Northern Vietnam Capital, Ancient Sites & Halong Bay Cruise – 6 Days

Today is dedicated to discovering Hanoi's most significant historical and cultural sites. The morning begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a revered area that includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his humble Stilts House, the grand Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda. These sites offer deep insights into Vietnam's modern history and its revered leader.

Continue your exploration with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, a serene complex of courtyards and pavilions. Afterwards, experience the peaceful ambiance of West Lake, driving along the scenic Thanh Nien street, and visit the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda. In the afternoon, enjoy a 30-minute cyclo tour, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, through the bustling narrow streets of the Old Quarter. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, absorbing the vibrant atmosphere and local life that defines Hanoi's soul.

Depart from Hanoi at 8:00 AM for a scenic two-hour drive (approximately 100km) south to Ninh Binh province. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to 1010 AD. Here, you will explore two historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and early Le Dynasties, learning about the country's fascinating past.

Around 11:30 AM, you will be transferred to a local restaurant to savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch. The afternoon's highlight begins at 12:30 PM with a three-hour boat trip through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex. Glide through emerald waters, passing dramatic limestone karsts, mysterious caves, and lush rice paddies, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land.' The serene environment offers incredible photo opportunities and a peaceful escape. At 3:30 PM, you will begin the drive back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 PM for an overnight stay.

At 9:00 AM, a bus and tour guide will pick you up from your Hanoi hotel for the transfer to Halong City. The journey offers views of the Red River Delta countryside and crosses the longest bridge in Southeast Asia. Arrive at Tuan Chau Island between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where you'll have a brief break and a welcome drink at the cruise lounge before transferring to your cruise ship, the Amanda Cruise.

After a welcome drink, safety briefing, and check-in, your exploration of Halong Bay begins. Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese and international dishes as the ship navigates through some of the bay's most picturesque and tranquil areas, including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, and Coconut Three Island. Visit the Tung Sau area, a cultured pearl fishery, where you can observe the pearl cultivation process and try kayaking. Later, head to Ti Top beach for swimming or climb to the summit for panoramic views of the bay. Return to the boat and sail to the Luon Bo area for overnight anchorage. In the evening, participate in a cooking class to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, enjoy happy hour, watch the sunset, and indulge in a deluxe Vietnamese and international set dinner. Evening activities include relaxing at the bar, watching movies, playing cards, or trying squid fishing.

Start your day early on board with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, combining deep breathing with gentle movements. Coffee, tea, and pastries are served for breakfast in the dining room, offering a beautiful morning view of the bay's landscape. Between 8:00 AM and 11:30 AM, transfer by tender boat to Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave. A walk up approximately 100 steps leads to the cave entrance, where you'll spend about 45 minutes exploring one of Halong Bay's largest and most stunning caves, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Proper footwear is recommended for this excursion.

After visiting the cave, return to the cruise ship by tender. Complete your check-out procedures and settle any bills at the reception. Enjoy a buffet brunch as the cruise sails back towards Tuan Chau Wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, admiring the scenery as you approach the mainland. Disembark at Tuan Chau Wharf and bid farewell to the crew. From 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, you will be transferred back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 3:00 PM, with the rest of the day at leisure.

On your final day, enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At 6:00 AM, a private transfer will be arranged to take you from your hotel to Noi Bai International Airport. This transfer is timed to ensure you arrive comfortably for your scheduled flight back to Kuala Lumpur, concluding your memorable 6-day Northern Vietnam tour.