Explore the wonders of this fascinating southeast Asian country, from beautiful Ha long Bay to the serene Mekong Delta

Your holiday begins today as you arrive at London Heathrow Airport and meet the Tour Manager and group of travellers. Together, we board our international flight to Vietnam, as your southeast Asian adventure gets underway.

Winding down a 1,000-mile-long stretch of the South China Sea, Vietnam has become a bucket-list destination for many people due to its golden sand beaches, lush jungle and flavourful cuisine. A blend of frenetic cities and tranquil waterways wind through this exotic country, which exudes charm and culture. During our overnight flight, you can begin to look forward to the cultural immersion to come as we explore this nation from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City and the majestic Mekong Delta in the south, with each destination revealing a new side of Vietnam.

Landing in the Vietnamese capital in the morning, a coach transfer takes us to our four-star hotel in central Hanoi, where we have an early check-in. Enjoy breakfast after settling in, and then take some time to acclimatise.

In the afternoon, we embark on a walking tour of the city, beginning at Sword Lake. Here, we view Ngoc Son Temple, a sacred space built on an island in the 19th century to honour a Taoist deity and a medieval general who defeated the Mongols. This tranquil temple displays traditional East Asian architecture, with decorative tiles and finials.

Afterwards, we relax at a coffee shop before continuing our tour in cyclos (similar to tuk-tuks). Hanoi was the capital of French Indochina during the first half of the 20th century and is filled with fantastic colonial architecture. The cyclos also take us through the Old Quarter, whose streets are dotted with vibrant markets and serene temples.

We return to our hotel this evening for our first dinner together.

After breakfast, we set out on a full day of sightseeing in Hanoi. First, we discover Ba Dinh Square, the area around the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing structure where Vietnam's revolutionary leader is interred. We continue to the One-Pillar Pagoda, where Ho Chi Minh once lived, as well as the Quan Thanh Temple, an 11th-century Taoist structure.

There is some free time for lunch, and then we continue our explorations with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Our attention then turns to Vietnam's famous street food. With the expertise of a local guide, we are introduced to treats like 'bun cha', vermicelli served with fried pork and herbs, and 'banh goi', dumplings stuffed with meat and vermicelli.

Our tour ends at 'international crossroads', a lively part of the Old Quarter, where we enjoy a glass of Bia Hoi, a popular Vietnamese beer. The remainder of the evening is yours to continue enjoying the city's ambience, perhaps finding more local cuisine to sample for dinner.

Today is a highlight of our time in Vietnam as we transfer by coach to Ha long Bay. A vast collection of towering, jungle-draped limestone islands dot the emerald waters of this extraordinary, UNESCO-listed bay.

With isolated sandy beaches and spectacular caves, Hạlong Bay is popular with visitors, and many day boats ferry tourists to the nearest islands. Our overnight cruise takes place on a luxury boat and allows us to travel further into the bay to its quieter, most iconic sights. After a seafood lunch on board, our ship carries us out into this stunning seascape, where we visit some of the caves and islands before enjoying an incredible sunset over the water.

After the sun dips below the horizon, you can unwind with drinks, attend a cooking demonstration or relax in your cabin. Dinner is served onboard tonight.

Waking up in Ha long Bay, early risers can enjoy sunrise and a tranquil tai chi class amongst these towering formations. Breakfast is served later this morning as we gently sail back to shore, admiring these unforgettable scenes on the way.

A coach transfers us back to Hanoi after we disembark the ship, and enroute, we stop briefly at a local craft centre. This evening, we enjoy a traditional water puppet show performance. Strongly influenced by Vietnamese folklore, this art form dates to the 11th century and has a symbolic link to the rice harvest, as these tales were originally performed in flooded rice fields.

Our evening concludes with a transfer to Hanoi's railway station, where we board the Reunification Express on an overnight journey to Hue in double occupancy Violette cabins. This evocative route commemorates the unification of Vietnam in 1976 and is a vital form of transport for locals and visitors alike. Travelling aboard this train is a great way to view Vietnam and experience authentic life here.

The Reunification Express rolls into Hue in the morning after a picnic breakfast on board. This historic city is smaller and calmer than Hanoi, and with an early check-in at our modern four-star hotel, we have some time to relax by the pool or have lunch locally before embarking on a sightseeing tour this afternoon.

On our guided exploration, we visit the Thien Mu pagoda, a seven-storey octagonal Buddhist temple built in 1601 that has become a symbol of Vietnam.

