Cox and Kings Spirit of Vietnam

• 4 & 5* accommodation
• International & internal flights
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 3 dinners
• Experienced local tour manager
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees
• Welcome & farewell dinners
• Porterage at hotels

• Tour of the Hanoi Military History Museum with a former pilot
• Cruise Lan Ha Bay
• Meal at a resorted Nguyen dynasty home in Hue
• Full-day exploration of the Mekong Delta

Day 1:  Fly to Hanoi
Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) direct to Hanoi
(No meals)

Day 2: Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi this morning and transfer to the hotel for early check-in. This afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, which is dedicated to Confucius, and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum to see national artwork across the ages. Take a cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, then attend your welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Hanoi
This morning, visit Ba Dinh Square for a walk outside Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and to visit his residence, continuing to the One Pillar Pagoda. Meet a former North Vietnamese Army pilot for insights into the war, followed by lunch at KOTO restaurant, which trains underprivileged youths. Then visit the Vietnam Military History Museum in its newer, larger venue. There is an optional evening excursion to a water puppet show
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 4: Cruise on Halong Bay
Enjoy a cruise on Halong Bay, a beautiful karst-strewn inlet within the Gulf of Tonkin. Stay overnight onboard the Indochine Premium (or similar).
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Hue
Continue your cruise in Halong Bay this morning. Disembark after brunch and drive to the airport to fly to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel,
(Breakfast)

Day 6: Hue
Morning visit to Hue citadel, which encompasses the numerous pavilions, temples and courtyards of the former Imperial City, including the Purple Forbidden City. Lunch today is at a restored royal home of the Nguyen dynasty. Continue to Thien Mu Pagoda, then take a short cruise on the Perfume River back to the city centre. In the afternoon, visit the tombs of the Nguyen emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 7: Hoi An
Enjoy a morning at leisure then drive over the spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting) to Hoi An. Visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture in Danang en route.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 8: Hoi An
Tour the ruined temple of My Son, then have lunch at Streets International restaurant, a social enterprise that aims to develop sustainable programmes for street children. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the former trading port of Hoi An, which shows its historic Chinese, Japanese and European influences.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 9: Fly to Hanoi
Day at leisure. Optional activities include cookery classes at a local restaurant, and a cycle tour of nearby villages
(Breakfast)

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City
Transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, drive though the southern Vietnamese countryside and visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels.
(Breakfast and lunch)

Day 11: Mekong Delta
Full-day exploration of the Mekong Delta, including a trip to Cai Be, a boat ride exploring the smaller channels, and walking in the countryside. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Fly to London
Take a guided tour with visits to the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum and a former safe house used by the Viet Cong. After late check out, transfer to the airport this evening to catch your departure flight.
(Breakfast)

Day 13: Arrive in London
(No meals)