DAY 1: AUSTRALIA – HANOI (D)

Depart Australia on your flight to Hanoi. On arrival boar board your private coach and transfer to your accommodation. Your guide will provide a 1-hour instruction on the history of Vietnam, the society today and basic Vietnamese phrases - how to say hello, goodbye, thank you, where do I find.. ?. How much is... ? etc.

DAY 2: HANOI (BD)

Your first stop today is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and private residence, a wooden ethnic minority-style house built on stilts. Continue to the National Fine Arts Museum, housed in the colonial Ministry of Information building, to see an eclectic mix of contemporary Vietnamese art, religious pieces, lacquer-ware and sculptures.

Dinner tonight is at KOTO, a highlight of your trip to Hanoi. KOTO or ‘Know One Teach One’ is supported by Street Voices, an Australian NGO dedicated to offer a brighter future to street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. The youth in the KOTO Training Program study hospitality, English and life skills, and gain essential experience working at KOTO restaurant. Every 6 months KOTO selects 25 disadvantaged youth and takes them on an 18-month intensive training program. Trainees receive vaccinations and health checks, uniforms, laundry, accommodation in group houses, meals and ongoing health care. They also receive an allowance so they can focus on their studies and support their families. On completion of the course, trainees receive an internationally recognized diploma in the hospitality industry.

After dinner enjoy a water puppet show.

DAY 3: HANOI – HUE (BD)

Check out of your accommodation and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. On arrival transfer to your accommodation before an afternoon boat trip on the romantically named Perfume River. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Mausoleum of former Emperor Minh Mang.

DAY 4: HUE (BD)

Take a morning tour of the Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. In the afternoon continue to the elaborate Mausoleums of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

DAY 5: HUE – HOI AN (BLD)

Check out of your accommodation and travel south to Danang through the inspiring 4900 ft high Hai Van Pass, Vietnam's geographical and psychological boundary between north and south. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Stop at the stone-carving village at the foot of the Marble Mountains. Continue to the absolutely charming and relaxed town of Hoi An and transfer to your accommodation. Hoi An is believed to have been settled 2,200 years ago and was a thriving seaport and base for seafaring nations seeking new sources of wealth throughout Southeast Asia. The rest of the day is under the guidance of your teachers.

DAY 6: HOI AN – MY SON – HOI AN (BD)

Travel 40 km southwest of Hoi An to visit the My Son ruins, dating from the 7th-13th centuries. My Son was the centre of the Champa kingdom and is set in a lush green valley with dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries. This afternoon visit a family-run lantern-making business where you will get a chance to design your own lantern with the assistance of your Vietnamese hosts.

DAY 7: HOI AN (BL)

Today you will experience the culinary delights of Hoi An by taking part in a cooking lesson at the Red Bridge (Cau Do) Restaurant by the river. Participate in buying ingredients at the local market, before a quick boat trip on the Hoi An River to the cooking school. You will be treated to demonstrations of local specialties such as squid and pineapple salad, grilled eggplant and banh xeo (pancakes), before being let loose in the kitchen! Enjoy the dishes you cooked for lunch. The rest of the day and evening are under the guidance of your teachers.

DAY 8: HOI AN (B)

Today is under the guidance of your teachers for shopping, exploration and relaxation.

DAY 9: HOI AN – HO CHI MIN CITY (BD)

Check out of your accommodation and transfer to the Da Nang airport for your short flight to Ho Chi Minh City. After checking into your accommodation you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on a guided tour throughout this amazing underground network. For those wishing to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of the city, strolling down the historic boulevards and visiting landmarks such as the old Post Office and Reunification Hall.

DAY 10: HO CHI MIN CITY (BD)

Walk to Ben Thanh Market and participate in the discovery challenge tour. Wandering around this market is an incredible experience for students and a great place to buy your lunch (not included). This afternoon visit the War Museum and be prepared for a confronting experience as you view the many photos and stories of life during wartime. Dinner tonight is at one of our favourite local restaurants.

DAY 11: HO CHI MIN CITY – MEKONG DELTA - HO CHI MIN CITY (BLD)

Today's adventures start early with an 8:00am departure for the two-hour drive to Cai Be, deep in the Mekong Delta. The tour takes you into the lives of the people who live and work on the Mekong Delta. Transport will be by boat or by foot as required. Lunch is served at the Mandarin house and is a highlight of the trip. Return to Ho Chi Min City late in the afternoon.

DAYS 12-13: HO CHI MIN CITY – AUSTRALIA (B)

Check out of your accommodation leaving your luggage at Reception and enjoy some free time under the guidance of your teachers, before your transfer to the airport for your flight home. Board your flight home.

OPTIONAL TOUR ACTIVITIES (ADDITIONAL COSTS APPLY)

Halong Bay 2 days/1 night
Halong Bay Day 1
Transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Arrive at noon and check in to your junk where lunch will be served as you cruise the bay. In the afternoon enjoy some activities and/or visits, or just relax on board. Enjoy dinner as you anchor for the evening amongst the spectacular karst formations.

Halong Bay Day 2
As the sun rises on Halong enjoy breakfast as you cruise slowly through the formations and back to port. Disembark and board the coach for the journey back to Hanoi via the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta.

Tour inclusions
• Transfers in your air conditioned coach
• 1 night on board a Halong Junk
• 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner