Vietnam in a nutshell: 12-day adventure

hanoi

Day 1: Touchdown in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi! Arrive into the international airport, where you will be transferred to your accommodation to settle in after your travels. If you have some energy left to burn, head out to explore the city's sights and sounds.

One of the country's most atmospheric destinations, it's home to an incredible Old Quarter, an opera house, the Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius, and the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long complex. Spend a while amidst its age-old charms, soaking up the blend of local, French and Southeast Asian influences, before retiring to your accommodation for the night.

hanoi

Day 2: Explore the heart of Hanoi

Today, you'll set out to explore some of the city's most iconic draws. Stroll through the vibrant and historic Old Quarter, taking in one of Hanoi's most famous neighbourhoods; you'll want to rest awhile amidst its bright green spaces, sample flavour-packed street food with every chance you get, and visit its quaint shops to find some souvenirs to bring home. The Old Quarter brims with life and authenticity, so take your time exploring the melting pot of cultures here, before continuing your journey on to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son, the temple located on an islet at the lake's centre.

Spend the rest of the day wandering the city's streets and ticking a range of attractions off your list, at your own pace: perhaps spend some time at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and enjoy some evening theatrics at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

hanoi - Sapa

Day 3: Journey to Sapa

Pack your bags this morning and bid farewell to Hanoi (for now), as you prepare to journey on to Sapa, a town nestled amidst the Hoang Lien Son Mountains. As soon as you get here, you'll probably want nothing more than to slip into your hiking shoes, to trek across its verdant terrain and experience the overwhelming beauty of its terraced rice fields. A stark contrast to the bustle of Hanoi, it offers a chance for peace and tranquillity in a striking rural setting.

Sapa - Cat Cat - Lao Chai

Day 4: Explore rural village life

Today, you'll have the day to explore two local villages: Cat Cat and Lao Chai. In the Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat is perfect for combining scenic landscapes with immersion into local traditions: marvel at the waterfall at the entrance to the village, soak up views of rice terraces, then spend a while getting to know the local people and H'mong heritage. In equally-scenic Lao Chai, you'll have another opportunity to learn about H'mong culture, alongside those of the Dao Do and Giay communities. After a day filled with wonder, return to your accommodation in Sapa for an overnight stay.

Sapa - hanoi

Day 5: Journey back to Hanoi

Enjoy the morning at leisure in Sapa, before packing up and spending the afternoon travelling back to Hanoi. You'll arrive here in the evening, with enough time to venture the streets at night and tuck into delicious food, before returning to your accommodation for an overnight stay.

hanoi - halong Bay

Day 6: Cruise the waters of Ha Long Bay

Today, you'll transfer to one of the most memorable stops on your trip: Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where limestone islets and tucked-away caves dot rich blue waters. Board an overnight cruise, offering the chance to get to know the Gulf of Tonkin from a unique vantage point, and while the afternoon away with a selection of activities - kayaking is a particularly fun way to explore the bay and soak up its natural beauty.

halong Bay - hanoi - Hue

Day 7: Welcome to Hue!

Good morning, Ha Long Bay! Wake up on board your cruise ship and continue exploring the bay, before it's time for you to return to the airport in Hanoi. From there, you'll board a domestic flight to Hue, arriving in the evening to enjoy the city's colours at night. Check into your accommodation, where you can rest and have a sound night's sleep after your travels.

Hue - hoi an

Day 8: Soak up the historic sights of Hue

Spend the morning immersed in the ancient marvels of Hue, with a city tour that includes the Imperial Citadel of Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda, the Tomb of Khai Dinh, and much more. As the former seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors, and the country's capital city until 1945, it is one for history buffs to explore at leisure.

Once you've had your fill, transfer to Hoi An in the late afternoon, and check into your accommodation for an overnight stay. With its breezy coastal location, this port city offers plenty of unique character and cultural influences, notably showcased across its architecture and Ancient Town.

You'll be arriving at a good time to explore its famous Night Market, filled to bursting with street food vendors, souvenirs, clothing and more. Sprawled out on a street along the Thu Bon River, the market is lined with colourful lanterns and is one of the most famous in the country.

hoi an

Day 9: The many draws of Hoi An

There is still much to explore in Hoi An! Today, embark on a walking tour of the city, visiting its Ancient Town and Japanese Covered Bridge, before spending some time in the otherworldly My Son Sanctuary - a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Centre that's home to ancient Shaiva Hindu temples, dating back to the 4th to 14th centuries.

After a morning of historic and architectural delights, retire to the beaches of Hoi An for a chance to snooze under the sun. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps digging into the city's foodie and nightlife scenes some more, before returning to your accommodation.

hoi an - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 10: Journey to Ho Chi Minh City

Say goodbye to Hoi An this morning, and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's financial and political heart. Take in impressive views of its high-rises and tour historic landmarks dating back to French colonial and war times.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are particularly worthwhile visiting: learn how this expansive underground network was built and used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, both for shelter and as a base for Communist attacks. After a day of exploring, return to your accommodation for an overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 11: A day on the peaceful Mekong Delta

From Ho Chi Minh City, venture out for a wonderful day trip to the Mekong Delta, where you'll get to enjoy a slow and quieter pace. Take a boat ride and visit local villages, immersing yourself in the traditions and customs of rural life outside of the city. Take a while to unwind and soak up the unique landscape on your last full day in Vietnam, before returning to your accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City for an overnight stay.

Ho Chi Minh City

Day 12: Goodbye, Vietnam

Today, you'll have some time in the morning to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace for a last dose of local history. At a suitable time, check out of your accommodation and depart Ho Chi Minh City with a transfer to the international airport, where you onward flight awaits. Safe travels!