Essential Vietnam tour

This morning embark on a private city tour with your 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. The tour ends in Hanoi's busy Old Quarter before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.

This morning take a private transfer to Haiphong, where you board your traditional Vietnamese junk. Spend the afternoon cruising around Lan Ha 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. All meals are included during your stay on board.

Wake up to see the sunrise over the bay this morning. Continue cruising before returning to Hanoi airport this afternoon in time for your flight to Hue. Back in Hanoi you will have some time to enjoy lunch and do some further exploring before it is time to go to the airport. Fly to Hue later this evening and check into your city hotel.

After breakfast you will join your guide for a tour around some of Hue's important historical sights including the citadel and the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. Later you can try your hand at crafting bamboo paper art named Trucchi.

Today you will embark on a cycling tour through some of Hue's more rural areas with some stops arranged at local houses along the way. Spend the night in a traditional garden house and enjoy a home-cooked meal using ingredients straight from the garden.

Drive from Hue to Hoi An today, a journey of about three and a half hours. Pass abundant rice paddy fields and travel over the Hai Van Pass, which on a clear day has spectacular views out to the South China Sea and the Lang Co peninsula. Take the afternoon to relax — you might like to take a stroll around the charming riverside town of Hoi An.

Explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with your private guide on hand to offer his expert knowledge. The city's historic district is littered with 16th-century buildings, once an important trading post for international visitors. Afterwards, drive out to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son — a series of Hindu temples which have now been claimed by the mighty jungle surrounding them. This afternoon is free to relax and explore at your own leisure. You might like to try out the hotel's pool to cool off after the day's exploration.

Drive to Danang airport today for the short flight to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam with your private guide and driver. On arrival, you're met by your private guide and driver. En route to Ho Chi Minh City, stop at the Cu Chi tunnels to learn a little more about the Vietnam War and the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong. It's possible to enter a few of the tunnels if you are comfortable with narrow spaces, as well as see exhibitions and videos of the tunnels when they were in use. This evening embark on a fascinating discovery of Ho Chi Minh City on the back of a Vespa as part of a small group tour. You will sample delicious street food, enjoy local music and experience the city from the viewpoint of your experienced local guide.

Embark on a full-day tour to a quieter area of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region. You will travel using various means of transport, learn about local farming practices and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch in a local home. This is a fascinating way to see an undisturbed side of the country.

After enjoying breakfast you are collected from your hotel and taken to the airport by your private driver in time for your onward flight.