DAY 1 – HANOI
A meet and greet service is available to escort passengers and ensure a smooth arrival at Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted before immigration by our representative and guided through the airport through our Fast Track service to your arrival transfer. This service includes luggage assistance, and while tipping our representative is not mandatory, it’s a highly recommended courtesy to express your appreciation for their service.
Private transfer from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport to your booked accommodation in downtown Hanoi by air-conditioned vehicle.
Located 30 kilometres south of the airport, the transfer will take approximately 40 minutes to reach your hotel.
Upon arrival at your accommodation in downtown Hanoi, the front office staff at our selected property will arrange for a smooth check-in, accompanied by a welcome drink.
3 nights accommodation in Hanoi (Movenpick Hotel Hanoi Centre).
DAY 2 – HANOI CITY EXPLORER
Start the day at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, a historic educational hub dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius. This place also houses the ‘Imperial Academy,’ Vietnam’s first national university, established in the year 1070. Depicted on the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote, this prominent landmark remains a monument of national significance to this day.
Next, proceed to the Ethnology Museum, which showcases Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups and is renowned as the country’s premier modern museum. Explore Ngoc Son Temple, a sacred site on an islet in Hoan Kiem Lake, amidst captivating scenery. The tour ends with a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake and the city’s historic Old Quarter.
Around 5 pm, we set out to savour the culinary delights of the country, sampling Northern flavours on a street food exploration through the Old Quarter alleys. Meet your guide at your hotel, then walk to a hidden eco-friendly coffee shop for a briefing and a demonstration of Vietnamese egg coffee (with a twist). Then, venture into the maze of alleys, enjoying fried nem (spring rolls) amidst the bustling workers. Continue to a famous pho stall for beef noodle soup. Next, try banh ran (sweet fried sticky rice) and fried chicken legs (or wings).
Enjoy a cultural stop at Hang Ma Street, a key location for locals buying votive paper, lanterns, and decorations. Proceed to the ‘bamboo corner,’ a long-standing local spot. Conclude your foodie tour with a banh mi at a renowned local favourite spot. Your gastronomy immersion ends with a chilled glass of bia hoi (grab a stool at Bia Hoi Corner and watch the evening commotion, sipping local draft beer. Afterwards, your guide will return you to your hotel, or you can continue exploring Hanoi’s bustling nightlife at your leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 – HIDDEN CHARM OF HANOI WALKING TOUR
This day starts with a walk to the Northern Gate of the ancient citadel, a colossal fortress situated in the centre of the city. Guests delve into the history of this imposing structure and visit Cua Bac Church, a fine example of French and Catholic architectural influence.
Take a stroll along the leafy Phan Dinh Phung Road, shaded by ancient dracontomelon trees lining one of Hanoi’s most romantic boulevards. One of the main attractions here are the magnificent French colonial villas, following the road towards the Quan Thanh Temple, an 11th-century Taoist temple. This important sanctuary is one of the city’s oldest and most culturally significant places of worship.
From here, proceed towards West Lake, walking along its shores towards Chau Long Market for an insight into Hanoian culture amidst the bustle of the local market.
After exploring the stalls, venture down a quieter alley for a respite at a local eatery, sampling Pho Cuon, a delightful snack akin to fresh spring rolls. Hang Than Street takes a special place in the lives of Hanoi residents: it is the unofficial hub of Hanoi’s wedding cake shops, and the place to learn about Vietnam’s unique wedding customs.
Conclude this captivating Hanoi tour with a cyclo ride, to explore the city at a relaxing pace. Recline and enjoy weaving through the Old Quarter’s busy streets, before rounding off the morning with lunch at a local restaurant.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 – HANOI – NINH BINH
After checking out of your hotel, this full day of exploration in and around Ninh Binh marks your foray into Vietnam’s heartland. With your guide and driver, we venture towards the “Ha Long Bay on Land”. A gentle sampan ride along Ngo Dong River reveals a landscape of striking limestone karsts, and breathtaking natural scenery.
