Tour Highlights
Itinerary
- Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's vibrant capital, where centuries-old traditions, colonial architecture and lively streets create the perfect introduction to the country. Upon arrival, you are warmly welcomed by your local guide and privately transferred to your hotel, with early check-in arranged for your comfort.
- After some time to relax, begin your Vietnamese journey with a traditional Zen Tea Ceremony, hosted by an award-winning tea master. This peaceful cultural experience offers a fascinating introduction to Vietnam's rich tea heritage and mindful traditions.
- Continue to the famous Hanoi Train Street, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink at a railway-side café while witnessing the unique spectacle of a train passing through the narrow street (subject to train schedules and local regulations).
- Later, experience a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi's bustling Old Quarter before enjoying a leisurely walk around the picturesque Hoàn Kiếm Lake and the iconic St. Joseph's Cathedral, two of the city's most cherished landmarks.
Experience
- Zen Tea Ceremony
- Visit Hanoi Train Street
- Traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter
- Walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake
- Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral
Travel Information
- Meet and greet upon arrival at Hanoi Airport
- Private vehicle transfer from Hanoi Airport to hotel
- Early check-in included
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute or Similar
- After breakfast, depart for Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Hạ Long Bay on Land," where dramatic limestone mountains, tranquil waterways and picturesque countryside create one of northern Vietnam's most scenic landscapes.
- Begin your exploration at Van Lam Embroidery Village, where skilled artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of handcrafted embroidery. Observe intricate techniques passed down through generations and gain insight into one of Vietnam's finest traditional crafts.
- Continue to the picturesque Lotus Pond near Mua Cave, an idyllic setting renowned for its seasonal lotus blooms and charming local handicraft stalls.
- Later, board a traditional sampan boat for a leisurely cruise along the Ngo Dong River through Tam Coc, gliding past emerald rice fields, towering limestone karsts and peaceful caves before returning to Hanoi in the evening.
Experience
- Excursion to Ninh Binh
- Visit Van Lam Embroidery Village
- Explore the Lotus Pond
- Traditional sampan cruise through Tam Coc
Travel Information
- Private vehicle excursion from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and return
- Private guided sightseeing
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute or Similar
Morning
- Have breakfast at the hotel and proceed to check out.
- 08:30: You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to Hạ Long Bay.
- 12:00: The crew of Peony Cruise will welcome you at No. 34, Tuần Châu Marina, Quảng Ninh.
Afternoon
- 12:30: Board the support vessel and transfer to the elegant Peony Cruise.
- 13:00: Enjoy a welcome drink, fresh towels and a gourmet lunch as the cruise begins sailing through the spectacular limestone landscapes of Lan Hạ Bay, a member of the World's Most Beautiful Bays.
- 15:30: Visit the pristine Trà Báu Area, renowned for its untouched natural beauty. Enjoy kayaking through the emerald waters or relax in the Jacuzzi onboard while admiring the breathtaking scenery.
Evening
- 17:30 – 18:30: Participate in a traditional Vietnamese spring roll cooking demonstration, or simply relax on the sundeck while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
- 19:30: Enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner featuring authentic local cuisine.
- 21:00 – 22:00: Spend the evening at leisure with an optional spa treatment, cocktails at the Sky Bar (additional cost), or simply unwind beneath the stars.
Experience
- Overnight Peony Cruise
- Cruise through Lan Hạ Bay
- Kayaking at Trà Báu Area
- Jacuzzi experience
- Vietnamese cooking demonstration
- Sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin
Travel Information
- 08:30: Hotel pick-up from Hanoi
- Private vehicle transfer to Hạ Long Bay
- Shared support boat transfer to Peony Cruise
- Lunch and dinner included onboard
Overnight Stay - Peony Cruises Ha Long or similar
Morning
- 06:00: Begin the day with a refreshing Tai Chi session as the sun rises over Lan Hạ Bay.
- 06:45 – 07:15: Enjoy breakfast while cruising towards Gia Luận Jetty.
- 07:30 – 09:00: Explore Trung Trang Cave within the Cat Bà World Biosphere Reserve, admired for its impressive limestone formations and unique cave ecosystem.
