Ultimate Hanoi

Day 1:  Ha Noi (-/-/D)

Begin your discovery of Ha Noi at its heart and literal center, Hoan Kiem Lake. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Hanoi city center by discovering the beauty and historical significance of the area of Ngọc Sơn Temple and the “Turtle Tower”.

Continuing on, you will visit the labyrinth of streets dubbed the “Old Quarter”, famous to international guests and locals alike due to its chaotic but photogenic and charming nature. Visit the 36 streets by cyclo and on foot as you meander past bamboo, silver, silk, gold, and fruit sellers.

Your afternoon is free to wander on your own or rest at the hotel before joining a street food tour in the early evening to discover the iconic and mouthwatering dishes native to the north of the country.

Day 2:  Ha Noi (B/L/-)

Dive into the history of Ha Noi by visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a blooming lotus flower, commissioned by the legendary King Ly Thai Tho in 1049. Just a stone’s throw away lies the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument and tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the “uncle” of modern Vietnam, as well as his preserved stilt house and a small museum dedicated to his life.

Pass by Vietnam’s first university, Quoc Tu Giam, otherwise known as the Temple of Literature. The grounds offer a quiet oasis in the center of Ha Noi and will show you an interesting glimpse into the cultural elite’s past, dating back from 1076.

Have lunch at Koto Training Restaurant, a social enterprise dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty faced by many youths in the city, empowering them by training them in the culinary arts and hospitality training.

After lunch, view the scenic West Lake by electric car as you take in the incredible views of the immense lake, stopping at Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda and Quan Thanh Taoist Temple on the quaint Truc Bach Lake.

End your day perusing the carefully curated collections of tribal art, clothing, jewelry, and full-size replica houses at The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. All displays are clearly labeled in English, French, and Vietnamese, with guides available at the main entrance for those who want to hear more in-depth information.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy your evening free to discover Ha Noi on your own.

Day 3:  Ha Noi – Ninh Binh – Ha Noi (B/L/-) 

Leave the hustle and bustle of Ha Noi and journey 2 hours south to the charming countryside town of Ninh Binh. You may recognize some of the backdrop of the 2017 Hollywood blockbuster hit “Kong: Skull Island” as it was filmed here.

Start with an unusual row-boat ride in Van Long and enjoy the view of the romantic countryside as water buffalo graze, farmers work and children play. Don’t forget to watch your head as you are gently propelled along the crystal-clear river through small caves in this otherworldly scenery.

Lunch at a local restaurant before joining in optional afternoon activities such as a bicycle ride to visit Hang Mua, a picturesque mountainside spot with a cave and beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area, dotted with karst mountains and sparkling rice fields.

Return to Ha Noi in the late afternoon, free to explore independently. Don’t forget to stop by one of many rooftop bars in the city to catch a different glimpse of the city.

Day 4: Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay (B/L/D)

Journey 4 hours east to the jewel in Vietnam’s crown, Ha Long Bay. Established as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994 and newly nominated as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world, Ha Long Bay is a dreamy wonderland just waiting to be explored.

Check into your cabin as we embark on an overnight cruise to experience the bay in all her glory. Activities include cooking demonstrations, a visit to a floating fishing village, kayaking and swimming, depending on the boat’s itinerary and weather.

At the end of the day, the boat will anchor while guests enjoy the cocktail happy hour and fresh seafood dinner. Try your hand at squid fishing in the evening or perhaps watch a film or stargaze before retiring to your cabin for a restful sleep.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi (B/L/-)

It is a truly a good morning in Vietnam when you wake up in the middle of Ha Long Bay. Try Tai Chi on the sundeck as the sun rises and munch on a light breakfast before participating in a cave visit.

Brunch will be served after the cave tour, which gives you time to savor the views as the boat gently glides through the incredible rock formations towards the dock.

Disembark from the cruise and journey back to Ha Noi.

It’s easy to book excursions with Mundo Asia Tours. If the total amount of the package is less than USD500, the total amount is due at time of booking. If the total price exceeds USD500, the client is required to pay a 30% deposit of the total price in one of two ways at the time of booking:

Pay by Credit Card

Kindly make deposit/payment via Mundo Asia’s secured online payment. Mundo Asia accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Pay by Bank Transfer

Kindly make deposit/payment via bank transfer. Any fees accrued shall be paid by the client and not Mundo Asia.

Any remaining balance shall be paid at least 30 days prior to the arrival date via bank transfer or credit card.

In the event of excursion cancellation due to any reason, Mundo Asia must be notified in writing. Cancellation charges may be in effect from the date the cancellation is received as follows:

● More than 21 days prior to arrival: Mundo Asia will refund client’s deposit minus the credit card fees

● Between 7 and 20 days prior to arrival, Mundo Asia shall retain 50% of the total booking cost

● Less than 7 days prior to arrival, Mundo Asia shall retain 100% paid by the client in connection with the booking.

Please note some venues and products like cruises cannot accept cancellations or changes to your booking once it has been confirmed. Client shall be informed of this at time of booking.