Highlights
Fall in love with Vietnam’s cultural heartland with this 4-day in-depth travel experience focused on the history and elegance of Hanoi and the natural beauty of Halong Bay. Follow the path of history through Hanoi’s colonial architecture to iconic places like the Temple of Literature and the Imperial Citadel. Then, enjoy an overnight cruise through spectacular limestone karsts rising dramatically from the sea in Halong Bay, an acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Details
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL
Xin Chào and welcome to the stunning capital of Vietnam, Hanoi! Once you have collected your luggage at Noi Bai International Airport, say hello to the local guide and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Spend the day at leisure trying spa treatments, sipping Vietnamese coffee, and soaking up the charm of the banyan-tree lined crooked streets of the Old Quarter.
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR (B,L)
Nowhere in Southeast Asia exudes such an intoxicating atmosphere of tradition and modernity as in Hanoi. And what better way to experience this blend than with a full-day tour of the city’s most important sites?
Begin with a visit to the famed Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1076, followed by a short drive to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Hanoi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, continue to Hanoi’s picturesque West Lake area, with stops at the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda and the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh, dedicated to one of the principal deities in Taoism.
The afternoon commences with a much-deserved, absolutely delicious Hanoian-styled lunch served at a local restaurant before an exploration of the Old Quarter’s 36 famous labyrinth-like streets, by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Take a break at a typical Hanoian café trying Vietnamese coffee or traditional desserts (chè), before ending the tour in the heart of the city around Hoan Kiem Lake and its island temple, Ngoc Son.
Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY (B,L,D)
After such an eventful day yesterday, sit back and relax with an overnight cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage of Halong Bay, located a quick 2-hour drive outside of Hanoi. Take in the mystical scenery of Halong Bay from the jetty and proceed with check-in formalities before sitting down for lunch as the ship begins to cruise through thousands of limestone islands jutting out of the emerald sea.
In the afternoon, depending on the ship’s itinerary, you have the opportunity to join in on complimentary activities or to simply just take in the sights from your cabin or atop the sundeck. Sightseeing usually includes kayaking or being rowed by bamboo boat through colorful floating villages as well as a cave visit, although all activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night, and dinner is served on board.
Overnight on board in Halong Bay.
DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI DEPARTURE (B)
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the calming waters of the bay, flowing through Tai Chi movements during a morning session from the sundeck. Whether you join in on a final shore excursion or take the time to relax on board until breakfast is served, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy breakfast as the vessel cruises back to port. Meet your guide who will accompany you on your return journey to Noi Bai International Airport for any onward booked travel arrangements.
Special Rates
Please contact us for the best rates.
Services included
+ 2-night hotel accommodation in twin/double share room
+ 1-night stay in Halong Bay cruise in twin/double share cabin
+ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
+ English, French or Chinese speaking local guide (please enquire for other languages)
+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise
+ Entrance fees for mentioned tours, attractions, and activities
+ VAT and service charges.
Services not included
+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately)
+ Visa fee, travel insurance
+ Meals other than mentioned above
+ Early check-in or late check-out fees
+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc)
+ Additional transfers required due to emergency situation
+ Peak season surcharges and compulsory gala dinners on 24th Dec and 31st Dec
+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
+ Guide and driver tips: It’s recommended to tip your guide and driver USD8/day/guest.
Terms & Conditions
PAYMENTS
A deposit of 30% of the total booking is required within three days from the date of confirmation. The balance payment is due at 45 days prior to tour commencement date. For bookings made less than 45 days, full payment is required. Bookings will be cancelled if payments are not received by the due date(s).
Payment can be made via bank transfer or credit cards. In addition to the total payable amount, credit card payments will incur a merchant fee of 2.5% for MasterCard and Visa, 3% for American Express. Any bank charges and merchant fees must be covered by the customer.
CANCELLATIONS
Confirmed bookings must be cancelled by the party leader in writing (by email) and this will only be effective once the written cancellation is confirmed by FantaSea Vietnam. Cancellation by the party leader will be subject to the following cancellation fees from the date the written cancellation is received:
+ more than 45 days prior to tour date - 10% of total cost
+ between 31 and 45 days prior to tour date - 25% of total cost
+ between 16 and 30 days prior to tour date - 50% of total cost
+ within 15 days prior to tour date or “no show” - 100% of total cost.
AMENDMENTS
Any amendments to confirmed bookings must be requested by the party leader in writing (by email). Whilst we will endeavor to assist, we cannot guarantee that requests will be met. If we can make the requested change, you will be provided with a quote detailing any additional costs, whether incurred due to your amendments, imposed by a Third-Party Travel Provider, or our amendment fees. In all cases, the following amendment fees shall apply:
+ If amendments are made more than 45 days prior to scheduled tour date: the first amendment is free of charge. From the second amendment: a charge of U$80 per amendment for a short trip (less than 7 nights) or U$150 per amendment for a long journey (7 nights or more).
+ If amendments are made within 45 days prior to scheduled tour date: the above standard cancellation fees will apply, and full price will apply to new travel arrangements.
We will not charge any cancellation/amendment fees if it is due to a breach by us of any of our obligations or due to our fault; or if the Third-Party Travel Provider amends your booking through no fault of the customer.
