VietNam with Samantha March

Get to know your group and toast to the adventure ahead! Your welcome dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant. Dinner will be a set menu of Vietnamese cuisine with water included. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The hotel offers a combination of local, American, and intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

This morning, you'll be picked up from the hotel for a 10-minute private to the start of a full day of exploring Hanoi. Embark on a culinary and cultural adventure in Hanoi, starting with a visit to a traditional café to sample local coffee variations such as ca phe sua da or the unique 'egg coffee.' Continue to savor a delicious banh mi from a street food stall before exploring the Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, a historical area where artisans and traders have thrived for nearly two millennia. Wander through the Old Quarter's streets, named after the goods once sold there, from silk to silver, experiencing how some have evolved while others preserve their heritage. Dive into Vietnamese food culture by sampling northern delicacies and seasonal fruits, exploring the bustling streets and quiet lanes that showcase Hanoi's ancient lifestyle. Visit Dong Xuan market for a taste of local snacks, learn about Vietnamese meal routines, and stroll up 'food alley'. Venture out to West Lake for Pho Cuon and a lesson in Vietnamese wrap 'n' roll, capture sunset views from Long Bien Bridge, and finally, immerse yourself in the local scene with a draught beer at a bia hoi spot, blending exploration and taste in a day filled with Hanoi's timeless charm and vibrant street life. In the early evening, you'll be transferred back to the hotel for the remainder of the evening free at leisure.

Make a stop at a local restaurant during the Explore Hanoi Like a Local tour for an included lunch. Lunch is typically a set menu of Vietnamese cuisine with water included. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The hotel offers a combination of local, American, and intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

You'll be picked up from the hotel this morning for a private transfer to Ninh Binh. Restroom breaks will be made as necessary.

You'll start your adventure at the Hoa Lư ancient capital in Vietnam, exploring the fascinating history of the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties. You'll then hop on a 45-minute bike ride through the local village, offering a glimpse into everyday life and a visit to Thai Vi Temple, known for its stunning location surrounded by majestic mountains and the flowing Ngo Dong River. The bike journey, covering 9 miles on mostly flat terrain, goes beyond the mountains to pass through villages, allowing travelers to experience the local culture up close.

Take a 10-minute private transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Lunch is typically a set menu of Vietnamese cuisine, shared family style. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

After enjoying lunch at the restaurant, you'll embark on a brief 10-minute private transfer to Tam Coc Pier. Upon arrival, a two-person sampan boat awaits to whisk you away on an enchanting journey through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed since 2014. This boat excursion promises an immersive exploration of the area's breathtaking tunnel cave system, leading you through the serene beauty of Tam Coc grottoes. As you glide along the river, nestled amidst vibrant rice paddies and towering karst limestone mountains, the tranquil and picturesque landscape of Trang An unfolds before you, offering a unique opportunity to experience the natural and peaceful scenery that has captivated visitors from around the globe.

Following your exploration of Trang An, you'll continue your adventure with a 30-minute private transfer leading you to Mua Cave, a standout attraction not so much for the cave itself but for the stunning viewpoint atop Mua Mountain. Known locally as "dragon mountain," this peak offers panoramic views of the Ngo Dong river winding through towering mountains and the lush landscapes of Tam Coc. Here, an exhilarating challenge awaits as you embark on a climb of nearly 500 steps to reach the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain. Once you descend you’ll take a 30-minute transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The hotel offers a combination of local, American, and intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Following your lunch, the next leg of your adventure begins with a unique water-bound exploration. You'll board a two-person sampan, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, perfectly designed for navigating the serene waters and narrow passageways of the region. Your journey takes you through the captivating Bong Cave and Kem Trong, each offering its own natural wonders and echoing silence that speaks volumes of the area's natural history. The journey extends into the Van Long flooded area, a waterlogged landscape where nature's resilience and adaptability are on full display. This portion of your tour not only brings you closer to the area's geological marvels but also immerses you in the tranquil beauty that defines the region's waterways. You'll be provided with life jackets, and the sampan weight limit is 396 lbs. total between 2 people. Afterwards, you will take a 45-minute transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The hotel offers a combination of local, American, and intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup, whisking you away to the Tuan Chau International Marina in Halong City, via the new highway. Upon arrival at No.28 of Tuan Chau International Marina, you'll be welcomed into the Heritage Cruises Lounge, where refreshments await before you board the cruise. The adventure at sea kicks off at 12:30 P.M., as you step onto the Heritage Cruises boat, greeted with a welcome drink. During this time, you'll be briefed on the cruise details, safety instructions, and check into your suite, setting the stage for an unforgettable maritime experience. Please note that the activities below are all included with the Halong Bay Heritage Cruise (2 day, 1 night) and cannot be removed. Travelers can choose to opt out of any activity at their own discretion.

