impressive ‘pink’ Danang Cathedral. At the Cham Museum you’ll discover some of the best artefacts from a past civilization of the Cham people. After an early lunch, travel via the winding roads of the spectacular Hai Van Pass where stunning views of the sea and of Lang Co Beach await.

Today discover the historical significance of the former royal capital, the city of Hue. Begin with a boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601. Continue by car to the Ancient Citadel, the capital of Vietnam from 1802-1945. After lunch, visit the tomb of the Emperor Khai Dinh with its mix of Asian and Western architecture. On the return to your hotel a stop is made at a roadside village to observe how locals make incense.

This morning transfer to Hue Airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for a quick freshen up. You will then begin a Saigon Sights city tour which includes a stop at the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral and Gustaf designed Central Post Office before visiting the War Museum – a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. Gain a special insight with a visit to a traditional medicine museum where you’ll discover the use of natural herbs in traditional medicines, used in Asia dating back to the Stone Age. End the day at a local boutique brewery for those who want to sample an ice-cold local beer to end their day!

Take to the Saigon River this morning with a speedboat trip up river to visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Dug by hand the tunnels were home to the Viet Cong during the US war. A video shows their use and parts have been excavated for you to see inside. Upon returning to Saigon the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. You may wish to shop or check out the numerous cafes and bars available.

Today, transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport where tour arrangements end.

9 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels.
1 night aboard a cruise in Halong Bay.
Breakfast daily, 5x lunches, 1x dinner.
All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees, the services of an English speaking guide and domestic flights within Vietnam; Hanoi-Danang, Hue-Ho Chi Minh City
Excludes: Visa, meals not indicated, beverages, gratuities and any other personal expenses.