Northern Vietnam is so different from its southward sister that some may comment that they seem belong to two countries. Yet, those who prefer more cultural discovery and "cooler" life can find it worthy spending the whole journey in the North and go deep into the original traditions of Viet people. Above all, the landscape featured by magnificent karst system is truly rewarded to any nature lovers.
Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – HALF HANOI CITY WALKING & CYCLO (Light lunch or light dinner) Our driver will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport; then check-in at hotel. Our tour guide will pick you at your hotel in the Old Quarter and then we get a cylco to Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the major scenic spots in the city and to visit Ngoc Son temple and the Huc bridge. And then we will stop at Hanoi Opera House, erected by the French colonial administration between 1901 and 1911. After that, on the way to Water puppet show, we will see Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel - A Grand Dame of Southeast Asia that welcomes guests to experience her colonial grandeur and timeless elegance. Located steps from the Opera House in Hanoï's French Quarter, this legendary property brings guests into intimate contact with the opulence of another era. Finally we will take a walk on the streets of the old quarter and enjoy the Vietnamese traditional food: Beef noodles.
Day 2: HANOI – TAM COC – HOA LU - HANOI (B/L) (SIC tour) A 90km drive south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-land”. Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued in the site that used to be the kings’ palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relieves of the shady Dinh and Le temples.Overnight in Hanoi.
Early departure for Halong Bay, a World Heritage as designated by Unesco in 1994 with nearly 3,000 rocky islets. Upon arriving in Halong, we will sail our boat round its natural rocky gardens whilst a tasty seafood lunch is waiting on board. Most of the islets here are not for living due to the lack of fresh water, but are excellent for cruising to contemplate their miraculous draws on the horizon. Many of them have great names from their inspirational shapes, including the Surprising cave, Pelican Grotto, Chopstick rock, Butterfly rock! We can wander to visit grottos, so swimming, or just lazily relax on the sundeck with our drinks. Overnight in Hanoi. Please note: Only local food available on board.
Day 4: HANOI DEPARTURE (B) You are free until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service!
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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