Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to the hotel. For morning arrivals, interesting optional afternoon excursions in and around Hanoi are available at surcharge. Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi.

FULL DAY HANOI CITY TOUR

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed on Monday, Friday and during the entire months of September & October) and his former residence (closed on Monday and Friday), One-Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam and built more than 1,000 years ago.

Continue the city tour to one of the following museums (note that museums are closed on Mondays.):

• Fine Arts Museum

• Vietnam National Museum of History

• War Museum

• Museum of Ethnology

• Hoa Lo Prison Museum

After a delicious lunch at Au Lac restaurant enjoy a leisurely one-hour cyclo tour through Hanoi. Visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Hoan Kiem Lake was already considered the most beautiful lake in Hanoi when Ngoc Son Temple was built on an island in the 19th century. Initially, the temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda and was later renamed Ngoc Son Temple, since temples are dedicated to saints. Saint Van Suong, considered to be one of the brightest stars in Vietnam's literary and intellectual circles, was worshipped there along with other National heroes.

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi.

HALONG BAY – A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Early morning departure from Hanoi to Halong Bay (165km east of Hanoi). Arrive at the Halong tourist pier. After boarding the boat you will start a relaxing and wonderful cruise through World Nature Heritage Halong Bay, passing bizarre rock formations, such as the Dinh Huong (the Incense Urn), Cho Da (the Stone Dog), islands with sandy beaches and Ga Choi (the Fighting Roosters) islets. You will discover Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage of outstanding natural beauty, known in Vietnamese as “Dragon descending to the sea“. The picturesque Halong Bay has more than 3,000 limestone islets rising from the clear emerald water, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. You will visit Thien Cung and Dau Go grottoes situated on the south-west side of the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Halong City. The way to Thien Cung grotto is covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in you will be more astonished in front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from the stalactites. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of tales. Going out of the Thien Cung grotto, you will have a sensation of just watching a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is made by nature. This grotto is one of the most beautiful ones in Halong Bay. Legend has it, that beautiful young lady named May (cloud), caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed, and their wedding lasted seven days and seven nights in the very centre of the grotto.  During the boat trip fresh seafood fingertips will be served for your delights (please let us know if you do not eat seafood). Optional kayaking (2 persons per kayak) is available at surcharge. Bring along swimwear & towels as you may want to go for a refreshing swim in the bay (if weather permits).

Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi.

Time at leisure until transfer to Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.  If departure is in the afternoon or evening, you are welcome to join our interesting optional excursions in and around Hanoi at surcharge.