CLASSIC NORTH VIETNAM

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcome by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The driving time is approximately 40 munites. Starting with the Temple of Literature, the oldest university in Hanoi and a perfect example of ancient architecture built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius. In the 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.Shopping time at Dong Xuan market.

After breakfast, we will join a half day city tour to visit Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. 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 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. 

Having lunch before transfering to Ha Long Bay, which is about 160 km and takes approximately 3.5 hours. 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. Dinner at a local restaurant. 

Evening: you’re free at leisure to discover Ha Long town, visit night market, Casino or enjoy Foot Massage (under your account).

Have breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM and then 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. 

Upon arrival, check in your hotel in Hanoi for relaxing before enjoying tasty foods at one of beloved restaurant. 

 Have breakfast at hotel, explore a rest corner of Hanoi Old Quarter to buy souvenir for relations or just relax at hotel until check out time and transfering to airport for your departure flight. 

• Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
• Meals as specified in the itinerary
• Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
• Experienced English speaking guide during all tours and transfers-Airport transfer no guide
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Mineral water is available as complementary 2 of 0.5ml bottle per day

• International      & Domestic flight tickets
• Meals if not specified in the itinerary, surcharge USD10 per person per meal for local food, 12 USD per person per meal for Indian food or Vegetable food
• Visa fees
• 10% VAT
• Gratuities for guides and drivers
• Visa stamping fee at the airport
• Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. 
• All other services not specified in the itinerary