4 Days Northern Vietnam Escape
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LANGUAGE
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The charm of Hanoi. Begin your journey in Vietnam’s capital, where old streets, colonial architecture and everyday city life come together. Wander through the Old Quarter, browse Dong Xuan Market and enjoy a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake as the sun sets. The city’s mix of history and local life offers a welcoming introduction to Vietnam.
An overnight cruise through Ha Long Bay. Leave the city behind and sail among the bay’s limestone islands and calm waters. Enjoy lunch on board, take part in activities offered by your cruise or simply relax on deck as the scenery unfolds around you. As evening falls, settle in for dinner and a night on the water. Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of the bay and enjoy breakfast while cruising back towards the harbour, before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.
- Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary (L=Lunch/ D=Dinner), local food.
- Accommodation based on twin/double
- 01 night on cruise
- Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Complimentary mineral water
- 01 FOC based on twin sharing for group 16 pax and up
- International & Domestic flight tickets
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Tipping for guides, drivers, hotel staff, restaurant staff, boat rider, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Infant below 3 years old sharing room with parents is free of charge.
- Child below 12 yrs old sharing same room with 1 ADL is charged for 90%.
- Child below 12 yrs old with extra bed and sharing same room with parents is charged for 65%.
- Child below 12 yrs old No extra bed & sharing same room with parents is charged for 55%
information
Tipping For Guide And Driver (Compulsory)
- For 01-04pax: US$ 5/pax/day
- For 05-09pax: US$ 4/pax/day
- For 10pax up: US$ 3/pax/day
Day by day itinerary
Ha Noi Arrival – Half Day City Tour
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcomed by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 munites.
Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.
Afternoon, visit Hanoi 36 Old Quarter streets for discovery and shopping, Hang Gai, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, etc. with hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils … and shopping at local famous Dong Xuan market, take a short time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Returned Sword Lake whose name comes from a legend of a sacred sword) at sunset. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi
Ha Noi – Ha Long Overnight On Cruise
Following breakfast leave Hanoi for 4 hours drive to Ha Long Bay including a 20-minutes stop on the way. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. Be welcomed onboard and have lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on cruise in Ha Long
Ha Long – Ha Noi
Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi late in the afternoon. Free and easy. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi
Hanoi Departure
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
Similar trips
4 Days Northern Classic of Vietnam
SEE COMPLETE ITINERARY
Day 01: Ha Noi Arrival – Half Day City Tour
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, welcomed by our guide and transfer to your hotel. The transfer distance is approximately 40 minutes.
Afternoon, visit Hanoi 36 Old Quarter streets for discovery and shopping, Hang Gai, Hang Dao, Hang Ngang, etc. with hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils … and shopping at local famous Dong Xuan market, take a short time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake (The Returned Sword Lake whose name comes from a legend of a sacred sword) at sunset. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi
Day 02: Half Day City Tour – Transfer To Ha Long
The half-day city tour begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. The area surrounding the complex is a traffic-free zone filled with botanical gardens, monuments, memory and pagodas, and includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace. Travel back in time to the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Walk a few blocks out of the Ho Chi Minh Complex to the 11th century Buddhist One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant construction rising from the center of a square shaped lotus pond on a solitary pillar. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Viet Nam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars.
Afternoon, transfer to Ha Long Bay which is about 160 km or 3.5 hour drive away. Moving through the countryside on the way will bring you a clear perspective of a country’s whose 80% of population live on farming. Have a quick rest stop en route before reaching Ha Long City. Check in hotel then spend time at leisure. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Halong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: A hotel used in Ha Long
Day 03: Halong – Hanoi
For Group 1-9pax: Sharing boat and Lunch at local restaurant
Morning, breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM, transfer to the dock for boarding a sharing boat to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese as legend has it that a holly dragon landed down here from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). Dau Go Cave in 13th Century was a depot to store pointed wooden stakes, which later were used by Vietnamese great military commander Tran Hung Dao to trap and puncture Mongolian naval boats in famous battles of Bach Dang. Return to the dock, disembark. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch travel back to Hanoi.
Afternoon, arrival to Hanoi and shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
For Group 10pax up: Private boat and lunch on cruise
Morning, breakfast at hotel between 6-7 AM, transfer to the dock for boarding a cruise boat to explore the legendary Ha Long Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon in Vietnamese as legend has it that a holly dragon landed down here from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The boat will stop at Dau Go Island for you to visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace) and Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes). Dau Go Cave in 13th Century was a depot to store pointed wooden stakes, which later were used by Vietnamese great military commander Tran Hung Dao to trap and puncture Mongolian naval boats in famous battles of Bach Dang. Continue cruising while fresh seafood lunch is served on board. Return to the dock, disembark and travel back to Hanoi.
