DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Arrive Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel for a tour briefing and welcome drinks. The rest of the day is for a rest after a long flight and orientation. Welcome dinner. Accommodation

Day 02 : Hanoi (B, L, D)

We start with the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, taking in the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. We then visit Ho Chi Minh’s simple house on stilts, the Museum, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. We continue our tour by visiting Hanoi’s first University - the Temple of Literature - dating back to 1070. After lunch we visit the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” - Hanoi’s former central prison. End your look at Hanoi with a cyclo tour throught the fascinating Old Quarter. In the evening attend Hanoi’s amazing water puppet show.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long - Ha Noi (B, L)

This morning we travel east to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder. We spend the day cruising among some of the 3,000 limestone islands that rise out of the sea, and explore spectacular caves and grottoes. There’s an opportunity to take a swim (weather permitting) and we enjoy a superb seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon we return to Hanoi, stopping at a ceramic village en route. This evening is free to relax or explore on your own.

Day 04 : Hanoi - Hue on Express train (B, L, D)

This morning we take a cyclo ride to explore the Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets named after the traditional products they sell. The remainder of the day is free for shopping or to explore on your own, before boarding the train or your flight for Hue. Accommodation: 1 Night REUNIFICATION EXPRESS TRAIN (or Hotel in Hue for flight option)

Day 5: Hue City (B, D)

Hue is the centre of Buddhism, art and literature in Vietnam, and the last imperial capital. We visit the Citadel, former home to the emperors, devastated during the war in 1968, later visit Thien Mu Pagoda before returning to the city by dragon boat along the Perfume River. In the afternoon we drive to the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, an elaborate structure that combines both Vietnamese and French architecture. In the evening we sample Hue’s famous cuisine. Accommodation

Day 6: Hue - DMZ (B, L)

Visit Khe Sanh, the Rockpile, the former border at Ben Hai bridge and the Vinh Moc tunnels. In the afternoon drive to Hue along Highway 1. Overnight in Hue.

Day 7: Hue to Hoi An (B, L, D)

This morning we travel south to Danang. We stop on top of spectacular Hai Van Pass and see some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam. After lunch we stop at the Cham Museum then the Marble Mountains. From here we take a short drive around to China Beach, then continue south to the enchanting port town of Hoi An. This evening join the rest of the group for a cooking class at one of Hoi An’s riverside restaurants. Accommodation

Day 8: Hoi An (B, L)

This morning we take a drive out to beautiful My Son, the foremost Cham site in Vietnam. We return to Hoi An in the afternoon with the rest of the day free. Accommodation.

Day 09 : Hoi An - Quy Nhon (B, L, D)

Driving through the lush scenery of Vietnam’s central coastland, we wind our way down the coast, stopping Quang Ngai, to pause at the memorial commemorating the horrific My Lai massacre. We continue onto beautiful Sa Huynh beach before arriving in Qui Nhon late afternoon. Accommodation:

Day 10 : Quy Nhon - Nha Trang (B,L)

Continuing south along Highway One we pass the salt, shrimp and fish farms that are the principal industries in this area. We also pass stunning coastal scenery around Dai Lanh, and take time to ride through villages, meet the locals and take photographs and arrive at the beach resort town of Nha Trang in the late afternoon. Accommodation