Vietnam Unplugged

Itinerary

Days 1-3 Ho Chi Minh City

Museums, markets and millions of motorcycles clutter the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. See Saigon's' star attractions on a walking tour past the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum before stocking up for the train trip ahead.

Days 4-5 Nha Trang

Get a tan on Nha Trang's golden beaches, take a boat trip to nearby islands or sample sumptuous seafood. For an artistic interlude, head to the Long Tranh Gallery, which showcases a collection of extraordinary black-and-white images capturing everyday Vietnamese moments.

Days 6-8 Hoi An

Almost untouched by time, Hoi An has heaps of ancient homes, shops and temples to explore. Wander through the atmospheric Phung Hung Old House or check out the carp-shaped rain spouts on the Quang Cong Temple roof.

Days 9-11 Hue

As well as an array of ancient imperial ruins, Hue has some other claims to fame: it's the birthplace of degustation-style Vietnamese cuisine, centre of Vietnamese Buddhism and boasts the country's greatest cyclo-to-person ratio.

Day 12 Hanoi

Spend your stash of dong at some of the eclectic shops along Hang Gai, check out the cornucopia of stalls in the historic Dong Xuan Market or watch a traditional show at the Municipal Water Puppet Theatre.

Day 13 Halong Bay/Cat Ba Island

Enjoy the day's catch while cruising past spectacular limestone caves and karsts, rising out of the clear, emerald sea. Spend a night on jungle-covered Cat Ba Island, and maybe take a morning dip if the water's warm enough.

Days 14-15 Hanoi

There's time for a final bia hoi back in the capital.