Hanoi and Halong Bay

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival to Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, your driver and guide will meet you and they will transfer you to your hotel in the downtown. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi
With guide
Meals: no

In the morning you are picked up at your hotel at 8:00 AM and transfer to Ba Dinh Square where you will visit to the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (View from outside on Fri & Mon) and the former president’s stilt house where he lived from 1958 to 1969, his former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next: This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Continue on with the Temple of Literature: In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. A Vietnamese lunch will be served at a restaurant in the city.
In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum, which are both a research center and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. At the end of the afternoon visit Ngoc Son Taoist Temple, located on a little island of Hoan Kiem Lake and listen to a beautiful legend of this central Lake and learn about the rare species of tortoise which lived there. Finish the day with a cyclo ride around Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. The evening is free.
Overnight in Hanoi
With guide
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Today you will leave Hanoi and drive North-east (appro. 4hours) to the well-known Halong Bay. You can leave your heavy cases behind at your hotel in Hanoi and pack an overnight backpack for staying on the boat. Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders and listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Upon arrival at the pier, you will board a boat for exploring the bay, the views that you get while navigating past thousands of limestone islands with rocky outcrops are incredible. Lunch and dinner are served on board. The activities of today include a swim in the bay in warmer months. You may have chance to do some kayaking (Optional and extra cost involved, depends on different boats) as well.
Overnight on board
With guide
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning get up early this morning for some fresh-air on the open deck and join the Tai-chi class for some gentle moves if you wish. Otherwise, you are able to remain in your cabin until breakfast time. After breakfast, the crew will pull up the anchor, start the engine again for more cruising to other part of the bay. After visiting a big limestone cave, the boat is gently heading back to the pier. The early lunch (Brunch) will be served aboard. Around noon, you are ferried in and take the return drive to Hanoi. Check back into your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours.
Overnight in Hanoi
With guide
Meals: breakfast, brunch

Today is your last day of the trip, you are free at leisure or go out for some last shopping (if time permits) until getting picked up and take the private transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of service.
With guide
Meals: breakfast