Your journey begins in the capital Hanoi, a city of lakes and distinct districts that reflect the diverse influences that have shaped the city over the centuries. Admire the faded glory of the architecture and wide boulevards of the French Quarter, or delve into the cafes, markets, trinket shops and art galleries of the narrow Old Quarter lanes. At first glance the never-ending flow of motorbike traffic feels intense, but you'll soon realise that happy-go-lucky Hanoians are not in a rush, so grab an iced coffee from a streetside stall and watch Vietnamese life unfold around you.

 

From Hanoi head out to Halong Bay where two thousand limestone islands rise dramatically from the Gulf of Tonkin. The best way to view this UNESCO World Heritage site is to get out onto the water and tonight you'll stay in style aboard a Chinese-style junk boat. Smaller sightseeing boats take passengers on side trips to a floating fishing village or Sung Sot cave; alternatively you may prefer to relax with a book on the junk's sundeck and we wouldn't blame you!

 

In Central Vietnam visit Hue, seat of the Nguyen Dynasty who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Spend a day with a guide here to uncover the city's historical sites including the Imperial City. Hop on a dragon boat for a ride down the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda and be sure to visit the Nguyen emperors' mausoleums, each more extravagant than the last.

 

Next stop is Hoi An where buildings reflecting the multitude of foreign influences on this once-great trading port line the riverfront and vibrant blue fishing boats bob in the harbour. This is the perfect place to potter on foot or explore by bicycle. Visit a tailor to order a made-to-measure silk dress, try the fresh seafood or shop for souvenirs at dusk among the lantern lit streets. Just 4km from the town centre is Cua Dai beach in case you fancy an afternoon on the sand.

 

Your final destination is Ho Chi Minh City, colloquially still known as Saigon. This is Vietnam's biggest city, the country's economic powerhouse and home to 9 million people. That said, the main sites centre on District 1 and the Ben Thanh Market, Jade Emperor Pagoda and Bitexco Tower can easily be reached on foot. From Ho Chi Minh City we include a half day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels to get an understanding of Vietnam's recent history and the American War. A vespa tour of the city's top street food spots is also a worthwhile option.

 

To see the best of Vietnam in 10 days, you can't beat this itinerary to Hanoi, Halong, Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, which we at InsideVietnam Tours affectionately call the famous five Hs. Packed with contrast you'll get an insight into every aspect of Vietnamese culture: the history, landscape, cuisine and wonderful people.

 

 

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, you will be met at Noibai International Airport by your guide and driven to your hotel in the city centre. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest after your flight or commence your exploration of this fascinating city.

 

A guided city tour is a great way to get your bearings in town, and get suggestions for further independent exploration. The morning tour commences at the complex that houses the Stalinist mausoleum to Ho Chi Minh, father of the modern Vietnamese state, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh's more humble private residence. Your next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university constructed in 1070, which boasts lovely gardens and well-preserved architecture. In the afternoon you may like to stop in at one of the city's excellent museums - the recently-opened Ethnology Museum, where Vietnam's diverse minority cultures are explained in a thoughtful and hands-on manner, and the Women's Museum are both highly recommended. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Leave Hanoi early this morning for the four hour drive east to Halong Bay. Board a comfortable Chinese-style junk boat in late morning and set sail into the wonderful scenery of the bay. During the afternoon we will disembark to explore one of the remarkable floating fishing villages that shelter in the lee of the towering karst pinnacles that stud the bay. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

A leisurely morning of cruising through the bay brings you back to the harbour in late morning. Drive back to Hanoi in time for the flight south to Hue, imperial capital of the once-great Nguyen Emperors. Your guide will meet you and transfer you to your centrally located hotel, leaving you at leisure to explore for the remainder of the day. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Following a morning guided exploration of the vast Citadel, home of the Nguyen Emperors, take a picturesque boat ride up the Perfume River, named for the fragrance of tropical flowers carried down from orchards upriver, to the Thien Mu Pagoda. The afternoon is then yours to continue your exploration. The countryside surrounding the city is dotted with the tombs of the former emperors, and you may wish to add one or more of these into your itinerary. Two of the finest are the imposing Mausoleum of Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh's Tomb. Meals included: Breakfast

 

After breakfast continue your journey with one of the most scenic drives in the country, ascending the Pass of Ocean Clouds before dropping down to Danang and following the coast south to the ancient trading port of Hoi An. your hotel is located on the edge of the pedestrianised Old Town, making it an ideal spot for personal exploration. Meals included: Breakfast

 

The narrow, meandering streets of Hoi An's Old Town are perhaps the most appealing places in Vietnam to wander at your own pace. The many delightful riverside cafes and restaurants might appeal for a spot of people-watching, or you may fancy letting one of the tailors for which the town is famed measure you up. For those of a more active persuasion bikes can be hired to get out into the countryside, or you could arrange a visit to the Cham Dynasty ruins at My Son, an hour's drive from town. Meals included: Breakfast

 

After a final leisurely morning in Hoi An, your guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you back to Danang in time for the flight onward to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic heart of modern Vietnam. A short guided tranfer brings you to your hotel, located in the heart of District One, from where the excitement of the city awaits. Meals included: Breakfast

 

District One is an incredibly accessible area with many of the city's highlights, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Benh Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street, all within walking distance. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of these highlights and stop in also at the War Remnants Museum, for a sombre but fascinating perspective on the American-Vietnamese War. For further insight into this period of Vietnamese history a trip out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a labyrinthine network of tunnels that sheltered great numbers of Viet Cong troops during the war, may also be arranged. Meals included: Breakfast

 

Sadly your trip comes to an end today, and your guide will collect you at a pre-arranged time today for the short transfer back to the International Airport for your onward flight. Meals included: Breakfast