Start at the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the last reigning emperors of Vietnam. Tu Duc lived in this sprawling manor in the years before his death and built it as a paradise, full of green forests with peaceful walking trails, pavilions perfect to compose his poetry, and a lake complete with its own island. At the end of a lagoon lies the emperor's tomb, but he isn't actually buried here - his remains are interred elsewhere, at an unknown location built by hundreds of servants who were beheaded so they would carry the secret to the grave. Spend some time wandering through this luxurious tomb, where the architecture works in harmony with the natural landscape.

Continue on to Tu Hieu Pagoda, known for being the ""root temple"" of the famous Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh. This serene pagoda welcomes visitors to its twin temples, where monks chant at five daily intervals. Nestled in a peaceful pine forest, the complex also includes a half-moon shaped lake full of fish eager to be fed, and a cemetery where the eunuchs of Vietnam's last feudal dynasty are buried. Seventy monks live here full time, and the doors to the pagoda remain open to anyone who wants to learn meditation or just find peace walking through the grounds. Take a breath and get centred here, one step at a time.

Finish the day off with good will and relaxation. Visit a café dedicated to generating income for the deaf and for people born with osteogenesis imperfecta. Have a drink and learn from the friendly staff how to make paper flower. Creating these delicate art forms can be fun and meditative, and they make a beautiful souvenir to bring home from a day of peace and education.

INCLUSION:

• Private transfer, English speaking guide, entrance fee,Bottle of water