General Information
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
Date: Departure date upon your request
Start/ End: Hanoi / Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Available (Tell us what you wish to do in the inquiry form)
Tour Categories: Vietnam Beach Holidays
Tour Highlight
- Step into a sea of crimson at the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where travelers witness the mesmerizing process of traditional drying—a rare, high-impact visual encounter with local craftsmanship.
- Instead of a frantic walking tour, a traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter allows guests to absorb the sensory details of Hanoi—the colonial facades and street life—at a soulful, rhythmic pace.
- Drifting through the karst tunnels of "Halong on Land" by hand-paddled sampan offers a quiet, intimate connection with nature that feels worlds away from the city's energy.
- The itinerary offers a fascinating "time-travel" experience, transitioning from the 10th-century temples of Hoa Lu to the modern, Venice-inspired vibrant canals of Grand World Hanoi.
- By choosing Lan Ha Bay over the more crowded Halong routes, travelers enjoy a quieter, more exclusive seascape while kayaking through the hidden lagoons of the Dark and Bright Cave.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Cultural Discovery (B)
Day 3: Incense Village – Grand World Experience (B)
Day 4: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (B, L)
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Departure (B, Brunch)
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Please note that hotel check-in time is from 14:00; early check-in is not included.
After some rest, begin your first exploration of the capital with a gentle ride through the Old Quarter on a traditional cyclo. As you move slowly through narrow streets filled with life, you’ll witness the rhythm of daily Hanoi — street vendors, colonial facades, and the constant flow of motorbikes.
In the evening, enjoy a performance of Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries, telling stories of rural life and folklore through music and puppetry on water.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Cultural Discovery (B)
After breakfast, we begin a full-day exploration of Hanoi’s cultural and historical highlights.
Our first stop is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you will visit the final resting place of Vietnam’s most revered leader. Continue to explore his Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, known for its unique lotus-inspired design.
We then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, peacefully located by West Lake, offering a tranquil contrast to the city’s busy streets.
In the afternoon, we continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of the country’s long-standing respect for education and Confucian values.
The rest of the day is free at leisure to explore Hanoi’s culinary scene — from authentic Vietnamese dishes to international dining experiences.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Incense Village – Grand World Experience (B)
After breakfast, we leave the city behind and head to the traditional village of Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a hidden gem known for its vibrant red incense sticks laid out to dry in beautiful formations.
Here, you will witness the entire incense-making process - from bamboo cutting and dyeing to crafting the aromatic paste. Walking through the village, you’ll have countless opportunities to interact with local artisans and capture unique cultural moments.
In the afternoon, we continue to Grand World Hanoi, a modern entertainment and shopping complex inspired by European-style architecture. Stroll along colorful streets, explore boutique shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the waterfront. This is also a great place to relax, take photos, or enjoy a coffee in a completely different setting compared to traditional Hanoi.
Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc (B, L)
After breakfast, we journey south to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”
Upon arrival, we explore the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le are set against a backdrop of limestone mountains.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue with a peaceful sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. As your boat glides gently through rice fields and towering karst formations, you will pass through three natural caves - each offering a magical interplay of light, water, and stone.
In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay Cruise (B, L, D)
After breakfast, we depart for Ha Long Bay.
Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, we transfer by tender to your cruise and begin the journey into the quieter and equally stunning Lan Ha Bay, an extension of Halong Bay known for its pristine beauty.
Lunch is served onboard as the cruise sails past dramatic limestone formations such as Finger Islet and Candle Islet.
In the afternoon, we explore the beautiful Dark and Bright Cave, where you can enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through calm waters surrounded by towering cliffs. You may also swim in the emerald sea or simply relax and take in the scenery.
As the sun sets, return to the cruise for a relaxing sunset party, followed by a fun Vietnamese cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional spring rolls.
Dinner is served onboard, and the cruise anchors overnight in a peaceful area of the bay.
Overnight on cruise.
Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Departure (B, Brunch)
Wake up early to enjoy the serene beauty of the bay and join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises.
After a light breakfast, continue exploring the bay with a kayaking session, offering a final chance to immerse yourself in this extraordinary natural landscape.
Return to the cruise for brunch as the boat slowly makes its way back to the harbor.
After disembarkation, we enjoy a relaxing break at The One Indian Halong Restaurant, where you can experience a refined Indian-style Hi-tea - a perfect finale that adds an international culinary touch to your journey.
Finally, transfer back to the airport in Hanoi for your departure flight. Thanks for choosing our vietnam vacations!
