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Day 2: Hanoi

Accommodation: Skylark Hotel

Upon arrival in Hanoi you will be greeted by an Audley representative and taken to your hotel. At leisure after your flights.

Day 3: Hanoi

Accommodation: Skylark Hotel

Today you will join a local blogger on a fascinating street food tour of Hanoi. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: Hanoi

Accommodation: Skylark Hotel

An early start today as your guide will collect you to begin a cycling tour of Hanoi. You will witness another side of Hanoi which is only available to those who venture out early in the day. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Hanoi , Ninh Binh

Accommodation: Tam Coc Garden

Today you will transfer to the beautiful region of Ninh Binh, home to some stunning Karst scenery, rural villages and mysterious cave networks. Evening at leisure.

Day 6: Ninh Binh

Accommodation: Reunification Express soft sleeper (private)

Today you will stray off the beaten track and experience one of the most spectacular areas in Vietnam. Navigating by bike you will pass through tiny hamlets set amongst a stunning backdrop of colossal Limestone art. After meeting the locals and stopping for lunch you will board a small boat which will take deep into some of the most extensive cave networks in Vietnam. This evening board your overnight train and travel south to Dong Hoi.

Day 7: Dong Hoi , Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Accommodation: Saigon Phong Nha Hotel

Upon arrival in Dong Hoi you will be greeted by your local guide and taken to your hotel for breakfast and check-in. Later today you will discover one of the many spectacular caves in the National Park

Day 8: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Accommodation: Hang En campsite

Embark on an unforgettable trek through Phong Nha National Park before arriving at the entrance to the world`s third largest cave, Hang En. Overnight in the cave itself.

Day 9: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park

Accommodation: Saigon Phong Nha Hotel

Spend the morning exploring Hang En before the arduous but rewarding trek back to your meeting point on the HCM trail. Afterwards you will be taken back to your hotel for a well earned rest.

Day 10: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park , Hue

Accommodation: Villa Hue

Today you will leave the National Park behind and journey south along the Ho Chi Minh trail to the imperial city of Hue. The infamous Vinh Moc tunnels is just one of the many interesting sites along the way. Evening at leisure

Day 11: Hue

Accommodation: Villa Hue

Today you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the jetty in time to meet you Dragon boat which will take you up the Perfume river to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Ming Mang`s Mausoleum. Afternoon at leisure

Day 12: Hue , Bho Hoong

Accommodation: Bho Hoong Bungalows

Stray off the beaten track today and experience rural village life as it once was with a fascinating insight into the Vietnamese Cot Tu minority. Overnight in a traditional bungalow.

Day 13: Bho Hoong , Hoi An

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

Leaving the mountains behind you will journey back towards the coast ending up in the charming UNESCO town of Hoi An. Evening at leisure.

Day 14: Hoi An

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

Explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with your guide on hand to offer his expert knowledge and help you unearth some hidden gems in this charming town. Afterwards take a drive out to the ancient Cham ruins at My Son; a magical place which was once claimed by the mighty jungle surrounding it.

Day 15: Hoi An

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

Today you will head out on the water on a traditional coracle boat to experience the everyday life of the Vietnamese fisherman. Explore local fishing communities before trying your hand at catching your own. A fresh seafood lunch will be served on-board afterwards. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 16: Hoi An

Accommodation: Boutique Hoi An Resort

At leisure to explore Hoi An, with its maze of tiny cobbled back streets. Perhaps visit one of the ancient merchant houses or try some of the delicious unique local cuisine, including Cao Lau and White Rose.

Day 17: Hoi An

Today you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Day 1: Arrival, Hanoi

Overnight: Hanoi

Fly into the gorgeous capital city of Hanoi in Vietnam's north. Upon landing, you are greeted by your hospitable guide and transferred to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Day 2: Hanoi, City Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hanoi

Get acquainted with the city on a morning excursion to some major historic sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison and Temple of Literature. This afternoon, browse informative exhibitions related to the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, before hopping aboard a cyclo (Vietnamese rickshaw) to explore the maze-like streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. End today's trip at the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can walk leisurely to explore its surroundings like Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a brilliant performance of traditional water puppetry.

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Halong Bay

Depart from Hanoi in the morning and set off on a 3-hour drive to the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, where over 1,600 largely uninhabited limestone islands rise out of crystal-blue waters. After boarding the cruise boat, you will sail through the bay enjoying the sights and activities: visit the Vung Vieng floating fishing village by kayaking, partake in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration, and join the others for squid fishing. For total relaxation, other options for you are to unwind in a sauna or simply sun yourself on the deck.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An

Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch

Overnight: Dong Hoi

Wake up in paradise and kick off the day with a morning Tai Chi exercise on the deck. After a light breakfast, venture out to explore the mysterious Thien Canh Son Cave strewn with limestone stalactites and stalagmites. Once back on the boat, check out and enjoy the brunch. As your cruise boat arrives at the pier around 10:45 am, disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for a brief flight to Da Nang Airport in central Vietnam. A private transfer afterwards will whisk you to your hotel in Hoi An for the night.

Day 5: Hoi An, Eco Tour with Fishing on Basket Boat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Hoi An

This morning is reserved for an eco-friendly tour, visiting a colorful market, exploring rustic countryside scenery, and partaking in net fishing aboard a local basket boat. You will enjoy authentic Vietnam dishes for your lunch.

Continue the day with a relaxing walk around the Ancient Town to fully absorb its old-world charms, from the Vietnamese former merchant's house to the Japanese Covered Bridge, and wooden Chinese temples

Day 6: Hoi An, with Rich Options

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Hoi An

Indulge in a full day of leisure in Hoi An, and you'll be spoiled for choices on things to do:

explore more of the area's attractions like UNESCO-protected My Son Sanctuary, try your hands at cooking or lantern making, enjoy the sunset on the beach, stroll around the charming Hoi An Town at night, plus much more.

Day 7: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City

Meal: Breakfast

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy this morning at leisure before taking a private transfer to Danang airport for a short flight southward to Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and taken to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to relax or go around by yourself.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon City Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, drive out of the city to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground stronghold once served as a hidden location and supply line for Viet Cong. Crawling through the subterranean causeway, you will get to know the hardship of life in the complex and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. After that, transfer back to Ho Chi Minh City and take in major sights, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat).

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City, Day Excursion to Mekong Delta

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, head out on a day trip to explore Mekong Delta, a fertile agricultural area referred to as the country's rice bowl. A 1.5-hour scenic drive will take you through urbanized areas to My Tho, the main gateway to the Mekong Delta. You will first visit a local wholesale fruit market - Thanh Tri Market, before boarding a local ferry for a cruise on the Tien River dotted with lush islets and fishing villages. Disembark and take a short walk to Vuondau, with the chance to taste seasonal fruits and honey tea. Following this, a list of fun activities for you are drifting through the palm-shaded creek in a wooden canoe, visiting a coconut candy workshop and enjoying a horse-cart ride. After lunch at a local restaurant, hit the road for your return drive to Ho Chi Minh City, with an en-route visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda with an elegant blend of Asian and European styles.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure

Meal: Breakfast

Savor a leisurely morning before you are transferred to the airport well in advance of your departure flight, either home or to your next destination.