On arrival, you will be met by your local representative at Hanoi's International airport who will hand over a welcome pack for your personalised trip. Private transfer to your chosen hotel.

There's no arguing - Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we're not just referring to the climate.

Hanoi is where East meets West, a city 1,000 year old, chaotic and full of motorbikes going in all directions.

Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage which can be seen in the Old Quarter and the many historic buildings and monuments. There's centuries-old pagodas, picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex. Start the exploration of the vast Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh (closed Mondays, Fridays, and from 15 June to 18 August). View the outside of the Presidential Palace and then stroll through the park to the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House (closed on Monday afternoon) where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969.

Then, visit the miniature One Pillar Pagoda from 11th Century, rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.

Visit the Temple of Literature and its series of walled courtyards, one of  the best-preserved examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture and home to Vietnam's first university. In one courtyard, giant stone tortoises bear steel on their backs, listing the accomplishments of graduating scholars.

Visit the Museum of Ethnology (2-3 hours). The Museum of Ethnology brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artefacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country.

Walking tour to Huu Tiep lake and the downed B52 (4.5 hours). This relic from the Vietnam War makes for great photos! This is just one of the sights you'll see on your walking tour. We'll visit the Vietnam Military History Museum, the Botanical Gardens, and stroll alongside West Lake to Tran Quoc - the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi. We'll also take a look in the colourful market selling herbs, spices, sea products and many other local and exotic ingredients. Today's Highlights: Crashed 52, Tran Quoc, local market, Quan Thanh, Vietnam Military History Museum, Botanical Gardens. (4.5 hours).

Evening Water puppet show: enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.

Drop off to visit Ngoc Son temple & Hoan Kiem lake.

Lunch at local restaurant, then your private transfer will take you to Mai Chau visiting Muong Museum en route and some villages (+/- 140kms).

Visit Hoa Binh and Mai Chau provinces. This part of Vietnam is the start of the northwest highlands and home to many different ethnic minorities.

Stop at the traditional village of Giang Mo where wooden stilt houses are nestled among rice paddies with a backdrop of picturesque hills. Spend the night in Mai Chau

2 nights deluxe valley view room on B&B basis at Mai Chau Valley View Hotel, Mai Chau.

A world away from the bustle of the towns and cities, the minority villages in the stunning Mai Chau Valley are friendly and quiet. They're home to the White Thai, whose women are masterful weavers. Cycle through the villages to see stilt houses and a local brick kiln.

A world away from the bustle of the towns and cities, the minority villages in the stunning Mai Chau Valley are friendly and quiet. They're home to the White Thai, whose women are masterful weavers. Walk to Mai Hich village set along a scenic stream.

The only way to explore the tranquil reserve of the Van Long Wetlands is by a small rowing boat. We'll get up close to spectacular limestone karsts and glide through emerald green rice fields. The area is home to many birds and the rare Delacour's Langour, so keep your cameras ready.

1 night superior room on B&B basis at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel, Ninh Binh.

A regular star on the silver screen, the breath-taking scenery of Tam Coc, also known as Dry Halong Bay, has featured in quite a few blockbusters! And no wonder... This area is out of this world.

In a hand-rowed sampan, you will be gliding along green waterways and pass under three caves. All around, dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands.

Set among this incredible scenery is the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel - the first capital of Vietnam. Visit temples surrounded by lotus ponds and karst formations.

Today's Highlights: Sampan through Dry Halong Bay, Hang Ca, Hang Giua, Hang Coi, Bich Dong Pagoda (8 hours).

1 night superior room on B&B basis at Halong Plaza Hotel, Halong town.

Morning transfer to the pier, where you will be boarding your 2-day / 1 night Halong Bay Cruise.

Caves, fishing villages, sunbathing, incredible photo opportunities wherever you look. A day to remember.

Lunch and dinner included on board of your cruise.

At some point in the early afternoon you will be back at the main pier, and your driver/guide will be waiting for you to take you to Hanoi airport by private transfer (+/- 160kms).

Lunch included at a local restaurant.

Fly from Hanoi to Hue (+/- 1 hour 15 minutes flight duration).

On arrival at Hue, your driver/guide will be waiting for you for your private transfer to your chosen hotel.

In fact the entire village moved underground, yet people still worked and kids still went to school. Visit these amazing tunnels as well as other sights within the demilitarised zone, including the Quang Tri Citadel. Hue was heavily bombed during the war and few original buildings remain still intact.

Today's Highlights: Vinh Moc tunnels, Quang Tri Citadel, Ben Hai River, Doc Mieu base, Cua Tung Beach.

The 19th century Imperial Citadel is a city within a city. The striking Flag Tower and imposing Ngo Mon Gate lead into spacious courtyards, palaces, pavilions, reception halls and lotus ponds - providing a fascinating glimpse into court life.

Visit Vinh Tu Garden House with the introduction of owner (1 hour).

Visit Vinh Tu (Tha Om Garden House) and enjoy traditional Vietnamese hospitality in the surroundings of an exquisite replica of a 19th century Hue residence. This traditional garden house is a complex of adjoining rooms including bedrooms, living quarters and a room dedicated to ancestral worship, all set in a charming garden complete with orchid trees, tropical plants and a lotus pond.

The owner will personally welcome guests and talk about the architecture of the house and the history of Hue. Rumoured to be haunted, a flashpoint for anti-government protests, and the site of a famous self-immolation by a monk.

Boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda (2 hours).

Travel +/- 140kms to Hoi An, with a stop at Lang Co Beach.

3 nights Rosemary Deluxe room on B&B basis at Rosemary boutique hotel, Hoi An.

In Van Lang fishing village, a local fisherman will teach you how to paddle these traditional boats, catch crabs, cast a net and make tools from coconut leaves.

Cycle to Cam Thanh village where you will be joining the farmers at work in the fields. This is a great chance to take some selfies with the water buffaloes!

In the farmhouse, sample Vietnamese tea and learn to make rice milk and rice cakes. After a delicious meal you'll say goodbye to your hosts.

Your day will start at Hai Scout Cafe before visiting a local market in Hoi An where you will be buying all the ingredients you will be needing for your cooking lessons.

If weather permits, enjoy a leisurely twenty-minute boat cruise up the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Restaurant and Cooking School.

Then learn how to prepare five traditional dishes for lunch, and watch a demonstration of fruit and vegetable carving.

Internal flight from Danang to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) (+/- 1 hour 30 minute flight duration).

On arrival in Saigon, private transfer to your chosen hotel.

In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight back home.

Beach extension to Phan Thiet available at a supplement.

End of itinerary.