Ultimate luxury: Hanoi & Halong Bay private cruise experience

Introducing the luxury Hanoi & Halong experience-a curated journey designed for discerning travelers who seek the perfect blend of cultural richness and natural beauty. Over the course of five unforgettable days, your adventure begins in the heart of Hanoi, where you’ll spend two nights exploring the city’s centuries-old temples and pagodas. Hanoi, a timeless city enveloped by its iconic freshwater lake, pulses with the vibrant energy of motorbikes weaving through the labyrinthine streets of the historic Old Quarter.

From Hanoi, you’ll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime voyage aboard the Orchid Cruise. This exclusive expedition takes you to the lesser-explored corners of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay-hidden gems that few other cruises ever visit. With rare, bespoke itineraries, you’ll discover serene, untouched landscapes and crystal-clear waters, all while indulging in the finest service and luxury on board. It’s the ultimate way to experience Vietnam’s iconic beauty, off the beaten path.

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Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi

Route: Hanoi – Hai Phong

Duration: 05 days

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Highlights

Experience the charm of Hanoi with a stay at one of the city’s most luxurious and romantic hotels, where elegance meets comfort in a setting steeped in history.
Savor the essence of Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a private cyclo ride, weaving through vibrant streets lined with ancient architecture and bustling local life.
Embark on an unforgettable overnight journey aboard a traditional junk boat, cruising through the serene waters of Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay—three of Vietnam’s most pristine and captivating seascapes.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant colonial capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your driver and guide will greet you and escort you to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, embark on a relaxing cyclo ride through the charming Old Quarter. This atmospheric neighborhood is a maze of narrow streets, colonial-era architecture, colorful boutiques, and bustling street food vendors. Take in the sights and sounds as you pass by cozy cafes, traditional shops, and local delicacies like corn on the cob, juicy mango, and young rice wrapped in lotus leaves. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants, savoring authentic Vietnamese dishes.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi’s Cultural Highlights
Today, dive deep into the rich history and culture of Hanoi. Start with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, built in 1070. Then, choose between two fascinating museums: the History Museum or the Ethnology Museum, each offering insight into Vietnam’s diverse past. For lunch, enjoy Hanoi’s signature dish, Cha Ca Thang Long—a mouthwatering fried fish dish served with turmeric, dill, and vermicelli noodles.
In the afternoon, head to Ba Dinh Square, home to the Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, the symbol of Vietnam’s independence. Take a stroll through the peaceful gardens and visit the One Pillar Pagoda and the Presidential Palace, where you can see a replica of Ho Chi Minh’s modest office.
End your day with a unique cultural experience: a traditional Water Puppet Performance, an art form rooted in Vietnam’s wet-rice culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi to Hai Phong – Lan Ha Bay Overnight Cruise
After breakfast, head east through the fertile farmland of the Red River Delta to Haiphong’s Got Pier. From here, you’ll board a traditional luxury junk boat and set sail towards the pristine waters of Lan Ha Bay, a tranquil gem nestled between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. Once aboard, enjoy a delicious lunch as you admire the dramatic limestone karsts and secluded beaches that dot the bay.
In the afternoon, take a swim in one of the bay’s secluded coves or join an onboard cooking class, where you’ll learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes. The evening culminates with a romantic dinner served in the intimate setting of the boat’s dining area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard cruise

Day 4: Explore Lan Ha Bay
Rise early for a refreshing Tai Chi session on the top deck as the sun rises over the bay’s striking landscape. Enjoy a light breakfast while soaking in the morning view of the bay’s towering limestone peaks. Then, embark on a day cruise to Viet Hai village, a charming rural settlement surrounded by lush forests and rice fields. Ride bikes along scenic village paths and explore dark tunnels on your way to stunning natural vistas.
After lunch, the adventure continues with a kayak ride or swim in the crystal-clear waters of the bay, enveloped by dramatic cliffs. Watch the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin before another onboard cooking class and a delicious dinner. The rest of the evening is free to relax and enjoy the stunning views.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Onboard cruise

Day 5: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi – Departure
Start your final day with a serene Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the bay’s beauty unfolds before you. After breakfast, continue exploring the secluded waters of Lan Ha Bay, including a kayak excursion to the charming Ao Ech area.
It’s time to check out and enjoy a final brunch while cruising back to the quay. Once docked, disembark and meet your driver for the return transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

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Inclusions