8 Day Hanoi - Halong Bay Overnight Cruise - Danang

Itinerary

• Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)
  Escape from the buzz of Hanoi with an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Be surrounded by stunning views of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the Bay’s deep blue waters. Watch the sun set from the ship’s deck and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the boat. Following breakfast leave Hanoi to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After the welcome onboard, be served with lunch while cruising towards the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board. Overnight on Halong Bay. * Please note: This tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
• Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi – Orientation City tour (-/-/-)
  Explore Vietnam’s northern jewels. Take a glance at Hanoi, stepping back in time at Ngoc Son Temple and get a dose of local culture with a little walk wandering the vibrant maze of streets in the Old Quarter and catch a brilliant performance of traditional water puppetry. After landing, get transfer to the city center. Standard hotel check-in time: 14:00 PM. In the late afternoon, follow your guide to embark on a walking tour through Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. This area of 36 narrow streets is a lively place to walk around while seeing and learning about Vietnam’s traditional ways of life. Continue through the busy Hang Be Market and around Hoan Kiem Lake. Snap photos and chat with the locals on the way. Finish the day at the water puppet theatre. Watch an entertaining live performance of this unique northern Vietnamese art form, a great way to end the tour of Hanoi. Overnight stay at hotel in Hanoi.
• Day 2: Hanoi City tour (B/L/-)
  Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses. Today’s tour starts at 08:30. Begin with a visit to the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, on the shores of serene West Lake. Next, take a short drive to visit the famed Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years. Following, chose a museum option (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour): Option 1: Vietnam Women’s Museum Highly acclaimed, the museum displays highlights of Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and the significant role women play in Vietnamese society. Option 2: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays) is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam. The museum houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits that showcase the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam. Option 3: The B52 Victory Museum (closed Mondays) is one of the few places that still holds memories of the battle “Dien Bien Phu in the air” against American airstrikes in December 1972. For any visitor interested in the American War in Vietnam, this museum is a must-see place. Following the visit of the museum, rest over a delicious lunch. Once sated, visit Hanoi’s iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. The site is fascinating yet expect long walking distances (Note the Mausoleum is closed Monday and Fridays, each afternoon as well as annually from June 12th to Aug 14th). Continuing on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Continue to the ‘house on stilts’ where ‘Bac Ho’ resided from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Monday and Friday). Stroll around the tranquil grounds before completing the circuit at the One Pillar pagoda; built in 1049, the symbol of Hanoi is a unique representation of the city. Following the introduction to Hanoi’s highlights transfer back to your hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Hanoi.
• Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (B/L/-)
  Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with this picturesque Ninh Binh day tour. Explore the atmospheric ruins of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, before taking a scenic sampan journey past 'Halong Bay on Land'. Admire stunning limestone karsts and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside before returning to Hanoi. Your tour today will begin at 8:30. Escape from Hanoi this morning after breakfast, leaving the busy streets of the capital behind and entering the quieter countryside. After around 2.5 hours of driving, reach Hoa Lu. Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. If feeling fit, there is an option to climb into the limestone karst hills. The half-hour walk is rewarded with spectacular views over Hoa Lu and its surroundings. Return to the vehicle and drive to Tam Coc, crossing through local villages and stunning landscapes. Enjoy your lunch before continuing to the Tam Coc River. Board a private sampan for a journey through ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Admire the views of enormous limestone karsts jutting out of the green rice fields while the boat cruises along the calm waters. Please note: there are other optional tours that can be done in place of the Tam Coc sampan trip. Please see below: Option 1: Trang An Situated near Tam Coc, Trang An is a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc, however far less visited. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). An ‘eco-tourism’ area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal-clear river. Option 2: Thung Nang Similar to Tam Coc though not as spectacular, Thung Nang is off the tourist trail and a pleasant alternative. Pass through a cave, fields of lotus flowers (in summer) and reach a quaint pagoda before returning on the same route. Option 3: Bai Dinh Pagoda Located close to Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bai Dinh Pagoda is a spiritual complex with a great number of amazing records and it is undeniably a must-see for culture lovers. After the boat journey, drive back to Hanoi arriving late this afternoon. Overnight stay at hotel in Hanoi.
• Day 5: Halong Bay – flight to Danang (B/Br/-)
  Enjoy a fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi or Haiphong for a short domestic flight to Danang. After landing, transfer to hotel for check in. At leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Danang. * Please note: If today is a flight day, please get your tickets issued after 18:00PM.
• Day 6: Danang - Bana Hills (B/L/-)
  Spend the day on the beautiful mountainous theme park. Marvel at the exquisite architecture of the Linh Ung Pagoda, Golden Bridge. Feeling refreshingly cool weather and gorgeous countryside views, and enjoy exciting games at Fantasy theme park on top of Ba Na hill. Your experience today starts at 08:30 for 1,5-hour transfer from your hotel to Ba Na Hills. Start to spend a day to visit this mountainous theme park perched 1,500m high on a mountain, a hill resort inherited from the French. The site was first developed by the French in the 1920s, who escaped the summer heat for its cool, mountain air. This day trip will bring you to the scenic sights and destinations of the local, and give you a healthy dose of much needed mountain air. You’ll first head to the Ba Na Hills cable car station where you ascend one of the world’s longest and highest cable car rides, giving you panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. At the station, get to see the Linh Ung Pagoda, Loc Uyen Garden and Quan Am Pavilion. Next, your guide will bring you the Monkey Garden and finally to God Mountain, the highest peak in central Vietnam. Stroll through the Golden Bridge amid the foggy hills of the mountain, enjoy the gorgeous view of Da Nang city. After lunch, head into Fantasy Park for enjoy some games later. Overnight stay at hotel in Danang.
• Day 7: Danang - Marble Mountain – Hoi An Ancient Town with lantern boat tour (B/-/D)
  Marble Mountain is known a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves. Explore the mountain’s main cave to see a beautiful Buddha statue built in the Cham style. Then immerse yourself in Hoi An's extraordinary local culture on this trip by night boat. Wander through the towns’ narrow streets, marveling at its heritage buildings and catching glimpses of traditional ways of life. You may feel the magical sensation of release your own lantern into the water as you go. Spend your morning at leisure. In the afternoon, take a drive south to Marble Mountain. Travel to the top and gaze upon the city, seeing new high-rise buildings standing alongside traditional wooden houses. Then explore the mountain’s main cave to see a beautiful Buddha statue built in the Cham style. When reaching Hoi An, follow your guide walking around Hoi An’s old town to learn about its illustrious past as a trading port. See the remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood hundreds of years of weather and war. Start at the Japanese Bridge, which spans a small waterway and was built more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance. Continue to a Chinese communal hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Additionally, explore smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. One of the most enchanting experiences you cannot miss in the old town is taking a Hoi An lantern boat ride on the Hoai River. The wonderful journey with lantern boat Hoi An will give you to immerse yourself in the town’s unique ambiance. Release a lantern on the Hoai River, and explore the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Take in the sights and smells of Hoi An by night in this authentic experience. Ride on a boat on the river and take part in a ritual as you release your off lantern into the night sky. After the boat, explore the city's bustling night market. Learn all about the city's the traditional culture and stretch your legs in its picturesque Old Town. After this insightful glimpse of Hoi An, have your dinner before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Danang.
• Day 8: Danang - Departure flight (B/-/-)
  At leisure until transfer to Danang airport for your onward flight. Tour ends. Thank you for your choosing us and wish to see you again soon in our next tours.

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