NORTHERN EXTENSION – Heritage, Culture, Shopping & Dining
(5 DAYS, 4 NIGHTS)
Hanoi – HaLong Bay
Description
This trip is intended for those who have limited time and are keen to see major places of interest in the North of Vietnam. The most important sites and destinations will be covered; enough to provide a lively memory of Vietnam’s intriguing history and friendly people. The journey takes you to a lovely city named Hanoi and to the imaginary landscape of Halong Bay.
Highlights
- Explore limestone islands and emerald green waters of Halong Bay World Heritage site
- Take a cyclo ride though the classic streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Enjoy a water puppet theatrical show depicting agricultural traditions from first millennium
- Spend time shopping in Hanoi countless retail shops in the bustling center
- Meet the locals and taste delicious Vietnamese food every day at atmospheric restaurants.
Program
DAY 1: HANOI (DINNER)
Arrive at airport in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city with tree-lined streets, colonial houses and centuries – old temples. Pick up and transfer to Hotel. Enjoy dinner with traditional folk show. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 2: HANOI – HALONG (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
In the morning, transfer to Ha Long (170km), a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1994. Upon arrival, a welcome cocktail is offered and check-in on board the cruise. At 12:00, the cruise starts sailing on Ha Long Bay passing by scenic locations including Yen Ngua, Con Coc Mountain and a floating village. A Vietnamese buffet lunch is served on board. En route, visitors will enjoy the view from the sun desk, or relax with a professional massage before the cruise anchors near Trinh Nu & Hang Trong caves for the night stay. During the afternoon, swimming or kayaking activities are proposed. A Vietnamese buffet dinner is served in the elegant dinning room. Overnight on board.
Note: kayaking and massaging are optional and not included in the trip cost.
DAY 3: HALONG - HANOI (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
Attend a Tai Chi course in the early morning or watch a fabulous sunrise. The cruise then sails again through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay heading for the shore. Check out of your cabin after breakfast and transfer back to Hanoi. On the way to Hanoi, visit Bat Trang pottery village. Escorted by a local porter guide, visitors will be thrilled by the sights and sounds of the kilns, explore generation-to-generation pottery techniques and get to know the potters’ daily life. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 4: AROUND HANOI (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
The full day city tour features both cultural and historical highlights, comprising Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum (closed on Monday & Friday) and his house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Ethnology Museum, the Quan Thanh Temple, the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the old quarters and shopping. The sight seeing day ends with a pedicab ride (1 hour) and water puppet show. Created during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1224), the water puppet show, in which the artistes controlling the puppets stand in water behind the stage door, has become a unique form of artistic performance to Vietnamese. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 5: DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST)
Free at leisure before check-out. Transfer to Noi Bai airport for departure.