Vietnam Panorama

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels, bunkers and field hospitals used in the Vietnam War. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing lunch at an organic farm. the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels before returning to Saigon. This afternoon, return to Saigon to explore its seamless blend of past and present. See Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, dramatic legacies of a colonial past. Spend time at the Reunification Palace and the emotive War Remnants Museum.

Head west to Ben Tre to take a cruise through the Mekong Delta. This area is known as the 'Rice Basket of Vietnam' – paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals and enjoy a typical Mekong lunch. Travel to Can Tho, where we spend the night.

Visit the Cai Rang floating market to see the goods on sale and learn how vermicelli rice noodles are made. Return to Saigon.

Head up into the highlands to reach the hill town of Dalat, a former colonial retreat beloved for its cooler climate and picturesque scenery. En route, stop at a tea plantation to hear about tea cultivation in Bao Loc.

Visit the Domaine de Marie Church, the Flower Gardens and an embroidery workshop. Later board a vintage open-air train to journey to the countryside hamlet of Trai Mat. End the day with a local coffee by Xuan Huong lake.

Today, take the winding road down from the highlands and along the coast to Nha Trang, Vietnam's beach capital. Take to the turquoise waters for a cruise around the bay's many islands with a stop off at one to enjoy a swim in the balmy waters.

Wander Dam market before visiting the Po Nagar Cham Towers. Continue on to the seaside city of Qui Nhon, where we spend the night.

The Son My area saw one of the most horrific crimes of the Vietnam War – the My Lai massacre. Pay respects at the memorial placed in honour of these unarmed civilian victims and hear their story before continuing to Hoi An.

Take a morning walking tour of charming Hoi An – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional town that has managed to retain the charms of a bygone era. Visit a historic family home, the Japanese Bridge, a Chinese temple and the market. This afternoon is at leisure.

Take the scenic route to Hue over the Hai Van Pass. Once the seat of the Nguyen emperors, dignified and scholarly Hue is the epitome of Vietnam's dynastic past. Visit the Royal Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, a complex of over 40 monuments surrounded by pools and gardens.

Explore the imposing Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City within. Cruise along the Perfume River to visit the charming An Hien House and the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda.

Take a short flight to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital. Visit the Fine Arts Museum before enjoying a cyclo tour of the atmospheric Old Quarter. End the day with a Hanoi speciality - egg coffee.

Explore the story of Ho Chi Minh on today's walking tour. See his Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, and visit the Humble House on Stilts he called home. Later, visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the beautiful Temple of Literature.

Spend the day aboard your comfortable cruise boat sailing through the awe-inspiring beauty of Halong Bay. You'll even explore one of the bay's many caves. Spend a night on-board before returning to Hanoi the next day. On your last evening, attend the Quintessence of Tonkin show, a spectacular open-air performance celebrating the rich history of northern Vietnam.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Australia, arriving home the same or the following day.