Overview

Take in the sights of Hanoi and enjoy an overnight cruise on Halong Bay on a four-day excursion from Hanoi. Visit Hanoi’s market and Ho Chi Minh sights, and spend the night on the exquisite waters of Halong Bay. This private tour ensures you’ll receive personal attention from your expert guide. Choose from three-star or four-star hotel accommodation for all three nights, including one night on board a luxury junk on Halong Bay.

Highlights

4-day private tour of Hanoi and Halong Bay

Take a cyclo tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter

See the Ho Chi Minh complex

Visit a moon bear sanctuary in Tam Dao National Park

Cruise Halong Bay in a luxury junk and stay on board overnight

Choice of three-star or four-star accommodation

Private tour ensures a personalized experience with your guide

What You Can Expect

Your four-day immersion in northern Vietnam takes in Hanoi’s highlights, from bustling markets to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, with time to explore the sights of Hanoi on your own. After a scenic drive further east, relax as you cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay. You have your choice of three-star or 4-star accommodation, including a night spent on board a luxury junk (type of sailing vessel)!

Day 1: Hanoi (L)

Your Hanoi highlights tour begins with pickup from your hotel for a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the former leader’s stilt home, presidential palace, museum and mausoleum. After lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, visit Hanoi’s bustling Dong Xuan Market, where stalls are crowded with everything from clothing and vegetables to whitegoods and live chickens. You’ll also see the 13th-century temple of Hgoc Son on its tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, and take a one-hour cyclo (bicycle taxi) tour through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets -- an essential Hanoi experience.

*Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays. On these days, visitors will tour Hoa Lo Prison.

** Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed from September 6, 2013 until November 5, 2013 for maintenance. During this time visitors will tour Hoa Lo Prison instead.

Accommodation: Authentic Hanoi Hotel (three-star) or Lan Vien Hotel (four-star)

Day 2: Hanoi (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, take a one-hour drive to Tam Dao in the Chat Dau Valley to visit a moon bear (Asian black bear) rescue center. Moon bears are highly sought after for their bile, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and you’ll see the rehabilitated animals’ new 30-acre (12-hectare) home in Tam Dao National Park. Returning to Hanoi, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Authentic Hanoi Hotel (three-star) or Lan Vien Hotel (four-star)

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast at your hotel, relax on the three-hour drive to Halong Bay. Lunch will be served while you cruise the bay on board a comfortable junk (converted fishing boat). Admire the limestone caves, rocky outcrops and silky waters, and take the opportunity to sunbathe on the junk’s top deck or go for a kayak on the bay. Enjoy a seafood dinner prepared by your onboard chef, before spending the night aboard your cruiser.

Accommodation: Jewel of the Bay (three-star) or Bhaya Cruise (four-star)

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)

Wake up at sea, and take a swim before breakfast, then cruise to Surprise Cave and Halong Bay’s main harbor. After lunch, relax on the three-hour drive back to your Hanoi hotel, where the tour ends.

Inclusions

Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

3 nights accommodation

Local English-speaking guide

Entrance fees

Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Local taxes

Exclusions

All drinks, including water, soft drink and alcohol

Gratuities (recommended)

Additional info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Dress code: There are strict dress codes for visiting Ho Chi Minh complex. You must be properly dressed in clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Entry may be denied to the complex if your clothing is deemed not suitable

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays. On these days, visitors will tour Hoa Lo Prison

Pricing is based on twin-share cabin; If you'd like to have your own cabin, please contact our customer support for details

Terms and conditions

If you cancel at least 9 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.

If you cancel between 6 and 8 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.

If you cancel within 5 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

Departure point

Selected Hanoi city hotels

Departure time

8:30am

Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

Duration

4 days (approx.)

Return details

Returns to original departure point on Day 4