Day 1London
Fly from London to Bangkok at lunchtime today with Thai Airways.
Connect in Bangkok for your onward flight to Hanoi. On arrival transfer to your accommodation in the heart of the city.
You have the day free to relax and explore this great city. Perhaps enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or an amble around the Old Quarter with its narrow streets and small bustling markets.
Day at leisure to continue exploring the bustling capital of Hanoi. This evening transfer to Hanoi's train station for your evening train to Lao Cai in the Tonkinese Alps.
On arrival this morning transfer to the colonial hill station of Sapa. After some time at leisure this morning enjoy an easy half day trek to the colourful village of Matra.
A full day trek today through some of Sapa's most stunning scenery through the Thanh Kim valley. Visit some local villages and witness the incredible colours of northern Vietnam.
Drive back to Lao Cai today for your return train to Hanoi this evening. En route you will take a detour to one of the region's best markets - Lung Khau Nhin. This small market located near the Chinese border is very traditional and makes for some fantastic photo opportunities. Board your train this evening.
Day 8Hanoi - Halong City
On arrival freshen up and enjoy breakfast at a hotel in Hanoi before travelling out to Halong Bay. Enjoy two nights out in the UNESCO protected bay, drifting through the incredible limestone cast scenery on a traditional junk.
Day 9Halong City
Day two on Halong Bay - time to explore some of the further reaches of the Bay, exploring caves and coves nestled among the dramatic pinnacles.
Day 10Halong City - Hanoi - Hue
A final morning on board your boat today. Disembark mid-morning for your return drive to Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hue in central Vietnam. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
At leisure to explore the imperial history of the ancient capital of Hue.
Continue to Hoi An today, driving over the dramatic Hai Van pass. Stop en route to take in the stunning panoramas of this infamous part of Vietnam's coastline.
Day at leisure to enjoy the sublime riverside town of Hoi An. Wander the cobbled streets and maybe chose one of the numerous tailors to jazz up your wardrobe!
Second day ta leisure in Hoi An - perhaps visit the nearby UNESCO site of My Son, hire a bike and explore the countryside or kick back on the nearby beach. Alternatively you may choose to find your favourite riverside spot and watch the world amble by!
Drive to Danang airport today for the short flight to Saigon in southern Vietnam. On arrival transfer via the Cu Chi tunnels to learn a little more about the Vietnam war and the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the cosmopolitan city.
Day 16Saigon - Can Tho
Wind your way through the backwaters of the Mekong Delta today stopping at various points of interest en route. Finish at Can Tho in the heart of the Mekong Delta, in time for a sunset cocktail to watch life on the river!
Day 17Can Tho - Saigon
Rise early to witness nearby Cai Rang floating market at the peak of its activity. Join in the bartering at these floating stalls as traders sell their wares. Drive back to Saigon this evening in time for your evening flight to Bangkok.
Connect in Bangkok for your return flight to London arriving early this morning in the UK.