DAY 1

HANOI CITY

This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, unique experiences, and shopping opportunities, making it a memorable start to your Hanoi visit. 

Pick Up: Upon arrival at Hanoi's airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver. Transfer to your hotel for a rest. (Note: Hotel check-in is at 14:00; early check-in is not included.)

City Tour:

• Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum: Begin your tour with a visit to the exterior of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, an iconic site where the Vietnamese leader is laid to rest.
• Train Street: Experience the unique sight of a train passing through a narrow street while enjoying coffee at a local café. This is a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.
• Hoan Kiem Lake: Explore the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, a central feature of Hanoi, known for its tranquil beauty and the iconic Turtle Tower.
• Old Quarter: Take a leisurely walk around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a fascinating network of narrow alleys and shop houses known as 'The 36 Streets.' Each street is named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics and medicines to crafts. Enjoy free time for shopping, with options ranging from markets to designer boutique stores and contemporary art galleries.

Return to Hotel: After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's adventures.

DAY 2

HA LONG BAY - OVERNIGHT CRUISE

This detailed itinerary offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation, making it a memorable part of your Vietnam tour.

Pick Up: After breakfast at the hotel, meet at the hotel lobby around 08:00 for a private transfer to Ha Long Bay.

Ha Long Bay Cruise:

• Arrival at Tuan Chau Island: Arrive at the lounge on Tuan Chau Island and board your cruise boat. Enjoy welcome drinks during the itinerary and safety briefing from the Cruise Manager.
• Set Lunch: Let the vacation begin with a delicious set lunch as the boat cruises towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing iconic landmarks like Chicken Rock and Finger Islet.
• Surprise Cave: Explore Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• Titov Island: Enjoy swimming or hiking on Titov Island, known for its beautiful beach and panoramic views from the top.
• Onboard Activities: Participate in optional onboard activities such as traditional spa treatments (extra charge) or sunbathing on the sundeck.
• Cooking Demonstration: Join a traditional Vietnamese cooking and fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck (or in the restaurant in case of inclement weather) while the boat cruises to the overnight anchorage area.
• Set Menu Dinner: Savor a set menu dinner served in the restaurant, featuring a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes.
• Evening Activities: Relax in your cabin or join the staff at the reception for squid fishing, a fun and unique experience.

Overnight on Cruise: Spend the night on the cruise boat, enjoying the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay under the stars.

DAY 3

HA LONG BAY - NINH BINH

This detailed itinerary offers a perfect blend of relaxation, scenic exploration, and cultural experiences, making it a memorable part of your Vietnam tour. 

• Tai Chi Lesson: Start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session on the sundeck, surrounded by the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay.
• Light Breakfast: Enjoy a light breakfast as the vessel weighs anchor to cruise through more of Ha Long Bay's stunning landscapes.
• Luon Cave: Visit the Luon Cave area, where you can explore the tranquil waters by bamboo boat or kayak, getting up close to the impressive limestone formations and lush greenery.
• Onboard Brunch: Savour a delicious brunch served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbour, offering one last chance to take in the breath taking views of Ha Long Bay.
• Tuan Chau Marina: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
• Transfer to Ninh Binh: Travel by private car, enjoying the scenic drive through Vietnam's countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh: Check into your hotel for an overnight stay. Take some time to relax and explore the local area at your leisure.

DAY 4

HOA LU, TAM COC & TRANG AN

This detailed itinerary offers a perfect blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, making it a memorable part of your Vietnam tour.

Pick Up: After breakfast at the hotel, meet at the hotel lobby at 08:00 for a full-day tour of Ninh Binh province.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital:

• Historical Exploration: Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the area, which is known for its picturesque limestone mountains and lush rice fields.
• King Dinh and King Le Temples: Discover the temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, two significant figures in Vietnamese history. Learn about their contributions and the history of the ancient capital.

Tam Coc Boat Ride:

• Sampan Ride: After lunch, take a sampan (traditional wooden boat) along the Ngo Dong River. The boat ride starts from the embroidery village of Van Lam and proceeds through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst limestone formations.
• Three Caves: Pass through three natural caves—Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. The largest cave is 125 meters long with a ceiling about 2 meters high above the water. The caves are known for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
• Local Rowers: The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods, adding a unique cultural touch to the experience.

Trang An: Explore the Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural significance. The area features a network of waterways, limestone karsts, and lush greenery.

Return to Hanoi:

• Scenic Drive: In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive back to Hanoi, taking in the beautiful countryside views.
• Hotel Check-In: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi for overnight accommodation.

DAY 5

TRADITIONAL CRAFT VILLAGES

This detailed itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, hands-on experiences, and traditional craftsmanship, making it a memorable conclusion to your Vietnam tour.  

Pick Up: After breakfast at the hotel, meet at the hotel lobby for a day of exploring traditional craft villages around Hanoi.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village:

• Incense Making: Visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, known for its centuries-old tradition of incense making. Walk through the colorful alleys filled with bundles of incense sticks drying under the sun, creating a vibrant and photogenic scene.
• Artisan Demonstration: Immerse yourself in the process as local artisans guide you through each step of making incense, from shaping the bamboo sticks to adding the aromatic layers. This hands-on experience provides a deep insight into the local culture and craftsmanship.

Chuong Conical Hat Village:

• Conical Hat Making: Travel to Chuong Village, famous for its 300-year-old tradition of conical hat-making. Visit a family that has been preserving this craft for generations in a traditional wooden house, showcasing the architecture of Northern Vietnam’s Red River Delta.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about the intricate process of making the iconic Vietnamese conical hat, known as "nón lá," and understand its significance in Vietnamese culture.

DAY 5

TRADITIONAL CRAFT VILLAGES

This detailed itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, hands-on experiences, and traditional craftsmanship, making it a memorable conclusion to your Vietnam tour.  

Ha Thai Lacquer Village:

• Lacquerware Production: After lunch (at your own arrangement), depart for Ha Thai Village, renowned for its lacquerware production since the 17th century. Witness the meticulous process of crafting lacquerware, including preparing wooden or bamboo objects, applying the lacquer layers, and decorating with intricate designs.
• Artisan Workshop: Visit local workshops where skilled artisans create beautiful lacquerware pieces, and learn about the history and techniques involved in this traditional craft.

Phuc Am Paper Craft Village:

• Votive Paper Craft: Continue your journey to Phuc Am Village, known for its traditional votive paper, used in spiritual rituals. The craft of making votive offerings is central to the village’s culture and is especially important during festivals and ceremonies.
• Hands-On Experience: Watch skilled artisans as they create elaborate paper crafts, including paper animals, houses, and objects used in ancestor worship. You’ll also have the opportunity to craft simple votive paper objects yourself, gaining a deeper appreciation for this unique tradition.

Return to Hanoi: After the tour, you will be transferred back to Hanoi for your departure. Reflect on the rich cultural experiences and beautiful memories from your Vietnam tour.