ESSENCE OF THE NORTH: A JOURNEY THROUGH LEGENDS, FLAVORS & LIMESTONE WONDERS

CHILDREN POLICY:
Children under 3 years old: free of charge (additional entrance tickets for parents to be paid directly).
Children from 4 to 9 years old: 70% of the adult tour price (children over 1.4m in height are considered adults).
Children 10 years old and above: considered as adults.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
A 50% deposit is required after confirming the tour. Full payment is due upon completion of the tour.
Cancellation before 15 days will incur a 25% cancellation fee based on the deposit.
Cancellation before 7 days will result in no refund of the deposit.
Cancellation after 7 days requires a full payment of 100% of the tour cost.

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ESSENCE OF THE NORTH: A JOURNEY THROUGH LEGENDS, FLAVORS & LIMESTONE WONDERS (5D4N)

Departure: Daily

Vehicle: Bus or Car

Day 1: WELCOME TO HANOI - THE HEART OF VIETNAM (Lunch, Dinner)

8:00 AM: Begin your journey as you're warmly welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport or your hotel in Hanoi. Your cultural immersion starts with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the elegant Presidential Palace, where the legacy of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader lives on.

Next, admire the serenity of the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of spiritual grace, and step into the scholarly past at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to the 11th century.

12:30 AM:  Lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant

1:30 PM: Stroll along the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake and discover Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island in the lake. Then, venture into the Old Quarter on foot or by cyclo, winding through vibrant streets still named after ancient trades like Silver Street (Hàng Bạc) and Bamboo Street (Hàng Tre).

5:30 PM: Indulge in a welcome dinner featuring signature Hanoi dishes:

Bún chả – grilled pork with vermicelli noodles, Nem rán – crispy Vietnamese spring rolls, and an authentic egg coffee at a cozy café

Optional Experience:
Watch a traditional Water Puppet Show or embark on a guided street food tour in the buzzing Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: NINH BINH - PAGODAS, PEAKS & PEACEFUL RIVER (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh (approx. 2-hour drive), a region famed for its blend of sacred architecture and otherworldly natural landscapes. 

10:30 AM: Begin with a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex – the largest Buddhist sanctuary in Southeast Asia, home to towering statues and peaceful courtyards.

12:00 PM: Savor regional specialties for lunch at a local restaurant:

Goat meat – grilled or steamed, a delicacy in Ninh Binh
Cơm cháy – crispy rice, a crunchy delight often paired with savory sauces

1:30 PM: Board a traditional sampan boat for a tranquil cruise through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, gliding through caves, river tunnels, and fields nestled between towering limestone karsts.

Optional stop: The dramatic setting of Kong: Skull Island’s filming site.
Then, climb the steps to explore Bich Dong Pagoda, a mystical 3-tiered temple nestled on the mountainside.

4:30 PM: Return to Hanoi. 

7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant.

For night owls, head to the Dong Xuan Night Market, within a 10-minute walk or short cyclo ride from most Old Quarter hotels, awaits with local bites and souvenirs. Enjoy the vibrant local vibe with live street music and people-watching.

Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: HANOI TO HA LONG BAY - CRUISE AMONG THE KARSTS (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Our minivan/bus will pick you up and set off on a scenic journey eastward to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3 hours), a natural wonder and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12:15 PM: Upon arrival at the harbor, board a luxury cruise and enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before setting sail.

12:30 PM: Feast on a seafood lunch onboard as you sail past photogenic islets like Fighting Cocks (Hòn Gà Chọi), Incense Burner, and Dog Islet. Take a short rest.

2:00 PM: Step into the Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave), where colorful lighting highlights centuries-old stalactites and legends echo in every chamber.

Later, glide through peaceful waters into Luon Cave or Ba Hang, surrounded by towering karsts and echoing bird calls. A perfect chance to see monkeys and marine life in their natural habitat.

Stop at a quiet beach or floating platform for a refreshing swim or sip a drink from a floating bar.

6:00 PM: As the sun dips behind the limestone peaks, enjoy “Happy Hour” cocktails on the sundeck with mellow music and panoramic views. Capture Instagram-worthy sunset shots.
7:00 PM: Relish a Vietnamese seafood dinner with dishes like:

• Grilled shrimp and steamed clams
   
• Ha Long squid cakes (chả mực)

Stargaze on the top deck with a cool breeze and partake in onboard entertainment.

Overnight: On cruise (or hotel in Ha Long, if preferred)

Day 4: HA LONG BAY - FLOATING VILLAGES & RETURN TO HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch)

8:00 AM: Wake up to the serene sound of the bay and enjoy a light breakfast on deck as the cruise sails through a tapestry of misty limestone islets.

9:00 AM: After breakfast, visit a floating fishing village where generations of families live a life tethered to the sea. Learn about their floating homes, sustainable fish farming, and daily routines.

Continue cruising amidst majestic scenery.

11:00 PM: Enjoy a final lunch onboard.

12:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Disembark and head back to Hanoi via scenic countryside roads (approx 3.5 hrs).

4:00 PM: Arrive back in the capital and unwind or explore at your own pace. Suggested activities:

• Browse artisan silk, hand-embroidered goods, and lacquerware on Hang Gai Street.

• Ride the glass elevator to the Lotte Tower Skydeck and witness Hanoi from above, which is especially stunning at the golden hour.

6:00 PM (OPTIONAL)

For those craving one last flavorful adventure, join a guided street food tour and taste Hanoi’s local favorites:

• Phở bò – rich beef noodle soup
   
• Bánh cuốn – delicate steamed rice rolls
   
• Bánh mì with a French-Vietnamese twist
   
• Nem nướng grilled skewers with herbs
   
• Fresh sugarcane juice or egg coffee

Or visit Lotte Tower Skydeck for city views

Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 5: HANOI AT LEISURE - DEPARTURE (Breakfast)

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel 

8:00 AM: Spend your last morning soaking in Hanoi’s authentic charm and peaceful moments:

Travel to Bat Trang Pottery Village, famous for centuries-old ceramic craftsmanship. Try your hand at shaping clay, painting, and firing your own personalized pottery piece.

Walk or cycle along the scenic path by West Lake
Stop by the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, beautifully set on a small peninsula.

Final Shopping Stops: Pick up last-minute gifts at Hom Market for fabrics and snacks, or browse international and local brands at Aeon Mall

Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Northern Vietnam’s charm, cuisine, and cultural treasures.

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