Complete Vietnam

In an Orwellian, quasi-religious display, visitors to the mausoleum form a silent procession as they are led to the central chamber where the body rests. It’s a ritual that attracts pilgrims from across Vietnam, as well as curious travellers.

From the mausoleum, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in 1070. This temple / university complex is located at the very heart of the city, but it’s easy to forget where you are once you enter its gates; enclosed within high walls and beautiful gardens, it’s a peaceful retreat that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle outside. At its centre are a series of 82 stelae dating to the 15th century and recording the names, achievements and dates of the Temple’s most famous students—the near-deification of great men and former leaders is a Vietnamese tradition, you’ll learn, that didn’t begin with Ho Chi Minh.

After lunch, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake. This is Hanoi’s central landmark, as well as a lively public space where local residents gather in the mornings to perform t’ai chi. On an island at the centre of the lake is the Ngoc Son Temple, accessed via a traditional red wooden bridge.

End the day with a one-hour ‘cyclo’ tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

At Ha Long, board a traditional Vietnamese sailing boat, or ‘junk’, and set off on a cruise of the hundreds of islets that line the Bay. You’ll enjoy a seafood lunch on the ship, before disembarking in the afternoon to visit some of the islands and a floating market. If the weather permits, take a swim in the calm waters or go kayaking. Of course, you may prefer to just lounge on the deck of the ship—when the weather’s right, there’s nothing more relaxing!

In the evening, drop anchor and retreat to your cabin for a night in the Bay (full-board).

Ha Long Bay is generally best visited in the summer, when the waters are warm enough to swim in. But some prefer the winter, when the Bay is chill and misty, and wonderfully atmospheric.

On arrival in Hue, meet with your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure in Hue.

From Thien Mu, travel to the royal tomb of Tu Duc, Vietnam’s emperor from 1829 to 1883. Tu Duc’s mausoleum is one of several royal tombs in Hue, formerly the Imperial capital of Vietnam, but it stands out from the others for its sheer scale. The tomb itself is part of a much larger complex, comprising manor and gardens, which was built during the emperor’s lifetime as a private retreat. It tells a fascinating story. Tu Duc reigned through a difficult era in Vietnam’s history, which saw the imperial family lose its hold over its kingdom through successive concessions to both colonial powers and internal rivals. As he grew older, Tu Duc is said to have become increasingly isolated within his mausoleum-cum-palace, writing sombre poetry while his kingdom disintegrated.

In the afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel. Enclosed by a moat and 2m-thick ramparts, the citadel is a staggering complex housing within its walls the ruins of numerous palaces, libraries and halls. Sadly, many of the citadel’s original structures were destroyed by bombing during the Vietnam War, but some remain and work has begun to repair the damage elsewhere. Even in its dilapidated state, the citadel is a wonder; walking among its ruined walls you gain an appreciation for the elaborate ritual that underpinned the authority of the Vietnamese Emperors right up until the dying days of Imperial Vietnam.

There will be time to stop along the way for snapshots; on a clear day, the Pass offers wonderful views. The route also travels through Da Nang, Vietnam’s third city. If of interest, you can stop here to visit the Cham Museum, which houses a small but fascinating collection of artefacts from Vietnam’s Cham period, when much of central Vietnam was governed by a Hindu dynasty of Indian descent.

Continue to Hoi An, arriving in time for lunch. Once you’ve checked-in to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure. Relax at the beach or venture into central Hoi An, with its lively night market and excellent restaurants.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise on the Thu Bon River.

The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beach and ocean.

The afternoon is free to relax on the beach. If you prefer to explore, we can arrange a visit to the Po Nagar Cham Towers, one of the oldest Cham sites in Vietnam. Other local sights include the hilltop Long Son Pagoda, with its giant stone Buddha, the famous salt fields, and Nha Trang market.

Da Lat is a former French colonial town situated amid stunning hill country. You’ll quickly appreciate the cooler climate, a marked contrast to the stifling heat of the coast.

Arriving in the afternoon, take a tour of Da Lat and its surrounds, including Xuan Huong Lake, the Summer Palace, and the Da Lat Crémaillère Railway, with its wonderful art deco station.

Ask your guide in advance if you’d like to arrange any additional activities; otherwise, take today at your own pace.

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City late afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.

Return to the city in the afternoon for a tour of its highlights, including its major temples, Thien Hau and Quan Am, the Reunification Palace, Binh Tay market, and Chinatown.

You’ll be hopping on and off boats throughout the day, as you explore the lush plantations and sleepy settlements of the Delta region. While on land, you’ll travel by foot. You’ll also have the chance to board a traditional wooden sampan (a pole driven boat), as you explore the narrow canals and tributaries of the Mekong.

Return to the city after lunch at a restaurant in the Delta.