Vietnam Explorer

This is the day you've been dreaming of. Ho Chi Minh City is where it all begins: the start of a beautiful friendship with your group, your Local Legend and Vietnam itself. Arrive, settle in, then meet the crew for our first night out together. The adventure starts here.

Comfy shoes on, we've got a big day. After breakfast, we head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of nearly 250km built from the late 1940s to house troops, carry communications and hide supplies. Some passages are just 80cm wide and high. We explore them up close, crawling into underground hiding holes for a real insight into life here only decades ago.

This morning we explore the city once known as Saigon on foot, then learn about Vietnam's troubled past at the War Museum. We pass the Independence Palace, the cathedral and the post office, then end at a local food market. After lunch and a relaxing afternoon, we head to the airport for an evening flight to Hoi An.

Wake up in Hoi An, the town of lanterns. This morning we choose our silk and make our own. Then we visit Yaly Tailors to see how custom clothes come together, and each leave with a TruTravels tote bag made from fabric cut-offs. Next, coffee at Thinhs, where our friend Tinh shows us how he grows and roasts his beans. The afternoon is free.

A free day, so snooze as long as you like. Wander the yellow-walled Ancient Town and the calm riverside, cross the little bridges, or head out to the famous Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills. As the light fades, may we suggest sunset cocktails at a local beach club? Go on, you know you want to.

This morning we cycle through the countryside and local villages to Coconut Woods, seven hectares of water. Here we climb into traditional basket boats, used to catch crabs for centuries, and spin, slip and splash our way around. Next, rice noodle making and a coffee workshop, plus lunch with a local family. Tonight, dinner and drinks on the boardwalk.

Today we ride the legendary Hai Van Pass, made famous by Top Gear, in open-top jeeps. Wind in your hair, music blasting and some of Vietnam's most spectacular scenery all the way to Hue. We stop for photos, lunch and maybe a dip, so pack a swimsuit. We check in late afternoon, then hit Hue's nightlife: local beers, rice wine and dancing.

Hue was once home to Vietnam's emperors. This morning we follow the Perfume River to a peaceful garden, where we spend the day learning to cook the Vietnamese dishes we've been devouring all week with a local chef. Then we feast on our creations for lunch. In the evening we wave goodbye to Hue and board the overnight train to Ninh Binh.

Welcome to the 'Halong Bay on land'. We start by boat, rowing through caves past emerald forest and rice paddies, this is a real highlight of the trip! We'll then head to Tam Coc Valley's limestone hills. The afternoon is free, or grab a bike and explore with the group. Mid-afternoon we climb around 500 steps up Hang Mua for the view of the trip, then dinner, beers and sunset.

Remember that screensaver? Today it's real. We leave Ninh Binh early for Halong Bay, where 1,600 limestone islands rise from the green sea. Once aboard, lunch is served with that view, then we set sail for kayaking, viewpoints and beaches. Back on deck, we learn to make spring rolls, then watch the sunset and stargaze with a beer and your new friends.

Wake up, rub your eyes: you're really here. Breakfast and a big coffee on the open deck, surrounded by limestone towers and teal water. We spend the morning relaxing and swimming, then after lunch head to Hanoi. In the late afternoon, we explore the Old Quarter on foot, then meet up for dinner, drinks and Hanoi's nightlife.

Twelve days and over 1,600km in, and Hanoi brings the chaos in the best way. First, a demonstration of how Vietnam's famous egg coffee is made, then the day is yours. Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House or any of the city's countless photo spots. Tonight we dress up for one BIG final night out with the group.

Sore heads and emotional goodbyes: it's the end of the tour. If your adventure continues, your Local Legend knows Southeast Asia inside out and can help with onward travel. If it's time to go home, let yourself be sad, then promise you'll come back. You're part of the crew for life now. See you soon.