On arrival in Hanoi you will be met at the airport by your driver and transfered to your hotel in Hanoi for the night. Overnight Maison DeHanoi Hotel. www.hanovahotel.com

Meals:  Nil

This morning after breakfast our guide willmeet you at your hotel and escort you on a half day sightseeing tour of hanoi. We will visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Temple of literature and the vibrant old quarter with its bustling streets. The area is home to hundreds of small thriving businesses, each street denoting its trade, such as Tin Street, Silk Street or Fish Street. We also visit the central Lake of Hoan Kiem. Legend has it that in the 15th century Emperor Le Thai To vanquished the invading Chinese with the help of a magical sword. Whilst rowing on the lake an enormous turtle seized the sword from his grasp. The Emperor took this to mean that peace had returned and the sword had been given back to its guardian spirit. In honour of the event he renamed the lake ‘Ho Hoan Kiem’ – Lake of the Restored Sword. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals:  B

This morning we depart early for the three-hour drive through the stunning Red River Delta to Halong Bay. On arrival we will join our boat and head out into the Gulf of Tonkin amongst the huge limestone outcrops and emerald waters we cruise around a remote section of Ha Long, perfect conditions to laze on the sun deck or to don the bathers and go for a swim. Tonight will be spent in the private cabins aboard our boat. There is the opportunity to unwind and enjoy a drink at the boat’s bar whilst we are spoilt with fresh seafood cooked by our on board chefs. Overnight Hailong junk.

Meals:  B,L,D

The morning is at leisure as we continue to cruise in Halong Bay. We then return to the wharf and disembark the boat for the transfer back to Hanoi. Tonight a farewell dinner has been arranged along with optional tickets for a performance at Hanoi's famous Water Puppet Theatre. This is a series of stories presented by puppeteers who traditionally performed during the monsoonal period, when rice farming in the Red River Delta was not possible. The stories reflect their way of life and dreams. Overnight Hanoi.

Meals:  B

Today is at leisure to explore this fascinating city. Overnight in Hanoi.

Meals:  B

Today is at leisure.

Meals:  B

After breakfast we are met at the hotel and transfer to the airport for our flight to Hue. On arrival we are met and transfer to our hotel. After check in we will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of the ancient capital. Until 1945 the city was the former capital and it is regarded by many as the cultural centre of Vietnam. The Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors on the outskirts of the city are easily accessible. The Nguyen dynasty ruled Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 and several of its most prominent Emperors are buried in the surrounding countryside, we will visit one of these tombs with our guide. Set on the banks of the Perfume River and surrounded by beautiful rolling hills it is a tranquil and idyllic place. We also visit the Citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City, the Emperor's private residence. Both were badly damaged during the Tet Offensive of 1968, when the Communists took the city from the South and held it for 3 weeks. The battlements of the Citadel show marks from the terrible fighting that went on within its walls and are riddled with shrapnel and bullet holes. Now thanks to UNESCO funding, much of it is being faithfully restored to its former glory. The Imperial City, created in the 19th century and modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, has many palaces and temples inside. One of the most interesting parts of the City is the ancestral Temple; dedicated to the memory of the former Emperors. Overnight Camellia Hotel deluxe city view room. www.camellia-hotels.com.vn

Meals:  B

Today is free to explore the ancient capital of Hue.

Meals:  B

Today is at leisure to enjoy the wonderful imperial cuisine and ancient sites around Hue.

Meals:  B

This morning you will be met after breakfast by your driver for your private transfer to Hoi An. On arrival you will be transfered to the 5 star Palm Garden Resort and Spa, your luxury home for the next 5 nights.

Meals:  B

This morning we will embark on a sightseeing tour in Hoi An. Hoi An is a charming, small town which can be easily explored on foot. Between the 17th and 19th centuries Hoi An was a thriving international trading port with a large Chinese and Japanese population. More than any other place in Vietnam, Hoi An retains the feeling of centuries past and is a favourite with all travellers. You can spend your time walking around the historic town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the many Chinese assembly halls and fascinating ancestral homes, some of which have been occupied by the same family for fifteen generations. One of the most spectacular Assembly Halls is Phuoc Kien, built in 1690. The pagoda inside contains intricate statues and artwork, in part dedicated to Thien Hau Thanh Mau, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of fishermen. The unofficial emblem of the town is the Japanese Covered Bridge, which is over 400 years old. Hoi An is also famous for its shops in particular it's large number of tailors. If you wanted, you could have a whole new wardrobe made for you here! The riverside market is always a hive of activity, especially in the early morning when the day's catch arrives. You might like to take a boat ride with one of the local women across the Thu Bon River. You could hire a bicycle and head off on a scenic ride to Cua Dai beach, about 4 km away, stopping along the way at some of the neighbouring villages. There's even the chance to improve your culinary skills with a Vietnamese cooking lesson! One thing is for sure - there is no shortage of things to do in this town! Overnight 5 star Palm Garden Hotel. www.palmgardenresort.com.vn

Meals:  B

At leisure. Overnight 5 star Palm Garden Beach Resort and Spa.

Meals:  B

This morning you will be met and transfered to the airport for your fliht to Ho Chi Minh. On arrival at Ho Chi Minh you will be met and transfered to your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Meals:  B

Today you will enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh city. With a population of more than 7 million, Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is the largest in Vietnam. The huge number of people rushing about their daily business gives the city a vital and dynamic atmosphere. With a huge variety of sights and sounds, we join the masses in the streets and hop aboard a cyclo to experience the streets as we are pedaled to Ben Thanh market and the Presidential Palace. If you wish we can also visit the War Crimes Museum.

Meals:  B

Today is at leisure in Ho Chi Minh

Meals:  B

Today is at leisure before your transfer to the airport for you onward flight to Australia. Check out of the hotel will be at lunch time. You can negociate to stay in the room with the hotel or we can pre book a late departure for you if prefered.

Meals:  B