Vietnam - Hanoi & Halong Bay

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by the guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 minutes.
Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.
14:00 PM Afternoon, visit to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars.
Continue with Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species. Its name “Returned Sword” comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets.

Morning, after breakfast at hotel, you need check-out before Bus pickup at 8:00 AM from your hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km or 3.5-hour drive away. On the way, you will see some rural areas of the Red River Delta with plenty of chances to take photos of Vietnamese farmers working in paddy fields. Stop half way to visit a handicraft workshop of fine clothes and embroidered paintings.
Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check-in aboard the booked junk right after the welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view. Ha Long Bay meaning Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a holly dragon landed down from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The bay cruise will continue with up close sighting of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and swimming stop at Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner after, go fishing at 09:00 PM and spend a night on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Local Food), Dinner (Local Food).
Accommodation: A cruise used in Ha Long Bay.

Early risers can enjoy the splendid yet tranquil view of the bay at the crack of dawn. Breathe the sea’s fresh air, feel the morning breeze and hear the sounds of birds above. Have breakfast and cruise to visit Human head shaped island and Tortoise Island. The route then continues to cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay to discover the adjacent bay of “The Little Dragon Bowing to His Mother” as it is named. check-out and have lunch on board while heading to shore.
12:00 PM Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by bus.
16:00 PM check-in hotel. Evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch (Local Food).
Accommodation Hanoi Hotel.

Morning, Breakfast at hotel.
7h15-8h00: the tour guide & bus will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is about 120 km far from Hanoi Old Quarter.
9h00-9h15: Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax.
10h15-10h30: Arrive Vietnam restaurant and start cycling 20 minutes to Hoa Lu ancient capital, then park the bicycle and walk to visit Hoa Lu. This is the first capital of Vietnam, you will be impressed by the outstanding architecture when entering temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century.
(If you prefer not to cycle, the itinerary will transfer you by bus to Hoa Lu, where the tour guide will meet you and guide you to the temples. After the visit, the itinerary will transfer you back to Cozy Vietnam Restaurant).
11h30: Continue cycling tour 30 minutes more around the village to discover the life of local people and come back to Vietnam restaurant.
12h00: Have Lunch at Vietnam Restaurant. You can have a panoramic view of the poetic mountain and river scenery of Ninh Binh while enjoying the delicious foods.

Start with breakfast at hotel.
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.