This magical journey traverses Vietnam from north to south, perfect for those seeking an in-depth tour of this charming and enigmatic country. From the Old Quarter of Hanoi to the hill tribes of Lao Chai, stunning Halong Bay to the Mekong Delta, your tour will include all manner of transport including boat trips, cyclo rides, train trips and road trips - plus visits to markets, cultural sights, natural wonders and historic landmarks for a real flavour of the nation and its people.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO HANOI
Depart Heathrow for your Air France flight via Paris or Lufthansa flight via Frankfurt and then onwards with Vietnam Airlines to the capital city of Hanoi, arriving the following day. Upon arrival transfer to the Mercure Hanoi. This afternoon you will travel by traditional ‘cyclo’ through the intricate alleyways of Hanoi’s famous Old Quarter. This evening a local historian will give an introduction talk on Vietnam’s compelling past before you enjoy a welcome dinner.

DAY 3 - HANOI TO SAPA
Explore the city, taking in sights that include one of Vietnam's most revered monuments, the Marble Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh (closed Monday and Friday, and during Oct and Nov), and the simple stilt house where he lived and worked. Afternoon at leisure before evening transfer to Hanoi’s railway station for overnight train journey to the highlands north of Hanoi and the remote hill station of Sapa. Your accommodation is a shared four berth Victoria compartment, with sleeper beds and crisp linen sheets.

DAY 4 - SAPA
Wake early and marvel at the remarkable scenery as you roll into Lao Cai which borders China to the north. On arrival transfer to the Victoria Sapa hotel for breakfast before exploring this scenic and cultural area. Visit Sapa’s market to see traders selling their wares, journey to the top of Ham Rong Mountain and marvel at the scenic panorama from this hilltop location. Visit a local village to gain an insight into the life and culture of these unique hill tribes. Return to your hotel in the afternoon for one night.

DAY 5 - SAPA TO HANOI
Enjoy a day of trekking through local villages, departing after breakfast to Lao Chai village, home to the Black H’mong Tribe and then on to Ta Van, the only village of the Giay minority. After lunch continue your walk through bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai, visiting a Red Dao minority village. Return to your Sapa hotel to freshen up and transfer to Lao Cai for your overnight train journey back to Hanoi.

DAY 6 - HANOI TO HALONG BAY
Arrive in Hanoi early and depart directly to the city of Haiphong. Enjoy breakfast before continuing to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay where you will board a traditional Chinese Junk. Once onboard check into your cabin, before dipping in to a sumptuous seafood lunch whilst cruising past the limestone peaks and islands that form this picturesque bay. Opportunity for swimming and cave exploration. Relax on deck this afternoon and overnight onboard.

DAY 7 - HALONG BAY TO HANOI
Wake early as the mist rises over the bay, an ideal time to take photos. After cruising to Luon Cave you will return to shore and transfer back to the Mercure, Hanoi. Afternoon is at leisure and later in the evening you will rejoin your group to watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

DAY 8 - HANOI TO VINH
Depart Hanoi this morning and journey south for two hours to Ninh Binh. On arrival take a Sampan ride to Tam Coc, an incredible site of giant limestone karst formations jutting out of the rice paddies that surround the Ngo Dong. Visit the 17th Century Bich Dong Pagoda and Temples of Dinh and Le dynasties and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey south to Vinh for your overnight stay at Phuong Dong hotel.

DAY 9 - VINH TO DONG HOI
This morning travel to Ho Chi Minh’s home town, the village of Kim Lien. See the typical bamboo houses depicting life at the time of Ho Chi Minh’s birth. Continue your journey south to Dong Hoi, en route visiting the UNESCO listed Phong Nha Cave. Arrive in Dong Hoi late afternoon and check in to the Sun Spa Dong. Evening at leisure to explore the local area.

DAY 10 - DONG HOI TO HUE
After an early morning visit to the Nhat Le fish market, depart Dong Hoi and drive south following the Ben Hai River and the Ho Chi Minh Trail towards Hue. Pass through and visit key sites of the De-Militarised Zone, a buffer between both North and South Vietnam and the scene of heavy bombing during the war. Arrive in Hue late afternoon and transfer to the Mercure for two nights.

