Begin in the capital Hanoi, this six-day private luxury tour in northern Vietnam combines touring in the charming city of Hanoi with an overnight cruise in the stunning limestone formations of Halong Bay.
During your private touring in Hanoi, visit the city’s most important historical attractions, such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Take an in-depth tour of the Old Quarter, where each street was historically named after the product it sells, such as silk, shoes and noodle. While walking along the narrow streets with your own guide, learn about the history of the area including its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese designs. Explore the French Quarter with colonial-era buildings lined on leafy boulevards, many of which are now fancy restaurant serving fusion food. Also visit the city’s top museums, if desired, such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. One day, enjoy a private street food tour while walking the Hoan Kiem Lake and touring one of Hanoi’s dynamic markets to see how the local people live, sample local street food specialties like Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich with French pate), Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and Bun Cha (barbecued pork with noodles).
Drive to the famous limestone formations of Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a luxurious junk-style boat, Vietnamese traditional wooden boat. Cruise among amazing limestone islands and islets, visit a limestone cave, enjoy fresh seafood meals, go sea kayaking or visit a floating village, have fun with on-board activities like tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps hike to a scenic overlook.
Return to your hotel in Hanoi for one night before departing Vietnam.
