Your journey begins the moment you step off the plane and into the vibrant heart of Vietnam – Hanoi. As you make your way through the city, you’ll be welcomed by a harmonious blend of ancient history and modern energy. Your private driver and English-speaking guide will meet you, and together, you’ll travel to your hotel, where your adventure truly begins.

Afternoon Exploration

Once you’ve settled in and enjoyed some time to refresh, your first taste of Hanoi awaits. This bustling metropolis is more than just a city, it’s a living museum of culture, history, and tradition.

+ Museum of Ethnology: Your first stop offers a deep dive into the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam. The Museum of Ethnology houses fascinating exhibits that tell the stories of the country’s 54 ethnic groups. As you stroll through the galleries, you’ll encounter traditional costumes, intricate crafts, and vivid displays of rural life. Outside, life-sized replicas of stilt houses invite you to explore how different communities once and in some cases still live.

+ Cyclo Tour through the Old Quarter: From the museum, it’s time to head to the beating heart of Hanoi – the famous Old Quarter, also known as the “36 streets.” Aboard a traditional cyclo, you’ll be transported through narrow alleys lined with bustling markets, street vendors, and tiny shops. Each street tells its own story, named after the craftspeople who once sold their wares there: tin, silk, pottery, and more. The hum of motorbikes and the colorful chaos of daily life in Hanoi swirl around you, creating an unforgettable experience.

+ Water Puppet Show: As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy an enchanting performance of water puppetry. This centuries-old art form, which originated in the rice paddies of Northern Vietnam, uses brightly colored wooden puppets to tell stories of rural life, folklore, and historical events. Accompanied by traditional music, the puppets seem to dance on water, bringing Vietnam’s rich culture to life.

Overnight in Hanoi at the luxurious Apricot Hotel, where your room overlooks the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, providing the perfect respite from the city’s lively streets.

After breakfast, your journey continues eastward to one of Vietnam’s most stunning natural wonders Halong Bay . As you leave the busy streets of Hanoi behind, the landscape begins to shift. The horizon expands, and the countryside rolls out in waves of lush green rice paddies and sleepy villages. It’s a peaceful 2.5-hour drive to Halong, punctuated by a brief stop for refreshments.

12:00 PM

+ Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbour: The first glimpse of Halong Bay is breathtaking jagged limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald-green waters. At the harbor, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink as you board the luxurious Indochine Cruise. The boat itself, a beautifully restored traditional junk, evokes the romance of a bygone era.

+ International Buffet Lunch: As the boat sets sail, you’ll be treated to a delicious international buffet lunch. The gentle breeze and panoramic views of the bay provide the perfect backdrop as you dine on fresh seafood and local specialties.

Afternoon Exploration

Halong Bay is famed for its unique and surreal beauty – over 1,600 islands and islets dot the water like scattered jewels. Your afternoon is dedicated to discovering the hidden treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

+ Dark and Bright Grotto: One of the highlights of your cruise is the visit to the Dark and Bright Grotto, also known as Bat Cave. Here, you can explore the limestone formations by kayak or bamboo sampan. As you glide through the calm waters, you’ll be enveloped by the serene atmosphere, the towering cliffs reflecting in the mirror-like surface of the bay. The grotto is both a natural wonder and a sanctuary for wildlife, making it a perfect spot to relax and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Evening Onboard

As the sun begins to set, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, your cruise anchors for the night in a peaceful cove. The magic of Halong Bay is amplified at dusk, with the limestone islands casting long shadows over the still waters.

+ Cooking Demonstration: Before dinner, join the ship’s head chef for a cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The chef will guide you through the delicate process of creating fresh spring rolls, offering tips on how to recreate these flavors at home.

+ Dinner: The evening continues with a sumptuous menu dinner, served under the stars. Every dish is a celebration of Vietnam’s culinary heritage, crafted from fresh local ingredients and bursting with flavor.

Overnight aboard Indochine Cruise in a Junior Suite, where the gentle rocking of the boat lulls you into a peaceful sleep.

6:30 AM: Sunrise Tai Chi on the Sundeck

Start your day in harmony with nature by participating in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. As the mist rises off the bay and the first light of dawn illuminates the towering karsts, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of peace and connection to the surrounding beauty.

Morning Exploration

After a light breakfast, continue your exploration with a visit to Trung Trang Cave, often referred to as the “gold treasure” of Halong Bay. The cave is known for its stunning rock formations that sparkle like gemstones in the soft light. As you wander through the caverns, your guide will explain the geological history that shaped these incredible structures.

Brunch

Back aboard the cruise, enjoy a delightful brunch featuring both Vietnamese and international dishes. As you sail back toward the harbor, take one last look at the incredible scenery – a final opportunity to capture the beauty of Halong Bay in your memory (and your camera).

11:00 AM

Disembark at Tuan Chau Port: After saying goodbye to the crew, you’ll board your shuttle for the scenic drive back to Hanoi, where your journey concludes.