- 09:30: Return to the cruise, complete check-out formalities and enjoy lunch onboard.
- 10:30 – 11:00: Disembark the Peony Cruise and transfer to Tuần Châu Marina.
- 11:30: Meet your driver for the journey back to Hanoi.
Vietnamese Cooking Experience (15:30 - 18:30)
- Later in the afternoon, transfer to Hanoi Food Culture for an immersive Vietnamese cooking experience. Begin with a guided walk through a bustling local market, where your chef introduces you to the fresh herbs, spices and seasonal ingredients that define Vietnamese cuisine.
- Continue to the cooking studio, where you'll learn traditional recipes and cooking techniques before preparing a selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes under the guidance of an experienced chef.
- Conclude the experience by enjoying the meal you've prepared and receive detailed recipes to recreate these flavours at home long after your journey has ended.
Experience
- Tai Chi session
- Visit Trung Trang Cave
- Vietnamese cooking class
- Guided local market visit
Travel Information
- 11:30: Driver pick-up from Tuần Châu Marina
- Shared transfer from cruise to marina
- Private vehicle transfer to Hanoi
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute or Similar
- After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure, giving you time to relax at the hotel or independently explore Hanoi's charming cafés, boutiques and tree-lined streets.
- Optional Experience (08:00 – 12:30): Visit the traditional Bát Tràng Pottery Village, where you'll explore its centuries-old ceramic heritage, meet local artisans and create your own hand-painted ceramic keepsake to take home.
- 16:00: Indulge in a rejuvenating 60-minute Vietnamese full-body massage, offering the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind after days of exploration.
- Later in the evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating new friendships and the wonderful experiences shared throughout your Vietnamese journey.
Experience
- Leisure time in Hanoi
- Optional: Bát Tràng Pottery Village
- 60-minute Vietnamese full-body massage
- Farewell dinner
Travel Information
- Spa appointment arranged
- Optional guided excursion to Bát Tràng Pottery Village
Overnight Stay - Le Jardin Hotel Haute or Similar
As per the flight schedule, the guests are transferred to Hanoi Airport. Check-out time: 12:00
Accommodation
LE JARDIN HAUTE COUTURE
Hà Nội
PEONY CRUISE
What's Included
Inclusions
- The cost of accommodation as per the itinerary in the suggested hotels, on a double or single occupancy basis. Please note that, if required, Anecdotes reserves the right to offer similar category hotels and will advise the guests of any change
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
Complimentary bottled mineral water provided daily (1 bottle per person)
- Breakfast - On all days at the hotel from Day 2 onwards
- Lunch - On days 3, 4 & 5
- Dinner - On days 3 & 5
- Hanoi City Tour
- Vietnamese tea ceremony hosted by an award-winning tea master
- Ninh Binh Excursion
- Halong Bay overnight cruise
- Vietnamese Full Body massage
All Applicable Entry Fee
Exclusions
- GST (5%) and TCS (2%) - Only for Indian Passport holders
- Airfare (International & Domestic), Visa & Travel Insurance
- Meals & beverages not mentioned in the above tour cost
- Anything not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’
What Our Customers Say
I had a great week in Rajasthan- visiting Jaipur, Agra, and Ranthambore in a few days. Everything was planned perfectly - the driver was top-notch, the guides were very knowledgeable and experienced, and the customer service from the office was always helpful and reactive. Safari was an exceptional bonus with sightings of tigers, bears, and even a leopard! Thank you, Vikas, for helping me before, throughout, and after my trip!
Luca, Mallia & Milanes
We are very appreciative of the services provided by Anecdotes; you were the best choice for Mongolia. The entire experience was thoughtfully organised and ran seamlessly. Many people have since asked who planned our trip, and we have happily recommended Anecdotes to them.
Priya Sen (23-Jul-2025)
Our trip to Egypt was brilliantly planned by Anecdotes, and we enjoyed the hospitality and professionalism of the guides and service partners as we toured this majestic country. Communication was great, and the resolution of one minor hiccup was immediate and effective. I congratulate Anecdotes on the quality of their services and recommend them highly.