Vietnam - 5 Days Hanoi Explorer

DAY 1 (Arrive Hanoi):

Arrive at Hanoi’s Boi Nai International Airport where you will meet by your driver who will take you to your hotel located in the Old Quarter. Check-in and the rest of the day is free.

Hotel: Bendecir Hotel (3 Star) (or similar)

DAY 2 (Hanoi):

Full Day: City Tour (Private tour):

Depart hotel: 9:00am

Finish: 4:00pm approx.

Start the day with a visit to the nearby Ngoc Son Temple venturing across the magnificent The Hoc (Red) Bridge. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda and Huu Tiep Lake where you will see the wreckage of a US B52 bomber, shot down over Hanoi during the Vietnam War.

Have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit the Temple of Literature dedicated to Confucius. Your guide will bring to life, the history and uniqueness within the Vietnamese culture. Then for something really different, visit Train Street where the main train line to Hanoi passes through a narrow laneway with homes, shops and bars on either side. Perhaps take time to have a cool drink at one of the bars. Then return to your hotel via the Old French Quarter and view the French architecture along the way.

Evening: Street Food Tour (Private tour):

Depart hotel: 6:00pm

Finish: 8:30pm approx.

Tonight, you are in for a treat. Your guide will pick you up and take you on a Street Food Tour in the Old Quarter. Walk around and sample a delightful mix of Asian, Chinese and French influenced cuisine of your choice, all cooked in front of you.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel: Bendecir Hotel (3 Star) (or similar)

DAY 3 (Hanoi):

Morning: Military History Tour (Private tour):

Depart hotel: 9:00am

Finish: 12:00pm approx.

Spend a fascinating morning exploring Vietnam's rich military history as it was in North Vietnam. Stop at the Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by US aircrew who were captured after being shot down over Hanoi during the Vietnam War. Originally built by the French, this prison provides a snapshot of the harsh reality of prison life for both the Vietnamese and then the US aircrew.

A short distance away, is the Vietnam Military History Museum. A surprisingly interesting place telling the story of the wars in Vietnam since ancient times including the French occupation and, of course, the Vietnam War. On display is the tank that crashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the Vietnam War and a French half-track vehicle, captured in 1954.

In the afternoon, your time will be free to explore the many interesting places near your hotel before enjoying a Water Puppet Show, a light-hearted and entertaining artform unique to Vietnam.

The rest of your day will be free.

Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Bendecir Hotel (3 Star) (or similar)

DAY 4 (Hanoi):

Full Day: Halong Bay Tour (‘Join-in’ tour with private transfer):

Depart hotel: 7:00am

Finish: 8:00pm approx.

Take the 2-hour private transport to Halong Bay where you will board your boat for your day cruise of Halong Bay. Pass by magnificent limestone outcrops rising straight out of the ocean waters including Dog Rock, Duck Rock and Thumb Rock. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board.

Stop at Bo Hon Island and visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most beautiful in Halong Bay. Next stop is the Luon Cave where you will have the opportunity to kayak or board a 'bamboo' boat (both, a lot of fun!!) and venture through the cave to open out into a spectacular, hidden bay surrounded by the limestone mountains. The final stop is Titov Island where you can walk to the top of the rocky outcrop (about 450 steps) where you will be rewarded by a panoramic view of Halong Bay.

Return to Hanoi and your hotel after a fantastic day at Halong Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Bendecir Hotel (3 Star) (or similar)

DAY 5 (Depart Hanoi):

Your day is free as you wish until your driver picks you up from your hotel to take you to the airport in time for your outbound flight from Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

• Airport transfers

• Hotel pick-ups/Drop-offs for tours

• Hotel (3 Star) accommodation

• Meals as indicated

• Experienced, English-speaking guide

• Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with driver

• All touring as per program

• Entrance fees as per program

• All travel to/from Hanoi

• Passport & Visa expenses

• Meals and services not mentioned

• Comprehensive travel insurance

• Personal expenses (e.g. telephone, internet, laundry, drinks, souvenirs etc.)

• Tips to Guides and Drivers

If you find that you are unable to join a tour that has been booked, confirmed and paid in part or in full, the paid amount of that tour less any unrecoverable costs, may be converted to a voucher. The value of that voucher may be used towards the same tour with a later departure date or any other HWT tour.

If a refund is requested, the following cancellation fees may be deducted from the paid amount:

• Greater than 14 days prior to tour start date - 10% of total tour amount + any unrecoverable costs

• 14 Days or less but greater than 7 Days prior to tour start date – 50% of total tour amount + any

unrecoverable costs

• 7 Days or less (including 'no show') prior to tour start date - No refund

Day 2:

• City Tour:

— Ngoc Son Temple - Moderate

— Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - Low-Moderate

— One Pillar Pagoda – Low-Moderate

— Huu Tiep Lake – Low

— Temple of Literature – Low-Moderate

— Train Street - Low-Moderate

• Evening Street Food Tour - Low-Moderate

Day 3:

• Hoa Lo Prison – Low-Moderate

• Military History Museum – Low-Moderate

• Water Puppet Show- Low

Day 4:

• Halong Bay (Cruise):

— Bo Hon Island (Sung Sot Cave) - Moderate-High

— Luon Cave - Moderate

— Titov Island – Moderate-High