Day 1: : Join tour Hanoi

Arrive Hanoi and check-in at the hotel. Vietnam's bustling capital is architecturally styled like a French provincial town, with tree-lined boulevards and low-rise buildings. Hanoi is a wonderful nostalgic city to explore and this afternoon you have some free time to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of its Old Quarter. A maze of narrow lanes named after the various crafts and specialities of the city's artisans. The pavements are filled with food sellers tempting you with steaming noodles, snacks and stir-fried delights.

Accommodation: Anh Hotel

Day 2: : Free day in Hanoi

This morning there is the option to join your tour leader on a sightseeing tour of Hanoi, visiting the One-Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literatures and the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh. The afternoon is then free to perhaps take an optional cookery class, or explore Hanoi's elegant French Quarter by bicycle. In the evening there is the chance to witness a remarkable performance of traditional water puppetry. Set on a flooded stage, the stories tell tales of legendary heroes and everyday life, with dragons and unicorns often sharing the stage with fireworks and naval battles.

Accommodation: Anh Hotel

Day 3: : AM Drive to Ha Long Bay; PM boat cruise, sea kayaking and overnight on a traditional junk

Leaving Hanoi after breakfast, we drive approximately 4 hours to the Gulf of Tonkin and the breath-taking scenery of Ha Long Bay. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most visually impressive landscapes in South East Asia, Ha Long Bay is the setting for our overnight cruise. Boarding the boat in time for lunch we set sail and visit Sung Sot Cave, before spending the afternoon exploring the bay in sea kayaks. We spend this evening aboard the junk, in twin-share, en suite cabins. Please be aware, the boat is not exclusive to Explore and we may be sharing with other tourists.

Accommodation: Overnight Boat in Halong Bay

Day 4: : Morning sea kayaking; Afernoon drive to Hanoi & Overnight train to Hué

After a morning's sea kayaking and cruising we head back to shore, disembarking the boat at Bai Chay Beach before driving back to Hanoi. In the evening we board the Reunification Express overnight sleeper train to Hué, Vietnam's old imperial capital. We travel in soft sleeper compartments, with four passengers sharing each compartment and all bedding provided. Please note, breakfast will not be provided on the train, so there will be time to pick up snacks for the morning before boarding the train.

Accommodation: Overnight Train from Hanoi to Hue

Day 5: : Arrive Hué. Free for optional excursions including Martial Arts

Arriving in Hué this morning, we have the rest of the day to enjoy some of the highlights of this historic city. Options include a visit to the Imperial Palace or the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, home to the oldest monastery in the city. You could also take a cruise along the Perfume River, or enjoy a bike ride out to the Royal Tombs that occupy the forested landscapes of the Perfume Valley. If possible we may also be able to learn some Kinh Van Van, a popular form of martial arts that is unique to Hué.

Accommodation: Thanh Lich Hotel

Day 6: : Public bus to Hoi An; free afternoon

This morning we cross the Truong Son Mountains, taking a 4 hour scenic public bus ride through the Hai Van Pass to the historic merchant seaside town of Hoi An. We should arrive in the city around midday, after which the rest of the afternoon is free to wander through the historic heart of this World Heritage Site, taking in the wonderfully preserved buildings of what was once one of the busiest trading outposts in South East Asia.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung 2 Hotel

Day 7: : Free in Hoi An; Optional kite making with local family business

In your free time in this delightful town we recommend an early morning visit to Hoi An's fish market which presents the perfect setting for some great photographs and some priceless interaction with the locals. Visit the city's famous Japanese Bridge, before wandering through its historic collection of traditional wooden houses and Chinese temples. This afternoon you may like to try your hand at kite making Vietnam style with a local family cottage industry. Alternatively you could hire bicycles and explore the surrounding countryside. Other options include a gentle river cruise, an afternoon at the beach, or a chance to visit some of Hoi An's famous tailor shops.

Accommodation: Vinh Hung 2 Hotel

Day 8: : Drive to Danang, fly to Ho Chi Minh City; optional Mekong Delta excursion

Our drive to Danang this morning takes us past the five peaks of the Marble Mountains, originally believed to have been islands that were said to represent the five elements of water, wood, fire, gold and earth. On arrival in Danang we then board the morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival you may opt for free time or take a journey down into the Mekong Delta, to explore the fertile landscapes in which so many Vietnamese live in harmony with the mighty river.

Accommodation: Liberty 4 Hotel

Day 9: : Morning visit to Cu Chi Tunnels; Afternoon cyclo tour of Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning we head out to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. First constructed by the Vietnamese during their colonial war with the French, the tunnels were later greatly expanded and went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they served as an underground command base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. Exploring Cu Chi gives some idea as to the conditions that the Vietnamese and their American adversaries had to endure but be warned, the tunnels are narrow and can be quite claustrophobic. This afternoon we take a cycle tour of Ho Chi Minh City, visiting Chinatown and the bustling Binh Tay market.

Accommodation: Liberty 4 Hotel

Day 10: : Tour ends Ho Chi Minh City

Tour ends after breakfast. If you have time you may wish to pick up some last minute bargains at Binh Tay Market.