Holiday Brief
-
Uncover the magic of Northern Vietnam on this 6 days journey beginning in Hanoi. Where you can walk through the bustling Old Quarter, then head to Ninh Binh for a day of cycling, farming, and a tranquil boat ride through limestone cliffs. Cruise overnight in stunning Halong Bay with kayaking, cave visits, and sunset views. Start your morning with Tai Chi or yoga before returning to Hanoi for your final night. Enjoy a rich blend of nature, culture, and comfort with handpicked 4 or 5 star stays.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 01 HANOI ARRIVAL Day 02 HANOI - THE OLD QUARTER WALKING TOUR Day 03 HANOI - NINH BINH - HOA LU - TAM COC Day 04 HANOI - HALONG BAY - SHARED TRANSFER & BOAT Day 05 HALONG - HANOI - SHARED TRANSFER & BOAT Day 06 HANOI - AIRPORT DEPARTURE
Itinerary Details
1 - HANOI ARRIVAL
Landing in Hanoi, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or begin exploring the city at your own pace. Walk through the historic streets of the Old Quarter, savour your first bowl of Pho, and hunt for hidden cafés, offering a memorable introduction to the capital's timeless charm.
Please note:
* Estimated distance from hotels in the Old Quarter to the airport is 30 - 40 minutes.
* International arrivals: Please proceed through immigration and customs, and make your way to the arrivals area inside the airport, where our representative will be waiting for you holding a Pick-up sign. They will then escort you to your vehicle to take you to your hotel.
* If you are unable to locate our representative, please call the support number of your documentation.
2 - HANOI - THE OLD QUARTER WALKING TOUR
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Hanoi on a guided walking tour through the Old Quarter.
Starting at the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, where you'll learn about the city's and Vietnam's fascinating past, you'll then explore the bustling 36 Old Quarter streets, visiting an ancient house that reflects traditional architecture. The journey continues through a lively local market, offering a true taste of daily life in Hanoi before we pause for a coffee break at one of the city's charming coffee shops. Finally, the tour concludes at the historic Long Bien Bridge station, a testament to Hanoi's enduring heritage.
Please Note: Meet at the Red Huc Bridge where your Vivu Guide will greet you: Húc Bridge Hàng Trống, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi. The route may vary on the day. The tour starts at 8.30 AM and finishes at noon. Transport is not included.
3 - HANOI - NINH BINH - HOA LU - TAM COC
Discover the historical depths and natural elegance of Vietnam on a day trip from Hanoi to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the picturesque Tam Coc, known as 'Halong Bay on Land'.
We will pick you up from your hotel, then we will venture south to Hoa Lu, the former heartland of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Here, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, you'll explore the remnants of a rich past where ruins and tombs have withstood the test of time. Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local eatery before proceeding to Tam Coc, a natural marvel where rivers meander through caverns with limestone karsts towering above lush rice fields, offering a tranquil escape and spectacular photo opportunities. Boarding a small boat, you’ll meander down the river to the ancient caves, seeing limestone karsts reaching skywards out of emerald rice paddies - some wonderful photo opportunities are to be had. Head back to the pier where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi where you’ll arrive late afternoon.
Please Note: Tour starts at 08:00 AM and finishes 5:00 PM.
4 - HANOI - HALONG BAY - SHARED TRANSFER & BOAT
Sail through the iconic waters of Halong Bay on a curated overnight journey that captures the bay’s natural grandeur. This experience offers sweeping panoramic views, peaceful anchorages, and immersive activities amid towering limestone islets, emerald seas, and the timeless tranquillity of one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking UNESCO-listed landscapes.
Depart Hanoi by shared transfer and travel through the Red River Delta to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the port, board your vessel and begin cruising through Halong Bay’s dramatic karst scenery. Enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as the limestone formations slowly unfold around you. In the afternoon, take part in guided activities such as a visit to one of the bay’s atmospheric caves, a swim in a quiet cove, or simply relaxing on deck. Later, paddle by kayak through calm lagoons, gaining a different perspective of the bay's peaceful beauty, or take part in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on deck. As the sun sets, settle in for a delicious dinner on board and enjoy the serenity of the bay beneath starlit skies.
Please note: The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation based on weather conditions. Drinks are not included with meals. Please notify us of any dietary requirements. Vehicle pickup is at 8 – 8.30 AM.
