Arrival in Hanoi. – Welcome to Vietnam!

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.

Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which make it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influences.

Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel followed by time for leisure.

Note: Hotel check-in time is 14h00; early check-in can be arranged at additional cost.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meal(s): –

There’s no arguing – Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delicious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage – the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum. There’s picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let’s jump right in and experience it all. We’ll even go green and explore the Old Quarter by electric buggy.

In the evening, see a Water Puppet Show – a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.

Note: Most of the museums are closed on Mondays; Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Monday, Friday and in the afternoons.

Foodies afoot in Hanoi (tour duration: 17h00 – 20h00):

Enjoy a taste of local Hanoian life as you explore a local market and some of the city’s best street food stalls. Start at the bustling Hom market, one of the biggest and most popular markets in Hanoi. Wander through the narrow alleyways passing colourful stalls piled high with a vast array of fruit, vegetables, sweets and elaborate temple offerings. Take photos of the vibrant colours and breathe in the aromas of the tropical fruits. If you’re feeling brave, venture to the exotic section to see kicking frogs, silkworms and wriggling eels. The entire market is alive with the buzz and excitement of the locals bartering and haggling for the freshest ingredients at the best prices.

Your guide will take you to popular street food stalls where you can sample some of the city’s signature dishes. Stop at a local coffee shop to taste this rich and flavorful drink then continue your culinary exploration with a stroll through the maze of bustling streets that make up the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Join the locals and pull up a plastic stool at a pavement stall to try Vietnamese snacks and a cup of iced tea, followed by a sweet dessert of fresh fruit and condensed milk. End the tour with a cold draught beer at a sidewalk stall popular with locals.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Start the day with the first sightseeing site, Hoa Lu, which was the initial capital of Vietnam. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of  which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three-square kilometres.

After a visit to Hoa Lu, depart for Tam Coc town with stops to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscape.

On arrival in Tam Coc, board a private sampan. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to its other name, ‘Halong on Land’.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km) and stop en-route to stretch our legs and use the restrooms at one of the charity souvenir shops.

Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km).

Optional 25 min scenic flight by Seaplane over Halong Bay:

The only way to truly appreciate the magnificent scenery of Ha Long Bay is by scenic flight. Admire the stunning seascapes made up of nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald, green waters, strewn over an area of ​​nearly 2,000 square kilometres.

Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, our 25-minute scenic flight showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, offering a completely different perspective than from a cruise ship. From the air, the many islands appear like mountain ranges, the embodiment of ‘Ha Long’, meaning ‘descending dragon’.

With hundreds of limestone karst-mountains and bizarre rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water, Halong Bay is one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Spend a night on the cruise boat surrounded by these stunning views. Arrive at the harbour at noon, check in and board the boat. Enjoy lunch while cruising towards the bay. The afternoon is full of activities such as visits to a cave and floating farm, relaxing o the beach or simply sunbathing on the sundeck (the programme varies depending on each boat). Get ready to take plenty of photos of the bay at sunset. Dinner will be served on the boat before enjoying a relaxing night anchored in calm waters.

No guide on board with guests. On-board English speaking guide is arranged by the junk.

Overnight on board

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning air in the bay. Start your day by joining a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movements of this ancient practise.

Breakfast (or brunch) will be served on the boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark from the cruise.

Note: The programme may be changed due to weather conditions, tide conditions and local authorisation.

Transfer by vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport (160 km) for your international departure flight. Lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.

Meal(s): Brunch, Lunch

End of Service