Afternoon, arrival to Hanoi and shopping in Hanoi Old Quarter. Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi
Day 04: Hanoi Departure
Free at leisure until transfer to airport for departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
5 Days Northern Vietnam Explorer
5 Days Northern Vietnam Explorer
SEE COMPLETE ITINERARY
Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam!
On arrival at Noi Bai airport, our driver (no guide) will pick up and transfer to the Centre of Hanoi for check-in into the hotel (standard check in time is 14:00, early check in will depend on hotel availability).
Free at leisure on your own. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Night activities suggestion: Enjoy local beer at Ta Hien Streets, experience the ambience of sleepless street with live music, the young people of Hanoi and also foreign tourists. Hundreds of bars and pubs in the Old Quarter are also at your disposal. Or you can just simply spend your time at shopping malls or various boutique Shops.
Meal: No Meal
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 2 : Hanoi Full Day City Tour
09:00 start a full day city tour beginning with the Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. Explore Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese, the Presidential Palace and the rural style Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he lived and worked. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars.
Afternoon, visit Hoan Kiem Lake or “Returned Sword Lake” which originated from a legend of a sacred sword. On an islet in the lake, there is located Ngoc Son Temple which is accessible by a classically red painted wooden bridge. Touring through the Old Quarter, famous for its ancient streets representing traditional trades from the past by cyclo. 17:30 transfer back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 3 : Full Day Ninh Binh
09:00 meet our guide at your hotel and transfer to Ninh Binh Province about 100 km South of Hanoi. Head for Hoa Lu to see the few vestiges of the first capital of Vietnam. Built in the 10th Century by the Dinh Dynasty not only for a capital but also as a stronghold against the Northern invaders, Hoa Lu shortly later it was inherited by the Le Dynasty. Visit the two old temples one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the only king of the Dinh Dynasty and also Vietnam’s first emperor and
the other to the succeeding kings of the Le Dynasty. Though the temples are no longer intact, some precious antique carvings and sculptures of stone and wood are still preserved. Then continue to visit Bich Dong pagoda, an ancient three-tiered cave pagoda only accessible by steep stone steps, but it is worth climbing up for a charming pagoda and stupendous view from the top.
Afternoon, take a sampan cruise along the Hoang Long River through the scenic landscape of Tam Coc, a 350-ha area of karst mountains scattered over the lush wetland with paddy fields. This area is referred to as “an inland Ha Long Bay” for its strikingly similar water-and-rock terrain features. Depending on the time of visit, you may see local farmers harvesting rice or transplanting seedlings for the new crop. Pass through three big caves which feature the area’s name (Tam Coc means three caves in Vietnamese) and which represent a host of local rocky caves and grottoes. 17:00 transfer back
to Hanoi. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 4 : Full Day Halong By La Casta Day Cruise
Breakfast at hotel.
07.00: Shuttle bus of Cruise Company will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and start your trip to explore the most amazing bay in the North of Vietnam. On the way, we will have a quick stop in the middle of the way to rest.
10.00: Upon arrival at Tuan Chau harbor, you will check in and get on board the cruise then starts a trip to discover World Heritage.
10.30: Enjoy welcome drink. The cruise departs from Tuan Chau harbor for a joyful journey to discover the beauty of the world heritage Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you will have chance to pass through the grandeur of the legendary bay with thousands of limestone islands such as: Dog Rock, Duck Rock and especially Thumb Rock - a beautiful limestone islet rising from sea water in the shape of a giant thumb. Mother Nature has put Thumb Rock here to send a message of goodness to every passenger cruising in the ancient bay.
12.00: Have a huge buffet lunch with variety of dishes including seafood and Vietnamese traditional food.
13.00: Stop at Bo Hon Island. Our tour guide will take you to Sung Sot Cave/Surprising Cave, the largest and the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. After about 200 steps under forest canopy, the entrance of the cave shows up. A paradise appear in front of you. You will discover the cave in about 45 minutes before getting back to the cruise (For other tourists who can’t walk much, you can stay on cruise, chilling out on the sundeck).
14.00: Say goodbye to Sung Sot Cave, cruise heads to Luon Cave. In this area, it’s time for you to heat up with kayaking (about 30 minutes kayaking)
15.00: Stop at Titov Island. On this small island, you can climb halfway up the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Looking down from high above gives you a wonderful sensation; at the same time offers you a spectacular view of every corner of the bay.
16.00: After that, you will get back on the cruise and ready for our Sunset Party. Vietnamese tea, fresh fruits and snacks will be served when you’re relaxing on the sundeck or in the Jacuzzi. On the way back, cruise will pass by Hoa Cuong area, one of the most beautiful spots in the bay.
17.30 – 18.00: Arrive in Tuan Chau port. End of the trip. Thank you for choosing La Casta Daily Cruise for your holiday in Vietnam. See you on the next journey!
18.00: Shuttle bus of Cruise Company will take you back to Hanoi.
20.30: Arrive Hanoi.
