Day 1: Hanoi
Upon arrival at Vietnam’s airport, our guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in central Hanoi.
You will have free time to explore and soak in the atmosphere of the city.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi, located in northern Vietnam on the banks of the Red River, is the country’s second most populous city, with around 8 million inhabitants. It was the capital of French Indochina from 1902 to 1954 and later the capital of North Vietnam until 1976, when it became the capital of the unified country after the Vietnam War.
Despite its development as a major metropolis, Hanoi retains a unique Old Quarter with narrow streets full of small shops, bars, and street vendors. With its lakes, green parks, and tree-lined boulevards, the city balances tradition and modernity, reflected in its temples, colonial buildings, and architectural contrasts. In 2010, Hanoi celebrated its 1,000-year history.
Day 2: Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
We begin our tour at Ba Dinh Square, the historic site where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Here, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where his body is solemnly displayed in a glass case.
Next, we visit the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most iconic temples, followed by the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, symbolizing knowledge and education.
For lunch, we enjoy a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant.
Afterward, we take a walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, leading to Hoan Kiem Lake, considered the "heart and soul" of the city. We will visit the Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lake.
The rest of the afternoon is free for personal exploration.
Optional Activity: You can attend the famous Water Puppet Show, a traditional northern Vietnamese art form that dates back over a thousand years, featuring performances on water with light and sound effects. (Tickets must be purchased one day in advance).
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We will be picked up at the hotel and travel by road to the stunning Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the port, we will board our cruise ship and be welcomed with a drink before being assigned our cabins.
As we set sail, our guide will provide a safety briefing and introduce the itinerary. Then, we will enjoy a buffet lunch on board.
In the afternoon, there is time to relax or explore the bay by kayak or a bamboo boat ride through a floating village.
Later, we will visit a pearl farm to learn about the pearl cultivation process.
Back on board, we will join a Vietnamese cooking class, followed by dinner while anchored in the bay, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Halong Bay, meaning “Descending Dragon Bay,” is in the Gulf of Tonkin, near the Chinese border. It covers 1,500 km² and is home to over 2,000 karst islands. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it was named one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 2011.
Day 4: Halong bay – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early risers can join a Tai Chi session on the deck at sunrise.
After breakfast, we continue cruising and explore a hidden cave before returning to the port.
Upon disembarkation, we travel back to Hanoi, where the afternoon is free for relaxation.
Overnight in Hanoi.