Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Welcome dinner at Restaurant with Vietnamese traditional meal. Overnight in Hanoi.

A 70km drive through rural northern Vietnam to the site of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. After visiting the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel, take a sampan on a river through the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Enormous limestone karsts jut out from the green rice fields giving rise to this place’s other name, ‘Halong on Land’. Climb up to the Bich Dong Pagoda, which offers a scenic view of the surrounding countryside.

A full day city tour of Vietnam’s capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, the Quanh Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda on the edge of West Lake. After lunch in town continue to the Museum of Ethnology and end the afternoon with a visit to the Lake of the Restored Sword and a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. In the evening take the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train with solf sleeper in 4 bed A/C Cabin

Transfer to Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of Sapa, the monotony of the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colours of its hill tribe population … the rainbow colours of the Flower H’mong, flashes of the shining silver jewellery from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H’mong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao. It is where you will find hands stained with colour from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps purses and leggings. Take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the busy market where Red Dao, Black H’mong and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their embroidery, silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions. In the afternoon visit the Cat Cat hill tribe village. Overnight in Sapa.

In the morning enjoy a trek to the Red Dao village of Tha Phin, and in the afternoon trek through the green Sapa Valley to visit the Black Hmong minority of Lao Chai Village and Giay minority of Ta Van then back to Lao Cai to catch the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train with solf sleeper in 4 bed A/C Cabin.

Early arrival in Hanoi. After breakfast leave Hanoi by road for Halong Bay with a stop en route at But Thap Pagoda in Thuan Thanh Province, known for its four-storey stone stupa and referred to as Vietnam’s first Buddhist centre. The pagoda, built in the 13th century and rebuilt in 1647 by the Buddhist monk Chuyet Chuyet, is a complex of ten buildings over an area of 100 metres that houses ancient statues and artefacts. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life. Arrive in Halong and board the Huong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any spot that you wish to visit. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner. Overnight on junk boat.

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. En route the junk weaves through strange-shaped rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even General de Gaulle’s nose! After another wonderful fresh seafood lunch on board disembark at the dock at Halong City. Transfer back to Hanoi and the Airport to catch your flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Visit the former imperial capital of Vietnam. A boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River visits Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the mausoleum of former emperor Minh Mang, in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. In the afternoon visit the elaborate mausoleums of emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh and the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.