The Reunification Express

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Hanoi

Get lost in the colour and chaos of the country's capital, exploring the Old Quarter's labyrinthine streets or soaking up the spirituality of the many temples before wandering past monuments dedicated to 'Uncle Ho', the father of modern Vietnam. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his stilt house and museum for an insight into this fascinating historic figure. Have a chuckle at a traditional water puppet performance in the evening.

Days 3-4 Halong Bay

Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a lazy cruise on the glimmering waters of Halong Bay. Swim amongst the soaring karsts, shimmy into limestone caves and fall asleep on board beneath a blanket of stars. Returning to Hanoi, stop off at a workshop to see locals working on the traditional art of ceramics. Why not grab a steaming bowl of pho from the Old Quarter? Later, board the historic Reunification Express for the overnight journey to Hue.

Days 5-6 Hue

Imagine the opulence of imperial Vietnam within the Thai Hoa Palace, see the scars of former wars in the Forbidden Purple City or discover the legacy left behind by the fussy Emperor Tu Duc at the food stalls in the Dong Ba Market. Enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River, and why not stop in at an atmospheric riverside cafe at sunset for a romantic experience not to be missed?

Days 7-9 Hoi An

Travel south through coastal rice paddies to the fishing village of Lang Co before heading into the mountains and crossing the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Take a step back in time in the ancient streetscapes of Hoi An. Recently declared a World Heritage site, this charming town is beautifully restored and preserved and there is much to do and see. There's centuries old family homes to explore, the wonderful Japanese Covered Bridge to wander across and bowls of mouth-watering cao lao to try.

Days 10-12 Nha Trang

Back on board the Reunification Express, watch the beautiful countryside roll by en route to charming Nha Trang by the sea. Jump into sparkling turquoise waters, take part in tai chi or indulge in the fantastic array of cuisines on offer. Enjoy a boat cruise on the South China sea, feasting on fresh seafood at lunchtime and doing lots of swimming. In the evenings, Nha Trang has a whole host of bars to choose from if the mood takes you.

Days 13-15 Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy a relaxed cyclo tour past the main sights of Ho Chi Minh City, including a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Take a rowboat down the Mekong River, cruising past the four beautiful islets of Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise and Phoenix and calling in on a local family of beekeepers who make honey from longan flowers. A visit to an off-the-beaten-track village offers some insight into rural Vietnamese life, a real contrast to city living. Back in Ho Chi Minh City, there's time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing before a final dinner.