DAY 11 - HUE
Enjoy breakfast before taking a leisurely cruise down the Perfume River which meanders alongside fragrant forests, tropical flowers and mountains. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s oldest and most revered religious temple, see the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh and explore the Imperial Citadel. In the evening an optional Royal Dinner recreates the magnificence and splendour of a long lost era.

DAY 12 - HUE TO HOI AN
After breakfast depart Hue for your journey south crossing the Hai Van Pass. See a little of Danang with a short stop at the Cham Museum before continuing your journey to Hoi An for two nights at the riverside Life Resort. This afternoon take a walking tour of the historic town of Hoi An. Visit the colourful local market, Tan Ky old house, the Fukien Assembly Hall and the 400 year old Japanese Bridge. Observe the raising of silkworms and the intricate process of silk production as locals display the skills that contribute to the town's thriving textile industry.

DAY 13 - HOI AN
A day at leisure for you to wander the many tailor shops or, for early risers, join the optional morning cookery class at Red Bridge Cooking School. Begin with a visit to the colourful market to purchase your ingredients followed by a short cruise to the cooking school where a two hour lesson follows. Choose also an optional afternoon tour to the UNESCO listed Cham ruins of My Son.

DAY 14 - HOI AN TO HO CHI MINH CITY
Transfer to Danang this morning for your early flight with Vietnam Airlines to Vietnam's southern capital – Ho Chi Minh City and two nights at the Duxton Saigon. One of the highlights of your trip, this bustling city is a stark contrast to your journey so far. On arrival take a short orientation tour of the city that includes the former Presidential Palace and History Museum.

DAY 15 - HO CHI MINH CITY TO MEKONG DELTA (DAY TRIP)
There is a choice of two optional tours today. Drive two hours to Ben Tre, nestled deep within the ricebowl of Vietnam – the Mekong Delta. This peaceful retreat offer lush vegetation, snaking canals and enchanting scenery. Ben Tre is famous for keo dua (coconut candy) and you can see techniques of how this is made, alongside rice paper and grass mats. Alternatively, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a unique network of tunnels that provided a home to both fighters and families during the Vietnam War. Return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 16 - HO CHI MINH CITY TO LONDON
Spend the morning at leisure before departing Ho Chi Minh City for your Vietnam Airlines flight via Paris or Frankfurt and onwards with Air France or Lufthansa to Heathrow


Trails of Vietnam is escorted by a national guide from Day 2 to Day 16. Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided in each destination by our local representative.

MEAL PLAN
Rather than offer 3 meals per day, every day, our itineraries are designed to include meals only where necessary or where they add to your overall experience. Where meals are not included, there will be a wide local choice of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. This offers you the flexibility on occasion throughout the tour to dine where and when you want and more importantly, maintain an element of variety to your mealtime selections. Prices include breakfast throughout, lunch is included on Days 3 to 12 and 14. Dinner is included on Days 2, 6, 8 to 10 and 14.

ACCOMMODATION
Three star accommodation in Vinh and Dong Hoi, four star accommodation in all other destinations.

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 14 passengers.

GRATUITIES
Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel industry. Tipping in bars and restaurants is now customary and should be around 10% of your total bill. Tipping for your guide and driver is at your discretion.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers. Ask for further information.

TRAVEL TIPS
This tour includes considerable travelling overland with full days, some early starts and incorporating traditional modes of transport. However, it is hugely rewarding. Light, durable clothing and comfortable footwear is recommended.

NB
The itinerary on this tour is subject to change depending on water levels and road and weather conditions. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed on this tour, unless travelling on a private journey. The tourist infrastructure in parts of Vietnam is not as developed as in other Far East destinations. Transport may be subject to a delay or change and sometimes roads may be bumpy. Due to the number of steps in and around the main attractions, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties. Vegetarian diets cannot be adequately provided for throughout Vietnam. Vietnam celebrates New Year’s Day (Tet) on 23 January 2012. During the week either side of these dates domestic travel increases dramatically and transport availability is limited. Many markets, shops and restaurants close although hotels remain open. Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed every Monday to Friday and throughout October to November.