Highlights of South Vietnam - 11 Days

Day 1

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

Met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 · B

Cu Chi Tunnels & Saigon

Out in the morning to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the underground maze about 75km northwest of the city that ran from the southern tip of the Ho Chi Minh trail near the Cambodian border all the way to the Saigon River. Back in town for the Reunification Palace, once the symbol of the South Vietnamese government, then Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior only, under renovation) and the War Remnants Museum - the "American War", as it is called here. Ben Thanh Market to finish.

Day 3 · B, L, D

Ho Chi Minh City → Mekong Delta → Can Tho

Overland through the delta countryside, then a traditional sampan onto the quiet waterways. Cottage industries along the bank - brick kilns, rice paper - and Mr Sau Khanh's house, where he has collected antiques ranging from old ceramics and pottery to ceiling lights, sculptures and Buddha statues. On to Can Tho for the night.

Day 4 · B

Cai Rang Floating Market → Da Lat

A morning rowing boat along the Mekong's smaller tributaries into the Cai Rang floating market, with the canal life going on around you. Then Binh Thuy Ancient House and Ong Pagoda in Can Tho city. In the afternoon, to Can Tho airport for the flight up to Da Lat - 1500m, the "city of spring", known for its lakes, waterfalls, pine forest, vegetable gardens and flowers.

Day 5 · B

Da Lat city tour

The Crazy House first, an architectural jigsaw of twists, roofs and rooms. Then Da Lat's old railway station and the restored 7km locomotive run to Trai Mat village through the greenhouses and flower gardens. Linh Phuoc Pagoda with its huge golden Buddha and one of Vietnam's largest cast bronze bells. Langbian Mountain to finish, for the views and the legend behind the name.

*The train only runs with twenty passengers. Short of that, you drive to Trai Mat instead.*

Day 6 · B

Da Lat → Nha Trang

Down off the highlands to Nha Trang - 7km of white sand and more than 200 islands offshore. Arrive early afternoon, check in, and the afternoon is yours.

Day 7 · B, L

Nha Trang island cruise

A day on the water around the islands off the coast. Mini Beach for swimming, kayaking or snorkelling, or the shade of the big trees and the view across the bay. Set lunch back onboard, then a fishing village, and the cruise home past Vung Ngan floating village, Vinpearl Island and the Bao Dai Villas.

Day 8 · B

Nha Trang → Mui Ne

South to Phan Thiet, stopping at the Po Klong Garai Cham Tower in Phan Rang and the Cham villages of My Nghiep, which weaves, and Bau Truc, which makes pottery. Check into a beachfront hotel at Mui Ne.

Days 9 · B

10: Mui Ne at leisure

Two free days on the white sand around a working fishing village. The red and white dunes, the walk up Fairy Spring, or the 9th-century Cham tower above the town.

Day 11 · B

Mui Ne → Ho Chi Minh City

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your onward flight.