Hue's main attraction is the impressive Imperial Citadel, the Nguyen dynasty's capital from 1802 to 1945. Modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City and often called the Purple Forbidden City, the expansive palace complex is surrounded by a series of moats fed by the Perfume river. Lavish pagodas, temple roofs decorated with dragon motifs and attractive gardens are guarded by towering walls dotted with ten ornate gates.

Following our tour, the evening is free to explore Hue and its range of appealing restaurants independently.

Travelling by train after breakfast this morning, we admire views of Vietnam's mountains and coastline along the route to Da Nang. On arrival, we explore the Cham Museum, learning about the art and sculptures of the Champa civilisation that flourished along the coast from the 2nd century to 1832, before viewing the Marble Mountains - five limestone and marble hills containing atmospheric Buddhist and Hindu grottoes.

After some free time to admire this picturesque setting, we transfer to our four-star boutique hotel in central Hoi An, where the rest of the day is free to relax by our colonial-style hotel's pool or step out to explore our new surroundings. Hoi An is renowned for its monthly lantern festivals, night markets and bespoke tailors with suits ready in a few hours. Stroll amongst the yellow façades of the Old Town bedecked with bougainvillea and marvel at the colourful lanterns casting their glow on the streets and flowers as the night draws in.

Today, we set out into Hoi An with a knowledgeable local guide to tour some of the town's most beloved attractions. Tan Ky Old House reflects Japanese, Vietnamese and Chinese influences and was constructed in 1741 by merchants, the descendants of whom still live on the top floor. Here, we admire the dark wood interiors, lacquered panels and jackfruit wood ceilings.

This picturesque town is historically a melting pot of cultures, and we experience this at the 17th-century Fujian Assembly Hall and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. The elaborately adorned Fujian Assembly Hall of cherry blossom pink brick and jade tiles dates from the fall of China's Ming Dynasty, while the Japanese Covered Bridge contains an ornately decorated temple with porcelain-capped roof tiles.

We pause for lunch at a local restaurant and then walk to Xu Dang Trong Art Centre for a lantern-making class. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring independently. For dinner, you may like to enjoy some local cuisine, such as 'cao lau', pork rice noodles unique to the region.

With a full free day ahead, you may wish to wander through Hoi An's picturesque streets to discover more of the city's culture.

Delve into the scents and sights of the Cantonese Assembly Hall and its pretty gardens as incense wafts gently by the elaborate dragon statue. Alternatively, perhaps head to Trang coconut village for a slice of rural life. Here, you can book a basket boat trip through the tropical waterways.

Embrace the laid-back Hoi An lifestyle by watching the world go by from a coffee shop. For lunch, you might like to enter Central Market to sample the local flavours in street-food stalls, including French-influenced banh mi, delicious pho soup and other interesting specialities.

Hoi An also excels at seafood, and for dinner this evening, you could sample it at the Night Market or one of the many restaurants serving crab, lobster, shrimp and fish.

Following an early breakfast, we transfer to Da Nang airport for our internal flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Once a small fishing village, Ho Chi Minh City is now Vietnam's largest city, with a blend of modern 21st-century skyscrapers and age-old lanes lined with ancient temples. The city was famously known as Saigon under French colonial rule - a name many locals still use. During their time ruling, the French heavily influenced the layout of the city, creating wide leafy boulevards and grand colonial buildings.

On arrival early this afternoon, we are transferred to our hotel, with photo stops along the way. We see Reunification Palace, where in April of 1975, a North Vietnamese tank dramatically burst through the gates, signifying the Fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. We also see the General Post Office and City Hall before continuing to the War Remnants Museum.

Afterwards, we check in to our five-star hotel and have a free evening to relax.

Today, we learn more about the troubled recent history of this beautiful country during a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast underground complex that once stretched almost 155 miles towards the Cambodian border was originally developed during the war of independence with France and later utilised in the conflict against the US.

As a base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968, there are still remnants of the conflict in the area, including aircraft and tanks located near the entrances. Entry to the small tunnels is optional, but those who want to can join a guide to discover more about the difficult living conditions inside the tunnels, as well as the methods used to protect them and the field hospitals and weapons factories contained within.

There is free time over lunch before we return to Ho Chi Minh City, where the rest of the day and evening is at leisure. Our hotel is well placed for exploring the local dining scene, with many restaurants within easy walking distance, including those overlooking the Saigon river.

