Hanoi & Halong Bay
PRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Vietnam
Day 1 Welcome to Vietnam
Welcome to Hanoi, one of southeast Asia's most charismatic cities with just the right amount of colonial charm and modern commotion with mopeds zipping along narrow streets lined with traditional houses and shopfronts. On your arrival at Hanoi's international airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in (available from 2pm onwards). The remainder of the day is at leisure so you may wish to head out and explore Hoan Kiem Lake.
Day 2 Hanoi City Tour
Day 2 Hanoi City Tour
Today's sightseeing tour takes in the best of Hanoi, kicking off with Ba Dinh Square where the squat granite mausoleum of Vietnam's most famous leader - Ho Chi Minh - is laid to rest. Close by is the attractive and well-preserved stilted house where Ho once lived, now surrounded by well-tended gardens. Next up on the itinerary is the historic Buddhist temple known as the One Pillar Pagoda.
Touring continues with the Temple of Literature, the first university to have been built in Vietnam back in the 11th century. The complex features pagodas, courtyards, ponds and ancient trees making it a lovely spot for a little wander. Get to know Vietnam's colourful ethnic groups at the absorbing Museum of Ethnology. A highlight of your visit is sure to be the full-scale village houses arranged in the garden of the grounds.
Later this evening discover Hanoi's historic heart and soul as you head out on a walking tour of the Old Quarter where you can sample some of the city's tastiest snacks and street food from noodles to pancakes. The final stop of the day is the lively 'international corner' where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a cold beverage watching city scenes play out in front of them.
Day 3 Cruising Halong Bay
Day 3 Cruising Halong Bay
This morning depart Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. Board a traditional junk boat for a cruise among the karst islands, carpeted with vegetation and rising dramatically from the vivid green waters of the bay. During your cruise you'll pass striking rock formations and sample a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish and seafood.
In the afternoon there will be the chance to swim in the waters, watch a cooking demonstration out on deck or simply relax on one of the loungers enjoying the incredible vistas. The day ends with a gastronomic feast with the other guests on board.
Day 4 Tai Chi and Caves
Day 4 Tai Chi and Caves
Start the day with a calming Tai Chi lesson, often accompanied by an amazing sunrise and the quiet breathtaking beauty of the bay’s landscape. It's the perfect way to start your day. On the way back to the harbour the boat will pass many beautiful spots, stopping for the chance to explore Surprise Cave, one of the bay's many impressive caves that have been illuminated with neon lights to reveal a magical landscape of mineral formations.
Returning back to dock you will be met and transferred back to Hanoi by car where the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day 5 Depart Hanoi
Day 5 Depart Hanoi
Today marks the end of your touring arrangements with a departure transfer to the airport in time for your onward departure flight.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.
Tour Reviews
Hanoi & Halong Bay - 5 daysPRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
Private52310All arrangements went smoothly until the airport transfer at the end didn't show. This was stressful and should not happen. The brochure image of the "junk" is misleading and should be updated showing the current vessel(s)
Hanoi & Halong Bay - 5 daysPRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
Private52310overall I felt we paid too much for what we got. Thank your for the upgrade though on the Halong Bay Cruise.. I understand the other boats were damaged. The upgrade room was nice, although all night there was a very loud engine noise that kept me awake, so I hardly slept and then didn't go to my outing the next morning. I had to use ear plugs... We barely stayed one day.. we got on the boat at 12:20pm and got off by 10am the next day. So it was fast paced and packed with activities but it did feel like get on and get off because we have others coming . The tour guides on the boat were not personal at all There was no adjustments and acknowledgment that we all were disappointed that the bay was not as we had seen on postcard's, simply because of Typhoon but the staff and management on the boat didn't really acknowledge that at all. So I feel we missed out in beautiful Halong bay, but wouldn't want to go on that ship even though it looked beautiful I also noticed the staff on the boat didn't speak any English... so only 2 people could answer any information. regarding our personal tour guide on Saturday, Sunny... she was fantastic.. really nice and knowledgeable. We really liked being with her and loved that part the most. the drivers to the destination Halong Bay couldn't speak a word of English.. so I only has Sunny to communicate with on WhatsApp.. and she was helpful None of the drivers could speak... so I was taxing Sunny all the time for information and she responded well. The hotel we stayed in was beautiful and we are grateful for that. I appreciate the option. So overallI felt it was too much money for what we got.. so not sure why we paid so much.. I wouldn't do that again. It was basically for 4 nights and one day with a tour guide... transport, transfer and one night on Halong bay... perhaps because we had an extra room.. but knowing Vietnam pricing I felt what we paid for was too much.
Hanoi & Halong Bay - 5 daysPRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
Private52310The tour was fantastic and our guide Belle and driver Nam were 5/5 for the whole trip. As she got to know the group she was flexible and organized some extra experiences that the group really appreciated.
Hanoi & Halong Bay - 5 daysPRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
Private52310We could not have been happier with our tour guide and driver, they went above and beyond what I was expecting. And the excellent driver was there for us on the other days always prompt and helpful! Sadly I can’t say the same for the hotel, while the staff were helpful and kind and the sheets etc were very clean, but the floors needed a wash! We left the hotel to do the ha long bay cruise and returned to the same room which still had not had the floors washed. Also not sure about the position of the hotel, I felt like I was in a terrible area but maybe I just didn’t absorb the atmosphere, it was so dirty and smelly in the area around the hotel. Thankyou and I would certainly look at tours on the go again!
Hanoi & Halong Bay - 5 daysPRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
Private52310The booking process was easy and the agents responded to the email inquires in a timely fashion. We had a fantastic time in Vietnam. The food was outstanding. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly.
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