Welcome to Hanoi, the culture-rich capital of Vietnam. Depending on your arrival time, you might like to start exploring this fascinating city by strolling the broad tree-lined avenues dating from the French period. There is a fading colonial ambiance here, with baguettes and good coffee sold from the doorways of grand buildings from a past era.

We have a group welcome meeting at 6pm with your tour leader at the hotel. That’s followed by a welcome dinner at Michelin-starred Tam Vi, a tea house-style restaurant specialising in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly from the north.

Superior accommodation: Luxe Paradise Premium Hotel

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Hanoi this morning, visiting the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple built to resemble a lotus blossom.

For lunch, we head to a local eatery that serves excellent bun cha, a Hanoian classic of noodles, broth and meat served with greens. Then explore Dong Xuan Market, the largest in Hanoi, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample street food. There may also be time to wander around Hoan Kiem Lake and perhaps enjoy the view from a lakeside cafe.

Superior accommodation: Luxe Paradise Premium Hotel

Our first destination today (after a two-hour transfer) is Hoa Lu in the Ninh Binh province, capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and early Le Dynasty (980-1009). Here we visit the Dinh Le King temples, among the most sacred structures in the district and dedicated to the founders of these important dynasties.

We then head to the town of Tam Coc, which sits within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Here we board row boats, embarking on a one hour to 1hr 30min journey down the Ngo Dong River. Our adventure takes us through caves and past local villages – the surrounding limestone mountains make for a stunning backdrop.

Premium accommodation: Emeralda Resort Tam Coc

After breakfast, we take a one-hour transfer to Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, a non-profit dedicated to wildlife and ecosystem conservation. At the centre, we meet a SVW co-ordinator who takes us on a tour to learn more about their preservation efforts and the endangered animals. We also meet some of the rescued animals and visit a half-wilderness area to see how they adapt before release.

Then we visit Cuc Phuong National Park, where you can choose your own adventure. Options include: exploring the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where 7,500-year-old human relics were discover in the 1960s; visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Center; or taking a leisurely walk in the jungle.

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We make an early start for the approximate 81mi (130km) journey to Lan Ha Bay, where incredible karst islands and limestone outcrops mirror those at the better-known (and busier) Ha Long Bay.

After arrival, we board our Premium boat and spend the afternoon cruising the waters. Hopping into a tender, we also visit the Dark and Bright caves, either by kayak or in a bamboo boat. The day ends with sunset drinks back on our Premium boat – a chance to relax and soak in the extraordinary views together.

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Rise early for tai chi on deck, followed by our final chance to relax and take in the beauty of the bay. As the boat heads back to the harbour, we enjoy lunch.

Afterwards, we transfer to Cat Ba Island to join a tour of Trung Trang Cave. Here we see impressive limestone formations and learn about the wartime history of the cave, when it served as a military base and command post.

This afternoon, we transfer (approximately 2hr 30min) to Hanoi Airport to take a flight (approximately 1hr 15min) to Hue. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa, where we spend the next two nights.

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After breakfast, we visit Thanh Tien village, which has been making paper flowers for more than 300 years. We also experience a Hue-style tea tasting at Tra Dinh Vu Di teahouse, learning from our host about the benefits of drinking royal tea and how to make a cup.

This afternoon, we visit the royal tomb of Emperor Minh Mang – a World Heritage site, offering a peak into Vietnam’s imperial past and the Nguyen Dynasty’s rule.

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Visit the Imperial Citadel this morning, the standout attraction in Hue. Inside 6mi (10km) long walls are the palaces and halls of the Mandarins, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor, his eunuchs and concubines were allowed. The Forbidden Purple City was almost destroyed during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric, and the bomb holes a testament to the destruction wreaked upon the country.

We then drive 81mi (130km) to Hoi An, the original European trading port in Vietnam. Our journey passes through the beautiful peninsula of Lang Co, between a crystalline lagoon and the Eastern Sea, and then passes over the Hai Van pass (Pass of the Ocean Clouds) where the views are stunning.

This afternoon, we have a walking tour of Hoi An and visit the Hoi An temple. The town is a living museum, with attractive wooden merchant houses and pagoda-style temples. It is also a marvellous place to wander, dipping into the thriving riverside market and shopping for silk clothing.

For those who wish, there is the option to make Vietnamese paper masks (additional cost, payable locally), a craft deeply rooted in local folklore and artistic traditions.

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Take a 20-minute transfer this morning to the tranquil village of Duy Xuyen (also known as Duy Vinh), which is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, particularly weaving.

First, we hop into basket boats for a 30-minute ride past coconut wetlands. We also visit a family of mat weavers, who have been practising the craft for generations. That’s followed by a visit to a local house to see how Vietnam’s rice wine is distilled with a chance to try it for yourself and enjoy a set menu in their green garden. We return to the hotel in the early afternoon.

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Today is free to enjoy Hoi An – a hot spot for culturally curious adventurers. Options include visiting My Son, the spiritual home of the Cham civilisation, where Cham kings were buried as long ago as the fourth century. Although bombing has destroyed much of the site, there are several interesting stone towers and sanctuaries.

Alternatively, you may wish to participate in a cooking class to learn the intricacies of Vietnamese cooking. This activity also includes a visit to the local market to shop for ingredients before you create your own dishes.

For those wishing to venture outside of town, a popular option is to jump on a bike for a ride through the countryside, passing local markets, schools and villages before continuing to Cua Dai beach (3mi/5km).

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We drive to Da Nang (approximately 45 minutes) and then fly (approximately 1hr 30min) to Ho Chi Minh City, an exciting metropolis where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments.

After arrival, we take a short bus trip to the Reunification Palace, which served as the presidential residence and workplace during the Vietnam War, witnessing key events such as the fall of Saigon in 1975.

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In the morning, we transfer (approximately two hours) to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta. Often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam, this region is known for its lush coconut groves, beautiful scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Take a boat trip and explore the intricate waterways on the mighty Mekong River, passing orchards and friendly locals also travelling by boat.

You’ll get a chance to get off the boat, visiting an orchard and sampling tropical fruit. You’ll then continue the cruise and visit a selection of cottage industries to experience local life and the local businesses surrounding the river up close.

Tonight we stay at the Mekong Lodge, a tranquil property amid the river greenery. It’s an excellent chance for us to enjoy Delta hospitality, interact with the people who live there, and sample Mekong cuisine.

Superior accommodation: Mekong Lodge

Today we drive back to Ho Chi Minh City (approximately two hours) where the afternoon is free. You may wish to visit the Ben Thanh Market or the War Remnants Museum. The museum has an interesting photographic record of the Vietnam War but please note that some images are very graphic.

This evening, we meet our tour leader and group for a final special meal at HUM Garden and Restaurant, one the top vegetarian restaurants in the world. Housed in an elegant villa, it serves Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and showcases fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farmers.

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This cultural adventure ends after breakfast. There are free transfers to Ho Chi Minh City Airport from the end hotel. Alternatively, if you’d like more time to explore this fascinating destination, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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