Vietnam

This 4 Nights 5 Days Vietnam tour includes arrival in Hanoi with a half-day city tour covering multiple museums, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, the Old Quarter, and a cyclo ride. The itinerary continues with a full-day Tam Coc Bich Dong tour in Ninh Binh, including visits to Hoa Lu, the ancient temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties, Bich Dong Pagoda, and a sampan cruise through the caves of Tam Coc. The program also features a transfer to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise with sightseeing at Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, Sung Sot Cave, and Titov Beach, followed by cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay before returning to Hanoi. The tour concludes with leisure time in Hanoi before departure.

DAY 01
HANOI ARRIVAL – HALF DAY CITY TOUR (NO MEAL)

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your tour guide, and transfer to the hotel. (Check-in time is 14:00; early check-in depends on hotel availability and is not included.)
In the afternoon, continue the tour to one of the following museums of choice: the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Museum of Revolution, the Museum of Military History, or the Museum of Ethnology. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam, built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages, and outstanding Vietnamese scholars.

Late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species. Its name “Returned Sword” comes from a legend about a sacred sword lent to an ancient Vietnamese king by a holy turtle and later returned to the turtle.

Shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets. Enjoy a 30-minute cyclo tour.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: No Meal

Accommodation: At hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 02
HANOI – FULL DAY TAM COC BICH DONG TOUR (B)

Morning, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to Ninh Binh Province, about 100 km south of Hanoi. Head to Hoa Lu to see the few remaining vestiges of the first capital of Vietnam. Built in the 10th century by the Dinh Dynasty as both a capital and a stronghold against northern invaders, Hoa Lu was later inherited by the Le Dynasty.

Visit the two old temples: one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the only king of the Dinh Dynasty and Vietnam’s first emperor, and the other to the succeeding Le Dynasty kings. Though no longer intact, some precious antique carvings and sculptures of stone and wood are still preserved.

Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient three-tiered cave pagoda accessible only by steep stone steps. The climb is worthwhile for its charming temple structure and stunning views from the top.

In the afternoon, take a sampan cruise along the Hoang Long River through the scenic landscape of Tam Coc, a 350-ha area of karst mountains scattered over lush wetlands with paddy fields. This area is often called “an inland Ha Long Bay” due to its similar water-and-rock formations. Depending on the season, you may see farmers harvesting rice or transplanting seedlings. Pass through three caves, which give the area its name (Tam Coc means “three caves”).

Return to Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 03
HANOI – HA LONG – OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE IN HALONG (B/L/D)

Morning pickup at 8:00 AM from the hotel for transfer to Ha Long Bay by private transfer (approximately 160 km / 3.5 hours). Along the way, see rural areas of the Red River Delta with opportunities to photograph farmers working in the fields. Stop midway at a handicraft workshop offering fine clothes and embroidered paintings.

Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check in aboard the cruise after a welcome drink. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoying views of the bay. Ha Long Bay, meaning “Descending Dragon Bay,” is a UNESCO World Heritage site with around 2,000 karst islands and islets.

The cruise continues with close-up views of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave, and a swimming stop at Titov Beach.

Enjoy sunset views from the boat, have dinner on board, go fishing at 09:00 PM, and spend the night on the cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Local Food), Dinner (Local Food)

Accommodation: On cruise in Ha Long.

DAY 04
HA LONG – HANOI (B/L or BR)

Early risers can enjoy the tranquil view of the bay at dawn. Breathe the fresh sea air, feel the morning breeze, and listen to the sounds of the birds. After breakfast, cruise past Human Head Island and Tortoise Island. Continue to Bai Tu Long Bay, known as “The Little Dragon Bowing to His Mother.”

Check out and have lunch or brunch on board while heading to shore. Disembark and transfer back to the Hanoi hotel. Free and easy. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch (Local Food)

Accommodation: At hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 05
HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

Free at leisure until hotel checkout. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals: Breakfast