Uncovering Northern Classic Of Vietnam Holiday
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 50 minutes.
Hanoi, or “River-bound City” as its name literally means, is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty, which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets with antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and romantic lakes, has made it one of the most charming cities in Asia.
Start your half-day city tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam, built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages, and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Afterward, head to the city center to visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare, endangered giant turtle species. Its name, “Returned Sword,” comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese king by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Then, drive to central Hanoi for a one-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers.
Meals: No meal
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi
Our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel, then embark on a journey of about 100 km to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh Province. Upon arrival, take a boat trip and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. The scenery of Trang An is a unique combination of deep turquoise river water, rising limestone mountains, water caves, and a clear blue sky. The sampan boat will be rowed by local people, lasting around 2 to 3 hours.
In the afternoon, leave for Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, dating back to the 11th century. Built by the Dinh Dynasty not only as a capital but also as a stronghold against Northern invaders, Hoa Lu was shortly later inherited by the Le Dynasty. Visit the two old temples: one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the only king of the Dinh Dynasty and also Vietnam’s first emperor, and the other to the succeeding kings of the Le Dynasty. Though the temples are no longer intact, some precious antique carvings and sculptures of stone and wood are still preserved. Then, continue to visit Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient, three-tiered cave pagoda accessible only by steep stone steps. However, it is worth climbing up for the charming pagoda and stupendous view from the top.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi
For Group 1-9pax: Sharing boat and Lunch on Ha Binh Cruise
- 8:00–8:30 AM: Pick up from your hotels.
- 11:40 AM: Private vehicle takes you to Ha Long International Port.
- 12:00–12:15 PM (Start): Ha Binh Cruise departs to visit Halong Bay—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch on board (mostly seafood) with a set menu (6 people per set).
- 1:30 PM: Visit Stone Dog Islet and Incense Burner Islet—the image on the Vietnamese 200,000 VND currency note.
- 1:40 PM: Visit the Ba Hang area, where you can go kayaking, take a bamboo boat, or relax on the cruise to discover Ha Long Bay at your own pace.
- 2:20 PM: Visit Fighting Cock Islet—a symbol of Halong tourism.
- 2:40 PM: Visit Thien Cung Cave—one of the most beautiful caves in the Ha Long Bay area.
- 4:30 PM: Ha Binh Cruise returns to Ha Long International Port.
- 5:00 PM: Our private vehicle takes you back to your hotel.
- End of the trip!
Services Not Included:
- Drinks
- Services not mentioned above
Services Included:
- Hotel pick-up
- Entrance fees
- Lunch on board
- Kayaking or bamboo boat trip
- Guide on board
- Insurance
For Group 10pax up: Private boat and lunch on Van Hoa Cruise
The tour will begin at 8:00 AM. Discover one of Vietnam’s most spectacular northern jewels with a Halong Bay day cruise. Depart from the buzzing streets of Hanoi in the morning, leaving the city buildings behind in exchange for the beauty of the Red River Delta. Pass by smaller towns and farmlands, enjoying views of the typical Vietnamese countryside. Halfway into the three-and-a-half-hour journey, stop for a stretch and a drink at a local rest stop.
Resume the drive, arriving in Ha Long City late in the morning and board a private boat. Cast off and cruise across the emerald green water of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay. Sit in the dining area or on the open-air top deck to admire the scenery and the refreshing sea breeze. The boat captain will navigate the boat around the Bay’s 1,500 limestone islands, providing an opportunity to see these remarkable geological wonders both up close and from afar. The boat will stop for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace), one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.
Around midday, lunch will be served on board. Enjoy attentive, personalized service by the ship’s crew while feasting on delicious, fresh seafood and a selection of Vietnamese dishes.
After dining, the ship will begin circling back to port, following a different route along the way for more breathtaking views. Say farewell to the ship’s crew and climb back into the vehicle for the return journey to Hanoi.
Arrive at the hotel in time for a chance to freshen up before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Vietnamese Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight at a hotel in Hanoi
Enjoy free time at your leisure before being transferred by our driver (no guide) to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight departure.
Meal: Breakfast
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast and based on twin or triple sharing
- Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Boat trip in Ha Long Bay (4 hours)
- For Group 1- 9 pax: Sharing boat and Lunch at local restaurant
- For Group 10 pax up: Private boat and lunch on cruise
- Mineral water is available as complementary
- Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax
- Dinks and other meals not clearly mentioned
- Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ for single visa to Vietnam, paid by cash at the airport)
- Surcharge for special requests on food, and meals.
- Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses
- Tipping for guide and driver
- Surcharge for public holidays (if any)
- Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve: TBA
Area | First Class (3*) | Superior (4*) | Deluxe (5*) |
Hanoi | MINASI PREMIUM HOTEL Deluxe www.minasihotels.com/hotel/minasipremium/OR SIMILAR |
THE Q HOTEL
Deluxe City View OR SIMILAR |
PAN PACIFIC HOTEL Deluxe www.panpacific.com/hanoiOR SIMILAR |