OVERVIEW

As the capital of Vietnam for almost a thousand years, Hanoi is considered one of the main cultural centres of Vietnam, where most Vietnamese dynasties have left their imprint. Even though some relics have not survived through wars and time, the city still has many interesting cultural and historic monuments for visitors and residents alike. The city hosts more cultural sites than any city in Vietnam, and boasts more than 1,000 years of history, and that of the past few hundred years has been well preserved.

Highlights

  • Hanoi's history, culture, religion and tradition: Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hoa Lo Prison, Temple of Literature, Museum, Old Quarter, French Quarter
  • Experience Vietnamese cycle ride (local rickshaw)
  • Hanoi's food (specialties)
  • Old quarter oriental walking
Start/end
Halong port
Trip theme
History, local life, culture
Physical level
physical rating
Duration
1.5 days
Price
US$ 145

What's included in this trip?

Meal included
1 Dinner, 1 Lunch
Transport
Bus
Accommodation
Hotel in Hanoi
Included activities
4-hour cruise on Halong Bay, visit to a limestone cave, kayaking, Hanoi sightseeing activities: Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison museum
Tour does not include
Visa, Personal expenditures, Travel Insurance, Tips, Other than mentioned in the trip notes & itinerary
 

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Itinerary Details

DAY 1: HALONG BAY CRUISE HALF DAY (5 HRS. - NO LUNCH)

12:00PM: Pick up at cruise passenger station.

Notes: Ship will dock at a new international cruise port and use a shuttle to transfer clients to the passenger cruise station (transfer 3 minutes or otherwise walking 10 minutes– 500 meters).

Transfer (20 minutes) to sightseeing pier on Tuan Chau Island to board private half-day junk for a 4-hour cruise on the emerald green waters of Halong Bay.

After some time of cruising on the bay, we quickly get away from most of the other tourists to be alone in the middle of nature among the thousands of spectacular limestone islands and passing floating village for taking pictures.

The cruise includes a short hike up to an island for a visit to a limestone cave (Thien Cung or Heavenly Palace cave) with many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites and cruising by a fishing village where you can see how lives on the water and their making living there are.

Get on a rowing boat (or kayaking) to visit Ba Hang Cave to enjoy the marvelous scenery here, boating is an activity you cannot ignore as your hands are free to take photos and admire the scenery.

We will start the cruise back to Halong City where your vehicle will be waiting for you to take you back to the cruise.

Arriving at the pier at 05:00PM

Depart for Hanoi - the heart of the Vietnamese nation, transfer takes 2.5 hrs. (using the new highway Halong - Hanoi).

Arrival Hanoi at 08:30PM, check-in your hotel and have dinner at your own cost.

Overnight at a hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Notes: Cruise or Itinerary can be changed with prior notice according to the weather or Halong Bay Management permission.

DAY 2: CHARMING & HISTORIC HANOI (LUNCH INCLUDED)

hanoi, Vietnam
hanoi view, Guom Lake

08:00AM: Pick up at your hotel

Today you will have a day tour to visit Hanoi’s featured sights. (visit as much as possible)

Drive through bustling streets lined with French colonial style structures on your way to the nation’s capital, including the parliament, party house, the president's house, and the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh – the founding father of Vietnam. 

Continue to the Temple of Literature, built-in 1076 as Vietnam's first university. It was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

Have lunch at one of the finest local restaurants, tasting local specialties or trying “Phở” or “Bun chả” - one of the oldest favorites of north Vietnam cuisine.

After lunch: Visit Hoa Lo Prison museum - Known widely by the nickname Hanoi Hilton given to it by the Americans during the Second Indochina War, Hoa Lo Prison was originally established by the French colonial government in 1896 for the purpose of detaining political prisoners and formed part of a northern network of unjust and cruel prisons. Many leading Vietnamese revolutionaries were incarcerated here during the French colonial period, between 1964 and 1973 the prisons inmates included several captured American pilots, notably Senator John McCain and Douglas 'Pete' Peterson, Americas first Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

(Alternative: Visit Ngoc Son Temple (the Temple of the Jade Mountain) is the most scenic natural landscape of the city, built on a small island in the centre of the ‘Lake of the Returned Sword’ or Hoan Kiem Lake)

Enjoy half an hour trishaw (pedicab) ride through Old Quarter - This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you.

(Alternative if time permits: Enjoy 45 minutes Water Puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life.)

Stroll around the Old Quarter discovering several Vietnamese handcrafts & shopping before return to the port (2.5-hour drive).

06:00PM: Drop off at port. End of services.

Thank you! And see you again!


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IMPORTANT NOTES

Tour itinerary:This itinerary is subject to change, with or without prior notice, due to local travel conditions, unforeseen circumstances, or force majeure events, all in the interest of ensuring your safety.

