Vietnam classic

This tour covers the main sights of Vietnam in one journey from north to south between the cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Also included is the stunning scenery of Halong Bay, the former imperial city of Hue, and the picturesque ancient merchant town of Hoi An.

Day 1 Depart UK.
Day 2 Arrive Hanoi. Transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 3 Morning city tour of Hanoi, first visiting Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and his house in the grounds of the presidential palace. Then visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kien Lake and the Old Quarter. In the afternoon take an excursion out of the city to Bac Ninh, famous for its traditional culture. Visit local houses and enjoy traditional folksongs before travelling on to Haiphong for overnight stay.
Day 4 Drive to Halong Bay. Board your boat for a cruise around Halong Bay, with seafood lunch cooked on board. Return to Hanoi and visit to theatre for traditional music performance.
Day 5 Transfer to airport for flight to Hue. In the afternoon visit the imperial citadel, the palace that was the centre of power for the Nyugen emperors from 1802 onwards.
Day 6 Morning boat cruise on the Perfume River, via the Thien Mu Pagoda, to the tombs of two of Vietnam's emperors, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. Proceed to Danang by car over the dramatic Hai Van Pass, stopping at the Marble Mountains before arriving at the ancient town of Hoi An.
Day 7 Half day walking tour around the centre of Hoi An, visiting merchants' houses, temples, the Japanese covered bridge and the colourful riverside market. Afternoon tour to local craft workshops and a boat trip on the Thu Bon River.
Day 8 Transfer to Danang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Rest of the day free.
Day 9 Morning excursion to the Cu Chi tunnels, created by the Vietcong to hide from American bombing. Return to the city for afternoon tour to include the former presidential palace of South Vietnam, Notre Dame Cathedral, old Central Post Office, Cholon or Chinatown, and Binh Tay Market.
Day 10 Day trip out to the Mekong Delta, taking a boat from Cai Be through the canals and river channels of the delta to visit mid-river islands with local villages and floating markets. Return to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 11 Transfer to airport for flight back to UK.