6-Day Northern Discovery: Culture, Craft & Cruise

Day 1: Hanoi arrival (Cyclo & Water Puppet)

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam!

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, we will be welcomed and transferred to hotel.

Note: Hotel’s check in is 14.00, Early check in is NOT include.

After leaving luggage at hotel, you will take a short rest. In the evening, you will experience 1-hour cyclo tour of the French inspired "old quarter". We then sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B)

Today we will venture out to explore Hanoi. First up we will drive to the Ho Chi Minh complex where we will spend time at Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. Followings we visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest pagoda in Hanoi located by the West Lake.

In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Literature, which originally built as a temple to Confucius.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Incense Village – Grand World (B)

We pick you up at your hotel and head out of Hanoi, arriving in Quang Phu Cau at around 10AM.

By this time, the villagers have already set out incense to dry in various formations, and we will get pictures of people working among this sea of red. We’ll have time to capture a variety of shots of the workers in action. We also venture further into the village workshops, shooting images of the incense-making process, including bamboo chopping, dipping the sticks in dye, and the creation of incense paste. As we go along the way, we can capture more images of the friendly locals who have worked on producing incense in this village for generations.

We leave the village at noon, as the workers are preparing for lunch, and head back to Hanoi for a bite before saying farewell at early noon time.

In the afternoon, we leave the village and drive to Grand World Hanoi, an emerging entertainment and shopping complex inspired by European-style architecture and vibrant urban design. Stroll through themed streets lined with boutique shops, cafes, and photo spots. Don’t miss the lakeside area and cultural shows that take place at scheduled times. This is also a great opportunity to pick up souvenirs or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc 1 Day (B)

Pick up at your hotel at 8 AM, we will drive Southward of Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. On arrival, we will visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital dated back from 10th and 11th centuries. The area is one of rice fields broken by picturesque limestone mountains. It features several dozen monuments, including King Dinh and King Le Temple & Tombs….

Then, we take sampan along the Ngo Dong River to visit three caves Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba (Tam Coc) in the Ngo Dong River. Our pleasant boat rowing starts from the embroidery village of Van Lam then proceed through a scenic landscape dominated by rice fields and karst limestone to three natural caves, of which, the largest is 125m long with its ceiling about 2m high above the water. The boats are typically rowed by one or two local women who also sell embroidered goods. In the afternoon, we will be driven back to Hanoi for overnight accommodation.

Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)

08:00 | Pick-up at hotel after breakfast, we drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, we transfer to the main boat by tender and embark our cruise. Welcome drink with brief information on the safety and regulations before check in your cabin.

Lunch will be served while sailing into magnificent Lan Ha Bay – an extension of Ha Long Wonder which is much quieter and has fewer tourists. We pass the famous Finger Islet, Candle Islet and thousands of uniquely shaped limestone towers and islands.

In the afternoon, we explore Lan Ha Bay with Dark and Bright Cave – famous for the pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Here you will take some photos of the romantic, lyrical local see-sights. This is also the best time for tourists to enjoy bamboo boats or swimming – which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the Limestone Mountains and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay. Afterwards, visitors immerse in the emerald green water of Lan Ha Bay with exciting swimming activities.

Return to the cruise for sunset party or leisure before joining us in a fun cooking class to challenge your skills in preparing very famous Vietnamese spring rolls.

Before dinner, our experienced captain will choose the most tranquil area to anchor for overnight.

Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Departure (B)

Be an early bird for a photo hunt and join our Tai-chi session on the sundeck to refresh your body and mind. Joined us for a Tai-chi section on sundeck before a light breakfast while sailing the amazing karst towers. Tea, coffee and light breakfast is served with fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

Explore more of Lan Ha Bay with a fun kayaking time. Return to our boat for refresh and check out.

Brunch time at 10.00 and slowly navigates emerald water and thousands of Karst Mountains towards the Harbour.

Upon returning to the harbor, we proceed to The One Indian Halong restaurant to enjoy a relaxing Hi-tea break. Then, your private vehicle will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport, ensuring you arrive in comfort and plenty of time for your home flight.