Day 1 - Beijing - Hanoi

Take your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival your driver will pick you up and transfer you to check in at your hotel.

Day 2 - Hanoi (B)

Hanoi is the charming capital of Vietnam, with ochre-collared colonial style buildings, tree-lined avenues and numerous lovely lakes. This morning meet your guide at your hotel and depart on your tour after breakfast. Your first stop will be Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed Mondays and Fridays), as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex you will see the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Enjoy lunch at a Au Lac restaurant before continuing on to Hoa Lo Prison (formerly known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the American war). Your tour will also include the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam) and Quan Thanh Temple (Taoist, dating from the Ly Dynasty). The last stop of the day before returning to your hotel will be the Museum of Ethnology where you observe Vietnam's diverse culture through the Museum’s unique presentation of artifacts and dress used in daily life. Enjoy a one hour tour by cyclo, a chauffeur-pedalled tricycle, through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as “36 streets”. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore, especially by cyclo, with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. Attend a traditional water puppet show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form especially designed for depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Hotel: Boss

Day 3 - Hanoi - Halong Bay (B)

Your early morning departure from your hotel to Halong Bay takes you on a journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta. Observe everyday life of Vietnamese Villages as you see the villagers work the local rice fields, take live pigs to market on bicycles and plough the fields with their large water buffaloes. Arrive in Halong and board a Huong Hai or Bai Tho traditional sailing junk. While cruising the emerald green waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Your cruise takes you to the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, then onto the island with the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. An alternative journey could be to Dau Go Cave to see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave. Enjoy a swim in the emerald waters of Halong Bay at any of islands you visit. As the sun sets over the bay dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads, and fruits.

Hotel: BAI THO boat

Day 4 - Halong Bay - Hanoi (B)

On your return to Halong City enjoy a full breakfast (or brunch) as your boat weaves its way back to the dock. Upon disembarkation your driver will meet you for the transfer back to Hanoi. Your remainder of the day is free at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi

Hotel: Boss

Day 5 - Hanoi - Hoi An (B)

This morning take your flight to Hoi An. Upon arrival check in at your hotel. Hoi An has been a trading port since at least the 1st century, making it a unique example of architecture mixing local and foreign influence, like the famous Japanese COvered Bridge, built by the Japanese community in the 17th century.

Hotel: Hoi An trails

Day 6 - Hoi An (B)

Today is free to enjoy the city of Hoi An and relax at the swimming pool or on the nearby beaches: Cua Dai or a bit further, China Beach.

Hotel: Hoi An trails

Day 7 - Hoi An - Hanoi (B)

This afternoon take a flight back to Hanoi.

Hotel: Boss

Day 8 - Hanoi - Beijing (B)

This morning take your flight back to Beijing