Highlights
The fertile Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam has been the home of the Vietnamese people for over 4,000 years, and it remains the cultural heartland of Vietnam. With the capital Hanoi at its center, Northern Vietnam offers the best of all - rich culture, ancient history, remarkable landscapes and mouth-watering cuisine. Join us on a 7 days journey to the bustling life of Hanoi Old Quarter, the serene delights of Ninh Binh and the sublime natural wonder of Halong Bay. A carefully crafted balance of cultural immersion, food indulgence and active adventure, Northern Vietnam Tour is an ideal holiday for families with children of all ages.
Details
Brief itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi Old Quarter
Day 3: Bat Trang Ceramics Village - My Village Show
Day 4: Hoa Lu and Trang An in Ninh Binh
Day 5: Halong Bay
Day 6: Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island
Day 7: Hanoi or Hai Phong Departure
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi
Xin Chào. Welcome to Hanoi, the charming capital city of Vietnam. Meet with your guide at the airport and head to your hotel to refresh yourself. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (B/L)
Depart for a full day tour of Hanoi. Begin with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Monday). The museum offers an insight into the 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam in an effort to preserve cultural heritage and promote socio-cultural diversity. Continue to the famed Temple of Literature. Become fascinated with the stories of the building and get a glimpse of the past when it served as the Vietnam’s first university, dating back to 1076.
Have lunch at KOTO Van Mieu Restaurant, close by Temple of Literature. KOTO is a not-for-profit social enterprise that empowers at-risk and disadvantaged youth in Vietnam through its holistic hospitality-training program.
Spend this afternoon a wander through some of the Old Quarter’s 36 streets named for the products historically sold there. Let the guide lead the way through a labyrinthine of back alleys into the city’s authentic heart; pass by time-worn temples and traditional houses to encounter people who call this fascinating city home. Stop for some traditional deserts (chè), before heading to your final stop at Ngoc Son Temple on a tiny island of the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: Bat Trang Pottery Village - Cooking Class - My Village Show (B/L)
This morning drive to the ancient village of Bat Trang, a traditional porcelain and pottery community since the 14th century on the outskirt of Hanoi. Start exploring the old charms of the pottery village by walking through ancient and narrow alleys while admiring the unique architecture. Step into a local house and learn the intricate steps involved in making ceramic works of art from skillful craftsmen. Try your hands sunk into soft clay while making your own pottery.
Back to Hanoi Old Quarter, join a cooking class for making Banh Cuon or rice pancakes, a traditional dish of Northern Vietnam. Learn the art of creating this specialty with a local master chef. After this fun and rewarding experience, sit down and enjoy a tasty self-made lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure to relax and enjoy the hotel.
This evening enjoy a world-renowned cultural show of My Village (Làng Tôi) at the Hanoi Opera House or Vietnam Tuong Theater (subject to availability). Experience an awe-inspiring performance of art that highlights the poetic beauty of Northern Vietnam villages’ life, presented through story-telling circus, unique folk live music and creative use of bamboo.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B/L)
Leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and embark on a journey south of about 100 kilometers to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination.
After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on Land.” Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
This morning leave Ninh Binh for a three hours drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City or Hai Phong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself.
In the afternoon, enjoy group excursions, activities or just spend some time relaxing on board. Activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Sightseeing usually includes visiting floating villages or caves on the islands. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on board the boat in Halong Bay.
Day 6: Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island (B/L/D)
Spend this full day exploring the Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. A great day out of many exciting activities, usually includes: swimming on the beach, kayaking to discover cave, cycling or trekking on Cat Ba Island. Guests might be required to transfer to a smaller boat for day activities (depend on each boat's itinerary). Detail cruise itinerary will be provided upon your request. Full board meals are served on board.
Overnight on board the boat in Halong Bay.
Day 7: Departure (B)
Enjoy the morning in the middle of Halong Bay. Breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessel cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards the port. Mid-morning the boat will return to shore. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport or Hai Phong International Airport for next destinations.
Special Rates
Please contact us for the best rates.
Services included
+ Hotel accommodation in half-twin/double shared room with daily breakfast
+ Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
+ Private English, French or Chinese speaking local guide on day tours (except on Halong boat) (for other languages supplements apply)
+ Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise
+ Entrance fees for mentioned visits
+ Taxes and service charges
Services not included
+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately)
+ Visa fee, travel insurance
+ Meals other than mentioned above
+ Early check-in or late check-out fees
+ Camera/video entrance fees (if any)
+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, etc)
+ Additional transfer required due to emergency situation
+ Peak season surcharge and compulsory gala dinner on 24 Dec and 31 Dec
+ Guide and driver tips
+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above
Terms & Conditions
PAYMENT
Booking is made more than 30 days prior to arrival date: a 50% deposit of total value is required upon confirmation. The balance must be paid at least 30 days prior to arrival date.
Booking is made less than 30 days prior to arrival date: 100% of total value is required upon confirmation.
Payment method: by bank transfer or by credit card. Client/remitting party must cover their own bank charges. Credit card payment incurs a merchant service fee of 2% for Visa, Mastercard and 3% for American Express, in addition to the total amount payable.
Booking will be cancelled if payments are not received on due date(s).
CANCELLATION/AMENDEMENT
Cancellations or amendments must be informed in writing. E-mail cancellation or booking amendments are only effective once re-confirmed by FantaSea Travel. We strongly recommend you to purchase travel insurance to cover cancellation cost if any. We do not cover any costs related to your travelling risk. Should you have to cancel or amend, the following terms will apply:
Normal Season:
More than 30 days: 10% of total value
From 15 to 30 days: 25% of total value
From 8 to 14 days: 50% of total value
Within 7 days or no show: 100% of total value
Peak Season (20 DEC - 10 JAN):
More than 45 days: 10% of total value
From 31 to 45 days: 25% of total value
From 15 to 30 days: 50% of total value
Within 14 days or no show: 100% of total value
Certain special offers may be non-refundable/non-amendable. These will be advised to you at the time of booking. Refund can take up to 45 days after cancellation date.
COVID-19 POLICY
For all new bookings made from 1 January 2021, we grant free cancellation up to 7 days prior to arrival (thereafter 100% charge) if the reason for cancellation is related to COVID-19 such as the following:
+ Guests suspected or confirmed to carry the virus
+ Guests being denied to board an airplane
+ Border closures in Vietnam, in a neighboring country for tour bookings or in the guests’ country of residence
+ Quarantine obligation
+ New lockdown
In such circumstances, FantaSea Travel will allow you to change the dates of your tour or offer you a credit for another tour. This policy is only valid if the ability to travel is beyond the control of the guest. Guests are required to provide reasonable documentation confirming that their inability to travel is due to COVID-19 related matters. The final decision to waive cancellation charges lies entirely with FantaSea Travel at all times.
For cancellations or booking modifications due to reasons not related to COVID-19 our standard policies as stipulated in this offer apply.
