5 Days Hanoi - Halong with luxury cruise
Discover Hanoi in the north of Vietnam with its 1,000 years of history and the renowned natural wonder of Halong Bay, with its fabled scenery and attractions, with 2- and 1-Night cruise itineraries.
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Phill Skyba
Trails of IndochinaTrails of Indochina is a luxury DMC focusing on highly personalised, innovative and unique tailormade itineraries specialising in themes such as active, romance and culture across a range of destinations in Asia.
- Local time:11:19
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Hanoi arrival
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, either Domestic or International arrival, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Trails of Indochina signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your guide, please go to the Airport Information counter situated in the middle of Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers for assistance. Your guide will come to meet you up and transfer you to hotel. The regular check-in time is at 14:00; early check-in is NOT included and subject to availability Read more
Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 2
Hanoi city tour with Old Quarter cyclo r
Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved Vietminh leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. Continue on to Ho Chi Minh's House nearby, a simple wooden house in a tranquil setting where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Some of his belongings are on display and visitors can walk up the steps to see his bedroom. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese Dong banknote. In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Drive back to central Hanoi for a 1hr cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi Street life. Conclude the 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. The show uses colorful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and episodes of national history set to music. NOTE Suggested pick up time: 08:00am Approximate durations: approximate 1 hour 15 minutes of total round transfer, 6 hours and 45 minutes of total experience) Inclusion: meal is not included, but there will be time for your lunch Capacity: Maximum 29 persons per bus. Availability: Every day. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday, Friday, and all afternoons. Meals: Breakfast Read more
Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 3
Tuan Chau – Cua Van – Halong Bay Mooring
9.00am meet with your guide and transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau pier. Get acquainted with the facilities on board as we set sail for your Halong Bay experience. Savor your first hours in the bay on the sun deck and simply let your eyes wander over the breathtaking scenery during our first hours of cruising. We arrive at Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in Halong Bay, and which some fishermen still use as a base for their fishing and aquacultural activities. With a small bamboo boat rowed by locals, we have a look at the floating structures in this calm and secluded area to gain some insight into village life. If you prefer to be more active, borrow a kayak (complimentary for 2-night cruises) and paddle around by yourself. This is the perfect way to freely move about and explore this part of the bay. The fishing village also hosts the Cua Van Cultural Center, operated by local residents to preserve and introduce visitors to the village’s history and culture. On display are many archaeological artifacts and photographs depicting life in Cua Van. By tender, we transfer to the nearby Tien Ong cave. The cave shows evidence of human civilization dating back to 10,000 – 8,000 BC. Fossil evidence also proves that the cave was part of the mainland continent ages ago before Halong Bay became the marine wonder it is today. Tien Ong cave reaches a depth of 50 meters and covers a total area of roughly 1,000 square meters. Follow our guide as we loop though and learn interesting details about this cavern. After returning to the boat, we sail to the overnight mooring area. During this the magical “blue hour”, Halong Bay reveals its magnificent beauty. Unwind on the sun deck with your favorite drink and be fully present in this moment. As we sail along, you may like to join our cooking class by our chef. You are welcome to practice these easy, but very tasty classic Vietnamese recipes for yourself - then cook them for your loved ones back at home. After a bit of downtime, dinner is served. Passengers aboard Heritage Line’s luxurious Violet can choose from international or local favorites from a multi-course à la carte menu. After dinner, our on-board guide offers an intriguing presentation about the bay’s unique and fascinating insights. Alternatively, give yourself a try at squid fishing together with our staff - always an entertaining experience. While away the rest of the evening and treasure this special moment amidst the magical landscapes before falling into a restful slumber in the middle of Halong Bay where, once upon a time, sparkling jewels cascaded from heavenly dragons. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Read more
Overnight on cruise
DAY 4
Halong Bay Mooring Point – Ti Top Island
For early risers, tea, coffee and pastries are available in the dining room. A Tai Chi class is offered on the sun deck to awaken your mind and muscles. In the morning, we set sail to the small Ti Top Island. Formerly named Cat Nang, the island received a name change after former president Ho Chi Minh and the second man to orbit the Earth, Russian astronaut ‘German Titov’, toured Halong Bay together in 1962. Since the cosmonaut was so fascinated with this picturesque islet, Uncle Ho would rename the spectacle Ti Top Island to honor Titov and as a gesture of friendship between their two countries. Once arriving at Ti Top, you can go for a refreshing morning swim on a sandy beach beneath towering rock formations. If you prefer to be a bit more active, climb 400 stone steps (which takes about 20 minutes) to the island’s top and be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views over the bay. There is also a viewing platform about half-way up with great vistas framed by lush greenery – perfect for photos. Back on board, you can take a shower and freshen up. Now is the time to enjoy the final moments of sailing as we head back to the harbor while breakfast is served. Until we reach the pier, relax on the sun deck or in the dining room while savoring the last views of this iconic site. Meet with your guide at the pier, then transfer to Hanoi. The rest of day is free at leisure. Meals: Breakfast Read more
Overnight in Hanoi
DAY 5
Hanoi departure
Meet with your guide and transfer to airport for your flight home. The regular check-out time is at 12:00; late check out is NOT included and subject to availability Meals: Breakfast
None
ACCOMMODATIONS
Day in trip
Location
Hotel
TRIP PACKAGE
Package includes
- • Overnight accommodation including daily breakfast, hotels tax and service charges
- • 2 days 1 night Violet Cruise (Shared cruise/private suite)
- • Private transfers and transportation on tour
- • Sightseeing with local English-speaking guides
- • Entrance fees and boat rides
- • Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ water)
- • Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Package excludes
- • Airport Assistance Service
- • Separate luggage truck
- • Visa
- • Other meals where not mentioned in the program
- • Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners
- • Other flights & airport taxes
- • Hotel early check in/ Late check-out
- • Overweight luggage
- • Personal expenses
- • Travel insurance
- • Tips & gratuities
- • Other services not listed in inclusive column
TRIP GALLERY
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