Tour Highlights
Itinerary
- Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's charming capital, where centuries-old traditions, colonial architecture and vibrant street life come together. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
- Later, at around 14:00, begin your exploration of Hanoi's cultural and historical highlights with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, dedicated to the great philosopher Confucius.
- Continue to the iconic Hanoi Train Street, where you can relax at a railway-side café with one included drink and experience the unique sight of a train passing just metres away from the cafés and homes lining the tracks (subject to train schedule and local regulations).
- Later, enjoy a traditional Cyclo Ride through the bustling streets of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's vibrant local life, colonial architecture and bustling markets.
- Conclude your tour with a leisurely stroll around the picturesque Hoàn Kiếm Lake, one of Hanoi's most beloved landmarks.
Experience
- Visit Temple of Literature
- Experience Hanoi Train Street
- Traditional Cyclo Ride through the Old Quarter
- Stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake
Travel Information
- Meet and greet upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport
- Private vehicle transfer from airport to hotel
- 14:00: Afternoon sightseeing begins
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or Similar
- After breakfast, depart from Hanoi and journey to the picturesque province of Ninh Bình, renowned for its dramatic limestone landscapes, peaceful countryside and rich historical heritage.
- Begin your exploration at Hoà Lư, the former capital of Đại Cồ Việt, Vietnam's first independent feudal kingdom. Discover the region's fascinating history and its importance to Vietnam's early dynasties.
- Continue to Tam Cốc, often referred to as the “Hạ Long Bay on Land”, and board a traditional sampan boat for a peaceful journey along the Ngo Dong River.
- Glide past emerald rice fields, towering limestone karsts and tranquil caves, taking in one of Vietnam's most spectacular natural landscapes.
- After this memorable experience, return to Hanoi in the late afternoon and spend the evening at leisure.
Experience
- Visit Hoà Lư Ancient Capital
- Traditional sampan cruise in Tam Cốc
- Scenic views of limestone karsts and rice fields
Travel Information
- Driving distance: Approximately 210 km round trip (4–4.5 hours total)
- Private vehicle excursion from Hanoi to Ninh Bình and return
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or Similar
- After breakfast, check out of your hotel and depart from Hanoi for the scenic drive to Tuần Châu Marina in Hạ Long. Upon arrival, complete the embarkation formalities before boarding your elegant cruise via a tender boat.
- Receive a warm welcome with refreshing drinks and settle into your cabin as the cruise begins sailing through the spectacular Lan Hạ Bay, renowned for its emerald waters, dramatic limestone karsts and tranquil atmosphere.
- Enjoy a sumptuous onboard lunch while cruising through the breathtaking landscapes of one of the world's most beautiful bays.
- Later, visit the pristine Trà Báu Area, celebrated for its untouched natural beauty and serene seascapes. Explore the bay by kayak, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or unwind in the onboard Jacuzzi while admiring the surrounding scenery.
- As the sun begins to set, participate in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and learn to prepare traditional spring rolls, or head to the sundeck to witness a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
- Enjoy Happy Hour at the bar before indulging in a delicious gourmet dinner featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Spend the evening at leisure with a cocktail at the Sky Bar (additional cost), enjoy an optional spa treatment, or simply relax on the sundeck beneath the stars.
Experience
- Overnight cruise through Lan Hạ Bay
- Kayaking at Trà Báu Area
- Vietnamese cooking demonstration
- Sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin
- Happy Hour onboard
- Gourmet Vietnamese dinner
Travel Infromation
- Private vehicle transfer from Hanoi to Tuần Châu Marina
- Tender boat transfer to the cruise
- Lunch and dinner onboard
Overnight Stay - Peony Cruise or Similar
- Begin your day with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the breathtaking limestone islands of Lan Hạ Bay. Enjoy breakfast onboard while the cruise sails towards Gia Luan Pier.
- Later, transfer to Trung Trang Cave, one of the largest and most impressive limestone caves on Cát Bà Island, located within the Cát Bà World Biosphere Reserve. Explore its fascinating chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites while learning about its unique geological formations and ecosystem.
- Return to the cruise to complete the check-out formalities before enjoying an early lunch onboard as the vessel makes its way back to Tuần Châu Marina.
- After disembarkation, meet your private driver for the return journey to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
- Optional Experience: Discover Hanoi after dark on an Evening Jeep Tour, offering a unique perspective of the city's vibrant nightlife, local neighbourhoods and hidden gems.
Experience
- Morning Tai Chi session
- Visit Trung Trang Cave
- Cruise through Lan Hạ Bay
- Optional: Evening Jeep Tour in Hanoi
Tour Infromation
- Breakfast and early lunch onboard
- Private vehicle transfer from Tuần Châu Marina to Hanoi
- Optional Evening Jeep Tour (additional cost)
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or Similar
- Enjoy a relaxed day at your own pace in Hanoi. Unwind at your hotel, explore the city's charming cafés and neighbourhoods, or simply take time to soak in the atmosphere of the capital.
- For those looking for a little more adventure, enjoy optional watersports or leisure activities during the day.
- Optional Experience: Hanoi Evening Jeep Tour (Shared | 05:00 PM – 09:30 PM | Approximately 4.5 hours)
- Meet your guide at your hotel for a short safety briefing before setting out on an exciting Jeep Tour of Hanoi, travelling through narrow alleyways and hidden backstreets to discover the city's authentic local life.
- Explore bustling neighbourhoods, traditional markets, local homes, schools and places of worship while gaining insights into Hanoi's culture and history.
- Continue through the elegant French Quarter, passing landmarks including the Hanoi Opera House, Long Bien Bridge, diplomatic district and tree-lined colonial boulevards.
- Stop at the famous Hanoi Train Street, where you can relax at a railway-side café and observe the unique rhythm of life along the tracks.
- Continue towards West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake, discovering peaceful villages, ancient temples and quieter corners of the city.
- Along the way, savour a selection of authentic Hanoian street food, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
- Conclude the evening at Ba Đình Square and witness the solemn Flag Lowering Ceremony, a memorable daily tradition held in front of the historic mausoleum precinct.
- Return to your hotel after the experience.
Experience
- Day at leisure in Hanoi
- Optional: Hanoi Evening Jeep Tour
- Explore Hanoi's hidden neighbourhoods and French Quarter
- Hanoi Train Street
- Hanoian street food experience
- Flag Lowering Ceremony at Ba Đình Square
Travel Information
- Optional Jeep Tour: 05:00 PM – 09:30 PM
- Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
- Shared Jeep experience
- Vegetarian and vegan food options available
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute Couture or Similar
Depart with many happy memories!
As per flight schedule, the guests are transferred to the Hanoi airport.
Check-out time: 12:00
Accommodation
LE JARDIN HAUTE COUTURE or Similar
PEONY CRUISE
What's Included
Inclusions
- The cost of accommodation as per itinerary in the suggested hotels, on a double/single occupancy basis.
- Please note, if required, Anecdotes reserves the right
to offer similar category hotels and will advise the guests of any change.
- All transport and vehicles required per the itinerary.
- Transport will be provided in AC Vehicles.
Local English speaking guides for sightseeing tours as per itinerary
- Hanoi City Tour
- Ninh Binh Excursion
- Halong Bay overnight cruise
- Breakfast - On all days at the hotel from Day 2 onwards
- Lunch - On day 2 & 3
- Dinner - On day 2
Complimentary bottled mineral water provided daily (1 bottle per person)
All Applicable Entry Fee
Exclusions
- GST (5%) and TCS (2%) - Only for Indian Passport holders
- Airfare, visa & travel insurance
- Meals & beverages not mentioned in the above tour cost
- Anything not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’
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