Your adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam's exciting capital city, where you will be picked up by your guide at Noi Bai International Airport and driven to your first hotel.

The remainder of day one is at leisure to rest after your flight, or to commence your exploration of this fascinating city.

On day two you will have a guided tour of the city, a great way to get your bearings and learn a bit about Vietnam's history. The tour will begin at the Stalinist Mausoleum to Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh's humble private residence – all of which form part of the same complex. Later you will head on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, which was built in 1070 and features on the back of the 100,000 dong banknote.

In the afternoon you may like to stop in at one of the city's excellent museums, such as the recently-opened Ethnology Museum, where Vietnam's diverse minority cultures are explained in a thoughtful and hands-on manner. The Women's Museum is also highly recommended.

Overnight: Essence Hotel

Head to spectacular Halong Bay, studded with karst pinnacles and remarkable floating villages.

You will leave Hanoi early this morning for the four-hour drive east to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's most famous destinations and a natural World Heritage Site.

Once at the bay you will board a comfortable, Chinese-style junk boat and set sail into region's wonderful scenery in the late morning. Halong is characterised by the thousands of steep-sided, limestone islets that lie scattered throughout the bay, providing an amazingly dramatic backdrop whether bathed in sunlight or wreathed in mist and low-lying cloud.

During the afternoon, you will disembark to explore one of the remarkable floating fishing villages that shelter in the lee of the towering karst pinnacles. Dinner will be included onboard this evening, and you will conclude your day watching the sun set over the glittering water.

Overnight: Bai Tho

Fly south to Danang and visit the ancient trading port of Hoi An, where you'll stay on the edge of the wonderful Old Town.

A leisurely morning of cruising through the bay will return you to the harbour in late morning on day four. From here you will be driven back to Hanoi in time for your flight south to Danang, where your guide will be waiting to drive you the short distance down the coast to the ancient trading port of Hoi An. Your hotel is located on the edge of the pedestrianised Old Town, an ideal spot for a bit of independent exploration.

The narrow, meandering streets of Hoi An's Old Town are one of the most appealing places in Vietnam to wander at your own pace. The many delightful riverside cafés and restaurants might appeal for a spot of people-watching, or you may fancy letting one of the town's famous tailors measure you up for a dress or suit.

For those of a more active persuasion, we suggest hiring bikes and getting out into the countryside – or, if you prefer, you might arrange a visit to the ancient ruins at My Son, an hour's drive from town.

A second day of relaxation awaits in Hoi An on day six. If the sun is shining, why not head out of town and spend a day on beautiful Cua Dai beach, just fifteen minutes' drive away? The more active might like to take a boat trip out to the nearby Cham Islands for a day of sunshine, snorkelling or diving.

Overnight: Ancient House Village

After a final leisurely morning in Hoi An, your guide will collect you from your hotel and drive you back to Danang in time for the flight onward to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic heart of modern Vietnam.

A short guided transfer from the airport will bring you to your hotel, located in the heart of District One, a fantastic base from which to begin exploring the excitement of the city.

District One is an incredibly accessible area with many of the city's highlights within walking distance, including the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Benh Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of these highlights on day eight, stopping at the War Remnants Museum for a sombre but fascinating perspective on the American-Vietnamese War.

For further insight into this period of Vietnamese history, a trip out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a labyrinthine network of tunnels that sheltered great numbers of Viet Cong troops during the war, may also be arranged.

Sadly your trip comes to an end on the morning of day nine, and your guide will collect you at a pre-arranged time today for the short transfer back to the international airport for your onward flight.

Overnight: Nhat Ha 3 Hotel