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. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) airport, which is around a 45-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made pre-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your arrival day. 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 set out on a tour of the main sights of Hanoi. Architecturally styled like a French provincial town with tree-lined boulevards and low-built houses, the city is wonderfully nostalgic. Among the interesting sights are the charming One-Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace. Ho Chi Minh himself, a spartan-living and scholarly man, chose not to live in the Presidential Palace, he preferred instead a simple teak stilt house specially built for him on the grounds. In the afternoon, our tour leader will give you a map and instructions so you can discover the narrow lanes of the fascinating Old Quarter solo, where the streets are named after various crafts or specialities: Paper Street, Silk Street, Basket Street and so on. The shops themselves have very narrow frontages but are actually quite deep; they are known locally as tube shops. On the pavements, food vendors sell noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers. Take some time to really soak in your unique surroundings with the tempting smell of the food stalls mixing with the scent of incense from small temples dotted around. After a full day of exploration, we'll regroup for dinner at KOTO which offers a delightful fusion of traditional Vietnamese cuisine and modern culinary techniques. KOTO (Know One, Teach One) is a social enterprise in Ha Noi, renowned for providing disadvantaged young people with vocational training and life skills. Eating at KOTO is more than just a dining experience, it also offers you a connection with the local community and the chance to support a great cause.

Departing the city early this morning, we'll head south of Halong Bay for an overnight cruise around Lan Ha Bay. Lan Ha Bay is a picturesque and lesser-known gem located adjacent to the famous Halong Bay. Lan Ha Bay is renowned for its tranquil beauty and relatively untouched environment compared with its more famous neighbour. The bay's waters are clearer and less crowded, offering a more peaceful and intimate experience. The landscape features secluded beaches, hidden lagoons, and grottoes waiting to be explored. Boarding our premium junk boat around midday, we'll set sail, threading our way through a flotilla of boats, junks and wooden sampans as they ply their way across the gentle waters of the bay; a timeless image of a way of life unchanged for generations. We'll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine whilst enjoying panoramic views of 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. In the evening, you can relax in your spacious, beautifully appointed cabins, indulge in exquisite dining options and unwind in stylish lounges and on panoramic decks offering stunning views of the karst formations. 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, you may like to take the opportunity to practice Tai Chi on the deck this morning while admiring the serene landscape of the bay. After breakfast overlooking the serene landscape, we'll continue cruising along the green limestone islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited. You'll see floating villages and fishermen carrying out their everyday activities before journeying back to land after lunch. We'll drive back to Hanoi in time to catch the late afternoon flight to Da Nang. It's just a short drive from here to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, a former merchant port and our base for the next three nights. In the afternoon, you can relax at our hotel which features a serene outdoor pool, lush gardens and convenient access to the city's ancient town and cultural attractions.

Hoi An had become one of the busiest international trading ports of Southeast Asia by the 17th century, and it still retains its medieval charm today, with many of its old buildings superbly preserved. In the morning, we'll head out on a walking tour of the Old Town. As we stroll through the narrow winding streets of Hoi An's ancient town, we'll be 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 lanterns above, creating a picturesque scene. After our walking tour, you might like to go on a food journey on your own through the city and try one of Hoi An's famous dishes, such as Cao Lau (a noodle dish unique to Hoi An), Banh Mi (a Vietnamese sandwich) or White Rose Dumplings. We'll regroup mid-afternoon and continue our culinary adventure with a cooking class in the picturesque countryside. Taking a walk through the herb gardens with our family's chef, we'll see local farmers at work in their fields using traditional methods from hundreds of years ago - no electrical machinery here. We'll learn about the organic herbs used in cooking and medicine, some of which we'll put to good use when we prepare a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes from scratch. We'll then indulge in a delicious meal including the fruits of our labours.

Today is left free for you to enjoy Hoi An. You might want to try a famous banh mi from one of the local vendors or take part in a lantern-making workshop, crafting the colourful lanterns that light up the town. If you prefer, the beach is just a short taxi ride away, or you could take a peaceful boat trip on the river. The town is full of vibrant shops, cozy cafes, lively bars, and excellent restaurants - perfect for souvenir shopping, getting custom clothes tailored, or simply relaxing by the river and watching the world go by. There are also some excursions that can be taken further afield such as to My Son, one of the holiest and most evocative of Vietnam's Cham sites. The Chams were dynastic lords who rejected the authority of China in 2AD and established their own kingdom. Travel along the track that leads to the site is slow, as we bump through wooded hills, but the site is certainly impressive with several groupings of Cham temples which can be visited. Alternatively, you can take a meaningful excursion to the My Lai Massacre Memorial, a powerful site that shares the tragic history of a pivotal moment in the American War through a moving photographic exhibition.

