Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.

Afternoon cyclo tour of the Old Quarter: The best way to explore the picturesque area of the Old Quarter is by "cyclo" (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Also known as the "36 Streets District", it was once the thriving commercial centre of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialise in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds. This is still reflected in the names of certain streets: like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street. Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalising souvenir shops.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Premium Hang Be  (Junior Suite)

Morning tour of Hanoi: After breakfast, start your tour of Hanoi with a visit to the 900 year old Temple of Literature, Vietnam's principal Confucian sanctuary and its historical centre of learning. Made up of five courtyards, this is one of the few remnants of the original city. Continue to the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation's independence in 1945. Visit the museum dedicated to Ho Chi Minh before passing through the mausoleum (you will be asked to remove hats if entering, and no shorts or vests are allowed) escorted by a soldier in full regalia. As you leave, you will be able to walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace before seeing Ho Chi Minh's house, the modest dwelling he built based on a rural Vietnamese stilt house and where "Uncle Ho" lived for the last years of his life.

After your excursion you will be taken to ‘Pho Thin', one of the oldest and most atmospheric ‘Pho' Restaurants in Vietnam where you will enjoy a traditional lunch of beef noodle soup (Pho).

Afternoon at leisure: You have an afternoon at leisure to explore the Vietnamese capital independently. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, take in a water puppet show, go shopping in the Old Quarter, or sample some of Hanoi’s many culinary delights.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the La Siesta Premium Hang Be  (Junior Suite)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Road journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau: Depart Hanoi after breakfast for the scenic drive to Mai Chau taking around three hours passing fields of tapioca, sugar and rice paddies. Arrive in Mai Chau in time for lunch on the terrace of the Lodge overlooking the rice paddies.

Afternoon excursion: This afternoon, take a stroll through local villages and evergreen rice paddies. This nature walk will allow you to experience all that is going on in the fields as you pass by - from buffaloes ploughing to locals planting or harvesting the latest rice crop.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mai Chau Ecolodge (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Full day guided tour of Mai Chau & the H’Mong Villages: After breakfast you will drive to Salinh Village, which is inhabited by the H’mong hill tribe and is located 1,000m above sea level. Enjoy the cool breeze brushing against your face while you take a two hour walk through the green countryside, peppered with plums, animals and wildlife. Return to Mai Chau for lunch and in the afternoon you have the option of joining a shared two hour bicycle tour through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau and the surrounding villages. On the bicycle tour you will meet some of the local hill tribes and observe them going about their daily business, such as rice planting, herding buffalos or building houses. This evening a special dinner awaits you back at the lodge and this will be accompanied by a traditional dance performance by local Thái people from the nearby village.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mai Chau Ecolodge (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Road journey from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh: This morning, you will be driven from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, a picturesque journey of around 3 hours through some beautiful scenery. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tam Coc Garden (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Guided tour of Phat Diem, Hoa Lu and Trang An: This morning drive to Phat Diem, where you can walk around the cathedral to witness a harmonious combination of architectural styles from the East and the West (Roman, Gothic and Vietnamese). Afterwards move on to Hoa Lu which was the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century (968 - 1009). The ravages of time have destroyed the ancient citadel but some vestiges, including King Dinh and King Le's temples, still stand to this day amidst rice paddies, providing an interesting insight into Vietnam's ancient past.

In the afternoon you will leave the historical culture behind to sample the region's natural beauty as you explore the Trang An Eco-Tourism Complex. With an area of nearly 3000 hectares this 'complex' is the largest wetland reserve in Northern Vietnam and one of its most important protected areas. A two hour boat trip along the river offers stunning scenery of local villages dotted among the limestone karsts and caves like Toi (Dark cave) and Sang (Bright cave) that make the landscape both mysterious and attractive. It would be useful to have binoculars for this part of the trip as you will encounter a few birds, and possibly some rare langur, in their natural habitat.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tam Coc Garden (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Hanoi: Today you will be picked up by your guide and you will set off on the two hour drive back to Hanoi. Once in Hanoi, you will transfer to the airport in time to check in for your onward flight.

Flight: VN1545 Hanoi - Hue 18.30 - 19.40

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Pilgrimage Village Resort (Deluxe Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to Dong Ba Market & Imperial Citadel: This morning, stroll around the hectic Dong Ba Market with your guide. The market is best explored in the morning when a sea of conical hats, colourful fabrics, produce of every description and an array of vendors offering delights for the senses await you. Continue to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City nearby. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing by the Nguyen emperors in the early 19th century, the city was badly damaged during the war but the imposing city walls, surrounded by a large moat, afford good views of Hué. The palace retains a feeling of its past scale and importance, with detailed stonework and pavilions and it is at the moment in the process of being restored to its former magnificence.

