Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Afternoon City Tour

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The remainder of the morning will be your own. Afternoon city tour including The Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070; Tran Quoc pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake - the Ngoc Son Temple is set on a tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, its history dating back to the 13th century; a cyclo ride for 1 hour touring through the narrow, chaotic streets of the Old Quarter - a must for any visitor to Hanoi! The day finishes with a traditional performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppets in the city centre.



Inclusive: Private minibus for airport pick up, city tour transfer, local guide, entrance fees

Overnight in Hanoi



Day 2 : Hanoi - Hoa Lu & Tam Coc

After breakfast, a two hour road trip through picturesque countryside and agricultural land will take you to Hoa Lu. On arrival, your uide will lead you through this ancient complex which formed the capital city of Vietnam under both the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. King Dinh Tien Hoang chose this mountain location as the water systems fed from the mountains were perfect for both agriculture and defense. Enjoy the sight of palaces, pagodas, tombs and pavilions built by different dynasties and visit the Dinh and Le Temples, the two remaining architectures of Hoa Lu.

In the afternoon, take a three hour sampan ride along the waterways of Tam Coc. Known locally as the ‘Halong Bay of the land,’ this winding river way is dotted with gorgeous limestone karsts with  endless photo opportunities. You will also visit Bich Dong Pagoda comprising three pagodas located at different levels on a green mountain and the setting of the French film ‘Indochine’.



Inclusive: Private minibus, breakfast, lunch, guide, sampan ride, entrance fees, transfer for dinner

Overnight in Hanoi



Day 3: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

Am: Our pick up time is from 8h00 for 3.5 hours driving, passing the Red River and the country side of the delta to reach Halong Bay. Board the Phoenix Luxury and sip on a welcome drink before checking in your cabin then begin your cruise through the bay. 

Pm: A delicious lunch would be served while you are cruising among hundreds of islands and gorgeously natural settings, limestone bedrocks and sheer cliffs of tiny islets. You will pass by Duck and Thumb islets, then Coconut Island - the only soil island in the World Heritage Site.

When the boat stops at Luom Bo area, you’ll kayak in the turquoise waters of Cat Ba National Park and it is optional to swim on the sandy beach of the Coconut Island. As the sun sets, relax and enjoy our happy hour as we keep cruising to Fairy Lake (Ho Dong Tien) area and anchor for the night.



Inclusive: Private minibus, lunch, dinner, local guide & guide on the boat, entrance fees

Overnight in Halong Bay



Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi

Am: Early risers would love to enjoy an oasis of calm in Halong Bay with no distractions of worldly concerns. This morning you will visit the most imposing grottos of the bay – Surprising (Sung Sot) Cave. On our way back, your group would have fun learning how to make real Vietnamese’s spring rolls before a wholesome lunch as the boat weaves through strange-shaped rock formations, passing by famous islands highlighted with fanciful names: Fighting Cocks (symbol of Halong Bay), Incense Burner, and Stone Dogs.



PM: Arrive back at the Tuan Chau International Marina; your driver will be waiting for you and take you back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel at around 16.00.



Inclusive: Private minibus, breakfast, lunch, guide on the boat, entrance fees, transfer for dinner

Overnight in Hanoi.   



Day 5: Hanoi Departure

Your time will be free at leisure until being picked up and transfer to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight.



Inclusive: Private minibus for airport transfer, local guide



What are included?

- Accommodation in Twin/Double room with daily breakfasts.

- All pick-ups and transfers by private vehicle with experienced drivers.

- Meals as indicated in the itinerary

- Boat cruise in Halong Bay and rowing boat in Ninh Binh

- All entrance fee as mentioned in the programme

- Water puppet show tickets, cyclo ride

- VAT and all other taxes