4-Day Essence of Hanoi with a Halong Bay Cruise

Essence of Hanoi

This 4-day Hanoi and Halong Bay tour will allow you to have a glance at Hanoi and relax in a world of tranquil natural beauty. Marvel at the gorgeous caves and islets, visit some local fishing villages, and enjoy all kinds of interesting activities on one of the best cruise boats in Halong Bay.

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Minh was our group's guide from arrival…

Minh was our group's guide from arrival in Hanoi until departure. We visited the home of the great leader, awesome foodplaces and lots of sightseeing in Hanoi incl. getting us organized for Orchid Cruises Halong Bay. We loved spending time down there with Minh.

, Apr 2024

Alisa Liu organized a 3 week itinerary…

Alisa Liu organized a 3 week itinerary to China, Vietnam,Cambodia, and Thailand that was highly organized, efficient, accurate, and done cordially. All guides, vehicles, transfer timing, hotels, time allowances per City were perfect. Alisa is an excellent choice to coordinate your entire journey. Working with her was fast, convenient, and very professional. She has a great personality, funny, and very responsive. The cost of using Asia Highlights was economical. I would recommend Alisa for all your Asia travel need. We were 2 couples, traveling on 10 flights around the 4 countries without a hitch. She is the very very best….ask for her.

Wayne, Feb 2024

Three week tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand

The tour guides were all very knowledgeable about their country's culture and history and were very friendly, polite and professional. A special thank you to our guides Thanh (Hoi An) who was very personable, interesting and spoke English very well, Thomas (Ho Chi Minh City) who was so enthusiastic and caring and Chan (Siem Reap) who made our tour very special with stops at local places. He was also a very good photographer. All the guides were so patient and attentive to our needs.

Al and Gisele, Feb 2024

Highlights

Discover the locals' lifestyles on a gentle walking tour through the Old Quarter.
Learn about Hanoi's fascinating history and culture by visiting its highlights.
Relax on a luxury Halong Bay cruise and enjoy spectacular landscapes.
Explore Vietnam's unique karst caves and enjoy interesting activities on a cruise.

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Itinerary in Detail

Day 1

Arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi Pearl Hotel (4 star)/ Apricot Hotel Hanoi (5 star)

You will meet your private tour guide upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport and will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to adjust to the jetlag or explore the city on your own.

Day 2

Hanoi City Highlights with an Old Quarter Walking Tour

Breakfast and lunch

The first chapter of your journey in Hanoi will begin with an introduction to its fascinating history and culture. We will take you to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university built in the late 11th century, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups. Have a gentle walking tour through the Old Quarter to experience the daily life of the Hanoians.

Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta.

One pillar pagoda

Day 3

Hanoi to Halong Bay and an Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay

Bhaya Cruise (4star) /Au Co Cruise (5 star)

breakfast, lunch, and dinner

In the morning, transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Board the boat from our selected cruise company, Bhaya Cruises, at noon.

The first destination is Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000 m2 with a stunning assortment of stalactites and stalagmites. Swim in the "love story" area of Halong Bay.
Taste exquisite drinks from a vast selection in an open bar on board while enjoying the panoramic view of Halong Bay. Join in with the MasterChef "Halong Bay Edition" Competition. Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its incredibly savory flavors and includes lots of health benefits. By being part of this mini-competition, all passengers can try to create authentic Vietnamese dishes, with the winner being awarded a prize, and can observe a fruit carving demonstration by our chef.

Enjoy the sunset view of Halong Bay

Day 4

Halong Bay to Hanoi and Transfer to the Airport

brunch

Get up early and take a tai chi class on the sundeck as the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Practicing this beautiful art regularly can help treat many ailments. Later, take a kayaking trip, which is one of the most exciting activities that you don't want to miss out on while in Halong Bay.

After brunch, your cruise will come to an end and you will be taken to the airport in Hanoi by private transfer. Have a safe flight home and we hope to see you again soon!

Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Halong Bay

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