Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our Travel Expert who shall assist for your transfer to the hotel. On arrival, you will be offered a welcome drink (non - alcoholic) and given a brief note about the tour in the hotel lobby.
Later, Check into the hotel for refreshments - time for breaks and food or drinks (personal expenses) before taking an in-depth tour of the most interesting sites in Hanoi. After the refreshments and needed relaxation, get ready for an exciting tour which includes the visits to: -
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum {Ba Dinh Square} – The square adjacent to the Ho Chi Minh complex is called Ba Dinh Square which was originally developed by French colony and known as Round Point Pugininer. On September 2nd, 1945 – now Vietnam National Day - Ho Chi Minh read the Vietnam Independence Declaration over here and about 24 years later his funeral was also hosted at the square. The in power Vietnamese government decided to build a Mausolem in his remembrance. Nowadays it is one of the few green and unoccupied areas of urban Hanoi where many important events such as parades and commemoration of veterans take place at the square.
One Pillar Pagoda - is a historic Buddhist temple built in 1049 by erecting a pillar in the middle of a lotus pond. The temple is built of wood on a single stone pillar 1.25 m in diameter and is designed to resemble a lotus blossom which is a Buddhist symbol of purity since a lotus blossoms in a muddy pond.
Temple of Literature - is a temple built in 1070 dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. The temple hosts The Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university to educate Vietnam's crown princes, bureaucrats, nobles, royalty, and other members of the elite. The various pavilions, halls, statues and stelae of doctors are places where offering ceremonies, study sessions and the strict exams are held. The university remained open from 1076 to 1779 which lost its prominence and became a school.
Ngoc Son Temple - Meaning 'Temple of the Jade Mountain', Hanoi's most visited temple sits on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake, connected to the lakeshore by an elegant scarlet bridge, constructed in classical Vietnamese style. The temple is dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao (who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century), La To (patron saint of physicians) and the scholar Van Xuong.
Take an in-depth walking tour of Hanoi Old Quarter for an overview of the local life and businesses before your return to the hotel.
Late evening get a chance to re-live your childhood by enjoying the famous Water Puppet Show (Optional / Personal Expense). Rest of the day is at leisure.
DAY 02 HANOI - HA LONG BAY - HANOI
A day with the Dragons!
After an early breakfast we set off to Ha Long Bay, which is one of New Seven Natural Wonders of the world and also a member of the Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World. Whilst the journey is 4 hours, we shall stop off for a coffee and continue through the Paddy fields to Ha Long (Islands of dragons).
Upon arrival at the harbor, your next activities will be as follows:
Board your traditional Vietnamese boat then set sail through the limestone islands whilst having a lip smacking seafood lunch.
Then dropping anchor close to an island gives you the opportunity to visit one of the most impressive caves. Take your time to enjoy the beauty of the cave before re-joining your boat.
Continue to cruise amongst the world of dragons before return to the harbor, from where you will board the car and drive back to Hanoi.
Arrive Hanoi in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is yours. Relax and enjoy the facilities available at your hotel or explore the surrounding area prior to getting a good night’s sleep.
DAY 03 HANOI - DEPARTURE
Post morning meal, you are free for shopping (personal expenses) until a transfer to the airport for your journey back home.