A Glimpse Of Northern Vietnam

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon arrival to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. Check in to the luxurious and historic Sofitel Metropole, one of the most celebrated hotels in all of Southeast Asia.

After relaxing at the hotel for a bit, enjoy the free afternoon to indulge in the city’s best spa, followed by a memorable Vietnamese dinner set in a beautiful villa with a French touch.

DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR

After breakfast, begin the day with an insider’s tour of the capital. Start with a tour of the Long Bien Bridge, which was built in 1902 by Sir Gustave Eiffel. Take a walking tour of this fascinating structure to learn more on how this bridge helped shape Hanoi’s future.

From Long Bien, drive to the capital’s Old Quarter. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shops. It’s in this area that the true soul of the city can be found, helping to create one of Asia’s most unique capitals.

For lunch today, dine for a good cause at Koto Restaurant. KOTO or ‘Know One Teach One’ is supported by Street Voices, an NGO dedicated to offer a brighter future to street and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam. The youth in the KOTO training program study hospitality, English and life skills and gain essential experience working at KOTO restaurant.

After lunch continue to the Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university. Founded in 1076, Quoc Tu Giam was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. To catch sunset, continue on towards West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc.

This evening, enjoy a dinner of traditional Vietnamese food with inspired contemporary cuisine at Home Restaurant. Set within a former French residence in the charming Truc Bach neighborhood, Home is situated between the historic labyrinth of the old trading quarter and the expansive serenity of West Lake.

Overnight at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY

Leaving Hanoi behind, depart around 08:00 for the 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. The journey runs through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta, displaying the everyday life of local Vietnamese villagers along the way.

Arrive in Halong around noon, complete the pre-boarding formalities and board the chosen vessel at Halong Pier. Lunch will be served on board while cruising into the bay along the iconic limestone formations. Towards the end of the day, set anchor for the night as the sun sets followed by dinner.

Overnight aboard boat on Halong Bay

DAY 4: HALONG BAY – HANOI DEPART

Start the day with a tranquil Halong morning, enjoying a full breakfast (or brunch) on board, while the boat cruises back to port. Upon disembarkation, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport back to Hanoi or to the airport for the departing flight.

Optional: One way or Round trip transfer between Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi by SEAPLANE instead of by VEHICLE: please check with our travel consultant for proper advice and quotes.