Join us on this 9-day journey to explore the must-see destinations of Northern and Central Vietnam, including the vibrant capital city of Hanoi, the ancient Dinh and Le Temples in Hoa Lu, the peaceful beauty of Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, and an unforgettable overnight cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay. You'll also enjoy a delightful bamboo basket boat trip in Hoi An and explore the ancient ruins of My Son. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers with limited time in Vietnam, this trip offers a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of these iconic locations.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our 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. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Notes: Hotel check-in time is at 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee.
8:00 - 8:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you are staying outside the Old Quarter, you can either arrange your own transportation to our departure point or we can arrange a hotel pick-up for an additional fee. From there, we will start our exploration of the city.
08:45: Our first stop will be at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader, Uncle Ho. You’ll have the chance to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and stroll through the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Afterward, we’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
10:15: Next, we’ll explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. (Please note: If the museum is closed on Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.)
12:30 - 12:45: Enjoy a lunch break at our restaurant, where you can savor Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available upon request (please inform us when booking).
13:30: We’ll then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.
14:30: Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. It’s one of Northern Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions.
15:30: We’ll continue to Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by the French from 1886 to 1901 during their occupation of Vietnam. Known as “Maison Centrale” by the French, this site is now a museum, offering insights into Vietnam’s struggle against French colonial rule.
16:30: Finally, our bus will take you back to your hotel, concluding our one-day city tour.
7:00 - 7:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you are staying outside the Old Quarter, you can either arrange your own transportation to our departure point or we can arrange a hotel pick-up for an additional fee. We will then set off for Ninh Binh. The province is located about 120 km from the center of Hanoi, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
9:00 AM: We'll make a brief stop along the way for you to stretch and relax.
10:30 AM: Upon arriving in Ninh Binh, our first stop will be Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Here, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Vietnamese history, exploring the feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
11:30: We'll hop on bikes for a 45-minute ride through the village, giving you a chance to experience local life firsthand.
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties like goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available at the buffet.
13:30 - 14:00: After lunch, we'll embark on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride to explore Tam Coc. As we glide along, you'll be captivated by the picturesque beauty of the area, with its lush paddy fields, winding river, and stunning cave formations, all set against a backdrop of sky and clouds. This enchanting landscape, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land,' truly lives up to its name.
4:00 PM: We’ll board the bus for our return trip to Hanoi.
6:30 - 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi, with drop-off at your hotel in the Old Quarter, concluding our one-day excursion.
8:00 – 8:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or our Shuttle Bus stop (if you have booked the transfer with us - an additional fee applies). We'll then embark on a scenic drive to Halong City. The transfer takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional restroom stop along the way.
11:45: Arrive at Sunworld International Harbor, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City.
12:15: Transfer to the Garden Bay Cruise boat by tender (5-10 minutes).
12:30: Enjoy a welcome drink, followed by a safety briefing, and then check into your cabin.
13:00: Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay while enjoying a set-menu lunch.
15:30: Kayak to explore the lagoons, swim, or relax on the beach at Cap La.
17:30: Relax and enjoy the sunset party during Happy Hour (from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM), while the boat cruises to the Cong Dong - Cong Do area, where it will anchor for the night.
19:00: Savor a BBQ dinner (on the sundeck if weather permits, otherwise in the restaurant).
21:00: Free time for evening activities, such as board games, squid fishing, playing guitar, watching movies, or karaoke (upon request). You can also visit our luxury sky bar (drinks are chargeable) and choose from a wide variety of wines, cocktails, brandy, and juices.
06:30: Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck.
07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast while the boat cruises toward the Vung Vieng area (approx. 45 minutes).
07:45: Explore Vung Vieng Fishing Village by bamboo boat, and experience the daily life of the local fishing community.
09:00: Return to the main boat for some relaxation and packing.
09:30: Check out of your cabin and unwind on the sundeck.
10:30: Savor your last view of Halong Bay over lunch as the boat heads back to shore.
11:30: Disembark and relax at the café lounge.
Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi (additional fees applied). The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional). You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or at our Shuttle Bus stop.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.
Notes: Hotel check out is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee. For international flights, it's recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours before.
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. Once you reach your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax and enjoy at your leisure.
Notes: Hotel check-in is available from 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability and may incur an additional charge.
9:00 AM: Our friendly tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town. If you're staying outside the ancient town, you can either arrange your own transportation to our designated departure point or opt for our convenient pick-up service for an additional fee. From there, we’ll transfer to Cam Thanh village.
Upon arrival, you'll meet local fishermen and get a firsthand look at their daily lives. Experience traditional fishing methods with both round nets and cast nets, guided by the local fishermen. Learn to paddle a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat and even join in on a basket boat race. You'll also enjoy a basket boat performance. Try your hand at crab catching and net casting.
Afterward, we'll head back to a fisherman’s house for a cooking show, featuring a fire performance by the master chef. If you're interested, you can even step in as the chef yourself.
Next, we'll enjoy a meal of local dishes. Finally, we'll transfer you back to your hotel in Hoi An.
07:30 – 08:00 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hoi An ancient town. From there, we’ll set off for My Son sanctuary.
9:30 AM: Arrive at My Son, where you'll have about two hours to explore this ancient site. Stroll through the stunning landscape, uncover the rich history of the Champa Kingdom with our knowledgeable English-speaking guide, and be captivated by traditional Champa performances.
11:45 AM: Return to the bus and head to a local house where you'll learn the art of making rice paper. Get hands-on and enjoy the satisfaction of tasting your own freshly made creation!
12:30 PM: Hop back into the van and travel to another local house for lunch. Savor delicious, authentic dishes while relaxing with cold herbal tea in the peaceful surroundings, enjoying the fresh air.
1:00 PM: Embark on a scenic boat trip along the Thu Bon River, the largest in Central Vietnam. Feel the refreshing breeze as you take in the beautiful river views, offering a perfect end to your journey.
1:30 PM: Arrive in Hoi An, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hoi An and transfer you to Da Nang Airport. The journey takes approximately one hour, and you will be dropped off at either the international or domestic terminal, based on your flight.
Notes:
Hotel check-out is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to availability and may incur an additional fee. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours before.