Note: Due to operation or weather conditions, itineraries and food may change without prior notice. Thank you for your kind understanding!
FULL DAY HALONG TOUR INCLUSION:
- 7.5 hours trip with La Casta Daily Cruise
- Shuttle bus for round trip Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Buffet lunch on boat
- Activities: Cave, kayaking, swimming, sunset party, Jacuzzi
- English/Vietnamese speaking tour guide
- Sightseeing fees
- Free birthday party in sunset party (free on request)
FULL DAY HALONG TOUR EXCLUSION:
- Holiday surcharge
- Taxes
- Other beverages, tips and personal expenses
- All other services not mentioned clearly in the program
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (buffet)
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 5 : Departure
Morning, you have breakfast at hotel. Check out hotel (standard check out time is 12pm). Transfer to airport for departure flight without guide (airfare is not included).
Meal: Breakfast
5 Days Classic Northern Vietnam
5 Days Classic Northern Vietnam
SEE COMPLETE ITINERARY
Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to Hanoi – Vietnam!
On arrival at Noi Bai airport, our driver will pick up and transfer to the Centre of Hanoi for check-in into the hotel (standard check in time is 14:00, early check in will depend on hotel availability).
Free at leisure on your own. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Night activities suggestion: Enjoy local beer at Ta Hien Streets, experience the ambience of sleepless street with live music, the young people of Hanoi and also foreign tourists. Hundreds of bars and pubs in the Old Quarter are also at your disposal. Or you can just simply spend your time at shopping malls or various boutique Shops.
Meal: No Meal
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 2 : Halong By Shuttle Bus – Overnight On Cruise
Breakfast at hotel then check out.
Following breakfast leave Hanoi for 4 hours drive to Ha Long Bay including a 20-minute stop on the way. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. Be welcomed onboard and have lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board.Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (local food/seafood)
Overnight on cruise in Halong Bay.
The itinerary of cruise will be changed following the cruise that you select.
Day 3 : Halong Back To Hanoi By Shuttle Bus – Half Day City Tour
Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
This afternoon, we visit Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Constructed in 1070, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer
a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Stop at Ba Dinh Square and take photos of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum from outside. Then, you will visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, then take a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter of Hanoi. 18:00 transfer back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch (local food/seafood)
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
The itinerary of cruise will be changed following the cruise that you select.
Day 4 : Full Day Ninh Binh
09:00 meet our guide at your hotel and transfer to Ninh Binh Province about 100 km South of Hanoi. Head for Hoa Lu to see the few vestiges of the first capital of Vietnam. Built in the 10th Century by the Dinh Dynasty not only for a capital but also as a stronghold against the Northern invaders, Hoa Lu shortly later it was inherited by the Le Dynasty.
Visit the two old temples one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the only king of the Dinh Dynasty and Vietnam’s first emperor and the other to the succeeding kings of the Le Dynasty. Though the temples are no longer intact, some precious antique carvings and sculptures of stone and wood are still preserved. Then continue to visit Bich Dong pagoda, an ancient three-tiered cave pagoda only accessible by steep stone steps, but it is worth climbing up for a charming pagoda and stupendous view from the top.
Afternoon, take a sampan cruise along the Hoang Long River through the scenic landscape of Tam Coc, a 350-ha area of karst mountains scattered over the lush wetland with paddy fields. This area is referred to as “an inland Ha Long Bay” for its strikingly similar water-and-rock terrain features. Depending on the time of visit, you may see local farmers harvesting rice or transplanting seedlings for the new crop. Pass through three big caves which feature the area’s name (Tam Coc means three caves in Vietnamese) and which represent a host of local rocky caves and grottoes.
17:00 transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Day 5 : Departure
Morning, you have breakfast at hotel. Check out hotel (standard check out time is 12pm). Transfer to airport
for departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast
DESTINATION INFORMATION
Vietnam
Climate
The country has a rather variable climate, stretching 2,000 km from north to south and with approximately three-quarters of the country being mountainous. Tropical, hot, and humid. Monsoons divide the year into two seasons: a hot and rainy one from May to October/November, and a cool and dry one from December to April. There is a risk of typhoons between September and October, when the summer monsoon transitions into the winter monsoon. In the central part of the country, the monsoon season begins in July and ends in January.
Visa
1. Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories with a 90-day stay duration and valid for multiple entry.
2. Citizens of 24 countries enjoying unilateral visa exemption can stay in Vietnam for up to 45 days.
The 24 countries include Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, Switzerland.
Jet Lag
Timezone: UTC +7
Currently and payment systems
Vietnam uses the Vietnamese Dong (VND) for most daily transactions. While some places may accept USD or EUR, it’s not very common, so it’s always more convenient to pay in local currency.
Cash is still widely used, especially in local markets and small shops while credit cards are accepted at hotels, malls, and more upscale restaurants, sometimes with a small surcharge.
ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist areas, so withdrawing cash is generally simple and convenient.