On a tailor-made itinerary to Vietnam, take to the Mekong Delta to explore the ‘rice bowl of Vietnam’, enjoy lunch with a local family and uncover isolated villages only accessible by boat. While here, visit the Cai Rang floating market – the largest of its kind in Indochina.
In Hanoi, tour the small streets of the Old Quarter and sample local dishes from the many street food vendors; visit the Temple of Literature on a full-day tour; and, for a cultural experience, enjoy a water puppet show. A few hours’ drive away is the stunning Halong Bay. Sail past dramatic limestone karst pillars, and explore cave systems in this Unesco world heritage site. Stay overnight on a traditional junk boat for an encompassing experience.
Alternatively, uncover breathtaking mountain scenes and rural Vietnam in the top corner of the country. Drive along winding roads in the Ha Giang province, and head to ‘Heaven’s Gate’, a high mountain pass with spectacular views. Take to small towns along the way to visit markets, attended by local hill tribes. Mai Chau and Sapa are perfect for walking, with rice paddies and stilted houses dotting the landscape.
Travel southwards towards the Unesco world heritage city of Hue. Set by the banks of the Perfume River, take a boat ride to visit sites such as the Buddhist Thien Mu Pagoda. Uncover historical remnants from when the city was the capital from 1802 to 1945, including the Citadel, Forbidden Purple City and the Royal Mausoleums.
Explore the charming town of Hoi An, where lanterns hang low to light the narrow, cobbled streets. Cross over the Japanese covered bridge, visit the Chinese Assembly Hall, and the 200-year-old wooden merchants’ houses.
From Ho Chi Minh, take a guided excursion of the Cu Chi Tunnels and visit the War Remnants Museum for an insight into the Vietnam war. The Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh are both well worth a visit.