Gland of the North Vietnam

Upon your arrival at the airport, Asia Life Travel tour guide and private car will warmly welcome you. Transfer to your hotel for check in. Rest of the day you are free for jet lag. 
 

Start at 08:30AM for a full-day exploration of Hanoi. First visit the renowned Temple of Literature and the Quoc Tu Giam—Vietnam's first university, was founded within the temple to educate the royal family, mandarins, and elite members for an impressive 800 years.

Afterward, you can choose between museum options (to be decided on the tour day):

Option 1:Vietnam Women’s Museum. This highly regarded museum showcases the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam and highlights the vital role women play in society.

Option 2:Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). A must-visit for those interested in Vietnam's cultural diversity, this museum features a vast array of interactive exhibits representing the 54 ethnic groups of the country.

Option 3: Hoa Lo Museum - The "POWS" Known as the "Hanoi Hilton", this historic site was built by the French and served during both the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. It offers documentaries of Vietnamese history in 20-21 centuaries. 

Following your museum visit, enjoy your lunch.

Once refreshed, head to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. This fascinating site involves considerable walking, so be prepared (note that the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as every afternoon and annually from June 12th to August 14th).

Continue on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from the outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Then, visit the Presidental Palace and the 'house on stilts' where 'Bac Ho' lived from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Mondays and Fridays). Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful botanical garden, concluding at the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique symbol of Hanoi built in 1049.

Then enjoy some coffee at Train Street. The century-old train tracks that run through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town have recently transformed into an intriguing attraction known as Hanoi Train Street, especially popular among travelers and foreigners. Sitting at a café adjacent to the railway and observing the daily lives of local residents can be somewhat risky, yet it continues to draw many curious visitors eager for the experience.
In the mid to late afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the cyclo. This labyrinth of alleyways is filled with hidden gems, offering a glimpse into local life in the ‘36 guilds’ as you navigate the bustling streets.

To wrap up the day, travel back to the 11th century with an enchanting performance of the ancient art of water puppetry at the famous Water Puppet Theater.

After this captivating introduction to Hanoi’s highlights, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Pick up at your hotel by private car and tour guide for 2 hour drive to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. On arrival, visit the temples dedicated to the Kings of Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence from Chiness for a thousand years.

Transfer to Tam Coc which has been appeared in the famous movie "King Kong”. You will enjoy a relaxing sampan boat which is gently rowed by local people along the Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

Have a break for lunch before set a lightly hike to visit Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15 century. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views. 

Stay overnight in Ninh Binh

7:30 AM: Depart from your hotel for a comfortable three-hour drive through the scenic Red River Delta.

Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed to a romantic journey to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.

Check in your comfortable private carbin before enjoying a delightful lunch with sea food choices.
Take some leisure time to admire the breathtaking scenery before setting off afternoon excursions. You can visit the famous Sung Sot cave, enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat rowed by fishman or try hands on kayaking. 
As the sun sets, participate in a cooking class while the bar's Happy Hour is opened, the perfect view of Tonkin Bay.

The fine dining experience for dinner, featuring a delectable tasting menu, promises to create unforgettable moments.

Afterward, relish a starry night on the bay from the top deck with your favorite drink. You can also try your luck at squid fishing.

Start your day early with a Tai Chi session on sun deck, breathing in the fresh air, and witness the sunrise over the bay.

Enjoy a light breakfast complemented by a good cup of coffee or tea, preparing for a new-day adventure exploring the bay's rocky islands and natural beauty. If the weather is favorable, you’ll have the chance to swim at a hidden beach or hike to the top of TiTop island grab the stunning bay view on your photos. 

Afterward, return to the cruise to complete the check-out process. Savor a delightful brunch at the restaurant while cruising back to the harbor. 

Your private vehicle transfers you back to Hanoi or the airport to continue your holiday (up on request).