Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay Cruise – 6 Days

Upon early morning arrival at Hanoi International Airport, guests will be transferred to their city center hotel for an early check-in and breakfast. The morning cultural tour commences at 8:00 AM, visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his traditional Stilts House, the Presidential Palace, and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Following this, the journey continues to Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on the scenic West Lake. An enriching visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology will provide insights into the diverse cultures of the nation's 54 ethnic groups.

Lunch will be served at midday. The afternoon program begins at 1:30 PM with a visit to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university. Afterwards, explore the serene Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple. A one-hour cyclo ride offers a charming perspective of the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter, concluding with an authentic water puppet show. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

The day begins with an 8:00 AM departure for Ninh Binh, a picturesque journey of approximately 100 kilometers taking about two hours. By 10:00 AM, guests will arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 AD to 1010 AD, where they will explore two historic temples.

A traditional Vietnamese lunch awaits at a local restaurant around 11:30 AM. In the early afternoon, embark on a three-hour boat trip through Tam Coc. This serene journey reveals a complex of mystical caves, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou, showcasing the area's wild beauty and stunning river and mountain scenery, often referred to as "Ha Long on land."

The return journey to Hanoi commences at 3:30 PM, with an anticipated arrival back at the hotel by 5:30 PM. The evening is then free for personal relaxation or further exploration of Hanoi.

At 9:00 AM, a bus and tour guide will collect guests from their hotel for the transfer to Ha Long City. The route offers views of the Red River Delta countryside and crosses a significant new bridge in Southeast Asia. Arrival at Tuan Chau Island is expected between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM, where a welcome drink and a brief break await at the Pelican Halong Cruise Lounge before transferring to the Pelican Cruise vessel.

After a welcome drink, safety instructions, and check-in, the cruise begins its exploration of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. A buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese and international cuisine is served as the ship sails through tranquil areas, past distinctive formations like Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim beach, and Coconut Three Island. The journey includes a visit to the Tung Sau area, known for its cultured pearl fishery, where guests can observe the pearl cultivation process and even try kayaking.

Later, the cruise visits Ti Top beach, offering opportunities for swimming or climbing to the summit for panoramic bay views. Returning to the boat, there's free time as the vessel sails to the Luon Bo area for an overnight anchor. An optional massage service is available for booking. Guests can participate in a cooking class on the sundeck to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls, followed by a Happy Hour and the chance to watch the sunset. A deluxe Vietnamese and international set dinner is served from 7:30 PM. Evening activities include relaxing at the bar, watching cultural films, playing cards, or trying squid fishing.

The day starts early between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, combining deep breathing with gentle movements. Coffee, tea, and pastries are served for breakfast in the dining room, offering morning views of the bay's scenery.

From 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, guests transfer by tender boat to Sung Sot Cave. A walk of approximately 100 steps leads to the cave entrance, and the visit inside takes about 45 minutes to explore its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Proper footwear is advised. After exploring the cave, return to the Pelican Halong Cruise by tender.

Guests will check out and settle any bills at reception before enjoying a buffet brunch while the cruise sails back towards Tuan Chau Wharf. Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room, taking in the bay scenery as the ship approaches the dock. Disembark at Tuan Chau Wharf and bid farewell to the crew. The return transfer to Hanoi takes place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with an estimated arrival back at the hotel around 3:00 PM, leaving the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a free morning in Hanoi, perhaps for some last-minute souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot. Guests will have breakfast at the hotel. At the appropriate time, a transfer will be arranged to Hanoi International Airport for the Vietjet Air flight VJ971, scheduled for an evening departure at 6:04 PM, heading back to New Delhi. The flight is expected to arrive in New Delhi International Airport at 10:15 PM, concluding the tour.