3N/4D Northern Classic of Vietnam
Day 1: Arrival at Hanoi
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 munites. Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia. Late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple located on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the center point of Hanoi and home to a rare endangered giant turtle species. Its name “Returned Sword” comes from a legend of a sacred sword being lent to an ancient Vietnamese King by a holy turtle from the lake and later returned to the turtle. Shop or walk at leisure in the Old Quarter of 36 ancient streets.
Day 2: Transfer to Halong Bay
Morning, start a city tour beginning with Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October – November), the colonial Presidential Palace, originally the French Governor Office and a fine example of French architecture in Hanoi, and the rural style Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars. Afternoon, transfer to Ha Long Bay which is about 160 km or 3.5 hour drive away. Moving through the countryside on the way will bring you a clear perspective of a country’s whose 80% of population live on farming. Have a quick rest stop en route before reaching Ha Long City. Check in hotel then spend time at leisure.
Day 3: Transfer to Hanoi
For Group 1-9pax: Sharing boat and Lunch at local restaurant
Morning, breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM, transfer to the dock for boarding a sharing boat to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese as legend has it that a holly dragon landed down here from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). Dau Go Cave in 13th Century was a depot to store pointed wooden stakes, which later were used by Vietnamese great military commander Tran Hung Dao to trap and puncture Mongolian naval boats in famous battles of Bach Dang. Return to the dock, disembark. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch travel back to Hanoi. Afternoon, drive back Hanoi and shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter. Evening at leisure.
For Group 10pax up: Private boat and lunch on cruise
Morning, breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM, transfer to the dock for boarding a cruise boat to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese as legend has it that a holly dragon landed down here from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). Dau Go Cave in 13th Century was a depot to store pointed wooden stakes, which later were used by Vietnamese great military commander Tran Hung Dao to trap and puncture Mongolian naval boats in famous battles of Bach Dang. Continue cruising while fresh seafood lunch is served on board. Return to the dock, disembark and travel back to Hanoi. Afternoon, drive back Hanoi and shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Tour Ends
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.
Tour Highlights:
Hanoi, Ha Long bay
Includes
Hotel accommodation with breakfast and based on twin or triple sharing (01pax staying in Single Room), Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers, Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary, Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers, Boat trip in Ha Long bay (4 hours), For Group 1- 9 pax: Sharing boat and Lunch at local restaurant, For Group 10 pax up: Private boat and lunch on cruise, Mineral water is available as complementary
Excludes
Airfare (international and domestic) and airport tax, Dinks and other meals not clearly mentioned, Visa stamping fee at the airport (25US$ for single visa to Vietnam, paid by cash at the airport), Surcharge for special request on food, and meals, Insurance, gratuities and personal expenses, Tipping for guide and driver, Surcharge for public holidays (if any), Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve: TBA
Important
On Occasions, due to large Events, Traffic, Logistics and Availability of Reservations, it may be necessary to change the above Itinerary. However all Aspects of the Itinerary will be covered.