Today, we head north along the coast to Hue with several interesting stops along the way. Our first stop is at the nearby five peaks of the Marble Mountains, said to represent the five elements of water, wood, fire, gold and earth. Naturally formed grottoes have been transformed into heavily carved Buddhist sanctuaries. A torch is useful for exploring some caves and caverns. A short distance from the mountains we'll find the white sands of My Khe Beach (nicknamed China Beach by American troops - an ideal spot for a brief rest. Pausing in Danang, once the centre of the Kingdom of Champa, we'll visit the Cham Museum, home to a fine collection of Cham sculptures. We enjoy a scenic drive across the spectacular Col des Nuages, otherwise known as the Hai Van Pass en route observing rural scenes of thatched, wooden houses and lime-green rice paddies as well as enjoying panoramic sea views as we make our way to Hue. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and discover Hue. Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue is a city rich in history and cultural heritage. The city is renowned for its vibrant festivals and traditional music, offering visitors a captivating blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy amidst picturesque natural surroundings. But Hue isn't just about history - it's a food lover's paradise! Prepare to delight your taste buds with the city's legendary royal cuisine, famed for its delicate spices and unique flavours. Don't miss trying 'bun bo Hue\ , a spicy beef noodle soup that perfectly captures the city's rich culinary heritage. Other must-try dishes include \ com hen\ (clam rice) and \ banh khoai\ (crispy pancakes). Our hotel in Hue provides a peaceful escape set amidst lush gardens and traditional Vietnamese architecture.

This morning, we'll explore Hue's incredible Imperial Citadel, a stunning palace built by Vietnam's last emperors. Even though parts were damaged in the past, the impressive walls and buildings still give a real sense of the city's royal history and charm. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. You could check out the famous Emperor's Tombs, each with its own unique vibe and beautiful surroundings. Or head to Dong Ba Market to dive into local life and taste some amazing street food. If you want to relax, take a peaceful bike ride along the Perfume River or unwind in one of Hue's cozy cafes.

We\ re starting the day early to catch our flight to Saigon. After a quick drive to Danang Airport, we fly into Ho Chi Minh City - known as Saigon by the locals. There, 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'll dive into the sights of Old Saigon, now known as District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Along the way, our tour leader will point out landmarks like the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral, the grand General Post Office, and some iconic French Colonial hotels like The Rex. Next, we'll visit the Independence Palace - also called the Reunification Hall - and the powerful War Remnants Museum, which offers a gripping look at Vietnam's turbulent history. the afternoon is yours to relax or explore further. You might want to check out the vibrant Ben Thanh Market for some shopping, visit the bustling cafes for a taste of local life, or explore the trendy art galleries and rooftop bars scattered around the city. Our accommodation tonight is an elegant hotel right in the heart of the city. It offers exceptional dining experiences and sophisticated facilities.

We\ re in for a full day of adventure today as we make our way into the captivating Mekong Delta. This lush, river-laced region is one of Vietnam's most distinctive areas - where winding waterways, swaying coconut palms, and quiet village life offer a glimpse into a slower, more traditional way of living. Arriving in the Mekong Delta town, we'll take a boat and continue along the river and visit local family houses where rice paper, coconut products and local Mekong whisky are produced. We'll enjoy lunch, made using local produce, in a lush tropical garden by the river, among pomelo, longan, mango, coconut and banana trees. Afterwards, our cruise continues into the countryside, where local houses are still made of wood and palm tree leaves and pass under several small traditional wooden and bamboo bridges. At the end of the day, we'll return to Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, we take a drive out of the city to explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels - an underground network that played a key role during the 1968 Tet Offensive. If you\ re feeling adventurous, you can crawl through a specially adapted narrow section of the tunnels to get a real sense of the tight, claustrophobic conditions the Viet Cong endured. Later in the afternoon, we fly to Siem Reap - Cambodia's enchanting gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor. Nestled between the Tonle Sap Lake and the Kulen Mountains, Siem Reap is a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Our hotel in Siem Reap tonight, offers a blend of Khmer hospitality and modern comforts.

Over the next two days, we'll explore Angkor, Cambodia's ancient capital. The exact itinerary will be at our tour leader's discretion to help us avoid crowds and factor in awe-inspiring sunsets. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor is a captivating site, housing over 155 square kilometres of carved stone temples, elegant sculptures and incredible bas-reliefs. We'll take our time to learn about its ancient civilisation once-great empire. Our first stop is Angkor Tom - a monumental ancient city built by King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. The city contains another of Angkor's gems, The Bayon, with its maze of corridors, gothic-style towers and magical central temples. We'll discover The Terrace of the Elephants and the Leper King, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas and some of the surrounding temples such as Preah Khan, before heading back to our hotel.

Today is our final day and we plan to spend it exploring the second Angkor capital, including the temples of Prasat Kravan, Banteay Kdei and Takeo. A real highlight is our visit to the atmospheric temple of Ta Prohm, where the film Tomb Raider was filmed, lying half consumed by the jungle. Our day ends with Angkor's most breathtaking sight, Angkor Wat, where we'll stay until the sun sets on the last night of our adventure.

Our trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Siem Reap. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Siem Reap at any time. If you have time, you might like to browse the old market for some last-minute bargains or enjoy afternoon tea at The Foreign Correspondent's Club. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) which is around a 60-minute drive from our hotel. As part of our Upgraded range, we also offer a complimentary transfer to those who have made post-tour accommodation arrangements through Explore, regardless of your departure day.