Day 1     Arrive Saigon
On arrival in Saigon you will need to make your own way to the hotel. After check-in you will be taken on an afternoon sightseeing tour. The sprawling, densely packed Cholon(Chinatown) constantly bustles with activity and retains a traditional feeling, unlike the more modern Saigon city centre. Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with Binh Tay Market, the vast wholesale market selling every kind of goods - from dried foods to T shirts to electronics. Continue to Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess; Nghia An Hoi Pagoda, built by the Chaozhou Chinese congregation; and the Tam son Hoi Quan Pagoda, built by the Fujian Congregation and dedicated to Me San, the Goddess of Fertility. Overnight in Saigon

Day 2     In Saigon
Full day sightseeing in Saigon. Never discovered by American forces, the Cu Chi Tunnels were an important Vietcong base during the American War. Stretching over 200 km, this incredible underground network, dug by hand out of hard laterite, connected command posts, hospitals, shelter and weapon factories. Today, you can walk through the area and learn about the day-to-day life of the VC, see the cleverly disguised entrances and elaborate booby-traps, and even venture inside the tunnels, some of which have been modified to accommodate tourists. A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the meeting of traditional and modern life. The emerging modern skyline stands cheek by jowl with colonial buildings and traditional temples. Outside on the streets, young professionals zip by on motorcycles, chatting on mobile phones; inside the quiet temple courtyards, worshippers pray amidst clouds of incense. Begin your tour of this exciting city with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Also visit the Refunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates. Continue to the harrowing War Remnants Museum, which comprehensively documents the travails of the long Vietnam- American War. Inside are detailed photographic exhibitions; outside is a collection of tanks, planes and weapons. A powerful experience, this museum is guaranteed to provoke strong emotions. Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste. Overnight in Saigon.

Day 3     Excursion to Ben Tre with a boat trip to Mekong River islands
Journey through Ben Luc and Tan An. Take a boat trip on Mekong River to Vam Xep canal Ben Tre where local handicrafts and sweets from coconut are produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, a performance of traditional songs, and observe the local life. Take a short ride on a horse carriage to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea. Proceed by small sampan boats through the small canals and observe daily life along the riverbanks, stopping for a leisurely stroll. Overnight in Saigon. 

Day 4      Flight from Saigon to Hue
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.You will be taken on an afternoon excursion to Thien Mu Pagoda with a boat trip on the Huong Giang river. Embark on a local boat and cruise down the Perfume RIver to the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, an elegant seven-tiered octagonal tower which has become Hue's most widely recognizable monument. During the early 1960s, this became a centre of anti-government protest, and the site of the famous self-immolation of the monk Thich Quang Duc. Located in the heart of Hue is the Imperial Citadel, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modelled after the Forbidden City of Beijing. The original walls stretched for 10km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty. Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds, and visit Dien Tho Residence (Dien Tho palace) is where the Queen mother lived, visit Thai Hoa Palace, the magnificently decorated reception hall, the Halls of the Mandarins, and the original Nine Dynastic Urns, among other sites. Tu Duc Tomb: Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled Hue more than 100 years ago, built his tomb when he was still alive and used it for meditation, reading and theatre performances. There are pavilions in a tranquil setting of forested hills and lakes. The tomb was constructed between 1864 and 1867. Tu Duc, who was the longest reigning Emperor, lived a luxurious life. Overnight in Hue.

Day 5     By vehicle from Hue to Danang and then Hoi An
Today you will be transferred from Hue to Hoi An with sightseeing en route including The Cham Museum: this houses probably the best collection of Cham art to be found anywhere in the world. There are more than 300 artifacts in the museum, many dating to the 4th century. There are beautiful sculptures reflecting the 1000 year Cham period. Marble Mountains: consist of 5 stone hillocks, once islands, made of marble. Each is said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, has a number of natural caves in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. When the Champas ruled this area, these same caves were used as Hindu shrines. Tam Than: located in Marble Mountain near Thuy Son. The exquisitely preserved merchant town of Hoi An was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its colourful shop houses and temples reflect a diverse heritage, dating back to the 16th and 17th century, when it was a major port for Western, Chinese and Japanese traders. Today it is a thriving centre of traditional crafts and a shoppers' paradise, best explored on foot. Wander through the cobbled streets, past low tile-roofed buildings, the bustling central market and the small harbour where colourfully painted boats are moored. The walking tour will include a visit to a private House, where members of the same family have lived continuously for centuries in a traditional setting; to one of the Family Chapels built by prominent merchant or official families as centres for ancestor worship; and to a typical Chinese style pagoda or Assembly Hall. Finally, continue to the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, first constructed in 1593 by the Japanese community of Hoi An to link the town with the Chinese quarters across the stream. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6     In Hoi An
Today is at leisure. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7     Flight from Danang to Hanoi
This morning you will be transferred to Danang airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi you will be transferred to your hotel then taken on a sightseeing tour including;Temple of Literature: a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, this monument is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnams first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear stelae on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.  Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Rising Sun bridge. Hoan Kiem Lake: located in the centre of the city this is an enchanting body of water. Legend has it that in the mid-15th century, Heaven gave Emperor Ly Thai To a magical sword which he used to drive the Chinese out of Vietnam. One day whilst boating on the lake a giant golden tortoise grabbed the sward. Since then, the lake has been known as the 'Lake of the Restored Sword. Ngoc Son Temple: located in the northern end of Hoan Kiem Lake, it was founded in the 18th century. Surrounded by water and shaded by trees, it's a delightfully quiet place to rest. The temple is dedicated to the scholar Van Xuong, General Tran Hung Dao and La To, patron saint of physicians. Discover the old quarter of Hanoi by cyclo (1 hour). It is also called 36 streets most of which are named after the crafts or merchandise traditionally sold there. Visit a Water Puppets Show; a fantastaic art form originating in the Northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi   

Day 8     Full day Excursion to Halong Bay
This morning you will be transferred to Halong Bay where your cruise starts at 12.30 pm. Cruise on a traditional wooden boat among the emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, stopping at different islands to explore some of the many caves in this area. Sail past floating villages, fishermen casting their nets and pearl fisheries and observe the rhythms of daily life on the bay. You will be treated to a sumptuous seafood lunch on board. The boat returns to Halong pier at approximately 4.30pm. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9      In Hanoi
Morning sightseeing in Hanoi including a visit to the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum,  where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration (can only view from the outside). Continue to the Presidential Palace (may be viewed from the outside only). Stroll through the park to Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Visit the Presidential Palace (may be viewed from the outside only) Visit the Museum of Ethnology: This museum brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi

Day 10     Exit Hanoi
All arrangements end today. No departure transfer is included.