Quintessence of Tonkin – Vietnam Tour (5 Days / 4 Nights | Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI – CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR 

🛬 Namaste, upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly guide will greet you with a warm welcome.
🚐 Transfer to the heart of Hanoi city for a short but enriching city tour.

Sightseeing includes:

• Ba Dinh Square – the political heart of Vietnam

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Stilt House – legacy of the beloved national leader

• One Pillar Pagoda – iconic lotus-shaped Buddhist structure

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university and a symbol of knowledge

• Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple & The Huc Bridge

🏨 Hotel Check-in (after 14:00 hrs). Relax and enjoy Hanoi’s vibrant old quarter at your own pace in the evening.
🍽 Dinner on your own (Indian restaurants are available nearby)
Overnight stay in Hanoi.

DAY 2: FULL-DAY EXCURSION TO NINH BINH (B)

🍳 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
🚗 Embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh – also called "Halong Bay on land".

Highlights of the day:

• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda – the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam

• Hop aboard a traditional sampan boat ride through Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Witness breathtaking limestone caves, emerald streams, and mysterious natural wonders.

📸 Must-see caves include: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou Cave
📍 Electric car and boat ride included

⏪ Return to Hanoi by evening.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI → HALONG BAY – OVERNIGHT CRUISE (B/L/D)

🍳 Breakfast at hotel.
🚌 Depart for the world-famous Halong Bay (approx. 2.5-hour drive). Enjoy scenic views of the Red River Delta, lush rice fields, and local countryside life.

🛳️ Arrive at Halong City and board your selected luxury cruise. Receive a welcome drink as you settle into your cabin.

Cruise Highlights:

• Sail through a maze of 2,000+ limestone karsts & islets

• Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – a natural wonder

• Relax or swim at Titop Beach

• Enjoy a sunset on the sundeck

• Participate in onboard activities: kayaking, squid fishing, and a cooking class
  🍽 Enjoy buffet lunch, dinner onboard with local and international cuisine
  Overnight onboard the cruise in Halong Bay.

⚠️ Note: Cruise itinerary subject to weather conditions. Alternate stay in Halong City if necessary.

DAY 4: HALONG BAY → HANOI – FREE & EASY EVENING (B/Brunch)

🌅 Wake up to the peaceful sounds of waves and bird calls.
🍽 Light breakfast served onboard. Continue cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay, passing by Tortoise Island, Human Head Island.

🛳 Check out and enjoy brunch on board as the cruise returns to port.
🚐 Return transfer to Hanoi in the afternoon.

📍 Evening is free to relax or explore shopping streets, cafes, or try Indian cuisine in the Old Quarter.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.

DAY 5: HANOI – DEPARTURE (B)

🍳 Breakfast at the hotel.
🧳 Free time to explore or shop for souvenirs before your transfer to the airport.
🛫 Bid farewell to Vietnam with unforgettable memories!