To book for this pre-arranged tour:If you wish to proceed with this pre-arranged itinerary, along with all the terms of service clearly outlined in the program, you can either fill out the enquiry form with the necessary details to submit your request, and our travel consultant will get back to you shortly, or you can book directly online through our website if availability is listed.

Tailor this tour:If you book a private tour for you and your group, this itinerary can be customized to best suit your preferred travel timeframe, style, budget, and expectations upon request.

Deposit & Payment:A deposit of 30% of the total price is required to confirm your tour booking. For bookings made within 30 days of the departure date, a 50% deposit is required. The remaining balance is due 15 days prior to your arrival and can be paid online via a payment link or, if agreed, in cash upon arrival.

Customer support & Requirement for information:Either before or during the trip, if you wish to contact us for any query or info, you can use one of the following methods:
- Call or chat Whatsapp our 24/24 hotline: +84 968 604 760, +84 903 432 999 - Or email us at: [email protected] , [email protected] - Also, you can contact us via our live chat window that available on our website

Visa & Passport:Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your trip. It is your responsibility to carry a valid passport and obtain all necessary visas, permits, and certificates required for yourl entries/visit.
E-visa or a physical visa must be applied no later than two weeks before your travel or sail date to allow sufficient time for approval and delivery. When applying, ensure your name matches exactly as it appears on your travel documentation. Also, you need to prepare: (i) a photo of passport the page with information – free from any reflections or marks caused by camera flashes. (ii) a recent photo of yourself straight looking without glasses and your ears should be clearly visible in the photo. (Straight looking without glasses). You must also provide the seaport details for entry and exit. Please double-check all information before submitting your visa application, as incorrect details may result in being denied boarding or disembarking at a Vietnam port. If entering Vietnam with an E-visa, you must bring a printed copy to present to the check-in agent on boarding day. For guidance on obtaining a travel visa for Vietnam, please visit: How to get travel visa for Vietnam. If you would like assistance with your visa application, please contact our travel consultant for support.

Travel insurance:It is your responsibility to secure international travel insurance, review the policy carefully before travel, and ensure it provides the required level of coverage. Your insurance should cover personal accidents, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation, baggage loss, and trip cancellation or curtailment. Please note that some pre-existing medical conditions may not be covered by your insurance provider. Except for local travel insurance included in sightseeing tickets at specific sites, Travel Authentic Asia does not provide travel insurance as part of the trip unless explicitly requested and paid for separately from the tour price.

Weather:The weather in this part of Asia varies depending on the region and season. During winter, from November to March, temperatures in areas like Hong Kong and North Vietnam can range from 4–10°C (39–50°F), with mountainous regions dropping as low as 1–5°C (34–41°F), making it quite cold. Most other regions, however, generally experience warm weather, with temperatures averaging between 25-30°C (77-86°F) and occasionally reaching up to 33°C (91°F) or higher. For detailed weather information about your destination, please consult our travel consultant or check it here on our website.

What to wear:When preparing for your trip, pack versatile clothing suitable for both warm and cool climates. For regions like North Vietnam and Hong Kong during the winter months (November to March), warm clothes and a light jacket are essential, as temperatures can be quite cold. In warmer areas, lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal to stay comfortable. For beach or pool activities, swimsuits and sun-protective clothing are recommended. A light raincoat is also useful year-round, as tropical showers can occur unexpectedly. When visiting sacred places or cultural sites, it is important to dress modestly. In many temples or religious sites, covering your shoulders and knees is expected as a sign of respect. Avoid wearing revealing or overly casual clothing such as shorts or tank tops when visiting such places.

What to take:To make your travels easier, pack lightly and choose a suitcase with wheels for convenience. Keep in mind that many items can be purchased at your visiting destinations, so avoid overpacking and bringing everything from home. For day trips from ports, a smaller overnight bag (if you’re taking an overnight excursion) or a little backpack is handy for carrying essentials. A discreet money belt is recommended for securely carrying money and travel documents. Be sure to pack the following essentials: warm clothing for cooler regions, sunblock to protect against the tropical sun, swimsuits for water activities, and a light raincoat or umbrella to stay prepared for sudden rain showers.
 

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PRICE & AVAILABILITIES

PRICING IN US DOLLAR PER PERSON

Rates applied from 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2025

Number of Persons 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 - 10 11 - 12 13 - 14 15 - 16
Price Please contact us for best price upon your travel date, number of travelers and specific needs

Inclusions

  • Port fee
  • Private van transfer with aircondition
  • Excursion as mentioned with all entrance fee included
  • Lunch
  • Boat trip where mentioned
  • English Speaking guide through the trip
  • Mineral water (01 bottle/person) & tissue on coach

Exclusion

  • Hotel
  • Requested drinking
  • Tip for guide and driver
  • Any other services not mentioned at inclusions portion
 

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