Today is a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam. Follow it with one of the city’s museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison, the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum). In the afternoon, transfer to the Ba Dinh Square, where stands the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, who led Vietnam to its independence from French colonial rule. This site has become an important city landmark and a perfect place to learn more about Vietnam’s rich history. From there, wander through the beautiful surrounding gardens toward the One Pillar Pagoda and Presidential Palace, where a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s simple working space is on display. Later, hop on a cyclo, one of the most typical vehicles in Hanoi, is a human-powered transport with a seat at the front for passengers and the driver at the back. With this an hour leisurely ride, which is perfect chance for photos and slow-moving sightseeing, you will have a great local touch. Disembark at the ancient city gate of O Quan Chuong, then continue walking to Thanh Ha local market and through bustling streets & alleys.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a countryside drive to Ninh Binh, one of the three provinces where the famous Hollywood movie “Kong: Skull Island” was casted. On arrival, start the trip with Buddha Sanctuary place of Bai Dinh Pagoda to admire the biggest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam with 10 meters in height, 100 tons in weight. Get knowledge of beliefs and religions in Vietnam. Then enjoy a leisurely rowing-boat trip to visit Trang An, a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc, however, less crowded. Trang An is a complex of cultural, historical and natural heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO in 2014, as the world’s first mixed heritage of Vietnam. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). It is an “eco-tourism” area; the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river. Spend rest of the day as you wish at your hotel in Tam Coc.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.

Following the breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Hai Phong, where you will board the cruise on an enchanting journey throughout the beautiful Ha Long Bay. On arrival, the welcome drinks, cruise briefing and safety instructions are delivered by the cruise manger followed by your cabin check in. The uniquely designed itineraries allow you to experience the less traveled routes that other cruises simply don’t reach. Apart from exploring the natural beauty of many islets in a leisure pace, the today program also includes more activities such as swimming or kayaking on the vast sea, cooking class onboard to challenge your skills in preparing a very famous Vietnamese dish (activities depend on weather, season and the specific cruise). All fresh seafood meals are on-house as well.

Accommodation: on cruise.

Wake up to fresh coffee, doing Tai Chi before cruising back to the shore. En route the junk weaves through impressive rock formations where you can enjoy kayaking (excluded from the cruise package). After having a brunch, disembark to head to Hai Phong City, which is not only famous as a major industrial port city but there is also enormous potential for tourism. It preserved many architectural delights, including traditional architecture such as pagodas, temples and French neoclassical architecture of the old neighborhood.

Once you reach Hai Phong, start the city tour with the Opera Theatre, also called Municipal Theatre, one of three theatres built by the French in Vietnam, the cultural structure typical of Port City. Next, visit Flower Stall & Le Chan Statue – one of the female generals under the command of the Trung Sisters (Hai Ba Trung) rose against Chinese rule in the year 43 C.E. Walk along the tree lined streets of this beautiful city for the orientation. Witness the locals trading at “Iron Market” (Cho Sat), a busy city market covering a large area. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, it’s still an interesting experience to observe local life in this busy downtown area. Conclude your city tour of Hai Phong at Du Hang Pagoda, the ancient architecture originated during the Early Le dynasty. Admire the many valuable Buddha statues, horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences bearing the art style of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Later in the afternoon, drive to Hanoi on one of Vietnam’s the most modern freeways.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Enjoy your free morning to explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi by your own until our driver transfers you to airport. Take a 2-hour regional flight to Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand. Upon arrival, we pick you up to hotel in downtown for check-in. Begin the evening at a local temple, joining monks in their nightly chanting of prayer, lighting some incenses or burning a candle to experience this wonderful Buddhist event. Enjoy a memorable Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show at local restaurant. Drive over the bridge to lively Warorot Market, a hub of local life bursting with fresh flowers and local street food stalls. Our guide will help with market explorations, top experience off with some local Thai sweets, the perfect way to conclude the first evening in Chiang Mai.

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the old city to see its dike and ruined walls. The first visit is Chedi Luang Temple, which began construction in the 14th century but was then destroyed by an earthquake in 1545, however, it still remains the tallest structure in Chiang Mai today. Next is Phra Singh Wat – the most prestigious temple in Chiang Mai built in 1345. Visiting this temple will give you a rich glimpse of Lanna temple art and architecture. Then you continue your journey to Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, located 1,050 meters above sea level, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand. Here you can see the marvelous golden pagoda which is containing the holy relics of Lord Buddha. Enjoy the panoramic view of Chiang Mai City and Ping Valley from the summit of Suthep Mountain. Return to Chiang Mai in the late afternoon to relax.

Accommodation: Hotel in Chiang Mai.

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your morning flight to Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. Set out for the sightseeing tour to visit main attractions in Bangkok: Wat Pho – one of the largest temple complexes in city and famed for giant reclining Buddha as well as the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage; Wat Arun – better known as the Temple of the Dawn. Continue to The Grand Palace, Thailand’s most important landmark, where you will be awed by the grandeur and majesty of the building and its throne halls. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing.

Accommodation: Hotel in Bangkok.

You will be free at leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.
Suggested optional tour in case of later flight (please contact our travel consultant for the offer).

If your departure flight is after 4 PM today, you will explore the colorful Damnoen Saduak floating market on a half-day tour from Bangkok, and experience life along Thailand’s bustling canals. Meet vendors in narrow boats piled high with fresh produce and handicrafts, sample local delicacies from riverside stalls and capture the vividly photogenic scene. Travel to the market across the lush Thai countryside that surrounds Bangkok; pass palm plantations, villages and farm fields and get a glimpse of life outside the city. Afterwards, drive to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch your departure flight.

Accommodation: N/A.