On our final day in Vietnam, we head to the palm-lined shores of the mighty Mekong after breakfast. Travelling by coach, we journey to the island town of Ben Tre. For a long time, the only way to reach Ben Tre was by boat, so this authentic town retains a traditional feel and relaxed atmosphere. Amid the peace of lush jungle and winding canals, the sleepy waterfront is dotted with historic villas, coconut palms and stalls selling local produce.

We attend a demonstration to discover how local bricks and grass mats are made using timeless techniques and have plenty of free time to explore the unique setting. With lunch at a local restaurant, we also taste exotic fruits and regional cuisine sourced from the beautiful surroundings.

We return to Ho Chi Minh City by coach later this afternoon, where the rest of the evening is free to spend as you wish.

Enjoy a slow breakfast at the hotel or grab a sweet Vietnamese coffee and set out into the city with a leisurely day ahead. Today is an ideal opportunity to finish up your sightseeing, continue exploring Ho Chi Minh City's history or shop for souvenirs to mark your time in this cultural nation.

You might like to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, whose European design includes French brickwork, or wander round Bến Thành Market. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is also well worth a visit. If it is souvenirs you seek, District 1 has a wide range of shopping options, from worldwide retailers to local boutiques and street vendors.

This evening, a coach transfer takes us to the airport, where we begin our journey home with an overnight flight to London Heathrow.

From the bustling capital, Hanoi, to Ho Chi Minh City in the southern part of the country, our adventure has shown us the vast beauty and history of Vietnam. This journey revealed the contrasts between city life, the serene waterside and Vietnam's rich culture in memorable ways.

Having cruised Hạlong Bay, visited Hue, spent time in the charming 'Lantern City' of Hoi An, explored a town on the Mekong Delta and dipped our toe into Ho Chi Minh City's poignant past, your holiday concludes as we land at London Heathrow this morning.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

For our overnight rail journeys, we use private-use cabins in the Violette carriages, which offer comfortable accommodation for an overnight journey. For daytime journeys, we travel in air-conditioned 'soft seat' class, which, whilst more basic than European trains, offers a fascinating insight into local life and local rail travel, as well as a superb way to see the stunning scenery in this part of the world. The North-South Railway, unofficially called the 'Reunification Express', opened in 1936, nearly 40 years after construction started in 1899. The route takes you from Hanoi in the north of Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. The journey winds through some of the most beautiful areas of Vietnam, including the Hai Van Pass, with stunning views over the South China Sea, and the beach resort of Lang Co, and offers an insight into the Vietnamese way of life as you pass near rice fields.

Enjoy 4-Star accommodation on the edge of Hanoi's French Quarter at the Sunway Hotel Hanoi. This hotel is located conveniently on Pham Dinh Ho Street, putting many of the city's shopping centres and attractions within reach, though there are amenities like a restaurant, bar and fitness centre on-site. Each air-conditioned guest room offers free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer.

The colonial-style 4-Star Central Boutique Hotel & Spa offers a charming mix of traditional and modern decoration near Hoi An's historic Old Quarter. Guests can relax in the outdoor pool or sauna, and the hotel's amenities also include a spa, a bar and a restaurant. The air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities and complimentary toiletries.

The 5-Star Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon offers elegant accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, just 15 minutes from the city centre. Onsite facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa and a variety of dining options, including a Chinese restaurant and a café serving pastries and hot drinks. The air-conditioned guest rooms are stylishly furnished and include free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Located in the heart of Hanoi's characterful Old Town, this modern 4-Star hotel combines traditional culture and contemporary design. On-site amenities include a fitness centre, a restaurant, a lounge and a rooftop bar with views over the historic streets. The air-conditioned guest rooms are soundproofed and equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar and tea & coffee-making facilities.

A modern 4-Star hotel in the centre of Hue, the White Lotus combines classic and contemporary architecture a short distance from the Perfume river. On-site amenities include an outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar. The air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar and tea & coffee-making facilities.

Our luxury Indochina cruise ship is regarded as the most luxurious cruiser on Ha Long Bay, with 45 beautifully designed cabins spread over three spacious decks. Staying in spacious suites with traditional Vietnamese and French colonial design furnishings crafted from fine oak, they also feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private French balconies for panoramic views of the bay. Amenities in the suites include a luxury bathroom with a bath, free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, personal safe, minibar, hairdryer, complimentary robes and slippers. Details such as handcrafted lacquer paintings and high-quality blackout curtains ensure a serene stay.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.