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.