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Upon arriving, meet up with your local guide and move to the center of Hanoi for check-in.

Spend the afternoon experiencing Hanoians’ life in the 1950s by traversing the Old Quarter on a cycle rickshaw in 45 minutes. This exciting cyclo ride let you discover the cultural heart of Vietnam’s capital where each street is historically dedicated to a particular trade: silver items, silks, medicinal herbs, paper products, tin goods, jewelry, cooking utensils, painting supplies, fish sauce, jars and ceramics... The rest of the day will be your free time for further delving into Hanoi’s mesmerizing beauty.

Enjoy welcome dinner at Ly Club Restaurant.

Included meals: Breakfast, dinner

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Begin your full-day discovery of the capital with Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the most ancient pagodas in Hanoi. Constructed in the 6th century, the pagoda has been relocated to a peninsular on West Lake since the 17th century. Afterward, take a 15-minute leisure walk along the beautiful Thanh Nien Road to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the final resting place of Vietnam’s greatest leader, his traditional stilt house, and the architecturally striking One-Pillar Pagoda nearby.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Temple of Literature (or Van Mieu in Vietnamese), a temple dedicated to Confucius and also the site of Vietnam’s first university. Established in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the university was first opened exclusively for princes and mandarins. This complex is like a peaceful oasis amid the bustling city with ornate gates, pretty water lily ponds, traditional-style pavilions, and well-manicured gardens. Lastly, you will visit the house of a water puppet artisan whose family has 7-generation doing the water puppet performing. After learning about the puppets and his stories, you will enjoy a private water puppet show at his minitheater. In the end, you’re invited to practice some puppet controlling.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

On this day, let’s venture to Halong Bay - a fabulous natural wonder that’s approximately 2.5 hours of driving from Hanoi. This world-famous bay is one of the most stunning landscapes in Vietnam with over 1,900 limestone islands and islets, mostly uninhabited and unvisited. These towering formations rise majestically from the emerald waters, creating a breathtaking panorama that helped the bay earn its UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. Upon arrival, you will soon embark on an inclusive cruise trip through the most splendid attractions of Halong Bay. The trip includes delectable meals with freshly caught seafood, and fun activities onboard after the night falls.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Halong Bay overnight cruise

On the next day on Halong Bay, let’s get up at dawn to admire the gorgeous sunrise over the turquoise waters of the bay. The cruise will continue to glide around the bay until it finally docks at the end of the morning. After that, you will return to Hanoi. Have free time at your leisure to explore further of Hanoi City and go shopping around the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After checking out of the hotel, you will head out of the Old Quarter to a small local market, where your chef awaits. They will accompany you as you explore the vibrant market stalls and discover a colorful array of fresh ingredients and local produce. Next, move to a riverside house to savor a warm cup of tea. With your hosts as your guide, you’ll dive into the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking, master the preparation of several authentic dishes, and learn more about the local culture. When your culinary creations are complete, sit down to enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared meal before bidding a fond farewell to your hosts.