Central Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh Trail

Today you have a full day to explore Hanoi with your guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum before continuing to his house, in the compound of the former Presidential Palace. Here you will also find the One Pillar Pagoda, a large carp pond and a large leafy park to meander around. Continue on foot to the wonderful Temple of Literature – the largest temple complex in the city which is nearly 1,000 years old. Later, explore the narrow lanes and historic buildings of the atmospheric old quarter. (B)
Accommodation in Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel
Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

The diversity Phong Nha Ke Bang is staggering with the park protecting over 100 species of mammal and close to 300 varieties of bird. Much of Phong Nha Ke Bang has yet to be explored and only small sections of the reserve are open to visitors. Today, visit Paradise Cave – a highlight of Phong Nha Ke Bang – which is one of the largest caves in the area. Housing stunning cave formations, stalagmites and stalactites, the walkways descend deep into the cave complex. (B/L)
Accommodation in Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park: Sun Spa Resort

Hue, a city of infinite charm and personality, was home to the powerful Nguyen dynasty and much of its magnificence remains is dominated by its spectacular Imperial City. Explore this complex with your guide this morning. Ancient walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site enclose a vast complex of temples, palaces, pavilions and gardens. In the afternoon travel outside of the city to the countryside to explore some of the astonishing tombs of the ancient emperors of Vietnam. (B)
Accommodation in Hue: Pilgrimage Village Hue
Upgrade option: La Residence Hotel and Spa

Today explore the UNESCO town of Hoi An with its winding cobbled streets, colourful wooden merchant houses, pagodas and silk merchants. Some two-hundred years ago Hoi An was a bustling port home to Chinese traders and a strong commercial link to Japan which, over time, influenced the town’s architecture, design and food. Spend time in the town in the morning and relax on China Beach in the afternoon. Later discover Hoi An’s wonderful culinary scene; try some local white rose dumplings or the town’s speciality cao lầu. (B)
Accommodation in Hoi An: Boutique Hoi An Resort
Upgrade option: Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Alternative upgrade option: The Nam Hai, Hoi An

Today you are at leisure to explore the picturesque old town of Hanoi, or relax on the beautiful beach. Alternatively, a day trip to the ancient Cham city of My Son can also be arranged, where you can discover the cluster of abandoned jungle Hindu temples, or you can take part in a cookery class at one of Hoi An’s renowned cooking schools. (B)
Accommodation in Hoi An: Boutique Hoi An Resort
Upgrade option: Victoria Hoi An Resort and Spa
Alternative upgrade option: The Nam Hai, Hoi An

After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city with your guide. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s colonial centre which features the Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office or explore Chinatown with its pretty and historic pagodas. See the former Presidential Palace, now Reunification Hall, which was famously occupied by the army of North Vietnam in 1975.  In the afternoon take a walking tour through the busy side-streets ending at a small shop, formerly the secret weapon storage of the Viet Cong that was used during the Tet Offensive of 1968. (B)
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City: Majestic Hotel
Upgrade option: Caravelle Hotel
Alternative upgrade option: Park Hyatt Saigon