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With this 4-day 3-night trip, you’ll explore the cultural and natural highlights that make Northern Vietnam so unique, blending history, tradition, and stunning landscapes into an unforgettable adventure.
Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to Hanoi city, which takes around 45 minutes. Your guide will be with you for this transfer.
After your hotel check-in, you may wish to take a late afternoon or evening stroll of 2.5km around Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake is considered the center of Hanoi, not only physically but also symbolically. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son Temple, a pagoda sitting in the centre on a small island.
Hoan Kiem means “Lake of the Returned Sword”. The legend was that a famous and victorious king who drove out the Ming army lost his sword when a turtle came up and took it when he was on a boat in the lake. The legends also say that he originally received his magical sword from the turtle god of the area.
From early morning exercise, to courting couples at night, Hoan Kiem Lake is a pleasure to visit at any time.
This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature
Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. We will explore this dynamic view of everyday street life on foot in the morning light – it is a photographer’s paradise… all kinds of portraiture, architecture and people at work – along with many street sellers and their wares.
The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only). We continue to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple ‘stilt house’ which Ho lived in and the unique ‘One-Pillar Pagoda’.
The Temple of Literature was first constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Also here is The Imperial Academy – constructed in 1076, which was the first national university of Vietnam, it has preserved its ancient architectural style of many dynasties.
Take your seats for the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.
Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique folk art that originated a thousand years ago during the Ly dynasty. It originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition.
The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.
With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.
Your private vehicle and driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to your Halong Bay Cruise. Your guide will be with your transfer.
This pleasant journey through the Red River Delta takes around 2.5 hours, with a refreshment stop along the way.
You will embark on a captivating 2-day, 1-night cruise on Halong Bay, where you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders—Halong Bay
After you disembark your cruise, your private transportation will be waiting for you to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight This service marks the conclusion of your 4-day, 3-night journey.
