Best of Northen Vietnam: Hanoi and Halong Bay Tour

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Hanoi and Halong Bay Tour gives you a chance to dive into Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. With a visit to temples, museums, lakes, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to understand its past glories. Take a cyclo tour to explore the vibrant local life through the old quarters and witness the essence of Vietnamese life.
• Taking a boat trip in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admiring the stunning scenery with towering limestone Karst formations jutting out of emerald, green waters. Embark on a cruise for island hopping and enjoy water activities on overnight cruise.

ITINERARY:

• Hanoi and Halong Bay 5 Days Tour ‘s Itinerary is fully customizable. Please contact us to tailor your own personalized trip. The more detailed information you provide for us, the more perfect holiday we can design just for you!

Day 1 – Hanoi Arrival | Airport Pick-up & Hotel Check-in, Free Exploration:

• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide and driver. Then, we will take you to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in. The rest of today is a free time for you to explore this old and charming city at your own pace.

Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam, boasts a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. It showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. Renowned for its diverse culinary scene, city is considered a food lover’s paradise to taste Vietnamese cuisine. Hanoi is well-known for its street food, where you can savor an array of local specialties.

Day 2 – Hanoi City Tour | See the Best Highlights of Vietnam ‘s Capital City:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, our tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a delightful day exploring Hanoi City. This city holds a unique charm despite not being the most modern. Its character lies in the captivating blend of Vietnamese, with Chinese, and French influences, all woven together with the city’s authentic and bustling local life within its old alleyways. Indulge in the delicious local street food for a taste of true Vietnamese flavors.

Our first stop is a tranquil escape to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi dating back over 1500 years, nestled amidst the picturesque West Lake. Here, you’ll be greeted and admired by the sight of the ic 11-story lotus tower, a serene lotus pond, adding to the pagoda’s peaceful atmosphere.

Later, head to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, situated in Ba Dinh Square. Here, you will visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (serves as the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh – Uncle Ho). If you’re lucky, you might witness the solemn and precise military honor guard ceremony. (Please take note: 1. The Mausoleum closes from Sep 4th to Nov 4th every year).

Afterward, enjoy a short walk to One Pillar Pagoda with distinctive shape – the main building sits atop a single stone pillar, resembling a lotus flower blossoming from a pond. Here, our tour guide will explain more about legend and history of pagoda, from architecture to common practice of Vietnamese Biddhists. Later, visit the Temple of Literature and Imperial College, Vietnam’s first university and a site dedicated to Confucianism.

After optional lunch break, we delve into Vietnam’s fascinating history at the Vietnam National Museum of History. Here, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s past, from prehistoric times to the 20th century, through a captivating display of artifacts. Witness ancient bronze drums, intricate ceramics, and powerful imperial regalia, each piece whispering stories of Vietnam’s remarkable evolution.

Later, head to Hoan Kiem Lake, also well-known as the Restored Sword Lake, a shimmering jewel in the heart of Hanoi. Strolling along the lake’s perimeter, enjoying a view of the ic Turtle Tower. You will learn the history and reasom for the name of the lake before visiting to Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to various Vietnamese historical figures and the revered Confucian scholar Van Xuong.

Next, immerse yourself in the local life in Hanoi ‘s Old Quarter of Vietnam with a unique and fun cyclo tour! For about an hour, you’ll travel at a slow and leisurely pace through the ic Old Quarter of Hanoi. A cyclo or rickshaw, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, will be your chariot for exploring the narrow streets. This is a fantastic way to experience the charming and vibrant atmosphere of Old Quarter before going back to your hotel for overnight.

Day 3 – Hanoi to Halong Bay Tour | Sleeping on Overnight Cruise:

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: On the Cruise

Morning: between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, our shuttle bus will pick you up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area. Hop aboard and prepare to be whisked away on a scenic 2.5-hour drive (147 km) through Red River Delta to stunning Halong Bay!

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed aboard with a refreshing drink. Following a quick safety briefing from the cruise teamr, you can relax and savor a delicious lunch onboard while the boat start cruising among amazing limestone islands.

Afternoon: you’ll explore Halong Bay’s dramatic karst landscape with your cruise! Different cruise companies offer various itineraries, but you might visit some of these fascinating spots and try water activities like kayaking, swimming, etc. Watch the sunset paint the karst mountains with colors.

• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Discover a magnificent cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Titop Island: Hike to the peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.
• Cua Van Fishing Village: Witness the traditional way of life of local fishermen in a floating village.
• Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Learn about pearl cultivation and see these beautiful gems firsthand.
• Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave): Discover a secluded cave with a unique rock formation.

Evening: indulge in a hearty dinner prepared by our talented chefs in the elegant dining room. After dinner, unwind with a variety of leisure options: join in on board games, try squid fishing, catch a night movie, or head to the bars & karaoke. Overnight onboard.

Day 4 – Halong Bay transfer to Hanoi | Free Time for More Exploration:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

If you are arly risers, you can embrace the sunrise with a traditional Tai Chi class on the sundeck, invigorating your body and mind. Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard.

After breakfast, continue your cruise to explore more the peaceful Halong Bay! You can choose to participate in exciting water activities such as kayaking or follow the cruise itinerary to admire the majestic limestone formations.

Later in the morning, return to the cruise for a smooth check-out process at the reception. As you cruise back to the pier, savor a delightful lunch at 10:00 AM. Disembarkation will take place between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

Following disembarkation, you’ll be transferred by car/van back to Hanoi. In this afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore more of Hanoi City at your own pace.

Day 5 – Hanoi Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport See-off:

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: No

It is time to end your 5-day Vietnam Tour to Hanoi and Halong Bay. Today, you’ll be escorted to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to catch a flight for your departure. We finish our fantastic Hanoi and Halong Bay Tour 5 Days in Northern Vietnam.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Tour Price:

• Price of tour varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included:

• Guide Service: English-speaking guides provided throughout the sightseeing trip.
• Sightseeing Tickets: Entrance tickets for all attractions in itinerary. In case of unexpected circumstances, alternative arrangements will be discussed with the tourists.
• Transportation Arrangement: air-conditioned car/van, overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
• Accommodation: Throughout the trip, stay in hotels in cities, Halong Bay overnight cruises as listed in the itinerary.
• Meals: Breakfast is included tour. For specific information regarding the meals provided, please refer to the itinerary.

What’s Excluded:

• Vietnam Visa: Depending on your nationality and the length of your travel, you may need to apply for a Vietnam Visa in advance. You can do this online or at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• Personal Expenses: Other personal expenses during your tour such as laundry, shopping, telephone, internet, fax, etc., within the hotel or during sightseeing tour.
• Tipping: Tips/gratuities for drivers and guides (Tipping practices may vary depending on the region and nature of service; it is recommended to consult the guide’s opinion in advance).
• Unexpected Circumstances: In case of uncontrollable and non-agency-related factors (such as natural disasters, war, strikes), flight delays or cancellations, delayed visa processing at embassies, insufficient number of participants, the travel agency reserves the right to cancel or modify the itinerary. Additional charges may apply for expenses beyond the agency’s control (e.g., visa fees, accommodation, meals, transportation, adjustments in airfares).