HIGHLAND CENTRAL AND SOUTH OF VIETNAM – 15 DAYS

On arrival in Da Nang, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An, with the rest of the day free to explore the town or rest after your flight.

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage town on the banks of the Thu Bon River, is known for its distinctive blend of Chinese, Japanese, French and Vietnamese architecture. This morning, take a guided walking tour of the old quarter, including the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall, Phung Hung House, Tan Ky House and the local history museum. The afternoon is at leisure.

A full day at leisure to relax or explore Hoi An independently.

Drive to Kon Tum, near the border with Laos, home to the Bahnar people and their distinctive stilt-built communal houses, known as rong houses. Visit a striking wooden cathedral, a former French seminary, and the provincial museum.

Continue south to Pleiku, once a strategic wartime location, and home to the Jarai people, known for their distinctive burial customs marked by carved spirit figures around family graves.

Continue through Buon Ma Thuot into the greener hills and lakes of the region, arriving at Lak Lake, home to the M’nong ethnic minority, some of whose villages can be visited by boat. An optional elephant-back excursion along the lake can also be arranged.

Continue to the cooler climate of Dalat, the principal town of the Central Highlands, home to around thirty different hill-tribe communities and still marked by its French colonial past. With an English-speaking guide, visit Love Valley, the Botanical Garden, the former summer palace of Emperor Bao Dai, the Crazy House and a local market.

A full day at leisure to relax or explore Dalat independently.

Travel south to Cat Tien National Park, one of Vietnam’s largest nature reserves, consisting largely of jungle and home to a wide variety of tropical birdlife. On arrival, your guesthouse can arrange a choice of activities for the following day, including guided walks (among them a three-hour trail to Crocodile Lake), birdwatching tours, or an excursion by pick-up truck.

A full day to explore the park at your own pace, whether birdwatching or taking a boat trip on Crocodile Lake.

Drive to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, formerly known as Saigon and long a centre of trade and commerce, with the remainder of the day free to settle in.

This morning, tour the city’s most notable landmarks with your guide: the former US Embassy, the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Rex Hotel, the Municipal Theatre, City Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Chinatown and the lively Ben Thanh Market.

Today you will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels in a small group, an extensive underground network hand-dug during the Vietnam War, offering insight into the ingenuity and resilience of those who built and used it.

A full day exploring the Mekong Delta, beginning with a drive through Tam Vu, known for its dragon fruit plantations, and a visit to a bustling local market of fruit, vegetables and fresh produce.

Continue by bicycle to a green island growing coconut and soursop, visiting a local workshop producing coconut candy, water hyacinth weaving and coconut-leaf roofing, followed by a peaceful sampan ride along the canals and lunch in a coconut garden.

In the afternoon, continue to Can Tho for overnight

Depart early to catch the sunrise, then board a sampan to visit Cai Rang floating market, orchards and cottage workshops. Return by boat for breakfast and check-out and return to Ho Chi Minh city. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of services.