Northern & Central Vietnam Exploration

Arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Our partner hotels are centrally located with a cosy, boutique vibe, specially selected to be comfortable and convenient for you to simply walk out the doors and begin exploring the neighbourhood.

Meals: Nil
Hotel: Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi (Deluxe)

Spend the morning on a walking tour to learn about Hanoi’s unique history and culture. Visit the Northern Gate of the ancient citadel, a gargantuan fortress in the heart of the city, and the Cua Bac Church, a beautiful example of French and Catholic influence.

Stroll along leafy Phan Dinh Phung Street with its magnificent French-colonial villas on the way to the 11th century Taoist Quan Thanh Temple, one of the oldest and most culturally significant in the city.

Learn more about Hanoian culture with visits to the Chau Long Market near scenic West Lake, the historic Long Bien Railway Station located on the bridgehead of the impressive Long Bien Bridge, and Hang Than Street, the epicentre of Hanoi’s thriving wedding cake stores for insight into Vietnam’s unique wedding culture.

Along the walk, stop to sample “pho cuon”, a delicious snack similar to fresh spring rolls, before hopping aboard a pedal-powered cyclo (rickshaw), perfect for photos and slow-moving sightseeing. Sit back and relax as your driver weaves through some of the Old Quarter’s busiest streets and end the morning with lunch at a local restaurant.

Please note:

Meet at 8:00 am at the Open Space Bar & Coffee in the Army Hotel (25A Phan Dinh Phung Street)
Tour duration: 5 hours
Tour ends at a local restaurant.
Tour is suitable for travellers who enjoy walking (approximately 4km) and have a reasonable level of fitness.
Please bring hat / umbrella and be prepared for rainy season or high temperatures during the summer. Drinking water is highly recommended especially during summer months.
Blackout dates: Lunar New Year period (exact dates updated on yearly basis)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Flower Garden Hotel Hanoi (Deluxe)

After breakfast, travel approximately 180 km to beautiful Halong Bay. Check in to your cabin aboard the intimate 12-cabin L’Azalée Deluxe Cruise, and enjoy lunch in the bright, cheery restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows as the ship begins cruising through the bay.

The rest of the day is a pleasing mix of relaxation and exploration with shore excursions to visit Surprise Cave, the largest and most spectacular in the bay, and a floating pearl farm, or kayaking around the islands.

halong-bay tour packages
Back on board, participate in a Vietnamese cooking class before sitting down to dinner. In the evening, try your hand at night squid fishing or relax in your cabin.

Hotel: L’Azalee Deluxe Cruise (2D1N Superior)

Wake up with the sun and participate in one of the most scenic Tai Chi sessions you’ll ever encounter on the sundeck of the L’Azalée. After breakfast, head ashore on Titov Island where you can climb the hill for 360-degree views or swim off the golden sand beach. Around mid-morning, return to the ship and enjoy brunch as you cruise back towards the harbour.

Disembark at the L’Azalée Cruises Lounge just before noon with private transfer back to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport in time for your late afternoon flight to Da Nang. Transfer and check in to ÊMM Hotel Hoi An, located on a quiet, leafy street just minutes from the Ancient Town.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: EMM Hoi An Hotel (Superior)

Founded in 1919 by French colonists as a leisure resort destination, the cool Ba Na Hills retain much of their colonial atmosphere. Travel back in time immersing yourself in the charms of this idyllic hill station, starting with a cable car ride to the top of the mist-covered summit, taking in views of the magnificent Linh Ung Pagoda and a giant Buddha statue.

Golden Bridge Ba Na Hills
After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, spend the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps at the fantasy park with over 100 games for children and adults or simply strolling around the beautiful surroundings.

Please note:

Estimated pick-up time: 8:00 am
Tour duration: 8 hours
A hat / umbrella is recommended, especially during rainy season and against sun / high temperatures during dry season.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: EMM Hoi An Hotel (Superior)

Enjoy the day at your leisure, perhaps by exploring the picturesque Ancient Town, going shopping, or just relaxing by the hotel’s swimming pool.

victoria hoi an bicycle
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: EMM Hoi An Hotel (Superior)

Enjoy a final breakfast in Hoi An before making your way back to Da Nang’s International Airport for your onward travels.

northern & central vietnam exploration pool EMM hoi an
Meals: Breakfast