Get the best of both worlds on this adventurous itinerary that combines the charm of Hanoi with the magical scenery of Halong, Bai Tu Long, and Lan Ha Bay. Understand the storied history and culture of one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved capitals and see the best of the mysterious Gulf of Tonkin by air and sea.
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay
Day 4: Cat Ba Island – Lan Ha Bay
Day 5: Lan Ha bay – Tuan Chau – Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi departure
Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, a Topas representative will welcome you to the land of the ascending dragon before heading straight to your hotel in the heart of the city. The day is at leisure to discover Hanoi on your own, wandering the crooked alleys of the iconic Old Quarter and the promenade around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Included meals: N/A
Transfer distance and activities: 45’ drive
Dive into Hanoi’s 1000-year-old history at the Citadel, a true testament of Vietnam’s strength, resilience, and beauty. Marvel at the ancient architecture while strolling past leafy gardens and learning about the Citadel’s central position of power, of which it maintains even to this day. Then, head over to the superb Vietnamese Women’s Museum, an essential stop on any visit to Hanoi. Explore the heroines of Vietnamese society, especially in regards to ethnic minorities, war, and modern exhibitions before heading to one of the Old Quarter’s most picturesque ancient houses for a tasty lunch.
After an afternoon spent at leisure, experience Hanoi like a real local–on the back of a vintage Vespa! Your trusty driver will zip you down alleyways, beneath tangled electricity lines, and alongside tranquil lakes, stopping to let you sample the local food scene in Hanoian-approved establishments. Finish the evening at Hanoi’s first jazz club, hidden beneath the gorgeous frame of the French-colonial Opera House, for some quirky cocktails and live music.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance and activities: 4km sightseeing tour – 4.5h evening motorbike tour
Leave Hanoi behind this morning with a 2.5-hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Upon arrival to Tuan Chau Island, get your first introduction to this land of fairytales and legends as the crow flies with a 25-minute seaplane tour. Soar above pearl farms, hidden islands, floating villages, and see how the water changes from a deep green to bright turquoise the higher you fly.
Once the plane lands, transfer by speedboat to Gia Luan port where your cruise ship and lunch awaits in Lan Ha Bay. Meander through the exotic landscape before pausing for a bamboo boat ride rowed by locals through a grotto nicknamed Dark and Bright Cave, on the border of Halong, Bai Tu Long, and Lan Ha bays. If weather permits, you can take a kayak to discover the area on your own. Afterwards, take some time for swimming and sunbathing before returning to the ship for a traditional Vietnamese rice wine tasting and cooking instruction, followed by dinner.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance and activities: 2.5h transfer – 2h kayaking and swimming
As the sun rises over the bay, join the ancient practice of Vovinam on the sundeck, a martial art created in Vietnam. After working up an appetite, sit down for a delectable breakfast as the boat docks at Viet Hai pier, the only way to reach Viet Hai Village as there are no roads connecting it to the rest of Cat Ba Island.
Cycle along well-made paths for 3.5 km (there’s an electric buggy available if you would rather survey the jungle landscape at a comfortable pace) to reach the village. Spend time getting to know the history and traditions of the Vietnamese people who live there, enjoying a lunch before setting off for a secluded area of Lan Ha Bay where filming for the Hollywood blockbuster Kong: Skull Island took place. Take some time to swim and relax in this stunning area before returning to the ship for a traditional tea ceremony.
After dinner in the ship’s restaurant, retire to your cabin or join a karaoke party at the Navy Club.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance and activities: 3.5km cycling – 2h kayaking and swimming
Spend your final morning in Lan Ha Bay with a cup of coffee or tea as you watch the sun rise. Participate in another session of Vovinam or lounge in you room until the morning’s activity, a tour to Hoa Cuong Cave, begins. Admire the glittering stalactites and stalagmites and learn about the cave’s history during the Second Indochina War as a shelter for the locals during bomb raids.
Brunch is served as the ship begins its return to port. Upon disembarkment at Tuan Chau Pier, return to Hanoi by van with a drop-off at your hotel in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore Hanoi independently.
Included meals: Brunch
Distance and activities: 2.5h drive
Enjoy the day at leisure until your transfer to Hanoi International Airport for onward booked travel.
Included meals: Breakfast
Transfer: 45’ drive
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