Hanoi is blessed with a large architectural heritage from both its French and ethnic history. Here we wander the lesser visited streets in search of spontaniety and admire its hidden treasures and street culture that are not part of the tourist circuit.

Ninh Binh is a microcosim of all the authentic qualities of ancient Vietnam, from delightful old world pagodas, to elaborate churches and cathedrals to stunning vistas of a rugged landscape, we experience it all in one day.

One of Vietnam's most striking buildings and testament to the influence of European culture in Vietnam, this behind the scenes look at the inside of the building and its workings as a stage for the arts will add further appreciation of the country's cultural link to its past.

Saigon is not easy on the eye or the ear for most visitors and yet its frantic pace is intoxicating. We delve deep into it with a road journey on the back of a vintage vespa and stop at some of its more peaceful retreats from the outside world.

Phong Nha is filled with over 300 caves and grottoes, many of which are still not explored or frequented by visitors. This is an adventurous day out to some of the more lesser visited caves and accessed via treks through the jungle, all the while surrounded by incredible scenery.

The French left their indelible mark on Vietnam's history, culture, society and architecture. What finer way to explore its many influences than in a vintage French car? Our road journey visits and passes by some of Hanoi's most well preserved and beautiful French era buildings and hidden gems.

Hue is filled with an array for rich cultural sites, some far more frequented than others. This day program merges some of the main drawcards with lesser known sites and is timed to ensure the experience is more intimate and rewarding. Adding in a longer river boat journey and a cycle ride through quite rural paths brings the visitor up close and personal to Hue's many riches.

See and experience the journey of Hoi An's culinary delights from birth to dining. Wander through farmland, cycle to a local market that sees very few tourists, take a boat journey through lush water coconut palms and finally create and craft several dishes at a cooking school on the banks of the river.

A day filled with local experiences and insights that completely avoids the main commercial attractions of the city. Here we visit an outer district flower market, a hidden city temple, a community market, family run shops, garden cafes, a Buddhist centre and local suburban streets that are filled with daily life and activity. This is the real Saigon.

Many of Hue's tourist attractions have been heavily restored, losing that sense of history and place. Here we take in pagodas, tombs and temples that are rich in heritage and spirituality to ensure visitors gain a far more insighful look into Hue's cultural past and present.

Hanoi’s West Lake is beckoned to be explored. It is filled with a maze of lanes and paths that can only be navigated on foot or by bicycle, often leading to points of interest. Tai Chi in a renowned neighborhood pagoda, an impromptu stop at a small street market, or a look at the local art galleries and well to do residences in Hanoi's most 'user friendly' neighbourhood.

Saigon, for all its interest, is really confided to its central district for most visitors. And yet, beyond its boundaries lie interesting neighbourhoods with their own sophisticated culinary scene. One such neighbourhood is District 2, which we explore by speedboat and vespa.     

The countryside of Hoi An is best seen in the late afternoon when the fields are a blaze of colour. Here we journey by vespa to a charming pagoda to hear the monks chant, followed by cocktails and a fusion meal at a villa tucked away among the rice fields.

This is a walking tour with a difference. While paying attention to the most interesting parts of the town, we focus more on the lesser-visited residential lanes where real life happens and the true essence of Old-World Hoi An can still be found.

The best way to avoid the negative impacts of mass tourism - go against the flow, and this is exactly what we do here to experience the old town the way the local inhabitants do for an authentic and insightful experience..

Once the crowds have dissipated and the evening light turns soft and dark, the Temple of Literature takes on an atmosphere of architectural and historical splendour that few get to experience in solitude.   Wander the complex with your Travel Expert under an exclusivce arrangement.