Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's most evocative and largest city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Spend the morning discovering the guerrilla warfare tactics of the Viet Cong at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Stop for lunch at an organic farm before returning to Saigon for an afternoon city tour. This exuberant city is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.
Journey to Ben Tre to take a cruise on the Mekong. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and get a glimpse of daily life on the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a lunch of typical Mekong dishes. Return to Saigon, stopping en route to explore the historic Vinh Trang Pagoda and its beautiful gardens.
Fly to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. This afternoon, take a walking tour of this charming town '“ a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit an old merchant's house, Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop employing staff with disabilities.
Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside, stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work and try your hand at their traditional techniques. This afternoon is at leisure to shop, explore, or perhaps head to the beach.
Leave Hoi An for Hue, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. The epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past, Hue is a dignified and scholarly city. Visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. The magnificent centrepiece of the Royal Empire, the citadel was extensively damaged during the Vietnam War. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. Continue to the old Thien Mu Pagoda before taking a cruise on the Perfume River.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, a complex of 40 monuments set in surroundings of gardens and pools. This afternoon, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital.
Sightseeing today includes a wander through the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, learning about this major figure of Vietnamese history. See his Mauoleum and the Presidential Palace, along with the humble Stilt House he called home. Also visit One Pillar Pagoda and the Confucian Temple of Literature. End the day's explorations with a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter and enjoy a flavourful Vietnamese egg coffee.
Board a traditional cruise ship on Halong Bay and cruise out into its tranquil scenery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it's easy to see why it is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. Enjoy excursions such as kayaking or exploring island caves before returning to the ship for dinner.
Rise early this morning for a beautiful sunrise over the bay. Return to Hanoi after brunch on deck and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
