Day 1 – Fly To Saigon

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam’s most evocative and largest city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 2 – Discover Saigon

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 exuberant city is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage.. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

Day 3 – Mekong Delta

Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes. Return to Saigon, stopping en route to explore the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda and its beautiful gardens.

Day 4 – Journey To Hoi An

Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This afternoon take a walking tour of this charming town – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit an old merchant’s house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.

Day 5 – Tra Que Village

Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside, stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work and try your hand at their traditional techniques. Later spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An or at the local beach.

Day 6 – Imperial Hue

Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam’s dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Once the stronghold of the Nguyen emperors, the citadel’s atmosphere still retains the grandeur of its history. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.

Day 7 – Royal Tombs & Fly To Hanoi

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. This afternoon, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s charming capital.

Day 8 – Explore Hanoi

Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, learning about this major figure of Vietnamese history. See his Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace, along with the humble Stilt House he called home. 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 egg coffee.

Day 9 – Halong Bay

Board a traditional-style sailing ship on Halong Bay, cruising amongst the karst peaks on the tranquil green 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 before returning to the ship for dinner..

Day 10 – Return to Hanoi

Rise early this morning for a beautiful sunrise over the bay. Return to Hanoi after brunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure ahead of this evening’s farewell dinner.

Days 11 – 12 – Fly Hanoi To Australia

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