Hanoi to HaLong Bay and DaNang Luxury

On arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport, you will clear customs via a VIP clearance, expediting the process. Once you step into the arrival hall, two Vietnamese ladies in long traditional dresses will warmly welcome you with flower garlands. You will then meet with our local, English-speaking accredited guide, who will provide the private VIP Limousine transfer to your hotel, The Sofitel Metropole. On arrival, a welcome room gift includes a Vietnamese sim card with data, a beautiful traditional gift, and a complimentary bottle of wine.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

This morning enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a day tour of Hanoi. You will visit The One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049. This structure is one of Vietnam’s smallest but most iconic temples. Close by is the Mausoleum of the historic father figure of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, and the Former President’s House on stilts, where he lived from 1958 to 1969. His former home illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary.

(The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed Mondays & Fridays, and from Jun.-Aug, you will view from the outside). 

Lunch today will be served at Home Moc restaurant with typical Vietnamese specialties.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a 45-minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the city to visit the 200-year-old Nom Village. The centre of this little town reveals a beautiful architectural complex consisting of a common house, an ancient well, and a banyan tree. Meet with the head of the village, explore the narrow brick roads and visit another antique house. Engage in a conversation with the host over a cup of traditional tea to learn more about local life and the traditions that define this community. Enjoy a visit to the holiest place in the village, Nom Pagoda, embedded in a century-old pine forest that is famous for its ancient Buddhist statues 

In the evening, our Vespa driver will pick you up at the hotel and ride you to a stylish local Café with a beer, cocktail and a delicious snack from one of the nearby nighttime vendors. After weaving through the magical, busy back streets of the Old Quarter, we soon arrive at a lively local restaurant serving Bun Cha. This is the quintessential must-taste Hanoian dish of rice noodles, grilled pork, and meatballs, with a side of ‘nem’ spring rolls. 

Continue riding through the narrow streets of Hanoi as we head toward our next foodie stop, a fascinating local establishment, where we try infused rice wine and a buffalo jerky appetizer. Head out of the Old Quarter taking in the sites of the Hanoi Flag Tower and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, riding towards the West Lake and Truc Bac area. Here we try the local specialty of ‘pho cuon’ and learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style, with these fresh and fragrant ingredients and the pho noodle!

Our next short ride on the Vespas takes us to our final port of call, next to the superb Opera House. The halcyon days of the 1930s may be over; however, this Jazz Club will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles – 30’s style Jazz & traditional Vietnamese music!

Make your way back to your hotel.

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel this morning before meeting your driver for the 2-1/2 hour drive east to UNESCO-listed HaLong Bay.

A brief timeframe of the day is outlined below.

9.00 am Begin your journey to HaLong Bay

11.30 am – Check-in at Paradise Lounge at Tuan Chau Island.

12.30 pm – Embark on Paradise Peak. You will be escorted to the restaurant, where you will meet the Paradise Peak crew, enjoying a welcome drink. You will be given a short briefing about your cruise and itinerary, Don’t forget – your butler will take care of your every need while on board.

1.00 pm – Lunch will be served in the restaurant while cruising the islands and islets of stunning Halong Bay.

2.00 pm – Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or you may wish to use this time for a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa*.

2.45 pm – The first excursion today is a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area in HaLong Bay dedicated to growing pearls and practising a handmade technique based on Vietnamese tradition and Japanese technology. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking. If this excursion doesn’t take your fancy, stay on board, and treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea.

4.15 pm – Enjoy a hike to the top of Soi Sim Island for stunning panoramic views of the Bay. After your hike, enjoy a refreshing swim in Halong Bay’s emerald waters or sip from a coconut in the shade. You may also choose to stay onboard and relax.

6.00 pm – Enjoy pre-dinner sunset cocktails and a Cooking Demonstration as The Paradise Peak anchors overnight at Coconut Tree Island.

7.30 pm – Enjoy your Paradise Royal Dinner your way – dine anywhere you want on the ship, your cabin, the sundeck, or the restaurant.

After dinner, the remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy.

6.30 am – Enjoy an early Tai Chi on the sundeck before breakfast. 

7.30 am – This morning, visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you will be surprised by the breathtaking panoramic view across the Bay once you exit the cave. This is the largest cave in Halong Bay, and the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years have taken on fascinating shapes

8.30 am – Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant or your cabin as we cruise past Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet. Settle all outstanding bills and complete check-out procedures before we return to Tuan Chau Island.

10.30 am – Disembark at the Tuan Chau Marina and meet your driver who will provide the private vehicle transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai Domestic Airport for your onward flight to DaNang.

*CRUISE INCLUSIONS

• Butler service
• 2-day cruise itinerary and program
• 1 night in luxury suites, deluxe amenities, en-suite bathroom, air conditioning
• Access to sauna, steam bath, Jacuzzi, fitness corner, library
• 1 breakfast / 1 lunch / 1 dinner (à la carte unlimited) 
• Unlimited local beer, soft drinks, house wines & selected spirits on board
• Complimentary regular tea and coffee onboard
• Complimentary mini-bar
• Cooking demonstration, afternoon tea, and Tai Chi session
• Onboard insurance, taxes, and service charges

*CRUISE EXCLUSIONS

• Entrance and sightseeing fees
• Kayak
• Spa treatment services
• Beverages and tobacco
• Tips and other expenses not mentioned in inclusions

Upon arrival at DaNang Domestic Airport, you will be welcomed by our local, English-speaking, accredited guide, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to your hotel, The InterContinental.

Enjoy dinner tonight at Olivia’s Prime Steakhouse.

Enjoy an early start as you meet your guide, who will provide the private vehicle transfer to the old port town of Ho An. First, enjoy a morning coffee at Hai Scout Café. Then, visit Hoi An’s colourful main market, and experience its sights, sounds and aromas. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display.

At mid-morning, board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Cooking School. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chefs before we prepare the same dish ourselves. The class includes a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, sit down and enjoy what we have cooked.

This afternoon discover Hoi An on a walking tour. During your leisurely walk, you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship, the famous Japanese Covered Bridge, the daily life of the local people: green paddy fields, vegetable gardens, markets, temples, historic houses, fishermen, and stunning countryside scenes. 

Tonight’s dinner is enjoyed at Little Faifo Restaurant. At its conclusion, enjoy a 25-minute boat (2 pax/boat) on Thu Bon River and release the paper lantern to the river and make a wish. 

Late in the evening, you will be returned to DaNang.

Today you are free at leisure to explore DaNang as you choose.

Enjoy your last few hours in DaNang at leisure before you meet your guide in the hotel foyer, who will provide the private limousine transfer to DaNang International Airport for your onward flight.