DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI

On arrival in Hanoi, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, join your group for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. Overnight: Hanoi, Anise Hotel for 1 night.

DAY 2: HANOI TO MAI CHAU

You will begin today with a stop at the excellent Ethnology Museum on the outskirts of Hanoi for an insight into the lives of Vietnam's many ethnic minority groups. Then journey 150km west to Mai Chau, a minority village situated in the beautiful and remote Mai Chau Valley. The journey is through sparsely populated mountain areas that provide some awe-inspiring scenery along the way. You will be able to stop at a village belonging to the Muong ethnic group - near Hoa Binh. The Muong people, one of 54 ethnic minorities or "hilltribes" that inhabit Vietnam, retain a traditional way of life and you can take the time to walk around their village and amongst their rice fields. Enjoy lunch before arriving in Mai Chau mid-afternoon. On arrival relax with a cup of tea or rice wine before exploring the local village which is inhabited by the Thai people. This ethnic group, like all others in Vietnam, has its own unique identity. The Thai's have their own traditional dress, language and customs. Tonight try the local food and sleep in a traditional family house.
Overnight: Family House Mai Chau Village. (B,D)

DAY 3: MAI CHAU TO HANOI

This morning wake up early with the rest of the family. After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a walk through the beautiful valley to neighbouring villages. This is a great chance to learn about hill tribe methods of cultivation and way of life - a world away from Vietnam's frantic cities. This afternoon return to Hanoi and in the evening you will have a chance to attend Hanoi's unique water puppet show.
Overnight: Hanoi, Anise Hotel for 2 Nights. (B)

DAY 4: HALONG BAY

This morning your journey will take you east (approximately 170 km or three hours drive) to Hon Gai, the gateway to Halong Bay. En route pass fields of busy workers farming their rice using traditional methods of cultivation. Halong Bay achieved international fame as a key location in the French film "Indochine" starring Catherine Deneuve. The bay has assumed an important position in Vietnamese legend for many centuries however and continues to capture the imagination of visitors. On arrival transfer to the port for a magical four hours aboard your boat cruising around the bay. Considered Vietnam's greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay boasts over 3,000 islands that rise out of the sea to provide a spectacular natural environment. Admire its beauty and scale before stopping at one of the many secluded bays for a refreshing swim (weather permitting) and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board your boat. This afternoon travel back to Hanoi. (B,L)

DAY 5: HANOI TO HUE

Start the day with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter area - a maze of 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade their wares as they have done for centuries - and get a feel for the magic of one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful and intriguing cities. Continue your Hanoi experience with a walk along beautiful tree-lined boulevards to Ba Dinh Square, site of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and where Ho Chi Minh first declared independence from French rule in 1945. Ho Chi Minh is without question one of the great figures of 20th century history and this morning you can take time to visit the 'Ho Chi Minh Quarter' for a look at the life of the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the humble house on stilts from which 'Uncle Ho', as he is affectionately known, ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Continue on to the intriguing Ho Chi Minh Museum, an amazingly surreal exhibition of the life of Ho Chi Minh, set in the context of major events of the 20th century and Vietnam's struggle for independence. You will also view the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda before exploring Hanoi's first university - the Temple of Literature - dating back to 1070. This historical centre of learning is dedicated to Confucian worship. Afterwards, visit the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton' - Hanoi's former central prison made famous first for the incarceration of the leaders of Vietnam's national liberation movement and later US Air force pilots shot down over North Vietnamese airspace. The site of the prison was recently developed, however one wing has been retained as a museum. Depending on the train timetable, this afternoon or early evening you will transfer to the Hanoi Railway Station to board the Re-unification Express to Hue (a train journey of approx 11 hours).
Overnight: RE-UNIFICATION EXPRESS - shared, 4 berth cabin for 1 night. (B)

DAY 6: HUE

This morning after breakfast begin your exploration of Hue, a beautiful and welcoming city. As Vietnam's capital throughout the Nguyen Dynasty, as a centre of Vietnamese Buddhism and scholarship and finally as the setting for some of the Vietnam War's most bloody fighting, Hue provides a unique window into Vietnam and its complex past. On today's tour you will visit the impressive home of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors (1802-1945), the Citadel. Much of the Citadel was destroyed during the Tet Offensive in 1968 but is gradually being restored. Continue on to the much revered Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and most beautiful religious monument. After lunch drive to the French influenced tomb of the twelfth emperor Khai Dinh, then onto the magnificent tomb of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Tu Duc, before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Hue City, The Pilgrimage Village for 2 nights. (B)

DAY 7: HUE

This morning after a leisurely start enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River out to the rarely visited tomb of the emperor Minh Mang. Spend some time exploring the vast grounds of this complex with its many temples and beautiful gardens before returning to Hue by road. Finish the day with a cyclo ride through the quiet streets around town and enjoy some free time for further exploration or making the most of your hotel's lovely facilities. (B)

