Vietnam Explorer

Fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's colonially influenced, atmospheric capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

• Dinner

Start the day exploring the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Stilt House and the Temple of Literature. Next, take a thrilling cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, with a stop for local delicacy ‘ca phe trung’ (egg coffee) en route. This evening, enjoy a performance of a traditional water puppets show.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Travel to Halong Bay. Board your vessel for a serene and unforgettable cruise on the glassy, limestone-studded waters. You’ll pass by quaint fishing towns, taste freshly caught seafood and admire the ever-changing vistas of the bay. There are many activities to take part in while you’re on-board - take a swim in the cool waters of the bay, explore stalagmite and stalactite-filled caves, and even squid fishing (in season).

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

<p>Rise early to catch the sunrise over the karst peaks of the bay and practise Tai Chi on deck. After brunch on board, return to the dock and travel back to Hanoi. On arrival, enjoy free time or choose from two optional activities.</p> <p>1)Watch the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam, followed by dinner.</p> Or 2) discover the varied and delicious flavours of Vietnamese street food on a tour of Hanoi's very best street eats.

• Breakfast

Fly to Hue, Vietnam's old imperial capital and still a hub of culture and scholarship. This afternoon, visit Minh Mang Tomb, set in a peaceful spot outside the city, before exploring the grandeur of Hue's Imperial Citadel. Admire the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise along the picturesque Perfume River. Later, you may choose an optional royal dining experience, where you will dine on authentic food and be entertained, all in the imperial style. Otherwise, the evening is at leisure.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

<p>Today is free for your own explorations, or you can choose between the following optional experiences:</p> <p>1) a half day cycling tour of Hue and its beautiful rural surroundings, stopping for lunch with the nuns of a nearby pagoda,</p> or 2) learn 'truc chi', creating art with bamboo paper, on a half day visit to a workshop.

• Breakfast

Journey by road to the charming town of Hoi An, crossing over the scenic Hai Van Pass. This afternoon, wander the old cobbled streets and soak up the delights of Hoi An, with visits to a pagoda, an old Chinese meeting house and the Reaching Out arts and crafts workshop.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

<p>Today is at leisure to explore Hoi An, or you can choose between the following optional activities:</p> <p>1) a cooking class, with a visit to the produce market to select fresh, local ingredients, where you'll learn the tricks and techniques of Vietnamese cuisine,</p>or 2) a full day farmer and fisherman experience, where you can try your hand at traditional farming techniques in the rural village of Tra Que, before learning to paddle round bamboo boats and cast fishing nets.

• Breakfast

Fly to Saigon and spend the afternoon at leisure.

• Breakfast

Transfer to Ben Tre, in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where you'll visit local cottage industries and taste the delicious produce of the region, before lunching on typical Mekong fare. This afternoon, take a boat trip through the palm-lined canals and waterways to visit small islands, a floating village and pagoda. Return to Saigon.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

This morning, discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to Saigon and tour the city, visiting the Central Post Office as well as delving into Vietnam's recent history at the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and a performance of the A O Show, a music, dance and acrobatic spectacular at the Saigon Opera House.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

This morning is at leisure, or you can take an optional cyclo tour around Saigon's Chinatown. Later, transfer to the airport and fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.

• Breakfast