Overview Vietnam 14 days/ 13 nights

A 70km drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place’s other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda, which offers a scenic view of the surrounding countryside. 

 In the morning enjoy a trek to the Red Dao village of Tha Phin, and in the afternoon trek through the green Sapa Valley to visit the Black Hmong minority of Lao Chai Village and Giay minority of Ta Van then back to Lao Cai to catch the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train. 

Early arrival in Hanoi. After breakfast leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay with a stop en route at But Thap Pagoda in Thuan Thanh District. Arrive in Halong and board traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto, see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on board junk. 

Visit the former imperial capital of Vietnam. A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. 

 Leave Hue for Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries whose architecture and relaxed lifestyle has changed little over the years The scenic route passes through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co before climbing over the Pass of Ocean Clouds. In the afternoon take a walking tour of the ancient town centre to visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400 year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Overnight in Hoi An. 

 A half day trip to visit the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom, My Son. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the seventh and thirteenth centuries. Visit the museum and the holy site then head back to Hoi An. Afternoon is free at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An. 

Depart for Cai Be, deep in the Mekong Delta, and embark on a cruise on the Cai Be Princess junk boat. The tour begins with a visit of the colourful Cai Be floating market, followed by a visit to some locale home factories that produce rice paste, rice popcorn and coconut candy. Proceed to evergreen islands among the Mekong River through a large network of meandering tributaries, crisscrossed with countless arroyos. Lunch is eaten at a fruit orchard before the cruise to Vinh Long to discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. Drive to Can Tho and transfer to hotel on arrival. Overnight in Can Tho.

Cruise to the colourful Cai Rang floating market while having a buffet breakfast on board the traditional Mekong-style Mystic Sampan. Then it is back to dry land in Can Tho for a two-hour bike tour of the countryside. Leave Can Tho for Ho Chi Minh City.