PRIVATE TOUR: See northern Vietnam's most captivating destinations with a 5 day break that covers the best of Hanoi from the Old Quarter to Ba Dinh Square with a night spent on a traditional junk boat cruising around Halong Bay.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to Vietnam
Welcome to Hanoi, one of southeast Asia's most charismatic cities with just the right amount of colonial charm and modern commotion with mopeds zipping along narrow streets lined with traditional houses and shopfronts. On your arrival at Hanoi's international airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in (available from 2pm onwards). The remainder of the day is at leisure so you may wish to head out and explore Hoan Kiem Lake.
Overnight: Hanoi
Hanoi City Tour
Today's sightseeing tour takes in the best of Hanoi, kicking off with Ba Dinh Square where the squat granite mausoleum of Vietnam's most famous leader - Ho Chi Minh - is laid to rest. Close by is the attractive and well-preserved stilted house where Ho once lived, now surrounded by well-tended gardens. Next up on the itinerary is the historic Buddhist temple known as the One Pillar Pagoda.
Touring continues with the Temple of Literature, the first university to have been built in Vietnam back in the 11th century. The complex features pagodas, courtyards, ponds and ancient trees making it a lovely spot for a little wander. Get to know Vietnam's colourful ethnic groups at the absorbing Museum of Ethnology. A highlight of your visit is sure to be the full-scale village houses arranged in the garden of the grounds.
Later this evening discover Hanoi's historic heart and soul as you head out on a walking tour of the Old Quarter where you can sample some of the city's tastiest snacks and street food from noodles to pancakes. The final stop of the day is the lively 'international corner' where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy a cold beverage watching city scenes play out in front of them.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Cruising Halong Bay
This morning depart Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the jewel in Vietnam's scenic crown. Board a traditional junk boat for a cruise among the karst islands, carpeted with vegetation and rising dramatically from the vivid green waters of the bay. During your cruise you'll pass striking rock formations and sample a delicious lunch of freshly caught fish and seafood.
In the afternoon there will be the chance to swim in the waters, watch a cooking demonstration out on deck or simply relax on one of the loungers enjoying the incredible vistas. The day ends with a gastronomic feast with the other guests on board.
Overnight: Halong Bay | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tai Chi and Caves
Start the day with a calming Tai Chi lesson, often accompanied by an amazing sunrise and the quiet breathtaking beauty of the bay’s landscape. It's the perfect way to start your day. On the way back to the harbour the boat will pass many beautiful spots, stopping for the chance to explore Surprise Cave, one of the bay's many impressive caves that have been illuminated with neon lights to reveal a magical landscape of mineral formations.
Returning back to dock you will be met and transferred back to Hanoi by car where the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Hanoi | Breakfast
Depart Hanoi
Today marks the end of your touring arrangements with a departure transfer to the airport in time for your onward departure flight.
Breakfast
Site Opening Information
Please Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is only open in the morning. The mausoleum is closed each week on a Monday & Friday and the entire months of September & October for annual maintenance.
Ho Chi Minh’s house-on-stilts is also closed on Monday & Friday afternoons.
The Museum of Ethnology is also closed on a Monday.
Prices & Dates
Prices shown are per person when there are 2 persons sharing a room. The 'Single Room' price is applicable when a single room is required, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
Read MoreExtra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Bhaya Classic I Junk Boat, Halong Bay
This premier cruise boat offers 18 well appointed cabins with en suite amenities. Cabins are contemporary in design, whilst the finer touches have a distinct oriental influence. All cabins feature large windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere as well as scenic views. Facilities and services onboard include a dining room and bar, a sunbathing area on-deck, masseur and small library.
Reviews
Travellers have rated this tour as 5 out of 5 based on 4 recent reviews
We could not have been happier with our tour guide and driver, they went above and beyond what I was expecting.
And the excellent driver was there for us on the other days always prompt and helpful!
Sadly I can’t say the same for the hotel, while the staff were helpful and kind and the sheets etc were very clean, but the floors needed a wash!
We left the hotel to do the ha long bay cruise and returned to the same room which still had not had the floors washed.
Also not sure about the position of the hotel, I felt like I was in a terrible area but maybe I just didn’t absorb the atmosphere, it was so dirty and smelly in the area around the hotel.
Thankyou and I would certainly look at tours on the go again!”
The booking process was easy and the agents responded to the email inquires in a timely fashion. We had a fantastic time in Vietnam. The food was outstanding. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. ”
Great tour that suited our needs and the time we had available. Loved our guides, we always felt safe and we maximized each day by not wasting time getting lost or figuring out what was the best sites to see. Highly recommend On the Go !”
Hi On the go Tours
I need to write to you to say that we had an amazing time in Vietnam with your tour company on 11/7/2022
Hung Do, our tour guide was absolutely brilliant.
He was fun, knowledgeable and so helpful. He should be commended for his professionalism and his work
I would recommend him to anyone, thanks again
Regards
Rossana Romero ”
At a Glance
We could not have been happier with our tour guide and driver, they went above and beyond what I was expecting.
And the excellent driver was there for us on the other days always prompt and helpful!
Sadly I can’t say the same for the hotel, while the staff were helpful and kind and the sheets etc were very clean, but the floors needed a wash!
We left the hotel to do the ha long bay cruise and returned to the same room which still had not had the floors washed.
Also not sure about the position of the hotel, I felt like I was in a terrible area but maybe I just didn’t absorb the atmosphere, it was so dirty and smelly in the area around the hotel.
Thankyou and I would certainly look at tours on the go again!”
