Tripology

Sightseeing

Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, where you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples of this unique city. Overnight at Anise Hotel, Hanoi. Includes: (B).

Museums

This morning, a city tour introduces you to the historical and cultural highlights of Hanoi. Visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed Mondays and Fridays plus Oct-Nov) and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc. Take a break from walking as you tour Hanoi's Old Quarter by cycle, a chauffeur-pedaled tricycle. End the day with a visit to your choice of museum: the Ethnology, Army, History or National Fine Arts Museum. Overnight at Anise Hotel, Hanoi. Includes: (B).

Sightseeing

Leave the city behind with a short drive through rural northern Vietnam to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan river boat through the rice paddies and enormous limestone karsts to reach the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. End your visit with a climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda, for views of the surrounding countryside before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon. Overnight at Anise Hotel, Hanoi. Includes: (B), (L).

Small Ship or Yacht Cruise

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay and enjoy the lush scenery as you drive through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Upon arriving in Halong, board the Emeraude, a wonderful replica of one of the classic colonial steamships of French Indochina. Enjoy lunch as you cruise among hundreds of islets and discover unspoilt pockets of Halong Bay. This afternoon visit 'Sung Sot' cave, one of the most imposing grottos of the Bay and perhaps enjoy a swim off of the boat's swimming platform before the sun sets. Overnight aboard the Emeraude, Halong Bay. Includes: (B, L, D).

Private Car Service

For early risers, enjoy a Tai Chi class on the sundeck or simply watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee. Enjoy a wholesome breakfast as you cruise back to the Emeraude's private pier in Halong city. Drive back to Hanoi before the short flight to Danang. Upon arrival your private vehicle will be waiting for you for the short transfer to Hoi An, where the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this quaint town. Overnight at Hoi An Trails, Hoi An. Includes: (B).

Sightseeing

This morning, a walking tour of the Hoi An's ancient town centre will take you back in time to when the town was a major trading port in Asia. After lunch, depart for Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Along the way, stop in Danang for a visit to the Cham Museum before continuing the drive over the 'Pass of Ocean Clouds' and through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co. Arrive in Hue late in the afternoon and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Park View, Hue. Includes: (B).

Historical and Educational Tours

Your visit to the former imperial capital of Vietnam, begins with a boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River. From here you will visit Hue's Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Citadel, from which the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. In the afternoon, visit the mausoleums of two of Hue's former emperors. The mausoleum of Tu Duc features tranquil gardens and lakes, whilst Emperor Khai Dinh's is designed in an elaborate European-influenced style. Overnight at Park View, Hue. Includes: (B).

Sightseeing

After breakfast, a short flight takes you to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. A full day city tour begins in the city's bustling Chinatown, followed by the enormous Binh Tay Market where everything imaginable is for sale. This afternoon, visit the War Remnants or the History Museum and the former Presidential Palace. Finish the day with a stroll around the colonial sights of the city including the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office amongst others. Overnight at Palace Hotel, Saigon. Includes: (B).

Sightseeing

Today, leave the bustle of the city behind with a scenic morning drive through the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional boat in My Tho to begin your exploration of the delta region along the Tien River. Utilizing traditional boats and horse carts, you will visit local cottage industries along the way as you travel through the narrow, tree-lined canals during your half days tour. After lunch, visit Vinh Trang pagoda before returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight at Palace Hotel, Saigon. Includes: (B, L).

The day is at your leisure for last minute sight-seeing or shopping until your transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your onward flight. Includes: (B).