Essential Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Beyond 5-Day

After indulging in a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel, get ready to explore Hanoi's vibrant culture with our friendly guide. Our first stop is Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on the picturesque Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This 6th-century pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and boasts of stunning architecture and rich cultural significance. Next, we'll visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you can pay your respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of Vietnam. Take a relaxing stroll through the gardens to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. The One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, is another unique landmark that we'll explore. Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, we'll arrange an alternative itinerary. Afterwards, we'll head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to delve into the diverse cultural heritage of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. If your tour falls on a Monday, we'll visit the Women's Museum instead, as the Ethnology Museum is closed. Savor the best of Vietnamese cuisine with a delicious lunch at our restaurant. After lunch, we'll continue our tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in the 11th century. This iconic landmark offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam's ancient education system. Finally, we'll visit the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by French colonizers in Indochina to detain political prisoners, and later used by North Vietnam to hold U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. American POWs famously dubbed it the "Hanoi Hilton." After a thrilling day of exploring Hanoi's top attractions, we'll transfer you back to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a leisurely evening and stay overnight in Hanoi. Accommodation Options: TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or equivalent Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or equivalent Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or equivalent

After savoring a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel, our friendly guide will pick you up at 8:30 am to embark on an exciting day tour of Ninh Binh Province's Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Ecosystem. The scenic drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes around 2 hours. Our first destination is the Bai Dinh Pagoda, a magnificent holy site, boasting of 500 La Han statues, and the largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, standing at 10 meters tall and weighing 100 tons. Take your time to immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance and explore the grandeur of this impressive pagoda. Afterward, we will savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, where you can relish the flavors of regional specialties, such as Goat meat with elderberry and pork storage vessel. Next, we will proceed to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. We will enjoy a relaxing boat ride in a small sampan along the river, winding through a mesmerizing landscape of verdant fields and majestic mountains. The highlight of the tour is exploring the cave complex of Trang An, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave, each with its unique charm and enigma. This area is known as "Halong Bay on land" for its breathtaking similarities to the iconic seascape. As the afternoon draws to a close, we will return to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 6:00 pm. You will then have ample time to check in at your hotel and unwind, reflecting on the memorable experiences of the day. Accommodation Options: TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar Lenid Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

You will embark on a spectacular journey to Halong Bay with an overnight stay on a cruise. After indulging in a delectable breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to commence your adventure to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to witness the serene countryside and witness the local rice farming lifestyle. Once you reach the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and commence your marvelous cruise through the picturesque Halong Bay, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served onboard and will feature a selection of the freshest seafood. While on the cruise, we will explore "the Amazing cave" and then take a dip in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then sail to a peaceful area where we will anchor and spend the night. As the sun sets over the bay, you will indulge in a sumptuous dinner and unwind in the mesmerizing surroundings. Afterward, you can either swim in the luminous water, retire to your cabin, or even sleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, reveling in the stunning vista of the bay. Accommodation Options: Glory Legend Cruises - 3-star or similar Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Rise and shine early to witness the breathtaking sunrise and inhale the refreshing ocean breeze. Delight in a delectable breakfast served on the boat while gently cruising through the mesmerizing landscape of Halong Bay. Make sure to bring your camera to capture some of the most picturesque views of the stunning scenery. During the cruise, we will stop at a floating fishing village where you will have the chance to experience the daily life of the legendary fishermen and hear fascinating stories. Lunch will be served onboard as we sail back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. Your tour with Legend Travel Group concludes as we arrive at the Hanoi Old Quarter around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. We sincerely hope that you had an unforgettable journey with us and that we have exceeded your expectations. If you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to assisting you on your next adventure.