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Introduction:
A great chance to discover the northern highlights of Vietnam, the eight day vacation will take you from the colonial elegance of Ha Noi to the tranquil rural scenery of Ninh Binh, the World heritage Ha Long Bay. Cycling against a backdrop of endless lush green paddy fields and irregular tree-covered limestone mountains, cruise on a junk, Savour delicious food on deck, Swim amid stunning karst scenery...This trip does it all...

Tour highlights:
• Hanoi’s city tour and Water Puppet Show
• Boat cruise in spectacular Halong Bay
• Sampan riding and cycling in Ninh Binh

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Hanoi arrival

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver will welcome you and transfer you to hotel in Hanoi.

The rest of your day is at leisure for independent exploration – just catch a sight of Hoan Kiem lake or explore the maze of streets in the city's fascinating Old Quarter where you are certain to find something unique to buy.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi (own arrangement)

Meal inclusions: None

Day 2 Ha Noi city tour, Water puppet performance

On the morning of day 2 we take a city tour to Ho Chi Minh complex, his house on stilts and the museum and One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh temple. We also make a visit to the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, which is now dedicated to Confucian worship and “Hanoi Hilton” –a nick name given by US pilots during the war.

In the afternoon we take a cyclo tour in the Old Quarter and attend a performance of traditional water puppetry

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi (own arrangement)

Meal inclusions: Lunch

Day 3 Ninh Binh sightseeing

You are picked up from hotel and transfer by private car for a 3 hour journey to Ninh Binh

Located in one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam. With its dramatic scenery, historical intrigues, Ninh Binh is an ideal base to venture out on short small day trips.

Our first stop is Hoa Lu ,the ancient capital of Vietnam (968-1009) with two temples of two Kings. The trip offers spectacular scenery with opportunity to meet a host of smiling children a long the way.

Arriving in Tam Coc, we take a rowing boat trip for 2 hours on Ngo Dong river, crossing beautiful rice paddy and through mountain tunnels of Tam Coc. This is an ideal place for natural lovers.

In the late afternoon we take a bicycle tour to Bich Dong Pagoda, located on top of the mountain, the cave pagoda offers a spectacular view of the countryside.

We spend the night at hotel in Tam Coc

Overnight at The Long hotel in Ninh Binh (1 family room)

Meal inclusions: Lunch

Day 4 Halong Bay Cruise, Junk overnight (join group tour)

This morning we take a 4 hour drive from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.

12 noon approx

Arrive Halong Bay. Welcome aboard The Paloma. Meet the captain and crew and join us for a welcome cocktail as we tell you about life onboard.

Check into your cabin. Time to refresh and unwind.

Set sail as lunch is prepared by our chef.

Join us for a relaxing lunch in the restaurant or on the outdoor dining area. Enjoy the stunning views of the Bay, its dramatic limestone islands as we sail through the calm waters.

Afternoon

While we make our way to Bai Tu Long Bay, relax on the sundeck and watch the world go by or take an afternoon nap in your cabin. Early afternoon arrive at Vong Vieng floating fishing village

Our guide will give you some information and interesting facts about this fascinating village and its local community.

Disembark and travel on the sampans rowed by the local people. They will be your guides through their fishing village where you can meet the locals, visit the school and pearl farms. See at first-hand what life is like living on the water. We are proud of our working partnership with, and support of, this community.

Back on board The Paloma we head towards Halong Bay.

We drop anchor in the calm waters surrounded by islets

Opportunity to go swimming in the clear warm waters or go kayaking. Kayaking is suitable for all levels and ages. Our expert will run through the safety procedures and after a basic paddling lesson our experienced guide will lead you to explore the Bay, its lagoons and beaches.

For those who prefer a relaxing afternoon, make the most of sunbathing on deck or pamper yourself with a massage and sauna in our luxurious spa.

Early evening

Back on board, enjoy the sunset with evening cocktails and fresh fruit.

Take an opportunity to refresh and then join friends for a pre-dinner drink in the bar.

Dinner is served in the restaurant or outdoor dining area, which is a gastronomic delight.After dinner, unwind in the bar where there is a selection of books, magazines and board games or relax in the spa; watch a movie on our plasma TV; join some of our team to go cuttle fishing at night or take a late night swim under the stars.

Accommodation and overnight on junk.

Overnight on Paloma Deluxe Junk boat (A family suite cabin)

Meal inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Halong Bay cruise – Hanoi

06:30

For the early risers join us for a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Tai chi helps focus the mind and condition the body and there is no better environment to practice this than amongst the limestone peaks and islands.

Take an opportunity to view the sunrise over the Bay or have an early morning swim. Breakfast, coffee and tea and served.

After breakfast we sail through the waters and pass by a number of caves including Trong (Drum) cave, Trinh Nu (Virgin) cave, Coc Ngoi (Toad) cave and we drop anchor at Surprise (Sung Sot) Cave.

Disembark and visit Surprise Cave located on Bo Hon Island. It is one of the widest grottoes in Ha Long Bay with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites.

10:00

We board The Paloma again. Take time to refresh and relax before checking out. Bags can be left in the luggage store.

An early lunch is served.

12 noon

Return to the shore and disembark from The Paloma as our crew say farewell.

Transfer to our private car and return to Hanoi. Arrival back at your hotel at about 16:30

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi (own arrangement)

Meal inclusions: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6 Ha Noi outskirts

You start the day from your hotel at 08.00am and travel west of Hanoi to visit Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the Northern Red River delta where still preserve many hundred-year-old houses. It will be your unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys; visit Mong Phu temple in Mong Phu hamlet - the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Have some talks with the locals in their ancient houses

After lunch,  we continue to visit Thay Pagoda, one of the famous attractions in the vicinity of Hanoi, is also known as Thien Phuc Pagoda and is dedicated to the worship Sakyamuni Buddha and 18 Arhats. The pagoda is on the side of a mountain, surrounded by trees. Thay Pagoda was built in the 11th century, during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong, Thay Pagoda has three sections: the outer, for offerings and ceremonies, the middle, for worship of Buddha, and the inner, for worship of monk Tu Dao Hanh.

In front of the pagoda is Long Chieu Lake. In the middle of the lake is a floating temple that serves as a stage for water puppet shows.

On the way back we stop to visit Van Phuc Silk Village, renowned over centuries for its silk-making and silk products

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi (own arrangement)

Meal inclusions: Lunch

Day 7 Hanoi free time

Today you are free on your own, there's a chance for more exploration. Why not head back to the Old Quarter, stroll the city's tree-lined boulevards or enjoy the tranquility of the lakes over a traditional Vietnamese coffee! The choice is yours

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi (own arrangement) 

Day 8 Departure

Today is your departure, you are free at your leisure until transferred to Hanoi airport for the flight home.

TOUR ENDS.
 

Tour Includes:

• Accommodation at hotel in Ninh Binh

• Halong Bay cruise

• Meals as descrived in the itinerary

• Private transportation round trip

• Tours and excursions as described in the program

• Local English speaking tour guide

• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time

Tour does not include:

• International flights and visas

• Accommodation at hotel in Hanoi

• Transfers beyond the itinerary

• Entrance fees and permits during free time

• Personal expenses such as: Telephone, laundry, and bar bills.

• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary

• Tips & Personal expenses

• Travel insurance