Vietnam Panorama

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Saigon

Fly overnight to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative and largest city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels, bunkers and field hospitals used in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing lunch at an organic farm. the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. This afternoon, return to Saigon to explore its seamless blend of past and present. See Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, dramatic legacies of a colonial past. Spend time at the Reunification Palace and the emotive War Remnants Museum.

Day 4: Hanoi

Head west to Ben Tre to take a cruise through the Mekong Delta. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam'. Paddle through the palm-lined canals and enjoy a typical Mekong lunch before continuing to Can Tho, where we spend the night.

Day 4: Cruise the Mekong Delta

This morning, you’ll get to know Hanoi on a half-day tour with your leader. Discover a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side as your leader shares knowledge on the Temple of Literature – an oasis of calm in the heart of town. You'll also visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’, which held American POWs. Today’s lunch is extra special as you’ll visit the fantastic KOTO cafe – a social enterprise that provides hospitality training and experience to disadvantaged youth in Vietnam and offers a creative menu of Vietnamese dishes made with local ingredients. This afternoon you’ll say goodbye to Hanoi and fly south to Danang. Drive on to Hoi An and take in views of lush scenery along the way. The rest of the day is yours to explore or chill out in the hotel’s pool.

Day 5: Explore Floating Markets

Visit the Cai Rang floating market to see the goods on sale and learn how vermicelli rice noodles are made. Return to Saigon.

Day 6: Travel to Dalat

Head up into the highlands to reach the hill town of Dalat, a former colonial retreat beloved for its cooler climate and picturesque scenery. En route, stop at a tea plantation to hear about tea cultivation in Bao Loc.

Day 7: The City of Flowers

Visit the Domaine de Marie Church, the Flower Gardens and an embroidery workshop. Later, board a vintage open-air train for a journey to the countryside hamlet of Trai Mat. End the day with a local coffee by Xuan Huong lake.

Day 8: Travel to Nha Trang

Today, take the winding road down from the highlands and along the coast to Nha Trang, Vietnam's beach capital. Take to the turquoise waters for a cruise around the bay's many islands, and stop off to enjoy a swim in the balmy waters.

Day 9: Visit the Cham Towers

Wander Dam market before and visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Continue on to the seaside city of Qui Nhon, where we spend the night.

Day 10: Visit Son My

The Son My area saw one of the most horrific crimes of the Vietnam War – the My Lai massacre. Pay respects at the memorial placed in honour of these unarmed civilian victims and hear their story before continuing to Hoi An.

Day 11: Explore Hoi An on foot

Take a morning walking tour of charming Hoi An – a wonderfully laid back and wilfully traditional town that has managed to retain the charms of a bygone era. Visit a historic family home, the Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the market before an afternoon at leisure.

Day 12: See the Royal Tomb

Take the scenic route to Hue over the Hai Van Pass. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, this scholarly city retains the majesty of its imperial past. Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of over 40 monuments surrounded by pools and gardens.

Day 13: Hue's Imperial Citadel

Explore the imposing Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City within. Cruise along the Perfume River to visit the charming An Hien House and the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda.

Day 14: Old Quarter Cyclo Tour

Take a quick flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital. Enjoy a cyclo tour of the atmospheric Old Quarter. Try a Hanoi speciality - egg coffee - before visiting the Ethnology Museum and exploring its life-size tribal longhouses.

Day 15: Discover Hanoi

Explore the story of Ho Chi Minh on today's walking tour. See his Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, and visit the Humble House on Stilts he called home. Later, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the beautiful Temple of Literature.

Days 16-17: Halong Bay

Spend the day aboard your comfortable cruise ship sailing through the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay. Swim, kayak or visit one of the bay's many caves before spending a night onboard. Return to Hanoi the next day. On your final evening in Hanoi, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Day 18: Fly Hanoi to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.