Hanoi and Halong Bay

We arrive in Hanoi and transfer to our accommodation. We explore the burstling Old Quarter on foot. We walk through the vibrant street market before exploring a real hidden tube house. We take a rest and enjoy a tasty Vietnamese coffee while enjoy the fascinating view of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem lake from the terrace of the house.

This evening, we attend a water-puppet theatre performance. The art of water puppetry began a thousand years ago, possibly in the flooded rice fields of Vietnam. Puppeteers today stand in waist-high water and manipulate their puppets in such a skilled way that you can’t help but be captivated by the performance. Music accompanies the action, including the dan bau, an instrument made from a dried watermelon rind that produces haunting sounds.

You’ll have the whole day to explore Vietnam’s capital city. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam dating back to the 11th century, and a popular attraction, as is Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his modest stilt house where he chose to live and work. We will also visit the museum dedicated to his memory.

In the afternoon, we will proceed to the most beautiful of Hanoi’s museums, The Ethnology museum. This showpiece provides a fascinating insight into the histories and lifestyle’s of the 54 ethnic groups of Viet Nam.

We make an early morning departure from Hanoi and drive through the Red River Delta on our way to HaLong City. Upon arrival, our crew will greet us with a refreshing welcome drink and then our cruise begins! As we navigate our way through the emerald waters and limestone islands we are served a delicious lunch of fresh seafood (vegetarians are also catered for). As we cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay we marvel at the amazing karst scenery with different formations, such as Dragon Islet, Kissing Chicken Islet, Tourtoise Rock, Vung Oan Islet. Halong Bay is littered with hidden caves and grottoes and we’ll take some time to explore some of these. For those feeling active you can explore by sea kyak. After our first evening’s dinner, night fishing is available upon request. Most will probably opt to relax on deck under the stars before retiring for the night in your cozy cabin.

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Halong Bay’s landscape. After breakfast we cruise to the Cong Dam area for exploring hidden lagoons and karst formation. Again there is the chance to explore at your own pace by kayak. We’ll make a stop at a beach where we can take a stroll, swim or simply relax before enjoying our BBQ lunch. Well fed and rested we return to our trusted vessel and cruise to a nearby floating village. Here we have the opportunity to meet with the local fishermen and their families. We can make a short tour of the village by local rowing boats while our crew pick up some fresh fish for our dinner. We then Cruise back to the overnight spot with more time for swimming or kayaking around. Alternatively just relax with a cool drink and enjoy the sun set in this enchanting bay. Our final evening dinner will be served on board and then there is time to enjoy one final night under the stars.

We wake with the sun and enjoy a light breakfast before visiting Thien Canh Son Cave or Vung Vieng floating village. Once back on the boat we cruise back to the harbour of Halong City. There will be one last chance to swim in the bay en route. Lunch will be served on the way back and we expect to reach the Jetty by 12.00. Bus transfer directly to Noi Bai airport for your onward flight.