After breakfast at the hotel, we depart Hanoi early and drive 160 km to enchanting Halong Bay (two and a half hours journey) and upon arrival we board our own private junk boat to sail the sea in style and enhance this magical experience. Cruising through the Gulf of Tonkin, we encounter a surreal landscape of towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically out of the sea, hidden caves and coves and small beaches to swim and kayak from, as well as 3,000 limestone islands, clad in jungle, scattered across the emerald waters. A seafood lunch is served on board the junk.

We then drive back to Hanoi. Dinner and overnight are in Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, we continue on our Hanoi exploration starting with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and also his former residence to learn more about this much admired revolutionary leader. A stop at the One Pillar Pagoda gives an insight into Vietnam’s Buddhist origins before we continue to the Fine Arts Museum (closed on Mondays so arrivals on this day will visit an alternative site) and the Vietnam Military History Museum, also known as the Army Museum, with contains a vast collection of weaponry. This can be replaced with the Ethnology Museum depending on your personal interest.

We then head to Hanoi Airport for our domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City where upon arrival we transfer to the hotel.

Lunch and Dinner are at a local restaurant. Overnight is in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast we depart Ho Chi Minh City and travel 70 km to reach the war-era Cu Chi Tunnels. On the way we pass picturesque rice fields and neat rubber plantations in peaceful countryside which is home to a 200 km labyrinth of underground tunnels used by Vietcong soldiers during the American war.

We then return to Ho Chi Minh City for an afternoon tour to discover this dynamic and cosmopolitan city and embark on a sightseeing expedition with visits to the History Museum and a quick photo stop at the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace; the beautifully preserved French colonial Central Post Office; and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral.

Lunch and dinner are at a local restaurant. Overnight is in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast at the hotel, there is free time to spend at leisure until the transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Airport for the departure flight.

• Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services/ assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
• Accommodation in sharing twin/ double;
• Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
• All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the program;
• All applicable taxes and service charges;
• All meals as indicated in the program (food only);

• Voluntary Carbon Offset Compensation: USD1.50 per person per day;
• Vietnamese visa approval letter and Visa stamping fee;
• Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
• Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
• Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program;
• International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;