Best of North Vietnam 11 Days

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is one of the most charming cities in Asia with a unique character. Years of foreign occupation have left a mark on this city as it is shown in the interesting museums, the historical buildings, the pagodas, the mausoleum, and its own French quarter give the city a very distinctive atmosphere. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to walk around. The historical center is not very extensive, many places to visit are there or in the immediate surroundings, and walking is the best way to have some contact with the friendly people of Hanoi. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes as there are many lakes and trees all around the city, the biggest being the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center being the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. The beautiful thing about Hanoi is the interesting contrasts of architecture, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the European style huge buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas, not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a peaceful and hectic city, buzzing with street life and exotic markets yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is the place to be in Vietnam.

This tour is a fun way to experience the sights, smells, and tastes of Hanoi. And, definitely the best way to see and learn about the real Hanoi, not just the tourist sites.
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On our Vespa Tours Hanoi, we would journey you to so many parts of Hanoi that you would not otherwise see and even imagine about, from the maze of zigzagging backstreets, hectic traffic, old French boulevards to the off roads along the Red river as well as tasting the most delicious dishes of Hanoi. Also, we pass by most of the famous city’s landmarks!
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Itinerary:
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Our tour starts at your hotel in and around Hanoi Old Quarter. You will be greeted by our guide and driver at your hotel lobby or our meeting point for safety briefing, we then begin our adventure!
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The first part of our Vespa Tours Hanoi, we expose you the REAL HANOI with a day in the life experiences, featured with the parts-unknown of the city with slices of life in the maze of backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, random markets, and black market, experiencing where and how locals live, work and play. Other travel companies just show you the beauty and tell you to run away from the bad and the weird of your destinations. On Hanoi Backstreet Tours’ journeys, not only do we show you the good, but we also expose the bad and the weird of your destinations as it is what it is. For us, the run-off-the mill tourist sites are only the tip of the iceberg, most of your destinations remain hidden in the parts-unknown.
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The second part of our Vespa Tours Hanoi, we pass by & stop at the MUST-SEE places of our beautiful city such as Ho Chi Minh mausoleum-the Mecca of Vietnamese, The 1000-year-old Buddhist and Taoist temples of Tran Quoc, temple of Literature, the historical training track, the enchanting French Quarter, The hustling & bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem, West Lake, Hanoi Opera House; famous Long Bien bridge etc.
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On the third part of Vespa Tours Hanoi, we also take you to the peaceful & allure out-skirt villages around West Lake and Truc Bach lake to enrich your experiences about the contrast in harmony of life between the city center and her out-skirt as well as you would experience a hidden tranquil of Hanoi, a hectic of Hanoi with thousands of Skyscrapers in the new parts of the city. It is not only a ride but a journey that you would learn about Hanoi before, now, and then.
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The last part of our Vespa Tours Hanoi en route, you going to stop at different AUTHENTIC restaurants, eateries, and food-stalls. So, you can savor the tastiest of the tasty dishes of Hanoi, including family heirloom and secret recipe dishes, local delicacies, and specialties.

Sa Pa is a frontier town and capital of Sa Pa District in Lào Cai Province in northwest Vietnam. Sapa is a charming mountain town, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rice terraces. Great views of the area can be had from the nearby hills. One of these has been built up into a tourist attraction ("Ham Rong Resort") with various gardens, ethnic minority dance performance areas, viewpoints, and restaurants. It's a short walk south from the central square and then up some stairs. The "Sa Pa Culture Museum" where you can learn about the history of Sa Pa and the costumes & traditions of the Ethnic groups of Sa Pa.

Sapa out of crowd Fullday
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(Ban Khoang – Ta Giang Phinh)
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Highlights:
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Leave the busy life behind to enjoy a nice walk in an quiet area. Inhabited by the Red Dao and Hmong peoples. This valley is quiet and non touristic which is quite different from Ta Phin or Muong Hoa valleys where the local peoples have changed much because of the strong influence of tourism.
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Itinerary:
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Met up at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms . Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream.
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Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to built new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in mid afternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa.
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Approx: 2-hour driving/ 4 hours walking/ 1-hour lunch.

Sa Pa is a frontier town and capital of Sa Pa District in Lào Cai Province in northwest Vietnam. Sapa is a charming mountain town, surrounded by picturesque mountains and rice terraces. Great views of the area can be had from the nearby hills. One of these has been built up into a tourist attraction ("Ham Rong Resort") with various gardens, ethnic minority dance performance areas, viewpoints, and restaurants. It's a short walk south from the central square and then up some stairs. The "Sa Pa Culture Museum" where you can learn about the history of Sa Pa and the costumes & traditions of the Ethnic groups of Sa Pa.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is one of the most charming cities in Asia with a unique character. Years of foreign occupation have left a mark on this city as it is shown in the interesting museums, the historical buildings, the pagodas, the mausoleum, and its own French quarter give the city a very distinctive atmosphere. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to walk around. The historical center is not very extensive, many places to visit are there or in the immediate surroundings, and walking is the best way to have some contact with the friendly people of Hanoi. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes as there are many lakes and trees all around the city, the biggest being the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center being the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. The beautiful thing about Hanoi is the interesting contrasts of architecture, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the European style huge buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas, not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a peaceful and hectic city, buzzing with street life and exotic markets yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is the place to be in Vietnam.

