Meet & Greet: On arrival at Hanoi airport you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private guide and 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 Tonkin Boutique Hotel (Premier Room)

Morning tour of Hanoi: Start your morning 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 visiting 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. Continue to the old quarter for a walking tour of the bustling streets, before returning to your hotel.

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 Tonkin Boutique Hotel (Premier Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer to Lan Ha Bay: This morning drive for approximately three hours through the Red River Delta to the coast and the Gulf of Tonkin, where the waters of Lan Ha Bay are found.

Overnight Lan Ha Bay Cruise: Board The Ginger in time for lunch and set sail across the bay. All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis. After lunch you will stop for an excursion on Cat Ba Island. Visit a local fishing village and meet some of the resident before exploring more of this jungle-clad island. Return to the boat in time for a cooking demonstration from one of the ship's chefs and a pre-dinner drink (payable locally) as the sun is setting. Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.

Accommodation: Stay tonight on board the The Ginger (Signature Suite)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning cruise: After some morning activities enjoy brunch on board. Disembark The Ginger late this morning.

Road journey to Ninh Binh: After disembarking from your cruise, you will be met by your driver and head west to the lush landscapes of Ninh Binh. En route you have the option of visiting  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. The drive will take around three and a half hours (subject to local traffic). 

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Nham Village (Lua House)

Meals: Brunch

Morning boat trip at Tam Coc: This morning explore 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.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is free to relax at your hotel, or explore the surrounding countryside on the complimentary bicycles provided for your use by the Nham Village. The Thung Nham Gardens and Bird Park is located a short ride from the property.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Nham Village (Lua House)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Mai Chau: This morning, you will be driven from Ninh Binh to Mai Chau, a picturesque journey of around 4 hours through some beautiful scenery. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Avana Retreat (Bauhinia Mountain Suite)

 Meals: Breakfast

Morning nature hike: This morning you will take a hike into the nearby mountains. Start from the Avana Retreat and trek through the forest until you reach the top of a mountain where you can stop for a breathtaking view over the villages below. Continue on your walk along narrow paths, passing local cornfields, cassava fields, bamboo forests, and paddy fields, visiting remote villages, hearing the buffalo’s bells ringing out in the air and passing local farmers on your way. You also have an opportunity to visit a local house and listen to some stories about the traditional life customs in an ethnic village. Later return to the Avana Retreat by shuttle van. Please note this excursion is approximately 3 hours long, walking to a height of 700m and classed as an intermediate hike. If you prefer a shorter, easier walk please enquire as this can be arranged as an alternative.

Comfortable long trousers, long shirts and hiking shoes / boots should be worn.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Avana Retreat (Bauhinia Mountain Suite)

 Meals: Breakfast

Road journey to Hanoi: Depart Avana Retreat after breakfast for the drive back to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Flight: VN1545 Hanoi - Hue 16.30 - 17.35

Private transfer: On arrival in Hue, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Pilgrimage Village Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to Dong Ba market and the 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 offer 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 (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Road journey from Hue to Hoi An: Today 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 riverside hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Little Riverside (Little Suite River)

Meals: Breakfast

Day at leisure: You have time to relax. Your hotel is located near the Ancient Town and the beach is just a 10 minute drive away. Alternatively, there are opportunities to 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 these nights at the Little Riverside (Little Suite River)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Danang Airport for the Vietnam Airlines flight to Can Tho

Flight: VN1441 Danang - Can Tho 13.20 - 14.55

Private transfer: On arrival in Can Tho you will be met by your guide & driver and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Afternooon at leisure: This afternoon is free to relax at your riverside resort and enjoy the extensive leisure facilities.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Victoria Can Tho (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to Cai Rang Floating Market: After an early breakfast this morning depart by road to a nearby dock, and board a sampan boat to explore Cai Rang, the largest floating market on the Mekong. The seemingly chaotic gathering is mostly large boats wholesaling vegetables and fruit, but there are also local traders selling groceries to the larger boats. Weave around the vessels and observe the frenzied trading. The morning tour continues with a trip along the small canals, through local villages, to a fruit orchard garden.

Private transfer: After this morning's tour you will be transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight to Phu Quoc Island.

Flight: VN8075 Can Tho - Phu Quoc 11.25 - 12.35

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Salinda Resort (Deluxe Garden View Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Days at leisure: You have a couple of days free at leisure to relax by the beach and explore Phu Quoc Island.

Accommodation: Stay these nights at Salinda Resort (Deluxe Garden View)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: This morning you will be transferred to the airport by a hotel representative.

Flight: VN81824 Phu Quoc - Ho Chi Minh City 12.05 - 13.15

Afternoon tour of Saigon: This afternoon 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.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Silverland Yen Hotel (Premier Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Shared tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and join a shared transfer to Bach Dang jetty, where you will board a shared speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centres give way to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The Cu Chi tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches, as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American War. A visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Note that the Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces. After touring the complex you will enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant with the other passengers on your tour before returning to the speedboat and heading back to Saigon. Please be aware that this is a shared with other visitors. The maximum group size is 20.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon you have time at leisure in this bustling Asian metropolis to 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: This evening your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight. A late check out has been arranged until your departure for this airport this evening.