Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Whilst there is no activity planned for today, your guide will be on hand to recommend places of interest. Later we will dine at one of the capital's many fine restaurants.
Day 2: Hanoi
We begin the tour with a full day's sightseeing in the capital including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nations’ founder Ho Chi Minh and Temple of Literature, the site of Vietnam’s oldest university. The complex also contains the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the founding of the city in the 11th century. The Presidential Palace and Uncle Ho's house can also be seen here.
Afterwards, we have a walking tour of Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, the focal point of the city. The Old Quarter with its bustling streets is home to hundreds of small thriving businesses, each street denoting its trade, such as Tin Street or Fish Street. We walk around the exciting Don Xuan covered market, the largest in Hanoi. This evening we catch a performance of the famous Water Puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
We depart from the capital for Ha Long Bay approximately three hours away. En route we have a short stop at the Sao Dao centre run for and by handicapped children. Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay (approx. midday) we will be met by the Customer Services Manager and transferred to our luxury junk, the ‘Jewel of the Bay’. Once we have settled in we can begin our cruise around majestic Ha Long Bay accompanied by a delicious lunch. After lunch we have the chance to explore some of the limestone caves dotted around the bay. Then our captain will find a secluded spot where we can swim in the clear water of the bay, soak up the sun on the top deck or try our hand at some kayaking. We can relax on the top deck using the sun-tanning area or enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar. In the evening our cook will prepare a splendid meal comprised of fresh seafood as well as traditional Vietnamese fare as we weigh anchor in the heart of the bay. For those that are interested there is the opportunity to do a spot of night fishing from the boat.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip followed by breakfast. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas for swimming or kayaking. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey back to Hanoi. We should be back in the capital at around 3pm.
Day 5: Hanoi (Red River Delta Cruise)
We embark on a full day's excursion with a boat cruise along the Red river before jumping on bicycles to visit some of the villages, each renowmed for their own particular handicraft. We also see some fascinating rural pagodas and temples along the way.
Day 6: Depart Hanoi
Tour ends after breakfast.
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