(Mai Chau Ecolodge – Cha Long – Van village)
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Biking Route: 15km
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TOUR OVERVIEW
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The captivating journey will depart from Mai Chau Ecolodge, cycle around the valley; explore the beautiful landscape and unique Thai culture in the villages: Nà Thia, Chiềng Sại, Cha Village, Cha Long, Tong Dau, and Văn Village. Soak up the tranquil daily life by seeing the farmers working on their lush green paddy fields: growing rice, vegetables, raising fish and grazing livestock depending on the seasons. Furthermore, guests have a chance to visit Mr. Điệp’s family (where four generations live under the same roof) and experience the daily life as well as farm-work with indigenous people
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HIGHLIGHTS
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· Enjoy the best of Mai Chau on 2 wheels
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· Experience daily life and culture of the Thai minority people
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· Directly taste local food, try weaving, embroidering, pounding rice, watch Kenglong performance and how to make wine.
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· Medium level for biking
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ITINERARY
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2:30 PM: departing from Mai Chau Ecolodge
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2:45 PM: stopping over at Nhót Village, visiting on a Thai family – Mr. Điệp’s house, be welcomed by the friendly local people, talk with them, and discover their traditional culture and stilt house. Enjoying local fruit and tea, try weaving, embroidering, pounding rice, and how to make “Happy Water
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3:45 PM: saying goodbye to the friendly host and continue our cycling trip to exploring Mai Chau beautiful ethnic villages including Chiềng Sại , Cha long, Văn, Pom Cọong , Lác Village... During this unique experience, you get a closer look at daily life through Thai ethnic’s culture.
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5:00 PM: returning to Mai Chau Ecolodge. End of services

Level: Easy
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Altitude: 700m->200m
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Transfer: up to 2 hours
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Hiking distance: 7 – 10km
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TOUR OVERVIEW
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Getting deep into local life, exploring untouched corners, and challenging yourself with 2 hours trekking exercise are what the Natural Reserve Exploring Tour brings you. Just get yourself ready for a lot of amazing moments and unforgettable experiences.
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HIGHLIGHTS
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• Hiking cross dense forests with a variety of tropical plants
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• Beautiful landscape with terraces, traditional houses, and water mills on stilt
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• Unspoiled ethnic villages without mass tourism
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ITINERARY
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08.30: Get on car transferring to Pù Luông natural reserve (in Thanh Hóa province) which is 1,45hrs to 2 hours driving away from Mai Chau Ecolodge.
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10.30: Arrive Đôn village and then start the off-road trekking tour from Đôn village and passing some tribal villages (Kho Mường village, Trình village…). We can have an overview of Kho Mường village from the road on the top side. After 1 hour following small muddy trails, getting through dense forest, and tracking along stream to reach Trình village, you will catch plenty of rural beautiful scenery of local life, people doing farmwork. The rustic beauty here will amaze you.
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11.30: From Trình village we will go by car to Nủa village (only 30 minutes transferring)
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12.00: Arrive Nủa village and stop at one of the local households, then having lunch at this local house – A traditional and fantastic lunch with lots of cuisines such as domestic chicken, bamboo roots, grilled pork paste…. Take time to get knowledge of their culture and life. And you will be amazed by the house owners’ friendliness. Take a rest before starting to trek from Nủa to Đốc village
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15.00: Arrive Pho Doan, here you have the option to stay overnight in Pu Luong or to join the car back to Mai Chau Ecolodge (take the unique way back to catch different seeing of amazing giant bamboo water wheels)
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17.00: End of program.

After a drive from your location to Ninh Binh (not included), our guide will be waiting to take you to delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'.
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On arrival in Ninh Binh enjoy a lunch of local specialties.
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In the afternoon, transfer from the hotel to the Tam Coc River. Tam Coc means ‘three caves’’ in Vietnamese. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, here board a private sampan through ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Admire the views of enormous limestone karsts jutting out of fields while the boat cruises along the calm waters, through the ‘three river caves’.
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Then take a scenic bike ride around the village, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside. After visiting the pagoda, transfer back to your hotel in Ninh Binh or drive back to Hanoi.

