Northern Vietnam Highlight Tam Coc and Halong Bay 5-Day

Explore some of Northern Vietnam’s highlights during this 5-day, 4-night, excursion including Hoa Lu and an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Explore the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties in Hoa Lu, the country’s 11th-century capital, then enjoy activities like sightseeing, kayaking, and Tai Chi during your included Halong Bay trip. Your cruise, accommodations, some meals, and transport are included.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi - Half day city tour (L)
A tour guide and a car will pick you up at the airport to your hotel. Put your luggage at the hotel then Start your day exploring the Ho Chi Minh Complex situated in Ba Dinh square and visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, majestically made of marble and granite in honor of the founder of unified Vietnam where his preserved body lies memorialized.
Continue your tour by visiting Ho Chi Minh's residence, a traditional wooden tiled house on stilts surrounded by nature. This is the place where president Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1958 to 1969 and it illustrates the simplicity and modesty of Ho Chi Minh's life.
You will then visit the One-Pillar pagoda, an ancient relic built in 1049 under the Ly Dynasty before heading to the Temple of Literature built in 1070, which is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. It is also Vietnam's first university and the courtyard features numerous stone tablets, each mounted on the back of a tortoise, with the names of graduates over the centuries
Enjoy Vietnam traditional food "Pho" - beef noodle in a local restaurant for lunch.
The tour will be ended at 13.00, a tour guide will take you back to your hotel and let you check in. End of 1st day.

Day 2: Hanoi - Hoa Lu- Tam Coc (B,L)
Explore Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, and located 70 miles (120 kilometers) from Hanoi. Following a hotel pick-up from the Old Quarter of Hanoi, relax in air-conditioned comfort on the 2.5-hour journey southeast. Upon arrival, see the 2 main temples of the former royal city, including the main temple to Emperor Dinh and the temple to Emperor Le in the foothills of the Den Mountain.

Explore the historic sites of the Outer Citadel, separated from the Inner Citadel by the limestone mountains. Continue to Tam Coc for lunch at around at 12:30. After sampling some delicious Vietnamese cuisine, cruise the Hoang Long River by traditional sampan. Pass the curious karst mountains carpeted in lush vegetation, and paddle into hidden caves to see geological formations. Next, cycle along quiet roads through small villages and rice fields to see the rocky outcrops of Tam Coc - Bich Dong. The gentle bike ride lasts for about 45 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers). After a little time to relax at a local restaurant, you will be driven back to Hanoi. Arrive your hotel at 08 PM.

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B,L,D)
At 08:00 AM, tour guide pick you up at your hotel, the bus ride through the Red River delta is a great opportunity to see what daily life is like for Vietnamese farmers.
Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier at 11:30, and then get on the cruise ship by noon.
The cruise starts sailing through the world’s natural wonder Halong Bay while professional chefs are preparing for your deluxe Vietnamese and International lunch buffet. Visit the first attraction of the tour, Luon Cave. On the way to this site, you might also pass a variety of other sites like Dau Nguoi (Head) Island, Turtle Island and Heaven Gate’s Island.
Next, the ship transports to Ti Top island in 15 minutes only, and anchors here for swimming, sunbathing, mountain climbing or kayaking. Return to the ship after 45 minutes and head toward Lun Bo Area, where we would spend the night.
Continue exploring the quintessence of Vietnamese gastronomy with another distinctive menu of both Vietnamese foods and international menu. After that, the whole night is for you to enjoy in your own way. Suggestions are taste some fined drinks at the bar during Happy Hour – Buy 1 drink get 1 free; or watching movies, massage services or squid fishing.

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B,L)
Enjoy quick breakfast with coffee, tea and finger foods in the dining room before going on the sundeck for Tachi class in the early morning. The cruise continues to Surprise Cave, one of the most primitive and beautiful caves of Vietnam.
Return to the boat, check out in around 30 minutes then enjoy the farewell buffet before heading back to Halong. Arrive at Bai Chay pier at 11:00 and leave Halong to come back Hanoi.

Day 5: Departure.

Rest of the day will be at your leisure. You will be dropped off at the airport by a private car.