Hanoi & Red River Delta Loop

At 8 AM, begin your full-day city tour around Hanoi with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum first and get to be told about the man who led Vietnam's campaign for independence from French colonial rule.After dedicating his life to the liberation of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh passed away in 1969 and his body was hence preserved for posterity. During the year, the mausoleum is closed for a month while Ho Chi Minh is given a bit of a spruce up!

Move further to the symbolic One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace.

Next, visit an 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese Scholar Confucius and known as the very first university in the entire Vietnam.

In the afternoon, pay a visit to the Museum of Ethnology to understand more about 54 diverse ethnic groups scattering around Vietnam as well as their culture.

Returning to Ngoc Son Temple built on a tiny islet in the middle of the picturesque Hoan Kiem - Sword Lake. Over here, you'll be told about a legend of an emperor, a magic sword and a giant turtle from which the name Sword Lake was hence introduced.

Spend the last 1 hour on a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter's 36 streets. Each of the street is accordingly named after the representative products sold along the thoroughfares.

Beside a traditional, antique beauty of a-thousand-year history, you will explore another peculiar aspect of Hanoi.

Apart from the bustle, narrow crowded streets and markets in front of your eyes, there are emerald paddy fields with serene ambience in the surrounding Red River Delta.

In addition, the one and only architecture of Co Loa Ancient Citadel is another iconic attraction built from 250B.C. Extend the day in some selected fruit farms where you are about to pick the freshest tropical fruits right off the branches.

This is a fun experience to get off the beaten track out of the regular Hanoi downtown and meet local people in the countryside.

Begin your trip at 8 AM to the complex of Hoa Lu - Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province. Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital after 2.5 hour drive. Pay a visit to King Dinh and King Le’s temples and get to learn about the interesting historical stories about this holy land.

Fill your stomach with our arranged upscale buffet lunch - traditional Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Next off, get on a sampan boat sneaking through the unique Tam Coc Grotto (known as Ha Long Bay on land) and admire the real peaceful countryside landscape. Hopping on a boat rowed by hand and legs and admire the skills of native dwellers. The boat will sail you through 3 specular caves filled with hundreds of limestone. If you're tripping during the harvest season, get ready to see a wide range of terraced rice fields in the stunning saffron-color like carpet.

Get back to Tam Coc Wharf in the afternoon to chill out and start a 1-hour bike off the beaten track around the countryside. On the way, stop at a local bungalow in the middle of emerald terrace rice field to enjoy cookies and Vietnamese tea. What a relax!

Transfer to Bai Tu Long Bay early in the morning on a 5-hour drive from Ninh Binh Province.

Enjoy a high-end lunch while cruising around the bay and admire the fascinating formations out of the window.

The hidden Thien Canh Son cave is one of the finest highlights of the whole voyage.

Late in the afternoon is for an utmost relaxation on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island including some time for swimming or kayaking. Now, go refreshing yourself before dinner on board and the rest of the night is at your own leisure.

The last morning brings you an enormous view of the Bay's landscape before breakfast in the fresh air.

Visit Vung Vieng fishing village on a rustic row-boat before checking out and lunchtime at the harbor. Noontime is for disembark and heading back to Hanoi on a 4-hour drive.