Vietnam Encompassed

Good morning Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport you will be met and transferred to your city centre hotel. Known as the ‘Paris of the Orient’, Hanoi is the charming capital and cultural heart of Vietnam. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Hanoi – Mai Chau. This morning embark on a tour of Vietnam’s capital. First stop is at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, where you will gain an insight into the life of the President Ho Chi Minh. Continue to the Presidential Palace, the president’s iconic house on stilts, and the One Pillar Pagoda. The last port of call is to the Ethnology Museum, here you'll learn about Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups (please note: the museum is closed on Mondays).

In the afternoon, travel through local villages en route to Mai Chau. Located in the beautiful valleys surrounded by rice terraces, are the small villages of the White Thai and Mai Chai people, known for their stilt houses and stunning scenery. On arrival, there's time to freshen up before dinner.

Wake up to the sounds of the roosters this morning and have breakfast. Then enjoy a leisurely walk (approx. 4km) through beautiful countryside to nearby Lac Village where you can meet the locals and gain an insight into their way of life. Later this morning, travel further into the sub-valley to enjoy lunch at a local family-ran guesthouse on stilts. After lunch, take a stroll around the villages and see their vegetable gardens. Bicycles are also available if you prefer to explore on two wheels. Returning to your hotel, spend rest of day at leisure.

Mai Chau - Ninh Binh. This morning drive to the beautiful Ninh Binh region, which is often referred to as an inland Halong Bay. Arrive in a remote corner of the region called Mount Tuong where you have lunch before enjoying a scenic sampan boat ride to Galaxy Cave.

After lunch climb the steps up Ngoa Long Mountain for an incredible panoramic view over Ninh Binh's rice fields, karst mountains and Tam Coc, the most beautiful valley in the region, renowned for its towering limestone peaks. On your way back to Ninh Binh stop to explore Mua Cave which lies at the foot of Mua mountain which has a striking stone dragon carved into its staircase.

Ninh Binh - Halong Bay. After breakfast at hotel, bid farewell to Ninh Binh and drive to spectacular Halong Bay, where karst island peaks dappled with lush vegetation rise from the pristine emerald coloured waters. explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site on an overnight junk boat cruise.

Junk boats are based on a traditional design, combining oriental style with modern luxury. On board you can soak up the panoramic views from the sundeck as the boat gently plies its course. This afternoon visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There's also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim.Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.

Please Note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, tidal conditions

Halong Bay – Hue. Wake up to see a spectacular sunrise over the bay! This morning cruise through the stunning rocky islands emerging from the crystal-clear waters. After brunch disembark and travel back to Hanoi stopping en route in Dong Ho Village, famous for its long-preserved art of making pictures. Visit a studio in the village, where you can watch the procedure of carving and printing these paintings and learn about the local folk tales represented in the paintings. Onward to Hanoi Airport for an evening flight to Hue in central Vietnam, where upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802-1945 and ruins of the city’s regal past can still be seen inside the Citadel and the Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and holds many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Many of the buildings were damaged by French aerial bombing and the Tet Offensive in 1968. Now it is slowly being restored thanks to generous funding by UNESCO.

Your tour begins after breakfast with the ancient walled Citadel containing the former Imperial Palace. Spend the morning wandering through the enclosure before travelling into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the Emperors at one of the most impressive Royal Tombs. Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Hue - Hoi An. This morning, continue south to the riverside town of Hoi An. The five hour trip hugs the coastline along the South China Sea with breathtaking views particularly as the road winds its way up Hai Van Pass (“Pass of the Clouds”). From the 16th to 18th centuries, Hoi An was a thriving international commercial port for Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants. Today, Hoi An is a quaint riverside town, renowned for its silk and popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, tailors shops and numerous cafes. Some of the buildings in the narrow streets have remained unchanged for more than a century and much of the town is now heritage-listed.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the Ancient Quarter visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house and the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Spend a day at leisure on the beach or having clothes made by one of the expert, inexpensive tailors that Hoi An is famous for. In the evening, you might want to stroll Hoi An's romantic, silk latern lit streets and dine in one of its fantastic riverside restaurants.

Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning transfer to Danang airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remains of the day at leisure in this lively and cosmopolitan metropolis with its gleaming sky scrapers, expensive restaurants, bars and designer shops, which stand in stark contrast to the ancient pagodas, colonial era landmarks and ramshackle markets.

On day 11 take a morning excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, north west of the city. This immense network of connecting underground tunnels, were used by the Viet Cong and one of the famous battle grounds in the Vietnam War. Watch a short introductory video on the construction of the tunnels before exploring the maze of tunnels, accompanied by the guide. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs from B52 bombers.

Returning to Ho Chi Minh City at around 2pm, stop for lunch before visiting some of the city's major attractions including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral (from the outside as renovations are taking place) and the War Remnants Museum.

Enjoy a cruise on the Mekong Delta today! Ben Tre is famous for its coconut production and quiet, peaceful waterways. Here we enjoy a traditional sampan boat that will take us to visit a brick making shop, a fruit garden and a local family where rice paper made. This afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City - Mui Ne. On day 13 you will be transferred to Mui Ne (approx 5-6 hours) for three nights of rest and relaxation. Mui Ne is a pretty beach resort with a lovely white sand beach, built around a charming fishing village. Spend your days at leisure here.

With a reputation as the adrenaline capital of southern Vietnam, Mui Ne is a popular surf destination between August and December when the waves arrive, while the strong winds from October to April attract the wind and kite surfers. The famous red and white sand dunes are a perfect photo opportunity and for the more adventurous sand-sledding is possible. You can also enjoy a scenic walk to Fairy Spring or visit the 9th century Cham tower for sweeping views of Mui Ne town.

Mui Ne - Phan Thiet. After breakfast and hotel check out, included transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your onward flight.