Highlights of Vietnam - 11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival

Arriving in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French Indochinese architecture and tranquil lakes of this unique city.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 - Hanoi (B)

This morning, a city tour introduces you to the historical and cultural highlights of Hanoi. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and his former residence on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature as well as Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc around West Lake. This afternoon, visit the museum of your choice: the Ethnology, Army or National Fine Arts Museum. Take a break from walking as you explore the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter by cyclo, a chauffeur-pedaled tricycle. Depending on availability, end your day with a water puppet show, a traditional art form unique to northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 - Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Hanoi (B,L)

Leave the city behind with a short drive through rural northern Vietnam to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan boat ride through the rice paddies and enormous limestone karsts to reach the sacred Tam Coc Caves. (Note: In place of Tam Coc, you can opt to visit either Trang An, a nature reserve, or Thung Nang, a lush valley.) End your visit with a climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay and take in the lush scenery as you drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Upon arriving in Halong, board your boat. Lunch will be served as you cruise amongst the bay's rock formations and unspoiled pockets. As the sun sets, enjoy dinner onboard and your boat will anchor in the bay for the night.

Overnight on Halong Bay.

Day 5 - Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (B)

This morning, watch the sunrise from the deck and enjoy a full breakfast (or brunch) as your boat sails back to the harbor. Depending on the availability of time after disembarking, your guide will take you to Hanoi's Old Quarter for you to enjoy some time at leisure or drive straight to Noi Bai Aiport for your short flight to Danang. Upon arrival a private vehicle will be waiting for you for the 40-minute drive to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6 - Hoi An (B)

Today will be spent discovering Vietnam's rich cultural and historical heritage. The morning begins with a visit to My Son, the capital and religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, and Tra Kieu (formerly known as Simhapura or the Lion Citadel) to view the Cham ruins and artifacts. This afternoon, a walking tour of Hoi An's ancient town centre will take you back in time to when its was a major trading port in Asia. Visit old shophouses, the 400 year-old Japanese Bridge, a Chinese communal hall and the colorful market in this well-preserved town.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7 - Hoi An - Hue (B)

Enjoy this morning at leisure before leaving for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Driving through Danang, stop to visit the Cham Museum that houses the finest collection of Hindu-Cham sculptures in the world. Continue driving along the scenic coast of central Vietnam, first ascending the Pass of Ocean Clouds for panoramic views of the surroundings before descending to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 8 - Hue (B)

Begin your day with a boat trip on the romantic Perfume River. Explore Hue's best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. This afternoon, visit the Mausoleum of Tu Duc, which was originally built as a palace retreat before becoming the Nguyen emperors' final resting place. End the day at Khai Dinh's Tomb which boasts a traditional Vietnamese design with a European touch, making it unique from the other tombs in Hue.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 9 - Hue - Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Today, fly to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon. Begin your sightseeing tour of HCMC at the bustling Chinese district of Cholon, and continue to FITO Museum, Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum, and Ben Thanh Market to see the wide variety of goods for sale. This afternoon, depending on your preference, visit either the War Remnants Museum or History Museum, and the former Presidential Palace. Finish the day with a stroll around the city's colonial architecture, including the Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Today, leave the bustle of the city behind for a day of exploring scenic rice fields, waterways and colorful markets of the Mekong Delta. Cruise along the Mekong tributaries to Cai Be floating market and visit cottage industries that make 'pop' rice, rice paper and coconut candies. Cruise deeper to Dong Hoa Hiep Island and discover the rural lifestyles and daily activities of the delta inhabitants. Return to Ho Chi Minh City late this afternoon.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11 - Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)

The day is at your leisure for last minute sight-seeing or shopping until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight.