Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

9:00 AM: We begin our discovery of Hanoi with Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

Afterwards, we explore Hoa Lo prison museum. Spend an hour to learn about the Vietnamese War. Hoa Lo was one of the largest prisons in Indochina, built by the French colonists in 1896 for Vietnamese political prisoners. Later, it was better known as the Hanoi Hilton since it imprisoned American pilots.

In the afternoon, we will explore French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

Then, we make our way to Hanoi Train Street is a one-of-a-kind, vibrant alley in the heart of Hanoi, where a railway track runs just inches away from residential homes. It offers a fascinating glimpse into local life combined with the excitement of trains passing up close. If you're lucky, you might witness a train passing right in front of you - a thrilling and unforgettable experience. While you're there, relax with a local drink at one of the cozy trackside cafes and soak in the unique atmosphere.

Afterwards, take a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, originally established in the 15th century as a bustling trading hub, features 36 streets—each historically dedicated to a specific craft or product. Despite the city’s evolution, the Old Quarter remains a vibrant living museum. Its iconic tube houses, narrow alleyways, centuries-old temples, open-air markets, and mouthwatering street food come together in a captivating blend of history and everyday life. Exploring this charming neighborhood on foot is the best way to awaken all your senses.

Finally, enjoy the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.

11:30 – 12:00: Upon arrival at Emperor Cruises, located at No.28B of Tuan Chau Harbor, our team will welcome you in our lounge before boarding. Our Cruise Director will assist you with boarding to start cruising in Halong Bay.

13:15 – 14:00: Enjoy a set lunch menu at our Panorama Restaurant on the 3rd deck, savoring delicious Vietnamese food while admiring the grace of the bay.

14:45 – 15:30: The cruise approaches Nha Lat Area. This is the time for guests to visit Me Cung Cave (Cave of Maze) – a spectacular destination with significant historical and archaeological values dating back 10,000 years. Guests will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, showcasing the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay.

15:45 – 16:30: The tender takes the guests to Tung Sau Area for free time to paddle on colorful kayaks and explore further the stunning landscape of Halong Bay.

17:00 – 18:30: Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on the Sundeck. Join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.

19:30 – 21:00: Enjoy our A La Carte course menu for dinner at the Royal Palace Restaurant on board while experiencing the charm of Halong Bay at night.

21:00 – 22:00: Try your luck with the interesting night activity – Squid fishing.

06:15 – 06:30: Enjoy a Vovinam exercise in the sunshine morning on the sundeck.

08:00 – 08:30: Breakfast is served at Can Chanh Palace Restaurant.

09:00 – 13:30: Transfer to a day boat to visit Viet Hai Village. Take a bicycle ride or an electric car through a rainforest tunnel leading to a rice-field vista. Visit a traditional house, where you can observe the lifestyle of the local people and enjoy lunch in the village/on the dayboat. Return to the dayboat to visit Lan Ha Bay.

13:30 – 15:00: Explore the Cat Ba Archipelago, cruise through Cai Beo floating village, and then head to the Ba Trai Dao beach. Here, you can visit a secret cave and beaches enclosed by vertical cliffs (if the weather and tide permit) or simply indulge in swimming and kayaking in the Tra Bau area.

16:00 – 17:00: Enjoy a massage service or join a special tour about Pham Luc’s paintings or Emperor Bao Dai’s palaces.

17:30 – 18:30: Attend the Afternoon tea with music and Canapes on the Sundeck. Join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting.

19:30 – 21:00: Relish our A La Carte course menu for dinner at the Royal Palace Restaurant on board while experiencing the charm of Halong Bay at night.

21:00 – 22:00: Try your luck with the interesting night activity – Squid fishing.

06:00 – 06:30: Enjoy a Vovinam exercise in the sunny morning on the sundeck.

06:45 – 07:15: Delight in a light breakfast, including tea, coffee, pastries, cookies, and fresh juices, at our restaurant.

07:15 – 08:30: Visit Luon Cave. Sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local, you can see a variety of plants such as ferns, cycads, Benjamin’s fig trees, and many beautiful orchids.

08:30 – 09:15: Finish packing all luggage and check out.

09:30 – 10:30: Enjoy a brunch A La Carte in CAN CHANH restaurant on the 1st floor while cruising back to the mainland.

11:00: Return to Tuan Chau Port and disembark.

Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).

Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

Upon your arrival at Da Nang airport, our local driver will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Hoi An, a journey of approximately 1 hour. 

Hoi An used to be one of the most typical South-East Asian trading ports dating from the 15th to the 19th century and the Old Town is still well-preserved. The exchanged cultures is displayed on many historic buildings, religion, daily business and enriched by the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants.

First, we’ll visit Hoi An city’s symbol - the Chua Cau or the Japanese Covered Bridge, built in the 17th century to allow the Japanese quarter to be accessible from the Chinese neighborhoods. The bridge’s original style has been carefully preserved for the last 400 years.

Afterwards, we explore Phung Hung House, located in the heart of Hoi An and built in the 18th century, is a testament to the town’s golden age of cultural exchange. This historic home has been lived in by more than eight generations of the same family. Meet a local guide—who is also a family member - and follow her as she introduces you to the unique heritage and values preserved in the house.

Next, we visit Hoian museum of history and culture. The display of the Sa Huynh Culture (before the 2nd centuries AD), Champa culture (the 2nd-15th centuries AD) and Dai Viet, Dai Nam Culture (the 16th-19th centuries) artifacts, with some huge bells, historic photos, old scales and weights alongside plenty of ceramics. It is enriched by the interesting things about the oldest street, the folk meaning and conception of the “eyes” on the doors of ancient houses and of the spiral carved patterns “De leaf” “Yin and Yang”, and many others.

To end the day, enjoy a stroll through the Hoian center market where is the best place to see the local daily life. Situated on the riverside, the large market is packed with stalls where you easily find a huge variety of food at extremely cheap prices. There is also a great fresh vegetable, meat and fish market which is worth visiting.

Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang Airport.

Upon your arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, our local guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the pickup area. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the city.

8:00 AM: We depart for the most striking place in the history of the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Cu Chi is a real underground city made up of a large network of tunnels covering an area of over 250km long where the Viet Cong conducted the war of resistance against American troops. All of the tunnels were dug over a period of twenty years using only pickaxes and shovels. The tour includes special entering some part of tunnels. 

Option:

At the Cu Chi shooting range, guests can enhance their experience by trying real gun firing. This service allows visitors to test their aim with a variety of firearms under supervision. It’s a thrilling option for those seeking a bit of adventure. This is an optional service not included in the tour price, and guests will need to pay on the spot.

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and take you to Tan Son Nhat Airport.