You are met and transferred to hotel. If time permits we embark on a cyclo for a short excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sales at these places. O/N in Hanoi.

 

This morning we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, well known as Vietnam’s first university, and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the bustling Dong Xuan Market are also visited before we depart for Halong Bay, stopping en route at the Dong Trieu Pottery village. O/N in Halong.

 

Today we embark on a boat for a cruise around Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. This exciting five hour trip will give us a spectacular view of the bay, dotted with some 3, 000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we travel by roads back to Hanoi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Hanoi.

 

After breakfast we have free time to explore Hanoi until transferring to Noi Bai Airport for a flight to Hue, Vietnam’s last feudal capital. This small and quiet city is widely known for magnificent architecture, pagodas and royal tombs laid in many small villages and surrounding hills. We spend this afternoon to visit Hue with the massive citadel, containing the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. This royal residence was all but destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, however it is still fascinating to walk among the ruins. After an impressive boat trip we return to the town and enjoy a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market that sells a wide variety of local goods and handicrafts. Along the way we pass by many fantastic eating spots, ideal places for visitors to sample some local delicacies. O/N in Hue.

 

The beautiful riverside pagoda of Thien Mu which now becomes the symbol of Hue, and the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc are not to be missed. We include these in a guided cruise on the Perfume River. Upon leaving Hue we drive south to Hoian which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down the centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The scenic road is hugging the coastline before crossing over the winding Hai Van pass. A view from the top of the pass is one of Vietnam’s most impressive panoramic scenes. We stop en route to visit the Cham Museum in Danang City, the China Beach and the Marble Mountain, whose peaks represent the five elements of the universe. O/N in Hoian.

 

The ancient architecture of Hoian is a fascinating combination of Vietnamese traditional characters with Chinese and Japanese influence. There are plenty to see in this delightful town, some of which are  the famous Japanese Covered Bridges, the Pottery Museum, the 200 years old Tamky House, the Chua Ong Pagoda, the vibrant market. Today we include these on a walking tour past many low tiled houses scattered along the small streets and assembly halls which reflect the town's multi-cultural past. A perfect way to  round off the day is a boat trip on the Thu Bon River, which also gives us a chance to admire the spectacular countryside and explore a handicraft ceramic village and boat building yards. O/N in Hoian.

 

An early morning transfer to Danang Airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. The fabulous sunny weather, turquoise water surrounding a string of offshore islands, and  white sandy beach stretching the whole length of the city make Nha Trang an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. After checking into hotel we visit Nha Trang's some major sights, including the Oceanographic Institute, the Long Son Pagoda with its famous giant Buddha image, the Hon Chong Rock formation and the impressive Ponagar Cham Towers, which are overlooking the colourful fishing port. The remainder of the day will be free for a well earned rest on a beach. O/N in Nha Trang.