Hanoi and Halong Bay Discovery

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon arrival to Hanoi, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. After checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR

Begin the first full day of the trip with a comprehensive city tour of Hanoi. The first visit of the day with be Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Next visit the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Nearby is the mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and his modest house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. (Sites are viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov)

Continue with a stroll to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. From here transfer (or stroll along the lakeside) 700 meters to the nearby Taoist temple of Quan Thanh dedicated to Tran Vu, one of the principal deities in Taoism.

Wrap up the tour in the historic Old Quarter area of Hanoi, also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shops. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around.

Finish the day with a Water Puppet show. This is a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY

After breakfast in Hanoi, depart the capital for the 3hr 30mins drive to Halong Bay. Arrive to Halong City’s jetty (around noon) and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay.

In the afternoon, enjoy some sightseeing, on-board activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on the vessel. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight aboard on Halong Bay.

DAY 4: HALONG – DEPARTURE

Early risers can enjoy a memorable sunrise over the karst formations of Halong Bay. Breakfast will be served shortly thereafter.

Enjoy breakfast (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations back towards port. Upon disembarkation, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to Hanoi or Hai Phong for the departing flight.