Delta, Beach and Plateau

Highlights:
- Mekong Delta cruise
- Golden stretches of sand at Nha Trang
- Former colonial hill station Dalat

Day 1 - Arrive Ho Chi Minh
Upon arrival you will be driven through Ho Chi Minh City to your hotel for check-in.

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
Begin your full day tour of Ho Chi Minh City among the markets and shops of the Chinatown district, Cholon. See the Cantonese Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to the goddess of the Sea and browse the incredible display of fresh produce at Ben Thanh Market. The FITO Museum is Vietnam's first traditional medicine museum, displaying an amazing collection of 3,000 items such as ancient books and documents and the implements used to prepare indigenous herbs. In the afternoon stroll from the former Presidential Palace to the colonial part of the city - the old Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall - returning to your hotel at the end of the afternoon.

Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta/Song Xanh Sampan
This morning board your sampan (private boat) at the pier in Phu An hamlet. The cruise will begin with the visit of some local home factories to observe how rice paste, coconut candies and other specialties are made. Cruise among local barges full of fruit and vegetables at the colorful Cai Be floating market. Your sampan will pass Dong Phu and An Binh islets that are famous for their fruit orchards, through large networks of meandering rivers towards the evergreen islands of Vinh Long and Sa Dec. Passing under at the spectacular My Thuan Bridge, disembark to take a small rowing boat along a small beautiful canal through water jacinth plantations passing by a local tiny village. Sa Dec town appears like a little "Venice" with numerous narrow canals. Disembark for a guided visit of this charming town, walking along its narrow streets with numerous beautiful French old houses. Your lunch awaits you at the former home of Mr Huyen Thuy Le, "The Lover" of famous author Marguerite Duras. Continue your cruise on board your sampan this afternoon, your last stop being at a splendid ancient house, where the owners will personally greet you for a special candlelight dinner. Continue to Can Tho where you moor for the night in a peaceful setting.

Day 4 - Mekong Delta/Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang
Enjoy breakfast as your private sampan begins slowly cruising in the early morning, passing by countless sampan carrying sand, rice, fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers towards Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest market in the entire Mekong Delta. Your cruise journey ends around 10am at the Ninh Kieu Pier. Enjoy a visit of Can Tho before your driver meets you to take you back Ho Chi Minh City (a journey of around 3 hours) for your short onward flight to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang.

Day 5 - Nha Trang
Nha Trang has every activity a sun worshipper could want. Besides the pre-requisite golden stretches of sand and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites.

Day 6 - Nha Trang/Dalat
Today drive to Dalat stopping en route in the rural heartland of Nha Trang to experience first-hand the charming lifestyle of the local people. The day begins at a local rice paper factory where you can see how local fare is made, followed by a visit to a typical local house where you will learn how to make traditional food such as Banh Xeo (savoury pancakes) before sitting down to enjoy a Vietnamese meal. In the early afternoon depart for Dalat (a journey of around 4 hours). The route goes through the spectacular Ngoan Muc Mountain range with views over valleys, mountain passes and on to the ocean. Along the way pass by hill tribe villages inhabited by the Ede, Koho and Chu Ru groups.

Day 7 - Dalat
This former colonial hill station is home to vast flower gardens, pine forests, vineyards and perhaps the most colourful market in Vietnam. Visit the Dalat Railway Station which dates back to 1932, Linh Phuong Buddhist Pagoda, an organic vegetable farm, the palace of the last Emperor of Vietnam and the fascinating Lam Dong Museum.

Day 8 - Dalat/Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy some free time before your transfer to Dalat's airport for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City.