5 Days Vietnam Tour Package with Hanoi - Ha Long - Hai Phong

Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, covers an area of 1500 square km. With more than a thousand limestone peaks soaring from its crystalline emerald water, this area is one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and is now one of four World Heritage-listed sites in Vietnam. The tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the wind and the waves that make an excellent backdrop for swimming or just lazing about on the boat deck.

• Start the day by enjoying a relaxing full-day private boat excursion aboard a traditional Chinese-style wooden junk.
• Sail by rock islets such as Stone Dog and Incense Burner (Dinh Huong), and stop to explore Thien Cung or Sung Sot Caves to view the beauty of the surreal and subterranean world of stalagmites and stalactites.
• Anchor at Titop Beach and relax in the sun or enjoy a swim.
• A wonderful seafood lunch is included and will be served during your trip to this mystical bay.
• Overnight in Ha Long.

• Depart for a drive to the harbour city of Hai Phong.
• Enjoy a short tour of the city through Du Hang Temple and contemplate its Buddha statues, the Grand Catholic Cathedral, and the large fish and colourful flower markets.
• Continue the drive to Ha Noi with lunch en route at a local restaurant.
• Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon and be free for the rest of the day to relax or explore this dynamic city on your own.
• In the evening, you will have a chance to watch one of the delightful water puppet shows.
• This unique art form was created in the 10th century and came from northern Vietnam's Red River delta region.
• Using the water’s surface as the stage, puppeteers stand behind a curtain and control the puppets using long bamboo rods and a string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface. A “Cheo” (a form of opera) is sung simultaneously as the puppets are controlled to tell stories to the audience.
• Overnight in Ha Noi.

• Blending the modern with the mystery and charm of the past centuries, Ha Noi offers an air of elegance that harmonizes with nature. Your sightseeing tour in the morning begins with a visit to Van Mieu (also known as the Temple of Literature). The temple dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways; this is one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
• Next, you will continue the tour by going to Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex1 - containing a museum and Ho Chi Minh's final resting place and Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House - a simple two-room dwelling where he lived 1958 until his final days in 1969.
• You can also see One Pillar Pagoda, or Chua Mot Cot nearby, which was made from a single large tree trunk and originally constructed in 1040, then later rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954.
• Afterwards, drive to West Lake in the city's centre to see the beautiful 6th century Tran Quoc Temple.
• At midday, take a break to enjoy a famous Ha Noi savoury speciality - “Pho”.
• In the afternoon, we will pay a visit to the infamous Hoa Lo prison, built by the French colonists to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it was used by northern Vietnam and dubbed "Ha Noi Hilton" by American prisoners of war. Today, only part of the prison still exists as a history museum.
• Next, we will tour Ha Noi’s old quarter - the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam, featuring more than 1000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Each street was named to reflect a specialized trade in the old time, such as silk, jewellery, etc. Take a break at a local coffee shop to experience Ha Noi in the past time while sipping your coffee and watching life in the neighbourhood.
• Your tour ends with a visit to the charming Buddhist Temple.

• Transfer to the airport for your onward departure flight.
• Tour ends.