Arrival in Hanoi, check in at hotel after 2PM.
Free and easy
Overnight in Hanoi.
Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. You also discover Uncle Ho’s Stilt House, where he lived and worked here during his time as President of North Vietnam. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Drive back to central Hanoi for a walking tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century.
Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets over the water. The show uses colourful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and episodes of national history set to music.
Breakfast at hotel, then you will transfer to Ninh Binh in around 2.5 hours.
Arrival in Ninh Binh, you will move to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Hoa Lu ancient capital was the first capital of the feudal state of Vietnam, Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province. It is a tourist destination which will bring you to a few imperial capitals of the country in the ancient and medieval eras. Visiting Hoa Lu, you will not only have a fun and exciting time but can learn more about culture and history as well. Visit King Dinh and King Le’s temples. Then continue the trip to Mua Cave.
Arrive Mua Cave (Hang Mua) and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with spacious view of the nature.
Lunch at local restaurant.
Then you will discover Trang An Grottoes, get on a rowing boat traveling along the river with scenic mountain and green fields landscape.
In June 2014, Trang An landscape complex was designated by UNESCO as a world cultural and natural heritage. With an area of over 2,000 hectares, Trang An area is made up of limestone ridges, mysterious caves, valleys, rivers, and dozens of historical sites.
Then back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
08.30 You will be greeted at your hotel by the drive of cruise’s shuttle bus to take the new highway to Tuan Chau harbor.
12:00: Welcome to Heritage Cruises Lounge at No.28 of Tuan Chau International Marina for refreshments before boarding for the cruise.
12:30 Board the Heritage Cruises boat and enjoy a welcome drink as you receive a cruise briefing, safety instructions and check into your suite. Lunch is served at L’indochine Restaurant.
12:40 Heritage Cruises takes you to contemplate the magnificent sceneries made from limestone mountain of Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago. This bay is untouched and remote, as not many cruise boats use this route.
15:30 The cruise vessel approaches the Ba Trai Dao (Three Peach beaches) or Tra Bau in Lan Ha Bay, a natural frontier between the provinces of Halong and Haiphong. This secret hideaway has beaches, caves and coves, plus the spectacular natural beauty of about 400 islands. Guests can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay.
17:30 Back on Heritage Cruises, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
18:30 Activities include afternoon tea and the chef will lead a Vietnamese cookery class.
19:30 A memorable dining experience will be offered at the restaurant, with local food in an intimate and romantic setting.
21:30 Enjoy evening views of the bay at the bar on the top deck. Try your hand squid fishing. The bars are open until late.
Overnight on boat
06:15 Start the day with the session of Vovinam on the sundeck.
06:45 Have a light breakfast on board.
07:15 Head off in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave.
09:00 – 09:30 Return to the boat for checkout.
10:00 Enjoy brunch while cruising back to base.
11:00 Return to Tuan Chau Marina and disembark for the drive back to Hanoi by cruise’s shuttle bus and then private transfer to Noi Bai airport for flight to Hue.
Arrival in Hue, check in at hotel and overnight in Hue.
