Get behind the scenes of Hanoi today with a special urban excursion which is a perfect blend of iconic culture and offbeat local life. Your guide will take you on a short transfer to an area of meandering alleyways full of colourful market stalls and bright yellow buildings. Lunch will be your choice of the many street food options. In the afternoon visit the Presidential Palace gardens and the one-pillar pagoda, before time to freshen up at your hotel.

This evening embark on a foodie tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter which will include several stops for local delicacies including Nom, Pho, a mushroom and pork roll, the Vietnamese institution of Bia Hoi (street-side pub), and finally a rice wine tavern which serves ethnic dishes from the mountains of North Vietnam.

A four hour drive this morning will take you to the mountainous plateau of Hang Kia – home of the H’mong people. A local family will welcome you into their home for a traditional lunch served the local way. You will then join a workshop to learn about the H’mong way of dying textiles - a rare insight into the rich culture of these people. Take some time to then walk around the village before driving deeper into the valley to the hamlet of Ban Buoc for the night.

Today is dedicated to exploring the quaint atmosphere of this stunning valley surrounds. We recommend the gentle 12kim hike to the village of Mai Hich, meeting locals on the rice-fields, vegetable gardens, and hamlets along the way. For the afternoon, bikes are available else just relax by the swimming pool at the lodge.

Depart this morning for the journey to Ninh Binh and the less-travelled region around Mount Tuong. Here you will hop on a bike and take a leisurely ride through the peaceful countryside. Following lunch at a local restaurant, take a sampan (local boat) from Thien Ha grotto to Thung Nham passing through stunning scenery. The day’s exploration ends with a climb up the Bich Dong pagoda to take in the spectacular views.

Transfer to Halong Bay where you will board a cruise and explore some of the 1600 islands in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fresh seafood lunch will be provided on board, followed by time for a swim and time to explore some limestone caves. Dinner and overnight on board.

An early wake up is recommended to see the stunning sunrise from aboard your cruise ship. More sightseeing in this special area throughout the morning as you make your way back to the pier to dock around lunchtime. A transfer will be provided to take you to the airport or to the hotel for your next Vietnam extension.

• Private airport transfers
• Accommodation with daily breakfast based on twin share
• Other meals as indicated in the itinerary
• All transfers in private vehicle with a/c
• Local English speaking guides
• Overnight cruise in Halong Bay
• All entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary
• Two bottles of mineral water per day on days of sightseeing and transfers

• International airfares
• Domestic airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Tourist tax to be paid to the hotels
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Departure taxes
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above