Start your Vietnam Highlights this evening in Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon, a cosmopolitan city that combines Vietnamese flair with US influences post the Vietnam War and is one of the most dynamic and progressive cities in Asia with great places to eat and drink. The French also left their fingerprints all over this ‘Paris of the Orient’, from architecture like Notre Dame Cathedral to the best pastries this side of the Eiffel Tower.

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Today you’ll hear Vietnam’s history in a nutshell on a city tour that starts from colonial times.

See the Notre Dame Cathedral, a relic left from French rule. We also check out the Presidential or Reunification Palace, the political heart of the country, from where various leaders have ruled. Learn how the loss of this building marked the fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War. Then look through the sobering War Remnants Museum and find out about the victims of the Vietnam War.

In the afternoon, the group flies to the seaside resort town of Nha Trang, famous for its sweeping, golden beach, turquoise waters and fun water sports.

This evening, order yourself some fresh lobster, prawns or even fish’n’chips!

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A free day gives you time to sink into the laid-back beach lifestyle. Snack on fresh pineapple or other tropical fruits from the area. Try a massage and soak up the sun or cool off in the South China Sea.

Activity-wise, there’s a chance to get out among the gorgeous offshore islands on our optional cruise. With swim stops and snorkelling off the island of Hon Mun, this is a fun way to explore the area.

Your Tour Manager can also organise you a treat – a mineral mud bath and hot springs experience.

Tonight, find yourself a spot on the beach or at a waterfront bar to watch the sun set over the sea. But don’t stop there! Get into Nha Trang’s nightlife with some of the group – it’s a pretty lively place!

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After a short flight to Danang this morning, we drive on to Hoi An.

Hoi An is a pretty little town, with history written all over it. Blending Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, this former port town is an unusual mix of architectural styles.

You’ll get a real feel for this town when you walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed old quarter with our Local Guide, who’ll tell you the story behind the old merchant shops, the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge and the pretty pagoda.

This afternoon, it’s free time to either relax back at the hotel pool or get some clothes made. Hoi An is known for its beautiful cloths and colourful silks, and there are loads of tailors ready to whip up some made–to-order threads in record breaking time. One tip is to bring some clothes you like from home with you. Then the tailors can copy the patterns pretty much exactly. They also have designs in their shops to chose from.

As the sun sets, we head out on bikes with a Local Guide into the surrounding countryside for a look at the gorgeous scenery. Cruise past rice fields and traditional homes before riding riverside back into town.

Choose an optional Vietnamese cooking class tonight and taste why this food has such a good reputation. Cook up 4 traditional dishes – you’ll get to enjoy eating them afterwards.

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It’s a free day today, so explore more of Hoi An and its surrounds.

For a day away from it all, head to untouched Cham Island on an optional trip through this UNESCO World Heritage Listed World Biosphere reserve. With a speed boat cruise, fantastic snorkelling, secluded beaches, wildlife and delicious local food for lunch in a small village, this is a great way to spend the day.

Otherwise, look through the galleries, antique shops and workshops of the old town. Locals still use traditional methods for pottery, weaving silk and wood-carving. Walk along the historic waterfront to the local market and continue through the stalls selling hand-woven baskets, medicinal herbs and local specialities. If you’re working up an appetite, there are lots of cool travellers’ cafes serving great food to snack on, as well as coffees and beer.

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Back on the coach we travel through the “Pass of the Ocean Clouds”, on to the former imperial city of Hue. Keep your camera handy for the incredible coastal views and rolling green hills along the way.

We start our time in mellow Hue with a visit to the imperial Tu Duc tomb. Our Local Guide will give you the story on this poet Emperor and ancient burial rites as you walk together around the intricately decorated pavilions, gorgeous gardens, and lotus flower ponds. Take your time to view the statues and colourful artwork.

The next spot we stop at is the 7-storied Thien Mu Pagoda. Learn about the legend behind its construction and its famous Buddhist monk, known around the world for setting himself on fire as a protest.

To head back to town, the group boards a dragon boat and drifts down the Perfume River.

It’s a unique experience tonight with our included dinner. Enjoy the hospitality of our deaf-mute hosts at Lac Thien. Feast on authentic Hue food in this low key, family-run restaurant that is also popular with the locals.

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Our visit to the Imperial Citadel will give you a feel for Hue’s former imperial glory and ancient way of life. Walk through the stunning grounds contained within 10 kms of walls, and see water-lily ponds, temples and stunning gates.

Our optional cyclo tour is a great way to see the Royal palaces and the Forbidden Purple City. Our expert Local Guide will show you the residential palaces of the Emperor, the imperial robes, bonsai gardens and pavilions.

After a short flight, we land in the Northern capital of Hanoi. Hanoi is completely different to its southern counterpart, Ho Chi Minh City. It combines French flair, Chinese culture and Vietnamese vitality. This town is a romantic living timeline and open-air museum.

Our hotel is smack in the middle of the old quarter , which is the place to be. It’s been Hanoi’s commercial core since the 15th Century and is packed into a tiny square kilometre. A maze of back streets, merchant houses and shops loaded with goods gives the spot its special atmosphere. Your Tour Manager will take you to some of the 36 trade streets found here – each street specialises in certain products. See masses of colourful items on display, from red banners, black-lacquered goods, to silks, fans and paper products.

In your free time, navigate to the French Quarter for a change of scene. Walk the wide Parisian-style boulevards and take in the shuttered mansions, balconies and other leftovers from a by-gone colonial era.

For a real slice of Vietnamese culture, sit down at one of the simple bia hoi (draught beer) sidewalk bars, pull up a stool and hang out among the locals. People-watch and order some local dishes, like bo luc lac (spicy beef and green pepper stir fry), dau chien ron (fried tofu) or nom ngo sen (lotus-stem salad).

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This morning we drive to Halong Bay, where we’ll board a Chinese-style junk boat for an overnight cruise through the absolutely stunning waters of this UNESCO World Heritage Listed site.

This natural wonder doesn’t come short on views: traditional sampans and junks sail the crystal waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Nearly 2000 limestone islands dot the sea. Kick back on deck and soak up the views of grottos, lagoons and thick forests. The boat passes hidden coves, sheer cliffs and stunning beaches before arriving at the Sung Sot Caves. Check out the fascinating rock formations and echoing interior chambers.

Back onboard, there’s a little more cruising before we stop for a swim in an idyllic remote lagoon and dock at Dao Titop for sunset.

Toight enjoy some fresh seafood with the group for dinner before settling in to your air-conditioned cabin on board the junk.

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After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll visit another grotto and keep taking in those fantastic views.

Then we cruise back to port and return to Hanoi, with free time this afternoon.

Escape the busy streets with a visit to the Temple of Literature – a quiet haven of walled gardens, red-lacquered pillars and golden painted dragons. Nearly 1000 years old, the Temple is Vietnam’s most important Confucian sanctuary and its historic seat of learning.

For more culture, your Tour Manager can help you get some tickets to Hanoi’s world-famous water puppet performance, a quirky tradition from the region of the Red River Delta.

Tonight is the last night on tour for some of the crew (those who aren’t heading on to Sapa). Make it one to remember with an optional dinner at KOTO restaurant. This eatery helps support an organisation that works to improve former street children’s lives by training them in hospitality.

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Our tour ends upon arrival to our hotel in Hanoi, so say goodbye to your crew and Tour Manager.

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