Day 1London
Catch your international flight to Bangkok today.
After changing aircraft in Bangkok fly onto the charming city of Hanoi with its beautiful buildings from the French colonial days. 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.
Today embark on a half day city tour with your cyclo driver and guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh's former home, the Temple of Literature (the first university in Hanoi) and perhaps the Fine Arts Museum which has a wonderful collection of art and sculpture.
Spend the morning learning to cook some delicious local delicacies at the Hanoi Cookery School.
For your convenience you have a late check out, so you can relax and freshen up before catching your overnight train to Lao Cai.
Arriving into Lao Cai in the early hours you will be greeted at the station and driven to Bac Ha.
You can then enjoy a day walking in the countryside visiting some of the local villages.
Day 6Bac Ha - Sapa
Early this morning visit the Wednesday market at Sin Cheng. This is one of the less commercial markets in the region and as it is frequented mainly by Flower Hmong ethnic minority group - it is an incredibly colourful affair.
You will then travel onto the charming town of Sapa.
A full day of trekking today takes you through beautiful scenery and some minority villages.
Later this afternoon return to Lao Cai for your overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 8Hanoi - Halong City
As your overnight train arrives into Hanoi early this morning I have arranged for the use of a room, for you to freshen up and relax before departing later this morning for Halong Bay.
Spend the afternoon cruising around Halong Bay's thousands of limestone islets and caves and see the sun setting over the calm waters before enjoying a wonderful dinner under the stars.
Day 9Halong City
Spend a second day exploring some of the further reaches of the Bay, exploring caves and coves nestled among the dramatic pinnacles.
Day 10Halong City - Hanoi - Hue
Wake up to see sunrise over the bay. Continue cruising before returning to Hanoi this afternoon. En route stop off at Bo Duong village for a less commercial display of the Vietnamese Water Puppet show.
You will then transfer to the airport and board your flight to Hue.
Cruise along the Perfume River this morning visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and the ancient tomb of Minh Mang along the journey. You will then enjoy lunch at Duc Son Pagoda and orphanage.
This afternoon spend time learning some traditional Vietnamese martial arts with an experienced master!
This morning explore the Citadel with your guide and learn of its turbulent past and how it has withstood the test of time.
You will then drive from Hue to Hoi An taking the scenery along the journey. Pass abundant rice paddy fields and travel over the Hai Van Pass, which on a clear day has spectacular views of the coastline.
Accompanied by your guide, spend the morning cruising along the Thu Bon River with one of the local fisherman. They will show you how to cast the traditional nets and you get to eat your catch on board for lunch.
Afternoon at leisure.
A day at leisure today, you could enjoy having a new wardrobe made at one of the many tailors or perhaps take a trip to the ruins at My Son.
Your cycling tour takes you through small traditional villages and the Vietnamese countryside giving you a glimpse of more rural life.
Transfer to Danang airport early this morning for your flight to Saigon.
On arrival in Saigon you will be met and driven to Cai Be where you will board your private Sampan boat and begin cruising through the Mekong Delta.
Day 17Cai Be - Can Tho - Saigon
Watch life on the river unfold whilst enjoying cruising along the river to the Cai Rang floating market. On arrival at the market transfer to a smaller boat to weave in between the market and experience everyday life of buying and selling on the waters.
Later this morning return to Saigon by car.
Today you have a half day tour of this vibrant city and then your guide and driver will take you on a half day excursion to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.
Afternoon at leisure.
After a leisurely morning you will be collected and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
After changing aircraft at Bangkok, catch your flight back to the UK.