Discover Top Wonders of Northern Vietnam

Today, with your private guide and driver, you will get to explore the city’s top attractions, sample Hanoi’s authentic local dishes away from the tourist trails, and hunker down with the locals on the street at a variety of atmospheric food stalls.

Morning
Begin with a tour of Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, where the Vietnamese people honor the country’s ‘Great Father’. Here, you’ll visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which contains the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and his House on Stilts, to observe how he lived and how his life unfolded to become one of modern history’s greatest names. Nearside his house is the miniature 11th-century One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple of historical and cultural significance.

From the HCM Complex, you will take a leisurely walk through the small laneways toward Huu Tiep Lake. Explore the grounds of a 400-year-old temple, followed by a stroll through traditional local market streets to see the B52 crash site at the lake. This US bomber was shot down during the 1972 bombing raids of Hanoi, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s recent history.

Take a short drive to the outskirts of Hanoi to visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology, which is both a research centre and a public museum exhibiting the 54 recognized ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Today, you will have Pho, a Vietnamese noodle shop, for lunch. Some of the local people call this world-famous Noodle soup “Mac-Noodles” since it is as popular here as MacDonalds is in other parts of the world! At the restaurant, your tour guide will explain the routine during Vietnamese meal times and also tell you which special ingredients you need.

Afternoon
After lunch, continue to visit the millennia-old Temple of Literature and explore its role in the country’s past, as both a university and a Confucius temple.

Embark on a fun cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) ride through the French colonial architecture of the precinct known as the French Quater, past the French-style villas, the Vietnam History Museum, the heritage Metropole Legend Hotel, and the Opera House, name to a few.

Enjoy a cup of unmissable Egg coffee at Pho Co Café with stunning views of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and the surroundings.

Finish the day with a walking tour through Hanoi’s Old Quarter (in contrast to the French Quarter) to discover the street food scene in Hanoi, where it feels like you are never further than a few meters from a street food stall. Your guide will talk you through the ingredients and the different herbs of each dish, while you are crouching on tiny plastic stools in a back alley. Sample delicious dishes like Pho Bo (Beef Noodles), Nom Du Du (green papaya salad), Banh Mi Pa Te (a sandwich that reflects Vietnam’s culinary heritage), and the famous Hanoi dish Bun Cha (grilled pork and noodles).

Overnight in Hanoi.

Morning
After breakfast, you will depart Hanoi for a 1.5-hour drive through the lush countryside to Son Ha village in Ninh Binh Province.

Upon arrival, hop on a bike for a leisurely ride through the area, limestone karsts towering above you as you ride along backroads and beautiful scenery. Visit a local family where you will be treated with a delicious home-hosted lunch.

Afternoon
Take a leisurely sampan ride down a small canal to visit Thien Ha caves, enjoying the natural scenery along the way. This is a newly discovered eco-tourism attraction and said to be the most beautiful cave in Ninh Binh.

After discovering Thien Ha Caves, continue your boat trip.

Arrive at the wharf, you will be picked up by your driver and taken to Hoa Lu, the location of the Ancient Capital of Vietnam dating back to the 11th century. Dive into the history of the remaining two temples of Dinh and Le Emperors. Restored in the 17th century the temples are believed to be built on the original foundations of the old palaces from the 11th and 12th centuries.

Continue on to Mua Cave Mountain, where you will enjoy a short hike that leads you to an incredible viewpoint with a spectacular sight of the Ngo Dong River below that cuts its way around the towering mountains.

Transfer to Tam Coc Garden Boutique Resort for your overnight stay. Surrounded by stunning rice paddies and limestone formations, Tam Coc resort is an oasis that lets you escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in the middle of the most incredible landscapes.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Morning
After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven for three hours to the legendary Halong Bay where you will board a traditional-style Vietnamese Junk Boat that is your home for the evening. The limestone karsts and tropical islets rising up from the emerald waters of the bay provide an ethereal backdrop for your leisurely cruise.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed aboard your Stylish Junk boat, each with its own individual route, to begin your cruise around the bay’s thousands of limestone islets and caves.

Afternoon
After a delicious lunch on board, you will spend time sunbathing on the sundeck and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the bay.

Later, you will visit Sung Sot Cave, “Grotte des Surprises,” a hidden gem of mother nature. Float peacefully through magnificent limestone formations containing thousands of stalagmites and stalactites.

Continue to cruise. As you weave your way through the islands, you’ll come across secluded bays, white sandy beaches, and floating villages.

There is plenty of leisure time to enjoy activities both onboard and around the fantastical scenery of the Bay. Pamper yourself at the cruise spa or swim in the emerald waters.

Toward the end of the day, you will sail to the overnight mooring area. During this time – the magical “blue hour” – Halong Bay reveals its true, magnificent beauty. You have a chance to attend the chef’s cooking demonstration or enjoy a mesmerizing sunset on the top deck before a scrumptious dinner.

The rest of the evening will be at leisure. You can watch a movie or join the crew for squid fishing before retiring to your room for a restful sleep.

Note: If your time permits, we would highly recommend an additional night on board which gives you a lot more time to relax and take in the amazing landscape. You’ll get to cruise deeper into the Bay, where it’s more beautiful and less crowded.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay

Morning
The graceful practice of Tai Chi eases you into your day, as is the local custom. Join a ‘Local Specialist’ on the deck of the Junk boat for a morning class in exquisite natural surroundings. You’ll have time for an early morning swim at one of Halong Bay’s quiet beaches, and if you’re feeling energetic, hop on a kayak and paddle through the Dark and Bright Caves, admiring the glittering stone walls.

Back to the Junk boat. Check out of the cabin and then enjoy a full brunch buffet as you cruise back to port. Disembark around midday for your return drive to Hanoi.

Afternoon
Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi, where you will spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. You may head to Bong Sen Theater to attend the unique traditional Water Puppet Show, which dates back a thousand years.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Your private transfer greets you at the hotel after breakfast and escorts you to Hanoi International Airport where you board your flight home or travel on to more adventures, we will help you with the planning.