Afternoon tour of the Royal Mausoleums, Thien Mu Pagoda & Perfume River cruise: This afternoon visit the Royal Mausoleums, the final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors, which are dotted around the hills surrounding the south bank of the Perfume River. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal seven tier stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hué and was founded in 1601. It is still a site of Buddhist worship and its huge bell is said to be audible from the city. In the late afternoon, enjoy a cruise downstream on the Perfume River, named after the tree resins and blossoms it carries on its way to the Pacific.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Pilgrimage Village Resort (Deluxe Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Hue to Hoi An: You will be driven south, along Highway 1, to Hoi An, a journey of approximately three hours. Soon the highway meets the Hai Van Pass (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds). There are some spectacular vista points and photo opportunities en-route as the Truong Son mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. The mountain range has created a barrier to the cold airstreams from the north which often results in thick cloudbanks over the peaks. The pass has been a strategic military focal point during Vietnam’s turbulent history and from the top there are views of the curve of Danang Bay. En route pass through the port city of Danang with the option of stopping to see the famous 'Danang Beach' before continuing south to Hoi An where you will check-in to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ancient House Resort (Superior Room) 

Meals: Breakfast

Morning cycling tour of Hoi An town: This morning explore the twisting lanes of Hoi An and surrounding countryside by bicycle. Visit the Chinese Assembly Hall and the 200-year-old wooden merchant’s houses where Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese architectural styles and intricate woodcarvings have combined to create houses of art and beauty. Alternatively a walking tour can be arranged if you prefer not to cycle.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon you have some time to relax. Alternatively there are opportunities to visit the beach, cycle in some beautiful countryside, visit the ruins at My Son, discover the artists of Hoi An or see a tailor to get some clothes made. 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ancient House Resort (Superior Room) 

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: Early this morning, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Dalat.

Flight: VN1955 Danang - Dalat 07.00 - 08.35

Private transfer: On arrival in Dalat, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel to check in.

Dalat city tour: After checking into your hotel, your tour of Dalat starts with a visit to Dalat's train station with a short train ride. Although the station closed in 1964 the French architecture and European features have been kept in excellent condition. Continue to the Cathedral, dating from the 1930s with some vividly coloured stained glass originally crafted in France. Next stop is the Bao Dai Summer Palace, Vietnam's last emperor's retreat built between 1933 and 1938. This Art Deco style building offers good views from all sides and a glimpse into Vietnam's Imperial past. The tour finishes at Dalat Market, known for its variety of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ana Mandara Villas (Villa Studio Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning bird-watching at Tuyen Lam Lake: This morning you will visit the man-made Tuyen Lam Lake, located just 3km outside of the city. The best birding can be found in the forest at the far end of the lake, although your guide will specialist guide will have the most up to date knowledge depending on the season. Possible highlights here include the Yellow-billed Nuthatch, Black-hooded Laughing-Thrush, Grey-Crowned Crocias and Vietnamese Greenfinch. 

If you would rather take a cycle ride this morning around Dalat and the surrounding countryside, this can be arranged instead of the bird-watching excursion. Please ask for more details.

Afternoon at leisure: After the morning activities the rest of the day will be free at leisure for you to relax and continue to explore Dalat at your own pace.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ana Mandara Villas (Villa Studio Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Dalat to Mui Ne: This morning, depart by road for the scenic drive to Mui Ne, a journey of approximately four hours depending on traffic conditions. On arrival check into your hotel by the beach and relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Cham Villas (Beachfront Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Days at leisure: You have time to relax on the beautiful coastline of southern Vietnam. The beach beckons, as do spa treatments and leisure activities arranged through your hotel. Mui Ne is especially rewarding for the actively-inclined, with wind-surfing and dune-climbing both on hand locally.

Accommodation: Stay these nights at the Cham Villas (Beachfront Villa)

Meals: Breakfast

Mui Ne to Saigon: At an agreed time today, your guide and driver will collect you at the resort for the transfer to Saigon, a journey of approximately 4 hours.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Grand Saigon Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning tour of Saigon: This morning visit some of Saigon's historic landmarks including the 1880's General Post Office and the former Presidential Palace which was once headquarters for the Saigon Government during the "American War". Next visit the late 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral, located in a peaceful part of the city, and the War Remnants Museum.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon you have some time at leisure in this bustling Asian metropolis. Relax at your hotel, or explore independently. Great shopping opportunities can be found in busy Ben Thanh market as well as numerous glitzy modern malls, while great food can be found on every corner either on the street or in a number of fantastic upmarket restaurants.

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today you will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and transferred to Ho Chi Minh City Airport in time for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast