Northern Exotic Vietnam

Day By Day Itinerary

DAY 1- HANOI ARRIVAL

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where our guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel, a journey of about 40 minutes. In the late afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, situated on an islet in the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is the heart of Hanoi and is home to a rare endangered giant turtle species. Its name, meaning "Returned Sword," is derived from a legend about a sacred sword lent to an ancient Vietnamese king by a holy turtle from the lake, which was later returned to the turtle. You’ll also have time to explore the Old Quarter, known for its 36 ancient streets, where you can shop or stroll at your leisure.

DAY 2- HANOI- HALONG BAY   

After breakfast, start your city tour at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which highlights the life of the nation’s founder. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed Mondays, Fridays, and during October-November), the colonial Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Stop by the One Pillar Pagoda, an 11th-century structure dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, and explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in 1070. In the afternoon, transfer to Ha Long Bay, about 160 km away, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Enjoy the scenic countryside along the way before arriving in Ha Long City. After checking into your hotel, spend your time at leisure.

DAY 3- HA LONG-HANOI

In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, then transfer to the dock to board a shared boat for a tour of Ha Long Bay, known as "Descending Dragon." The bay features around 2,000 karst islands and islets and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island to explore Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave, historically used to store wooden stakes for military purposes. After returning to the dock, have lunch at a local restaurant before traveling back to Hanoi. In the afternoon, you’ll have time for shopping in the Old Quarter, with the evening free for leisure activities.

DAY 4- HANOI – NINH BINH

After breakfast, transfer to Ninh Binh province, located 110 km south of Hanoi. Tam Coc - Bich Dong is a renowned tourist destination near Ninh Binh, known for its stunning landscapes. Along the Hoang Long River, towering limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the rice paddies, giving Tam Coc the nickname "on-land Ha Long Bay." A river trip through Tam Coc and its three caves offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during the rice harvest season. Adjacent to Tam Coc is Hoa Lu, the site of Vietnam's ancient capital from the 10th century. Here, you'll find the remains of the capital, including temples dedicated to the two legendary leaders, King Dinh and King Le, who founded Hoa Lu as a citadel.

DAY 5- HANOI DEPARTURE

After breakfast, you will have the day free to relax and explore at your own pace. As the time for your departure approaches, our guide will ensure you are transferred to the airport in a timely manner for your flight. This allows for a smooth and stress-free conclusion to your journey.

Send Enquiry