Northern Vietnam Essentials: Luxury Cruise and Cultural Discovery 7 Days

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Explore Hanoi at your own pace and unwind with a one-hour Vietnamese body massage at Santal Spa, conveniently located next to your hotel. In the late afternoon, enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride through the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter—a must-see for any visitor. Later, experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet performance.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Your city tour begins at 8:30 AM from your hotel lobby. Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in 1070. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology, renowned for its extensive displays on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups, Ngoc Son Temple, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Conclude your day with a Vietnamese coffee at a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake or a local tea house serving high-quality traditional teas.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, drive for an hour to Bat Trang, a village famous for its ceramics. Tour the village with your local guide, observing artisans at work and visiting ceramics markets and workshops. Next, visit But Thap Pagoda, known for its unique architecture, and the village of Dong Ho, renowned for its traditional wood block printing. End your day at a rural village where you’ll enjoy a traditional Quan Ho music performance, recognized as part of Vietnam’s ‘living heritage.’ Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast, Home Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private vehicle

Embark on a cruise from Tuan Chau and receive a safety briefing. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Spend time at Three Peaches Beach (Ba Trai Dao) for swimming and recreational activities. Back on board, join a cooking demonstration, enjoy Happy Hour with “Buy One Get One Free” drinks, and savor a five-elements signature dinner. Relax at the Lan Ha bar or try squid fishing from the main deck. The boat will anchor for the night in a tranquil spot.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat

Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck. After breakfast, explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and tour the Captain’s Bridge and Engine Room. Enjoy lunch as the ship sails towards Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Choose between a biking or hiking excursion in Cat Ba National Park or visit Au Co Organic Farm. Alternatively, use the electric cart service (at an extra cost). Kayak and swim in Viet Hai Lagoon. Back on the boat, enjoy an extended Happy Hour, a barbecue buffet, and fruit carving sessions.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Overnight Cruise
• Transportation: Boat

Awaken early for Tai Chi on the sundeck or enjoy the views of Halong Bay. After breakfast, visit Vung Vieng village by traditional bamboo boat. Return to the ship for check-out and a traditional Vietnamese tea ceremony. Disembark in Tuan Chau and transfer back to Hanoi.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: None
• Transportation: Private vehicle, Boat