DAY 8: HUE TO HOI AN

From Hue you travel to Danang via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. This drive is considered one of the most beautiful in Vietnam and takes you through a combination of both rural and coastal settings. In Danang you will stop at the Cham Museum. The Cham people occupied this area of Vietnam from the 4th to the 16th centuries and in the museum you will find the best examples of Cham sculpture anywhere in the world. Continue south to Marble Mountains, a series of large marble outcrops that have acquired mythical significance over the centuries. The caves of the Marble Mountains have a number of sacred Buddhist shrines as well as a former Communist guerrilla hospital from the Vietnam War. From the Marble Mountains there are great views across China Beach and the surrounding countryside. Drive the short distance to China Beach, site of the former US 'R&R' beach get away. From there you will travel further south to Hoi An, Vietnam's most active trading centre over many centuries that has been largely preserved. The architecture of Updated 27th October, 2007 the city reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French and British traders. Hoi An is also the town where French Missionary Alexandre De Rhodes introduced Catholicism to Vietnam as well as the Romanised script that has become the standard Vietnamese script. This afternoon take a walking tour of enchanting Hoi An visiting an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese Assembly Hall and the Japanese Covered Bridge.
Overnight: Quang Nam, Hoi An Trails Resort for 2 nights. (B)

DAY 9: LOCAL FARMS - THU BON RIVER CRUISE

Join local farmers and learn about their cultivation techniques with hands-on experience. Later, cruise on the Thu Bon River. Return to Hoi An and visit a restaurant, or attend an optional cooking class. (B)

DAY 10: HOI AN - HO CHI MINH CITY

Day at leisure in Hoi An before transferring to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon (flight included). On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City, Metropole Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

DAY 11: HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's commercial capital and a city of extraordinary energy. Enjoy a walking tour of Saigon landmarks such as Municipal Theater, Ho Chi Minh Square and Notre Dame Cathedral. After a tour of the Reunification Palace, drive to Cholon to visit the Binh Tay wholesale market and Thien Hau Pagoda. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 12: RIVERBOAT & CU CHI TUNNELS

Travel from the center of Saigon by riverboat along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi Tunnels. There will be an opportunity to stop at a small village en route. In the afternoon return to Saigon by boat. (B)

DAY 13: HO CHI MINH CITY - CAN THO

This morning, travel south into the heart of the Mekong Delta. You will travel deep into an area of Asia famous for its massive production of high quality rice. This afternoon, check-in to your hotel, have lunch and explore Can Tho town. Overnight: Can Tho City, Golf Can Tho Hotel for 1 night. (B)

DAY 14: CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET & CHAU DOC FOR SUNSET

Board your boat for a visit to the Cai Rang floating market. Then travel by boat into the Mekong Delta and see a side of Delta life few tourists experience. In Chau Doc, visit Sam Mountain for sunset, with its breathtaking views. Overnight: Chau Doc, Victoria Chau Doc Hotel for 1 night. (B)

DAY 15: CHAU DOC - PHNOM PENH

Cross the border from Vietnam into Cambodia on a 4-hour boat journey. Today's city tour includes sites such as the National Museum, Wat Phnom, Thmei Market, the Independence Monument and a ride on a cyclo. This evening is at leisure. Overnight: Phnom Penh, Cambodiana Hotel for 2 nights. (B)

DAY 16: PHNOM PENH CITY TOUR

Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. The chilling Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crimes and Killing Fields of Choeung Ek offer insight into the country's somber history. Afternoon is free for exploring. (B)

DAY 17: PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP

Enjoy the scenic drive to Siem Reap. Stop at Skuon and try the local delicacy-sauteed spiders! Visit Wat Kua Hat Nokor and Kampong Thom, arriving in Siem Reap late afternoon. Overnight: Siem Reap, Day Inn Angkor & Resort for 4 nights. (B)

DAY 18: ANGKOR & LAKE TONLE SAP

After sunrise, explore Angkor Wat's chambers and corridors. Board a fixed-cable balloon for an aerial view of the world's largest sacred monument and surrounding Angkor park. After lunch, you'll cruise beautiful Tonle Sap, through a floating village with floating houses, schools and a floating hospital. (B)

DAY 19: JUNGLE TEMPLES & SILK FARM
Explore atmospheric, jungle-enveloped Ta Prohm, and the sister site, Preah Khan. Return to town and visit a silk farm and weaving center to learn about traditional Khmer silk weaving. (B)

DAY 20: TEMPLES OF ANGKOR IN DEPTH

A 2-hour drive through rural Cambodia brings you to the temples of Boeng Mealea, then on to Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre. Return to Siem Reap to celebrate the end of an amazing journey. (B)

DAY 21: DEPART SIEM REAP

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight (flight not included). (B)