Welcome to Ho Chi Minh city, formerly known as Saigon. This is one of Asia's most exhilarating cities, steeped in grand history and post-Vietnam war memories. You'll meet your travel comrades and have a free evening to explore. Oh yes, this is the right way to get your Vietnam trip started.

Today we leave Ho Chi Minh City, exchanging fast paced city life for an energy that's a little more quaint. Such is the contrasting beauty of Vietnam. Our journey in a traditional boat will prove just how dramatically this river's fringes can vary. We'll visit a rice paper factory and sip some of Vietnam's famous rice whiskey. A home-cooked meal and local musicians will round off our day as we settle in for a night at a local homestay.

After an early breakfast we'll make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City, detouring past Viet Cong’s Cu Chi Tunnels. See traps, hidden doors & some of the 250kms of tunnels that Vietnamese resistance fighters dug by hand, and even go down into the skinny tunnels to experience them first hand in this look into Vietnam's staggering past.  Back in the addictive mayhem of Vietnam's biggest city you will have free time to carry on your explorations. Best part? There'll be a few more Contiki travellers joining us this evening. Continuing to eat your way through Vietnam's culinary highlights would be one wise way to use your time (we think).

Kick off the morning with breakfast at the hotel, then dive into the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City on a sightseeing tour. We’ll stop by the War Remnants Museum for a powerful look at Vietnam’s past. Then we’ll head to the airport and fly to Da Nang. Time to trade the city rush for coastal cool and roll straight into a fresh new vibe. New stop, new energy, let’s go.

Da Nang's all yours to discover however you like this morning. Then we'll make the short drive over to our next spot - Hoi An. With Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese and European influences, Hoi An has no shortage of charm and architectural interest. Bike riding through the vibrant town, visiting an ancient house & ordering custom-made clothes at an artful tailor are just some of the activities that will colour our day. Tonight you can opt into a Vietnamese cooking class, whipping up a storm of up to 4 traditional dishes.

Morning travellers! The day is all yours. Poke around in galleries & market stalls (the best shopping spots in Vietnam in our opinion) and devour all of the delectable treats on offer. And for a dose of culture, you could ride on one of Vietnam’s very own Bamboo Basket Boats (Yes, the ones that you’ve probably seen on Instagram). And to top it all off, we’ll grab some fresh coconut water straight from the tree to your tummy.

Leaving Hoi An will be sad. But we’re heading to Hanoi, so there’s hardly an excuse to not be excited. We’ll grab a quick breakfast and head to Da Nang airport… Fasten your seatbelts, folks. We’ll catch our internal flight to Hanoi from this quaint coastal town. Welcome to the city where all the bustling magic happens. We’ll head straight to KOTO for a feel-good feast that supports disadvantaged youth in Vietnam, then jump into culture mode at the Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first-ever university). Next up: the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a major landmark with big history behind it. Tonight’s yours to do Hanoi your way.

You’ve got a full day to spend however you like in the buzzing city of Hanoi. Go cafe hopping and put Vietnam’s coffee game to the test — egg, coconut, salt, the lot — stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake, or check out the chaos and charm of Train Street. And if you’re keen to see the city after dark from the back of a bike, sign up for tonight’s optional tour.

Next up, we’re heading to the epicentre of Vietnam's show-stopping natural beauty. Do you see them? Those lush landscapes are calling. This afternoon, you can jump on an optional Bike & Boat adventure out in Van Long, cycling through local villages before cruising the rivers by sampan through “Ha Long Bay on land” scenery. Prefer to keep it chill? The rest of the day is yours to breathe in the fresh air, soak up the greenery, and keep your eyes peeled for birds along the way.

Up and about at the crack of dawn today! We’re climbing up 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave. (You certainly don’t wanna forget your camera for this one). A drive through stunning scenery will evoke plenty of 'oh wow's', but it only gets better as we board our home for the night, a Chinese-style junk boat in Halong Bay. Feel the serenity kicking in immediately as we drift around the limestone island seas of the Gulf of Tonkin. We’ll pass hidden lagoons, thick forests & dreamy grottos and also chill atop the Ti Top Island. A fresh seafood dinner and sunset at our docking spot will polish off a wonderful day packed with unforgettable moments and experiences.

Today will be all about the leisurely vibes as we wake up to breakfast with a quick stop to explore the Sung Sot Caves. Make the most of your time on the junk boat - the views don't get much better than this. After heading back to Hanoi we find ourselves enjoying our final night together on tour. Save the choir of tears for tomorrow - this evening is all about making the most of your free time and staying positive so why not join us for one last family dinner and then onto Ta Hien to dance the night away.

Enjoy one final breakfast with the squad this morning before this epic Vietnam trip wraps up. Hug it out & make plans to reunite sometime soon - Latin America perhaps?