Whispers of Vietnam: A Scenic Escape

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Upon arrival, greeted by the local tour guide and transfer to downtown. Check in your hotel. Note: The standard check-in time is 2:00 – 3:00 pm. Early check-in is not included and is subject to hotel availability. Afternoon, visit Ba Dinh Square – the biggest square in Hanoi where all the biggest cultural, political events of the cities, especially demonstrations, take place. Start our visit at the Complex of Ho Chi Minh including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from outside only as it closes in the afternoon), Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilts, his fish pond and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Then, the Temple of Literature which is considered as the first university of Vietnam. Later, we have an overall view of the capital by walking around the Old Quarter of Hanoi and the Hoan Kiem Lake (the “Sword” Lake). From here wandering on the narrow streets of the Old Quarter to experience the daily life of the local people. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi. Night activities suggestion by own: enjoy local beer at Ta Hien Streets, experience the ambience of sleepless street with life music, the young people of Hanoi and also foreign tourists. Hundreds of bars and pubs in the Old Quarter are also at your disposal or just simple spend your time at shopping malls or various boutique Shops.

After breakfast, Head south of Hanoi for 110 km. After 2 hours, you will arrive in Ninh Binh. First stop at Hoa Lu, you will have a quick visit to two temples built in honour of the emperors Dinh Le, their sons, and the Queen... to know why Hoa Lu was built as the capital of Vietnam in ending of nine centuries. 12:00 – Enjoy lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisine. 13:30 – Boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves” (1.5-hour boat trip). With Halong bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, very good opportunities for photo lovers, freezing the special moments and scenery. Return to our bus and then come back to Ha Noi. Drop you off at your hotel/stay. Trip ends

08.00-09.00: Shuttle bus pick up and departure in the morning from Hanoi. We drive across the Red River delta and reach the coast a little before noon. We then embark on a beautifully crafted junk for an overnight cruise in the legendary seascape of Ha Long Bay. Once on board, we are served a delicious seafood-based lunch, while the surrounding limestone outcrops make for a truly magical setting. In the afternoon, we reach a less travelled area where we will devote ourselves to pure relaxation. The program is not fixed and depends on the time of the year and weather, but there will be an opportunity to visit a cave as well as explore a floating village or do a little bit of kayaking over the course of these 2 days. We end the day on the sundeck as the sun sets on this magical seascape. This evening, you can enjoy an aperitif or attend a cooking demonstration before dinner. Overnight in a comfortable private cabin with an en-suite bathroom. Note: Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming or kayaking excursions may be cancelled due to poor weather.

For those early birds, start the day with a proposed Tai Chi session, while tea and coffee are served as the sun rises and illuminates the surrounding seascape. We then continue our exploration of the bay. Upon returning to the boat, check-out of your cabin and enjoy a light brunch while cruising back to the pier. We disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.

The day is free at your leisure until transfer without guide to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. We wish you a pleasant flight!