Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Your tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a maze of underground passageways used as hideouts by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner.

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta

Today we explore the famous Mekong Delta, rich with natural and historic wonders, during a cruise along this bustling river. Visit a local residence to learn about their traditional way of life. Later, enjoy a visit to Cao Dai Temple and explore the region’s rich architectural style.

Day 4: Saigon - Hanoi

Today, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital.

Day 5: Hanoi

This morning take a tour of Hanoi visiting the main sights including Ba Dinh Square, Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before setting out on a cyclo tour through Hanoi’s old quarter. Catch a glimpse of ancient Hanoi and see the traditional Vietnamese architecture including the “long house.”

Day 6: Hanoi - Ky Son

Venture to the countryside to Ky Son Village. Come to know life here as you embark on either a stroll or bike ride through the village. Learn about local culinary traditions during a cooking demonstration with a local chef before a lunch highlighting regional cuisine. Next, we head to Duong Lam village. Return to Hanoi for an evening at leisure.

Day 7: Hanoi - Halong Bay

Journey to Halong Bay for your overnight cruise on a luxury junk boat. Travel through the rice paddy fields and stop in some of the villages. Take in the scenery and enjoy a lunchtime seafood feast aboard followed by a swim in the crystal clear waters of the bay. This afternoon you can explore the floating fishing village by traditional row boat or by kayak.

Day 8: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

Wake as the fog gently lifts, revealing the morning light. Enjoy cruising through the emerald waters of Halong Bay back to the harbour. Then return to Hanoi to board a flight to Hue.

Day 9: Hue

Travel to the shores of the Perfume River and embark on a cruise that reveals Hue’s Imperial past. First we make a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most remarkable religious buildings in the country. Then it’s on to see the incredible mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc and explore the sprawling Imperial Citadel that originally encompassed 148 buildings before arriving at the Dong Ba Market. Later, savour the local flavours during dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Hue - Hoi An

Travel along the coast and through the countryside via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass on your way to Hoi An. En route, pause to see the quaint Lang Co fishing village. Enjoy a visit to the Cham Museum in Da Hang which houses the finest collection of Cham artwork. Arrive in Hoi An, an ancient merchant trading port and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11: Hoi An

Explore Hoi An during a morning tour. Learn about the local cuisine at today’s cooking class. Begin with a visit to a local market and learn about traditional ingredients. Enjoy lunch after your class. Then, visit a famous lantern workshop and try your hand at lantern making. These colourful handmade creations are a part of the culture of the city and symbolise luck, happiness and wealth to the residents. Set out on a walking tour of this well-preserved town. Feel like you have stepped into the past as you stroll by the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the ancient merchant house, a 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge, and the vibrant riverside market. Later, take a peaceful boat trip along the Thu Bon River before time at leisure to explore the old town.

Day 12: Hoi An

Today you’ll explore the remarkable ruins of My Son Sanctuary (UNESCO), and Tra Que Herb village. En route, stop to see 17th-century Japanese tombs, the only ones of their kind outside of Japan. Arrive in town and observe the farmers tending to their crops and sample some local delicacies. Relax as you soak your feet in an herbal bath before returning to Hoi An. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 13: Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

Your tour ends in Ho Chi Minh City.

Collette brochure price from £1979

Travel 55 discount price from £1841

Telephone Collette Holidays on 0800 804 8700 and quote Travel 55 code NYC2

Tour Highlights - Taste of Vietnam

• Vietnamese cuisine cooking class
• Cruise along the famous Mekong Delta
• Relax your feet in an herbal bath at Tra Que Herb Village
• Overnight on a luxury junk boat at Halong Bay
• Discover Ky Son village your way – take a stroll. Or, cycle through the village. Explore the floating fishing village of Halong Bay by traditional row boat or by kayak.