NORTHERN LANDMARKS – Nature & Culture
(6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS)
Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh
Description
This tour is designed for vacationers with limited time who wish to have a taste of Vietnam’s attractions. The most important sights and destinations of interest will be covered, enough to provide a lively memory of Vietnam.
Highlights
- Meet locals and taste delicious Vietnamese specialties at atmospheric restaurants;
- Explore limestone islands and the emerald green waters of Ha Long Bay World Heritage site;
- Discover Hanoi’s landmark monuments;
- Enjoy a water puppet theatrical show depicting agricultural traditions from first millennium;
- Enjoy the full day trip on the Red river and explore the Ha Long on land.
Program
Day 1: Hanoi (arrival)
Arrive at the airport in Hanoi. You’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy a traditional folk performance and water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art originates from rural festivals in Vietnam. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi (breakfast)
Vietnam's artistic and intellectual capital. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit a traditional Hanoi Old House. Enjoy people-watching at stylish cafes. Shop for impressive modern art in the city's myriad galleries. Also visit Hanoi's main cultural attractions, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum and the Temple of Literature. Visit one of Hanoi's most famous artists Pham Luc and his gallery; he will have the pleasure of inviting you to his home for a cup of tea. You'll get to know Vietnamese culture and food, and if you're lucky, have a sample of his art. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
In the morning, joint transfer to Ha Long (170km), a World Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1994. Upon arrival, get on board a private boat for a stunning cruise in Ha Long Bay (4 hours), visiting some magical grottoes while relaxing in the best scenic beauty of Vietnam. Enjoy a traditional lunch and dinner with the freshest and finest seafood. After lunch, we cruise to the inside of magical landscape of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island , Binh Phong mountain, Sung Sot Cave, Round over Titov Beach. Enjoy the sunset on the top of the Titov mountain or take a bamboo row boat to discover water tunnels with many coral reefs in a scenic lagoon. Back on a junk (historic sailing ship), you’ll enjoy dinner on the boat. Overnight on a junk in Ha Long Bay.
Day 4: Ha Long – Hanoi (breakfast, lunch)
After a night on board, you awaken to see daylight filtering through the early morning mist and towering rock formations. After breakfast, we cruise to the Bai Tho Mountain in the other beautiful Bai Tu Long Bay and we cruise back to the Ha Long dock. This trip offers visitors opportunities to survey the best seascape of Ha Long both at sunrise and sunset. Return to Hanoi after lunch. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Trip on the Red River (breakfast, lunch)
Just 100km (62mi) from Hanoi, Van Long is an area of astounding natural beauty with limestone peaks whose splendor is often said to surpass that of Ha Long Bay. It is true that this area is often referred to as the new Ha Long Bay on land. The tour includes being rowed along the Van Long River, which makes for a truly unforgettable experience, passing between towering limestone peaks. Pick-up at 8:30am at your hotel lobby. We leave Hanoi and head south for a 2-hour drive along Highway One or former Road Mandarin. We spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le temples of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu and then we move to Van Long for lunch. You may also enjoy an optional cow chart ride to Van Long Wharf for a 2-hour boat trip along the Van Long River. Along the way we will see caves, green rice fields, limestone mountains and the rural life of the locals before returning to Hanoi. Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Departure (breakfast)
You are free for leisure activities until transfer to the airport. Meeting at the hotel and transfer to the airport for departure.
| Star Category |
| TOUR PRICE: US$ per pax |
| Group of 02 pax |
Cost includes:
One bottle of water daily;
German or English (Russian) speaking guide;
Quality private air-conditioned vehicle;
Double-sharing accommodation and meals as specified;
All admission fees and boat fees as specified;
Government tax and services charges.
Cost excludes:
Personal expenses;
Local insurance;
International airport tax;
Drinks during meals;
Visa fee.
Notes:
Hotels are subject to availability;
Prices are valid until October 31, 2008.