Experience the best of Northern Vietnam on this 3-day Hanoi & Ha Long Bay tour, blending rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Wander through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, visit iconic landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside) and the Temple of Literature, and witness the charm of a traditional water puppet show. Then, set sail on a scenic cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters. Perfect for those seeking a short yet immersive getaway, this journey promises unforgettable memories in Vietnam’s most captivating destinations.
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.
Get pick up by tour guide to the 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.
In the afternoon, you visit the 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.
Exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.
Finally, enjoying 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.
Come back to hotel. End of the day
6:00 AM: Your driver will pick you up at the Shuttle Bus stop at 49 Hai Ba Trung Street or at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter (if you have booked the transfer with us). Depart for Halong Bay.
08:00 – 08:45: Upon arrival at Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay Ward, Halong City, we will check in at the Ambassador's Lounge (1st Floor) and then transfer to the Ambassador Cruise Ship.
09:00 – 10:30: Relish the breathtaking scenery as the Ambassador Cruise navigates through the enchanting Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, passing by thousands of majestic limestone islets.
10:30 – 11:30: Explore the remarkable Sung Sot Cave, the bay's largest and most magnificent cave, adorned with spectacular thousand-year-old stalactites in unique forms.
11:40 – 12:30: Visit Titov Island, a splendid destination featuring a crescent moon-shaped beach. Here, you can immerse yourself in the turquoise waters and climb to the island's peak for a 360° panoramic view of the bay.
12:30 – 14:00: Savor a delectable premium lunch buffet while the Ambassador Cruise sails past iconic and scenic spots in Halong Bay.
13:00 – 14:00: Enjoy a leisurely tea and coffee session at the restaurant.
14:00 – 15:00: Embark on an adventure to Luon Cave, one of Halong Bay's most unique caves, featuring a self-contained lake within an enclosed, arch-shaped mountain. You can experience a bamboo boat ride (additional charges) with a local guide or indulge in kayaking (additional charges).
15:00 – 16:00: Delight in captivating live band music on the sundecks (except on Mondays) while taking in the magical scenery of Halong Bay. Alternatively, you can opt for a cooking class at the 4th-floor restaurant.
16:00 – 16:30: Complete your journey with the check-out process at the reception on the first deck as the cruise returns to the harbor.
16:30 – 17:00: Disembark at Halong International Cruise Port. Our driver will be waiting at the port terminal to bring you back to Hanoi, concluding the trip at around 20:00.
We will depart for Quang Phu Cau village, located about an hour's drive from Hanoi's city center. This charming village is renowned for its century-old tradition of making bamboo incense sticks. Upon arrival, you'll learn about the intricate process, from splitting bamboo and dyeing sticks to drying them under the sunlight, creating a sea of vibrant red hues. This picturesque setting offers fantastic photo opportunities, allowing you to capture the essence of this unique craft and the daily life of local artisans.
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.