Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and its second largest city. It is smaller and less hectic than its southern counterpart - Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon ) and retains much of its old world charm. Hanoi is a city of tranquil lakes, ancient pagodas and temples; charming French colonial mansions and boulevards; and the bustling street life of the Old Quarter.

Arrive in Hanoi. Greeted by your guide at the airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city centre for check-in and at leisure in the rest of the day. Late afternoon transferred to Thang Long Theater for Water puppet show. Dinner and O/N in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)

Early departure for Halong Bay, a World Heritage with thousands of limestone and dolomite island and islets. Stop on the way to visit Ceramic village at Dong Trieu. Upon arrival in Halong take a sailing boat to cruise the splendid bay to visit its breathtaking seascape created by the rocky islands (dog, man''s head, cock and hen islands...) and emerald calm water, with stopovers to visit the grottoes inside islands and swimming. A lunch of fresh sea foods will be arranged onboard. Late afternoon back to Hanoi and if your time is not limited, have a break at the Hong Ngoc Charity Centre where children and handicap people present their pretty products made of stone. O/N in Hanoi.

Day 3: Hanoi – Hoa Lu - Tam Coc (B, L)

A 90km drive south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-land”. Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued in the site that used to be the kings’ palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relics of the shady Dinh and Le temples. O/N in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi (B, L)

A half-day city tour of Vietnam''s Capital City. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, old-colonial architecture, pretty lakes and ancient temples. The city tour will comprise well known sights at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his old house, the Temple of Literature and the Lake of the Restored Sword. A Cyclo Tour in the Old Quarter will complete your trip in Hanoi and take you back to the car for transferring to Noi Bai airport for the onward flight.

Note: The city tour can be shifted to the 1st day depending on your flight schedule.

Quotation (US$/person)

Includes:

- Twin sharing at 3-4 star hotels

- Meals as mentioned in the program

- Transfer by private A/C vehicle for whole trip

- Private sailing boat trip in Halong Bay

- Boat trip in Hoa Lu – Tam Coc.

- English speaking guide. Other languages are available upon request.

- Admission fees for all sightseeing places.

Excludes:

- International flight from/to Vietnam.

- Visa arrangement.

- Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls etc.).

- Drinks.

- Tips and gratuities.
Packing list:

Passport, towels, change of clothes, sun block, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent, proper hiking shoes and rain coat.