The exploration continues with a visit to the tranquil Thai Vi Temple, a 13th-century gem, its greenstone architecture and intricate carvings whispering tales of ancient dynasties.
Following this spiritual stop, it is time to stroll through verdant rice paddies, leading to a secluded local eatery, where regional flavours tantalise the palate amidst Ninh Binh’s dramatic mountain scenery.
This full-day excursion continues to Van Lam Hamlet, a bastion of 700-year-old lace embroidery. Here, you’ll witness artisans at work or perhaps even trying your hand at this delicate craft, and depart with a unique, handcrafted memento.
The day ends with checking in to your hotel in Ninh Binh, concluding a fantastic day out.
2 nights accommodation in Ninh Binh (Jiva Hoa Lu Retreat).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 – NINH BINH – WILDLIFE & HISTORIC EXPLORATION
An early morning departure (around 8 am) sets the tone for a sustainable day in and around Ninh Binh. After a scenic three-hour transfer, we reach our first destination of the Four Paws Bear Sanctuary, an establishment dedicated to rehabilitating bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade.
A sanctuary representative will conduct a guided tour of the facilities, including the bear kitchen, veterinary clinic, and bear houses, providing an in-depth understanding of the rehabilitation process. Throughout the tour, your guide will offer informative commentary regarding the bears’ care and recovery. A vegetarian lunch will be provided at the sanctuary following the tour.
The day then proceeds to Cuc Phuong National Park in the afternoon, specifically the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. This visit offers guests the opportunity to observe several of Asia’s rare primate species, including langurs and gibbons, with the caveat that activity levels may be reduced during warmer months.
The exploration continues with a visit to the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man,’ an archaeological site where human skeletal remains and stone tools dating back over 7,500 years were discovered. The transfer to Hanoi takes place late in the evening, allowing you to reflect on a day of wildlife conservation and historical exploration.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6 – HANOI – HA LONG BAY
Leave the city’s hustle and bustle behind as you hop on a traditional junk boat, setting sail through the ethereal beauty of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. Arrive at the pier around midday and complete the necessary check-in formalities with the boat crew.
Following a warm welcome aboard and settling into your cabin, a freshly prepared lunch will be served on board as the captain set the sails in motion. The afternoon presents opportunities for visits to enchanting caves or invigorating activities set by the boat’s itinerary.
As the day draws close, you anchor amidst the majestic karst formations, one of the breathtaking spectacles making Ha Long Bay a must-experience destination.
Finally, savour the golden hues of the sunset from the cruise deck, followed by a delightful dinner, before retiring for a tranquil evening under the stars.
2 nights accommodation on a Ha Long Bay cruise (Orchid Trendy Cruises).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 – HA LONG BAY
Spend your second day sailing through the stunning bay, exploring hidden caves, floating villages, and secluded beaches.
Enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming or simply unwinding on deck while taking in the spectacular panoramic views. Delight in freshly prepared meals featuring local flavors and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the bay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 – HA LONG BAY – HANOI – FLIGHT TO HUE
Sail back to Ha Long Bay’s main harbour and take a 3.5 hour overland journey in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Hanoi Airport’s domestic terminal for your departure flight to Hue.
Located approximately 15km from the airport it will take around 30 minutes to reach your accommodation in Hue. After checking in, feel free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
2 nights accommodation in Hue (Indochine Palace).
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 9 – EXPLORING HUE’S ROYAL HOMES
The journey into Hue’s royal past starts at the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial Citadel, where ancient walls and regal palaces echo the grandeur of a bygone era.
Explore the secluded An Dinh Palace, a testament to Vietnam’s royal legacy, before venturing into the temple of a private royal home, which is usually not open to the public.
Guests conclude this tour after a memorable interaction with the former head of Hue’s Conservation Centre, the visionary responsible for the city’s UNESCO World Heritage recognition, who will provide exclusive insights into the preservation process of these royal abodes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
