Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City - Arrival
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free for relaxation. An optional walking tour of Dong Khoi St (formerly Rue Catinat) and Le Cong Kieu St., two of Ho Chi Minh City's most famous streets, is available. OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH CITY.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Sightseeing
After breakfast, drive to the extraordinary Cu Chi tunnels, just outside Ho Chi Minh City. During the war for independence, "Viet Cong" guerillas built the labyrinth of narrow tunnels virtually undeeath U.S. bases, using them to hide during bombing raids and to stage surprise attacks. En route to Cu Chi, seasonally we can see how rural people live and work. View occupations such as cashew nut farming, rice farming and production of rice paper, a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Retu to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon for a half-day city tour. Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Chinatown, Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple. OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH CITY. [Breakfast]

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh Long - Boat Cruise
Depart Ho Chi Minh City for a scenic moing drive to Cai Be, stopping en route at the oate Cao Dai Temple in Ben Luc. From Cai Be, take a boat trip along the mighty Mekong river and its tributaries to view the daily lives of people who work and play on the waterways of the Mekong Delta. The trip includes a visit to the floating market at Cai Be, to an old house, and to a family-run business producing rice paper - a key ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. Lunch is on an ait, in a local house set amongst fruit orchards and bonsai trees. A performance of traditional Vietnamese music is optional. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in late afternoon. OVERNIGHT IN HO CHI MINH CITY. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 4: Ho Chi Minh City - Hue - Sightseeing
Take the morning flight to Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival in Hue, transfer to hotel. Visit the Imperial Citadel and the elaborate tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc. Stop en route at family businesses to learn how Vietnam's famous conical hats and colourful incenses are made. OVERNIGHT IN HUE. [Breakfast]

Day 5: Hue - Danang - Hoi An
Morning boat cruise through the centre of Hue on the romantic Perfume river. Visit the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda along the riverbank, then continue on to Danang by car. The three-hour drive along the coast, through emerald-green paddy fields and over the spectacular Hai Van Mountain pass, is itself a trip highlight. Visit stonecutters at the Marble Mountains, famed for being a "Viet Cong" guerillas hideout during the Vietnam War. Upon arrival in the ancient port town of Hoi An, transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest or exploring of Hoi An. OVERNIGHT IN HOI AN. [Breakfast]

Day 6: Hoi An - Sightseeing
Take a half-day walking tour of this quaint town, visiting ancient merchants' houses, a Hokkien temple, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, and the colourful riverside market. Afternoon drive to visit a workshop where artisans make Hoi An's famous lantes. Guests learn how the lantes are made then have a chance to create their own lantes, from designing the frame to gluing the cloth. Finish the day with a sunset boat trip on the Thu Bon river to Thanh Ha pottery village. OVERNIGHT IN HOI AN. [Breakfast]

Day 7: Hoi An - Danang - Hanoi
Depart Hoi An for Danang to catch the flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest or to begin exploring the city. In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show - a remarkable Vietnamese art form that combines traditional music, fireworks, underwater puppeteers, and elaborate puppets floating gracefully over water. OVERNIGHT IN HANOI. [Breakfast]

Day 8: Hanoi - Sightseeing - Hai Phong
After breakfast, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh's former home, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Afternoon drive to Hai Phong. On arrival, take an orientation trip of this colonial city, visit to Du Hang Pagoda  and Hang Kenh Communal House with exquisite woodcarvings.OVERNIGHT IN HAI PHONG. [Breakfast]

Day 9: Hai Phong - Halong - Boat Cruise - Hanoi
Early morning drive to Halong Bay. Relax on a 5-hour boat cruise through magnificent Halong Bay, a UNESCO designated World Heritage site. Enjoy a seafood lunch on board. Return drive to Hanoi, stopping en route at the Dong Trieu Ceramics Workshop in Hai Duong. OVERNIGHT IN HANOI. [Breakfast, Lunch]

Day 10: Hanoi - Departure
The morning is free for shopping before transfer to Noi Bai Inteational Airport for departure. End of services. [Breakfast]