Upgraded - Discover Vietnam

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, famous for its rich culture, bustling life and colonial influences. Its small lakes, busy streets and secluded alleyways are all waiting to be explored. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those who wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Hanoi at any time. Should you miss the welcome meeting our tour leader will leave a note at the front desk and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. A transfer from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is around 45 minutes from the hotel, is included on all trips in our Explore Upgraded range regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days before departure. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to walk around the peaceful shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.

This morning, we'll head out on a walking tour to take in the main sights of the bustling city of Hanoi. Notable attractions include the charming One-Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature and the Presidential Palace. In the afternoon, we'll experience the enchanting Dao Thuc Village water puppet show, a traditional Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. Set in a serene village, this unique cultural performance takes place on a water stage, where beautifully crafted wooden puppets come to life - depicting scenes from rural life, folklore and historical legends. Accompanied by live folk music and talented puppeteers, the show offers a glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. After a full day of exploration, we'll drive back to Hanoi for dinner at KOTO, where we'll tuck into a delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and modern culinary techniques. KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is a social enterprise in Hanoi, renowned for giving disadvantaged young people vocational training and life skills. Eating at KOTO is more than just a dining experience, it offers you a connection with the local community and the chance to support a great cause.

This morning, we'll drive two-and-a-half hours to the south of Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on Lan Ha Bay - one of the most visually impressive landscapes in Southeast Asia. Lan Ha Bay is a picturesque and lesser-known gem located in the northeast of Vietnam which is renowned for its tranquil beauty and relatively untouched environment compared to its more famous neighbour, Halong Bay. The bay's waters are clearer and less crowded with cruise boats, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience. We'll board our premium junk boat around midday and enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine as the ship sets sail, offering panoramic views of the limestone karsts and emerald waters. We might have the chance to stop and kayak through hidden caves and lagoons, bringing us closer to the natural beauty of the bay, before continuing to our overnight spot for a dinner of seafood and local specialities. We'll spend the night aboard our superb junk, where you'll be accommodated in en suite twin-share cabins. Each cabin boasts large picture windows and modern air conditioning, providing a truly special experience. Please note that the boat is not exclusive to our group, and we'll be sharing it with other tourists.

If you're an early riser, take the opportunity to practice Tai Chi on the deck while admiring the serene landscape of the bay. Continue cruising along the green limestone islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited. Observe the floating villages and fishermen carrying out their everyday activities before journeying back to land before lunchtime. Hop back on the bus and begin the journey to Ninh Binh, with a stop in Nam Dinh for lunch. On the menu is a delicious, warming bowl of Pho, a must-try while in Vietnam. After lunch, we continue driving to Ninh Binh and arrive at the hotel mid-afternoon. Ninh Binh is a breathtaking region of Vietnam, renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, serene rivers, and lush rice paddies. Our hotel is situated in the centre of Ninh Binh, offering amazing views of the surrounding nature. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or rejuvenating at the on-site spa.

We have a full day of exploration ahead of us today, starting with a cruise on the Ngo Dong in a traditional sampan. Drift through serene waters, passing through ancient caves, surrounded by lush green landscapes and towering limestone formations of Tam Coc. Next up, head to Bich Dong Cave, a beautiful spot known for its peaceful vibe and three ancient pagodas tucked into the mountainside. It's a serene place where you can learn about Vietnam's rich history and culture. After lunch, we'll explore Hoa Lu on foot through ancient temples and historic sites. We'll wander among remnants of Vietnam's royal capital during the Dinh dynasty, learning about its rich cultural heritage amidst scenic landscapes and peaceful surroundings. Returning to the hotel in the late afternoon, there'll be time to relax and freshen up before dinner. The area boasts plenty of dining options to choose from. One of the food specialities of Ninh Binh is com chay or crispy rice. It's made by frying leftover rice until it becomes crispy and golden brown and is served with various toppings such as shredded pork, fried shallots and herbs.

This morning, if you fancy, there's the opportunity to go for a cycle ride through the villages of Ninh Binh offering a picturesque and immersive experience in rural Vietnam. Pedal along tranquil and flat paths discovering local life and traditional architecture along the way. The cycle is around one to two hours however if you don't feel like cycling, you can easily take a walk by yourself in the surrounding nature or villages or simply take it easy at the hotel. We'll then drive three hours to Ha Noi's airport to catch our short flight to Hue, Vietnam's imperial city where we'll spend the next two nights. Our hotel in Hue provides a peaceful escape set amidst lush gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Today, we'll spend time appreciating Hue's fascinating history with a visit to the Imperial Citadel. Located on the bank of the Perfume River, this palace was built by the Nguyen dynasty - Vietnam's ruling emperors from the early 1800s to 1945. The Citadel has vast moats and impressive ramparts that were constructed by 20,000 men and was a copy of the Forbidden City in Beijing. We'll start by visiting Thien Mu Pagoda and see its beautiful seven-tiered structure. It's a historic site dating back to the 17th century, offering a glimpse into Hue's spiritual and cultural heritage. We'll then take a boat back to the city. After lunch, we'll visit The Tomb of Tu Duc - a significant historical site serving as the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. After returning to our hotel around 4pm, the rest of the day is free. You have the option to visit an enamel workshop to learn about Phap Lam, a traditional art form that involves firing enamelled bronze. At the workshop, you can create your own enamel pieces and take them home as souvenirs.

