Inside Vietnam

Arrive in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, famous for its rich culture, bustling life and colonial influences. Its small lakes, busy streets and secluded alleyways are all waiting to be explored. For those arriving on time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Hanoi at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is a 45-minute drive to the hotel.

This morning, we'll take a walking tour of Hanoi, taking in the main sights such as the Presidential Palace, One-Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple and the Temple of Literature. Our tour leader will fill us in on the history as we go. In the afternoon, there's the option to take a cyclo tour to discover Hanoi's Old Quarter. You'll notice that the streets here are named after various crafts or specialities; Paper Street, Silk Street, Basket Street and so on. You'll also notice food vendors selling noodles, snacks and stir-fries from shoulder panniers - it's the perfect time to try some street food. Take some time to soak in your surroundings as the tempting smell of the food mingles with the scent of incense from the local temples. Alternatively, there's the option to see a water puppet show. This is a centuries-old art form where wooden puppets dance across the water to live folk music.

This morning, we'll explore Hue's incredible Imperial Citadel, a stunning palace built by Vietnam's last emperors. Even though parts were damaged in the past, the impressive walls and buildings still give a real sense of the city's royal history and charm. Whilst there we visit the Imperial Museum and stop off at the HOPE Centre, a project set up to help Hue's disabled and disadvantaged residents to find employment and vocational training, the centre produces varieties of colourful garments and local handicraft items. might adjust the itinerary according to local conditions. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. You could check out the famous Emperor's Tombs, each with its own unique vibe and beautiful surroundings. Or head to Dong Ba Market to dive into local life and taste some amazing street food.