Discover Hanoi and Halong Bay
- A Secret Retreats journey -
This journey has been personally designed by Pham Dac Kham, the author of this journey, who lives in Hanoi: “There is a bug that nothing can cure, the travel bug! I am passionate about my work, I practice it with faith, dignity and humility. Client satisfaction is my daily goal.”
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- The Temple of Literature
- Lifestyle in the streets of Hanoi
- Sailing the iconic Halong Bay on a traditional junk.
This 6 day private tour starts with the highlights in Hanoian culture and includes the popular Halong classic wonders on board a private junk. Enjoy the deep-rooted cultural and traditional music show in Hanoi, learn how to cook authentic Vietnamese dishes at a local traditional house and then relax at breathtaking karst scenery in Halong Bay. A classic route from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 1,170 USD /person for 6 days / 5 nights
based on 4 people traveling together and sharing the same room
Day 1 : Hanoi Airport – Hanoi Old Quarter (-/-/-)
Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, our staff will be waiting to welcome and transfer you to your hotel in the historic colonial center of old Hanoi, around the Hoàn Kiếm lake.
No arrangement for the day, but depending on our flight arrival we can propose (extra charges) some visits.
Dinner on your own. We can recommend our
Secret Tables in Hanoi.
HOTEL: La Siesta Classic (Deluxe room)
Day 2 : Hanoi (B/-/-)
After breakfast at the hotel, the first day of exploration of Hanoi shall reveal part of the Vietnamese culture and history in the Vietnamese capital. Dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu) in 1070 and the site of Vietnam’s University (1076), the Temple of Literature is worth the visit to understand how the Vietnamese elite has been educated. We continue with a visit of the Ethnology Museum - a fabulous collection relating to the Vietnamese ethnic minorities and understand the original culture of the country. Grab a Vietnamese coffee while waiting for the train to pass by at the Train Street. Here the trains hurl through the narrow street just feet away from people’s everyday life and children’s playground on the track.
We will then experience a traditional cyclo ride (1 hour) to explore the lively ‘Old Quarter’ of over 1000 years old. At 18:00, dress up for the evening and head to Hanoi Opera House to enjoy a traditional My Village show (1 hour) - a venture into the enchanting world of Vietnamese village life. Breathtaking contemporary cirque and exotic live music will definitely amaze you!
No arrangement for meals.
HOTEL: La Siesta Classic (Deluxe room)
Day 3 : Hanoi (B/L/-)
After breakfast, let’s take a drive (about 20 minutes) to the suburb of Hanoi city and we start with a visit of Ngoc Thuy Market – a vibrant and authentic local wet market and try your bargain skill and buy fresh ingredients for the cooking class’s menu. Head to a hundred years old traditional house restored where you will take part in a private Vietnamese cooking class. With a great effort, most of the original features such as ancient tiled roof, hand-sculptured are well preserved. Prepare traditional Vietnamese cuisine carefully with the chef and tuck into your “achievement” afterwards. The chef is a local housewife passionate about cooking in order to maintain Hanoi’s traditional cuisine, elevating and restoring meals and cooking which are gradually-lost as a side effect of urbanization.
We head back to the hotel early afternoon, and free time.
No arrangement for dinner.
HOTEL: La Siesta Classic (Deluxe room)
Day 4 : Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we depart to the spectacular site, Halong Bay – 3hrs drive. Halong Bay, with its 1,969 islands set in beautiful turquoise waters, was recognized for its natural beauty by UNESCO in 1994 and is now classified as a World Heritage Site.
We have prepared a program that leads you to the discovery of Bai Tu Long, a jewel in Halong Bay and outside the well plied channels taken by the majority of Halong Bay’s tourist junks.
Once on board your sailing junk you will meet the captain and the crew, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and settle down into your cabin for the cruise. Lunch will be served in the elegant dining room or on the outside deck when the cruise starts – a delicious menu of locally caught fresh seafood.
We will weigh anchor at Cap La Tra San where you can enjoy paddling around the many small islands and lonely beaches by kayak or simply enjoy swimming in the bay.
Dinner will be served around sunset, indoor or outdoor as you prefer
HOTEL: overnight on board a private junk (the Amour or the Prince)
Day 5 : Halong Bay (B/L/D)
You will rise with the morning sun surrounded by enchanting peaceful scenes. After breakfast, we continue the cruise to Cong Dam and Bai Tu Long Bay. Here you will have the chance to take a kayak and explore the hidden lagoons and the geological park of Cong Dam.
Lunch will be a BBQ set on the beach before returning to your junk and continuing the cruise to Cong Do. We will cruise to Hon Co Island where you can explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son cave before we cruise back to Cap La for the evening.
Dinner is served around sunset, indoor or outdoor as you prefer
HOTEL: overnight on board a private junk (the Amour or the Prince)
Day 6 : Halong Bay – Hanoi Airport (B/L/-)
This morning you will have the opportunity to visit the Vung Vieng fishing village and witness the lifestyles of the local fisherfolk. The fisherman and their families live permanently on the water, their houses literally floating on the bay, a truly unique lifestyle. You will meet the village chief who will share with you the stories of the daily lives of the inhabitants of Halong Bay.
On returning to your junk lunch will be served and your Halong Bay cruise comes to its end. The whole crew will bid you farewell and you will return to port by mid-afternoon before taking the drive back to Hanoi where we will transfer you to either the airport or your next hotel as required.
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End of our services.
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
La Siesta Classic
Private Junk
Discover Hanoi and Halong Bay
6 days / 5 nights
from 1,170 USD /person
based on 4 people traveling together and sharing the same room
The total price includes:
Accommodation for 5 nights
All meals where mentioned in the program.
All transfers by private, spacious, air conditioned car, with provision of water and refreshing towels, and a professional driver.
All other transportation used for travel including sampan, small boat, etc...
A competent professional guide at each stage of the journey (except during your free time).
All tours as detailed within the program.
All entry fees for places visited within the program.
All program activities (cycling, bike, kayak, or others...).
The cruise in Halong Bay (2 nights).
Government taxes as currently in force.
The total price does not include:
Domestic/International flights to and from Hanoi
Visa to Vietnam (if applicable)
Extra activities and meals not mentioned in the program
Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion.
Travel insurance
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Pham Dac Kham and Hanoi Voyages (License N° 01-022/2009/TCDL-GP LHQT).
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