5 - HALONG - HANOI - SHARED TRANSFER & BOAT
Rise early to enjoy coffee or join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the bay awakens. After a light morning excursion or continued cruising, a farewell brunch is served as the boat makes its way back, marking the end of your Halong Bay adventure. Upon disembarkation, a shared shuttle transfer returns you to Hanoi.
6 - HANOI DEPARTURE
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight.
Accommodation Details
| Destination | No of Nights | Name of the hotel | Room Category | Board Basis | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | 4 | Flower Garden Hanoi | Deluxe Room | Breakfast | 4 |
| Halong Bay | 1 | Emeraude Classic Cruise | Superior Cabin | Full Board | 4 |
Inclusions
- Special Offer
- Bookings Open for 2026, 2027 & 2028
- Low Deposit from £199 pp
- Return Flights from London (Other Airports may attract supplement charges)
- Accommodation is based on a shared Double room including breakfast unless otherwise mentioned
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Local English-speaking guide (supplements may apply for other languages and group national guides)
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise Transfers as mentioned
- Shared transfer for the journey: Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Activities as outlined in the itinerary
- Check-in time is usually 2pm and check-out time is 12pm for Asia. This is subject to individual hotel regulations. Early or late service is subject to availability, often with a surcharge.
Exclusions
- Visa (we can help with visa on arrival in certain destinations upon request)
- Services and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- All drinks; including water, soft drinks and alcohol
- Early/late check-in/out service at hotels (surcharge if requested)
- Optional excursion/tours
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Camera/video entrance fees
Price
- Economy
- Business
- 2026
- 2027
- 2028
- 2026
- 2027
- 2028
Hotels
Flower Garden Hanoi
Accommodation: Flower Garden caters to a variety of travelers with its richly appointed rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a comfortable stay in one of the 200 elegantly appointed guestrooms. Flower Garden Hotel offers a range of luxurious accommodations designed to suit every taste. Each room features premium bedding, marble bathrooms, and exclusive toiletries. Guests can choose from Deluxe Rooms with sweeping city views, Executive Suites overlooking lush gardens, or Poolside Villas with private balconies. Amenities include Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and silk robes for an added touch of luxury.
Amenities: Guests at Flower Garden Hotel enjoy a host of luxurious amenities including concierge services, valet parking, private cabana rentals at the poolside, a state-of-the-art business center for corporate needs, and exclusive VIP services like butler and limousine rentals.
Dining Options: Flower Garden Hotel boasts multiple dining venues including The Petal Lounge offering contemporary international cuisine beneath a stunning glass sky dome; Blossom Bar specializing in craft cocktails with panoramic rooftop views; plus exclusive dining experiences such as chef's table events and gourmet wine pairings.
Policies & Check-In Instructions:
1) Check-in time starts at 3 PM. Guests are required to provide government-issued photo identification upon arrival.
2) Pets are not allowed within hotel premises without prior approval.
3) All major credit cards are accepted for convenience.
Service & Amenities
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness centre
- Spa and wellness centre
- Room service
- Free WiFi
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Bar
Emeraude Classic Cruise
Accommodation: Emeraude Classic Cruise offers vintage-style accommodation in Halong Bay with 34 cabins across multiple decks—Superior, Deluxe, and upscale Suites (Paul Roque, Emeraude, and Captain’s)—all designed with polished wood floors, air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and ocean-view windows or balconies. Guests enjoy elegant colonial-inspired interiors coupled with modern comforts like minibar, in-room safe, hot‑water showers, hairdryers, slippers, and 24‑hour electricity for a truly luxe and nostalgic stay aboard this century-old-style paddle steamer.
Amenities: Emeraude Classic Cruise offers elegant amenities including air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, ocean-view windows or balconies, a sun deck, spa services, and a restaurant serving Vietnamese and international cuisine. Guests also enjoy a bar, onboard entertainment, kayaking, and Tai Chi sessions, all within a nostalgic, French-colonial-style paddle steamer setting in Halong Bay./p>
Dining Options: Emeraude Classic Cruise offers a stylish dining experience blending Vietnamese and European flavors. Buffet-style meals include fresh seafood, salads, and global cuisine—lunch features Vietnamese salads and local dishes, while dinner combines international starters, Asian specialties, grilled classics, and desserts like pastries and tropical fruits. Breakfast stations offer Western staples and Vietnamese pho. Onboard, enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, tea, and coffee from bars in the dining room and on the sundeck, with sunset canapés adding a memorable touch.
Service & Amenities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Restaurant
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour front desk
- Bar