After check-in, enjoy an included lunch onboard at the boat’s restaurant. Lunch will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense.

Heritage Cruises embarks on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of limestone mountains that rise majestically from the sea. This particular route, less traveled by cruise boats, offers a glimpse into the untouched and serene vistas of the bay, making it a unique experience away from the crowded areas. As the afternoon unfolds, the cruise nears the Ba Trai Dao (Three Peach beaches) or Tra Bau area in Lan Ha Bay, depending on the weather conditions. This area serves as a natural border between Halong and Haiphong provinces and is a secluded haven boasting pristine beaches, mysterious caves, and secluded coves amidst the splendor of approximately 400 islands. Here, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the bay's natural beauty, engaging in optional kayaking or simply swimming in the bay's crystal-clear waters.

As the day progresses towards the evening, guests aboard Heritage Cruises make their way back to the comfort of the vessel, finding solace in their suites or the communal areas of the boat. It's a time to unwind with a refreshing drink, reveling in the peaceful ambiance as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Gulf of Tonkin. The serene moment is enhanced by the breathtaking views of the sunset, providing a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation. The cruise offers an engaging afternoon tea, a testament to the leisurely pace of life on board. In a highlight of the evening, the ship's chef takes center stage, leading a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. This interactive session not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam, allowing guests to take home not just memories but also the skills to recreate a piece of their journey in their own kitchens.

Dinner onboard the boat's restaurant is included. Dinner will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense.

After dinner, you can enjoy evening views of the bay at the bar on the top deck. Bars are open late onboard. For those that want to partake in trying their hand at squid fishing, the crew will provide you with equipment and instructions.

Overnight onboard the Halong Bay Heritage Cruise Ship.

Breakfast onboard the cruise is included. Typical breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The cruise offers a buffet with a combination of local, American, and intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined once the cruise is finalized.

Take a journey on a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave, offering an intimate encounter with nature's quiet majesty. This experience allows you to glide through the tranquil waters at a leisurely pace, where the play of light and shadow creates a serene atmosphere, inviting introspection and a deep connection with the natural world. As you navigate the calm, emerald waters, the cave reveals its hidden treasures - sparkling stalactites that adorn the ceiling like jewels, each formation a testament to the passage of time and the artistic hand of nature. A life jacket will be provided. Return to the boat for lunch and checkout.

Brunch onboard the boat’s restaurant is included as you sail back to land. Brunch will typically be a set menu with water included. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense. You'll then arrive back at the Tuan Chau Marina.

From the Tuan Chau Marina, you will be picked up for a private transfer back to the hotel in Hanoi. Restroom breaks will be made as needed.

Cheers to an incredible week of new memories and new friends! Your farewell dinner at a local restaurant is included. Dinner tonight will be a set menu of Vietnamese cuisine with water included. Additional food and drinks may be purchased at your own expense. Subject to change based on availability.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental, full/American, or buffet style. The hotel offers a combination of local, American, and intercontinental breakfast. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.