Journey through Vietnam

Fly to Hanoi.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Begin with a walk along Hanoi's back roads to glimpse local life, followed by a short train trip over the Red river. This afternoon, visit Ho Chi Minh's former residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Lake of Restored Sword. Later, enjoy a fun one-hour cyclo tour of the Old Quarter with a stop at an ancient Vietnamese "long house." This evening, watch a water puppet show.

Morning departure for Mai Chau (approx 3½ hours drive), home to tribal villages of ethnic minority groups. After arriving this afternoon, step out for a walk around.

Drive to the Cham Mountain stream for a short walk, then continue to Pu Luong for lunch. Later walk along the rice terrace to Bang Village (approx 2-3 hours) then drive on to Ninh Binh (approx 3 hours drive).

Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride around paddy fields, pagodas and markets, then spend time with locals in one of the villages. You'll prepare lunch with them and work alongside farmers in the field before a cruise on the Van Long Reservoir to take in the mesmerising cliff views.

Depart by road for Halong Bay (approx 3 hours drive) to board your boat for a cruise around this huge bay.

After a morning cruising the bay, disembark and drive to Hanoi airport for an evening flight to Danang. On arrival drive to Hoi An.

Morning coach trip to a fishing village near the mouth of Thu Bon River to learn about the daily lives of fishermen and their families. Later, board the Hoi An Eco-Tour boat and cruise on the Cua Dai River to witness fishing activities and even try catching fish yourself. The fun really begins as you board a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, grab a paddle and join in a race on the river! Continue to explore the Bay Mau tranquil waterways before you row your basket boats back to the Hoi An Eco-Tour boat for a traditional lunch.

Morning cooking class at Red Bridge Restaurant before an afternoon walking tour of this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include an ancient merchant house, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the vibrant riverside market.

Transfer by road to Danang airport and fly to Can Tho. Afternoon is FREE to relax or step out to explore.

Enjoy a morning boat cruise to the Cai Rang floating market which teems with small boats and vessels. Disembark at Can Tho, and drive to Cai Thia for a cruise to Cai Be. Here, you'll take a sampan ride and walk through the small village roads to witness daily local life. Disembark this afternoon and drive to Ho Chi Minh City.

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese guerrillas as hideouts during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon for a city tour which includes the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Post Office, Chinatown, the Ben Thanh Market and either the Thien Hau Temple or the Quan Am Pagoda.

At leisure to explore under your own steam. If you wish, there is an option to take a tour of the Vietnam Barista School (extra expense) which also visits the 70-year old Vot Cafe, where locals mingle and enjoy their coffee.

Transfer to the airport this afternoon for your onward journey. Alternatively, after day 9, why not spend time by the beach in Hoi An or Quy Nhon? Or, before flying home, add on time at a choice of beach resorts: Ho Tram or Mui Ne.