This morning, we set off on a scenic drive over the stunning Hai Van Pass, also known as the Ocean Cloud Pass. As we travel, watch as we pass charming rural scenes featuring thatched wooden houses and rice paddies, all while enjoying sweeping views of the sea. Continuing our journey, we'll explore the Marble Mountains - five peaks representing the elements of water, wood, fire, metal and earth. These natural grottoes have been beautifully transformed into intricate Buddhist sanctuaries. Just a short drive away, we arrive at My Khe Beach, known as China Beach to American troops, where we'll take a brief rest on its pristine white sands. It's just a short drive from here to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, our base for the next two nights where we check in to our premium hotel. This afternoon we'll embark on a walking tour of the Old Town. As we stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Hoi An, we're surrounded by well-preserved buildings that reflect a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and French influences. The streets are lined with mustard-yellow facades, wooden shutters and hanging lanterns, creating a picturesque scene. After the walking tour, you're free to explore some more and you may like to go on a food journey of your own through the city and try one of Hoi An famous dishes for dinner like Cao Lau (a noodle dish unique to Hoi An), Banh Mi (a Vietnamese filled baguette) or white rose dumplings. Or you can simply relax at our hotel which features stylish rooms, a serene outdoor pool, lush gardens, and convenient access to the city's ancient town and cultural attractions.

This morning is free to explore charming Hoi An. There are many shops and restaurants and it's a great place to buy souvenirs or simply watch the world go by from a riverside café. Mid-afternoon, we'll regroup and go on a culinary adventure with a cooking class located in the picturesque countryside. The cooking class offers a unique and enriching experience that combines nature, culture and cuisine. It's an opportunity to learn about sustainable farming practices and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavours of Vietnamese herbs and vegetables. We walk through the herb gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods from hundreds of years ago - no electrical machinery here. Our host family's chef will teach us all about the use of herbs in cuisine and medicine. We'll then pick some fresh herbs in the garden to use in the recipes during our cooking class later. Working together, we'll learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch using the freshest organic ingredients directly from our garden and traditional Vietnamese utensils. After satisfying our tastebuds with our creations over an early dinner, we head back to our charming hotel.

We have an early start ahead of us this morning - but don't worry, we'll make time for coffee! Our first stop is Da Nang Airport, to catch our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly - and still locally - known as Saigon). Upon landing, we'll meet our bus and drive around two-and-a-half hours to Cai Be in the heart of the Mekong Delta. This afternoon, we have a cruise along the colourful waterways of the Cai Be area, followed by a serene sampan ride through tree-lined canals as we delve deeper into the Delta. As we sail to Cai Thia, a leisurely lunch will be served onboard. Then, on arrival, we'll take a walking tour of Cai Thia and visit a rice paper-making facility. Our day ends with a drive to Can Tho, our base for the next two nights. Our modern hotel welcomes us with breathtaking river views, an outdoor swimming pool and exceptional hospitality.

This morning, we enjoy a serene morning boat cruise to the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, where local vendors trade fresh produce and goods from their boats amidst the bustling Mekong Delta waters. We'll experience the vibrant sights and sounds of this traditional market, offering a glimpse into daily life along the riverbanks. The floating market is not what it was once was, as rapidly developing infrastructure gives way to roads. However, it remains a remarkable sight to experience before it fades away. Then, our tour leader will take us on a guided leisurely walk along the intricate canal system on the outskirts of Can Tho. We'll pause along the way to visit the revered pilgrimage site of Gian Gua and explore a local orchard to gain insight into fruit cultivation and try the fresh, tropical flavours of the region. The rest of the day is free to explore further or take advantage of our hotel's facilities.

Waving goodbye to the Mekong Delta, we'll drive three hours to Ho Chi Minh City. Still unofficially referred to as Saigon, the city is the largest in Vietnam. You'll find an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam's newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit. After checking in to our hotel, we step into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with an immersive walking tour of Old Saigon, now called District 1. Known for its bustling streets, rich history and vibrant culture, District 1 is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern dynamism. We'll begin at the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a great example of French colonial architecture, before moving on to the nearby elegant Central Post Office. We spend the final two nights of our tour in the heart of Saigon. Our premium hotel offers elegant accommodations, exceptional dining experiences and sophisticated amenities.

Today is free for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. There's also an optional day trip to the artisan villages of Binh Duong, the Cu Chi tunnels and the surrounding countryside. On the day trip, you'll get to see the pottery and lacquer crafts in the artisan village of Binh Duong. Stroll through the village and interact with artisans, see the local craftsmen at work and observe authentic daily life. After the village, our next stop is the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground command base which was a major part of the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you're up to experiencing the claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong lived in, there's the opportunity to crawl through a small, specially adapted section of the tunnels. Finally, we'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City for our final night, where our tour leader will arrange a group dinner for those who wish to join.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Ho Chi Minh City at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. A transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), is included on all trips in our Explore Upgraded range regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 14 days prior to your tour departing. The airport is located a short 20-minute drive from the hotel. If you have time you might like to pick up some last-minute bargains at one of the city's markets.