Vietnamese Discovery

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City

Join your tour group at the hotel. While not the capital city of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the pulsing economic heart of the southern region - and it acts like it. Vibrating with energy (and traffic) this city is chaotically charming. Kick off with a guided tour of this bustling city, formerly known as Saigon. We first head to the former Presidential Palace. This landmark is now a museum of meeting rooms and reception rooms, the president’s living quarters, and a fascinating war room and telecommunications centre. We then take a stroll to the major colonial sights of the city, including the Opera House and the Old Saigon Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel. We wrap the day up with a tasting at a local craft brewery. We’ll sip specially selected beers while expert brewers talk us through the flavours and unique brewing process.

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City

We leave the old capital behind, and drive through scenes of rice paddies and villagers drying noodles by the roadside as we head to the Cu Chi district. The famous Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible underground network, constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars to house troops, transport and supplies. Our visit highlights what life was like as a communist guerrilla, seeing living quarters and typical meals, and rifles, booby traps and command centres. After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to our hotel for some time at leisure. This evening we take in views of the city as we enjoy a dinner cruise on a traditional junk boat on the Saigon River.

Day 3 - Cai Be

We depart for Cai Be, on the Mekong Delta. This town relies on the network of rivers and canals to produce rice, as well as using it as a highway for vessels distributing agricultural products. On our cruise, we’ll stop at Tan Phong Island, where we take a smaller rowing boat through the canals. Our main boat trip continues, to visit a preserved ‘Mandarin’ house, built centuries ago and to see the local trading boats and home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy. We continue along meandering tributaries to a colonial-style villa.

Day 4 - Danang - Hoi An

A quick flight up the coast takes us to Danang. From here, we’ll head to our hotel in Hoi An. Little Hoi An leaves a big impression on the hearts of its visitors. The ancient old town centre is dominated by a colourful market with pretty lanterns, traditional Chinese shop fronts and a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge. On our walking tour, we’ll visit former merchants’ houses, a Chinese communal hall, the market and the beautiful bridge. We’ll pause for a freshly brewed cuppa at Reaching Out, a traditional tea house in the heart of Hoi An that helps to provide opportunities for locals with speech and hearing impairments.

Day 5 - Hoi An

This morning we’ll learn about rural life in the nearby village of Tra Que. We visit a farm and help the farmers prepare the land, fertilising it with seaweed, raking, sowing and picking greens. Afterwards, relax with a herbal foot bath and massage. Before we sit down for lunch, we’ll learn how to prepare tam huu - paperless spring rolls - with a local family, before sampling this irresistible delicacy. The afternoon is at leisure back in Hoi An.

Day 6 - My Son - Hue

This morning, we’ll venture to My Son, the former capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom. My Son’s skyline is shaped by dozens of red-brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. We’ll tour the temples and get an insight into Cham culture. Afterwards, we’ll stop by a rice paper workshop in a quiet rural setting. Rice paper is used to make delicious snacks like crisps and filled rolls - we’ll learn how to make some before sitting down with our friendly hosts to enjoy our creations, washed down with a cup of strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee. On our way to Hue, we’ll drive via the Hai Van Pass (the ‘Pass of Ocean Clouds’), a spectacularly scenic mountain pass with views of forest-cloaked peaks and blue-green sea.

Day 7 - Hue

We’ll immerse ourselves into Hue’s hustle and bustle with a cyclo (three-wheeled bike taxi) ride through the city’s streets this morning, making our way to the Imperial Citadel. Taking a break, we’ll call in at a local coffee shop for a salt coffee (rich coffee with salty cream) - surprisingly delicious, it’s something of a speciality here in Hue. After lunch, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Tu Duc. The tomb was used as a palace retreat before becoming the Emperors’ resting place. We also visit Tu Hieu Pagoda, a serene Buddhist haven which still shelters 70 monks, before calling in at Tha Om Garden House, an old royal residence, where owner Mr Vinh will share stories of his royal heritage. Dinner is another highlight today - we’ll feast on authentic dishes once enjoyed by Hue’s royalty.

Days 8-9 - Hanoi

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city. On a city tour, we’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and learn more about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from France; see the One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the 11th century; and stop by the ancient Temple of Literature. We’ll then take it easy at one of Hanoi’s best tea houses - the owner is a former winner of the Tea Master Cup competition and travels to plantations across the country to find the highest-quality tea (if we’re lucky, he’ll be there to talk us through his favourites in person). We’ll watch a traditional green tea preparation ceremony, and learn more about tea and tea-drinking habits in Vietnam. The following day is at leisure to explore Hanoi under your own steam.

Day 10 - Mai Chau

We drive deep into northern Vietnam today, where winding roads carve through lush foliage and hug forested hillsides. There’s time to relax at our ecolodge, with its views of patchwork rice paddies and moss-green mountains, before we enjoy dinner, rice wine and a traditional dance performance.

Day 11 - Mai Chau

Dotted throughout the Mai Chau region are traditional Thai villages of stilted houses. Strolling through the tranquil countryside, we’ll chat with local families and hear about the life, culture and traditions of Vietnam’s White Thai ethnic minority (distantly related to tribes from Thailand, Laos and China). You can also tour local rice fields, learning a little about the time-honoured methods still used to grow and harvest the rice today. Or, if you prefer, you can relax back at the lodge - take a dip in the palm-fringed pool or enjoy a drink with a view on the bar’s bamboo balcony.

Day 12 - Hanoi

We’ll head back to Hanoi today. An afternoon walking tour of the Old Quarter - a bustling area of narrow streets and alleys - takes us to Dong Xuan indoor market, where stalls are piled high with fresh produce, handmade souvenirs, clothes and accessories. We’ll finish the day at a water puppet show. This art form, unique to northern Vietnam, depicts scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Day 13 - Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay

The next few days will put a big tick on your travel wishlist - holidays to Vietnam wouldn't be complete without a trip to Halong Bay. We make our way to Got Harbour, where we board a modern yet traditional ship for a 2-night cruise. Once you’re settled on board, take a seat on the sun deck and take in the amazing views as we sail through Halong Bay and onto Lan Ha Bay, our small ship dwarfed by the forest-clad limestone karsts towering from the water. We’ll stop to explore Light and Dark Water Cave, where you can paddle around by kayak or sit back on a bamboo boat and let someone else do the hard work. Back on board, take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, watch sunset with a chilled drink or perhaps try your hand at squid fishing.

Day 14 - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island

Set your alarm to enjoy sunrise over the bay and tai chi on the sun deck. Today we’ll take a smaller boat to explore Lan Ha Bay’s islets, hidden beaches and peaceful villages. We’ll cycle 5km to a small village shrouded in verdant jungle and surrounded by the mountains of Cat Ba National Park. We’ll then enjoy lunch and kayaking in peaceful Van Boi, before swimming off beautiful Ba Trai Dao (‘Three Peaches’) Beach. Back on the ship, enjoy another beautiful sunset and (if the skies are clear) a spot of stargazing.

Day 15 - Cat Ba Island - Hanoi

Savour the silence up on deck with an early morning coffee, before we arrive on Cat Ba Island to visit Army Hospital Cave, used as a secret hospital and army hideout during the American War. We’ll tuck into lunch back on the boat, before disembarking and returning to Hanoi. Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.