Today your adventure begins as we fly to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arival the group will be met and transferred to your hotel in central Hanoi. Afternoon settling and this evening enjoy a welcome dinner within walking distance of our hotel. Accommodation: Hong Ha Hotel, 3*

Meals:  D

We start our day by visiting the Temple of Literature- one of the most interesting shrines in Hanoi, called “Le Pagoda des Corbeaux” by the French, because of the huge flocks of crows gathering in the mango trees near the entrance. Built in 1070, the complex consists of five courtyards dedicated to Confucius and the pursuit of Confucian thought and behavior. It is here that Vietnam’s first university was founded. We then visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, starting at the President’s Mausoleum (visit outside only). We continue to his humble “house on stilts”- see the French colonial Presidential Palace and the 11th century One-Pillar Pagoda. This afternoon we visit the impressive Museum of Ethnology, the finest museum in Vietnam. This museum is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities, several of which we will see on our forthcoming trip. We will walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple and we then climb aboard cyclos to enjoy a tour to explore the vibrant Old Quarter. Here many tiny streets join to sell a huge diversity of products. In the old days, each street bore the name of the product sold - “Shoe Street”, “Noodle Street” and the like. Today, the streets sometimes sell a variety of items, but often the names are accurate. The Old Quarter also houses some of the most interesting art galleries and fashion houses. We then head back out on the streets and will experience a Vietnamese coffee shop where you see how the local people enjoy life, you may also reward yourself with a unique drink known as “bitter sweet” coffee at Café Ging- the oldest brand in Hanoi, since 1946. Our last stop on this busy day will be a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppet theater, a series of 17 stories presented by 11 puppeteers whom traditionally performed during the monsoonal period when rice farming in the Red River Delta was not possible. The stories reflect their way of life and dreams as well as providing respite from their demanding work schedule. Accommodation: Hong Ha Hotel 3*

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we will transfer to the project site. We will spend the 2 days working alongside the locals & villagers and experienced staff to ensure that the project is completed correctly and on time. We will divide the group into sub groups to work on different components of the project. There will be a good deal of flexibility in the hours that you work each day, but it is anticipated that you will be involved in labour work for up to 6 hours a day. You should bring a pair of study workman’s gloves with you from home and wear clothing which you do not mind getting dirty. Dinner Accommodation will be in a simple guesthouse, dormitory style with shared toilet facilities and hot running water – Ban Buoc Village

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we will check out of our guesthouse and take the short drive to Mai Hich where we shall enjoy a cooking session, barbeque and learn how to cook rice in bamboo which is a local speciality. After lunch we will drive back to Hanoi, approx 3-4 hours and go out for famous pizza and pasta in 4P's in Hanoi. Accommodation: Hong Ha Hotel 3*

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we take the drive to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3.5 hours), a natural wonder with thousands of islands rising out of the water, creating an unique and beautiful landscape. On arrival, we board our traditional junk for a journey through the 3,000 limestone islands dotted with caves and grottoes. After lunch there is time for exploring the bay at a leisure pace: swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, kayaking and experiencing the magic of falling asleep on board in this beautiful part of the world. After you have finished exploring we retire to the junk and have a Vietnamese cookimg demonstration. In the evening your cook will prepare a delicious extravaganza using beautifully prepared fresh ingredients straight from the sea as we find a secluded place to anchor for the night. After dinner the crew will help the group to fish for squid. Accommodation: Au Co 5*, Ha Long Bay Please note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions.

Meals:  B,L,D

For those early risers there is a chance to learn some Tai Chi on the sundeck in perhaps one of the finest locations in the world! Following a light breakfast we continue with the cruise through different parts of Ha Long Bay, passing many islets and grottoes and explore a limestone cave. We'll enjoy brunch onboard and disembark around 11.30 & then transfer to Hanoi arriving in the afternoon with free time for last minute shopping or exploring Hanoi. This evening we will have a farewell dinner. Accommodation: Hong Ha Hotel 3*

Meals:  B,L,D