Discover the World Heritage of Halong and Lan Ha Bay in 2 days 1 night
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Lying to the South of Halong bay off the North-Eastern coast of Vietnam, the 300-or-so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as beautiful as those of its superstar neighbor but feel more isolated and untouched. Lan Ha also has the additional attraction of numerous white-sand beaches, which aren’t found at Halong. Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Halong Bay but sits in a different province. Lan Ha is best explored on an overnight boat tour, which usually includes a stop at a beach and the chance to get out on the water to kayak. Please have a look at our program below for your reference.
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With a unique and different itinerary, we will take you to the less visited and more enchanting scenery including many unique destinations such as Three Peaches Beach Area, Dark and Light Cave (for 2D1N).
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DAY 1: HANOI – HALONG BAY – LAN HA BAY ON ROSY CRUISE (Lunch, Dinner)
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If you go to Halong Bay on your own, please be ready at Rosy Cruise’s Waiting area Tuan Chau International Marina, Halong Bay at 11:30 – 11:45 A.M for check-in. You will be transferred to Rosy Cruise from the tender.
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12:30 – 13:00: Welcome to Rosy Cruise. You will be given a short briefing about your cruise while sipping your welcome drink in the restaurant.
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13:00 – 13:15: Enjoy a typical lunch in the luxury dining room while Rosy Cruise slowly glides between the numerous small islands and the sea-green color.
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15:00: Drop anchor for swimming or just simply sunbathe on our cruise (private, wild, and fresh air).
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Also, you can go kayaking under our tour guide’s instruction to explore many beautiful spots.
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16:30: Come back to Rosy Cruise
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17:30: Summit on the sundeck for watching the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin, you are invited to Sunset party (we serve you local snacks and fresh fruits) and do not miss the exclusive offer “Happy hours – buy 2 get 1 for free” (from 17:30 to 19:00).
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18:00: You take part in a cooking demonstration. We will guide you how to make the traditional Vietnamese dish – deep fried spring rolls.
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19:15: The delicious dinner is served with fresh food set menu.
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21:00: After dinner, reward yourself with a wide selection of cocktails at a panoramic bar or go down to the entrance of the cruise for squid fishing (We turn on the light and prepare the squid fishing rods).
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DAY 2: LAN HA BAY – HALONG BAY – HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch)
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05:30 – 06:00: Wake up early for the sunrise (depends on the season and the weather)
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Enjoy Tai Chi session on the sundeck (If it is not raining). Tai Chi helps focus the mind and condition the body.
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06:30: Light breakfast is served in the dining room with the morning view of bay’s landscape.
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07:30: Traditional bamboo sampan or kayaking activities in the Light cave area – a perfect destination for the adventurous visitor who would love to row or kayak on calm water surface while enjoying the cave’s impressive stonewalls.
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08:30: Come back to Rosy Cruise and pack your luggage.
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09:15: Check-out, settle your bills and return the room keys at the reception area
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09:30: Delicious brunch is served with set menu.
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10:45: After disembarking from Rosy Cruise, you will be transferred speedboat to Tuan Chau Marina
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11:30: Arrive at the harbor and farewell
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(If you want to go to Cat Ba Island, you must let us know, we will transfer you by Rosy Cruise small transfer boat to Gia Luan Port.)
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Notes:
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– Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming, kayaking or bamboo sampan may be canceled due to poor weather.
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– Meals on board are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood…. Guests should advise any special food preferences, allergies, or dietary requirements.
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– Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers.
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– The Wi-Fi signal is not strong all the time due to the bay surrounded by islands
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– The beverage is higher than inland because of the storage, service fee and tax
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– All activities are included in the program. Guests can choose to relax and enjoy the scenery on board, without having to fully participate in the activities above.

Day 2 on cruise. After check out, you will be transferred to Hanoi.
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Discover the World Heritage of Halong and Lan Ha Bay in 2 days 1 night
­
Lying to the South of Halong bay off the North-Eastern coast of Vietnam, the 300-or-so karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as beautiful as those of its superstar neighbor but feel more isolated and untouched. Lan Ha also has the additional attraction of numerous white-sand beaches, which aren’t found at Halong. Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Halong Bay but sits in a different province. Lan Ha is best explored on an overnight boat tour, which usually includes a stop at a beach and the chance to get out on the water to kayak. Please have a look at our program below for your reference.
­
With a unique and different itinerary, we will take you to the less visited and more enchanting scenery including many unique destinations such as Three Peaches Beach Area, Dark and Light Cave (for 2D1N).
­ ­ ­
DAY 1: HANOI – HALONG BAY – LAN HA BAY ON ROSY CRUISE (Lunch, Dinner)
­
If you go to Halong Bay on your own, please be ready at Rosy Cruise’s Waiting area Tuan Chau International Marina, Halong Bay at 11:30 – 11:45 A.M for check-in. You will be transferred to Rosy Cruise from the tender.
­
12:30 – 13:00: Welcome to Rosy Cruise. You will be given a short briefing about your cruise while sipping your welcome drink in the restaurant.
­
13:00 – 13:15: Enjoy a typical lunch in the luxury dining room while Rosy Cruise slowly glides between the numerous small islands and the sea-green color.
­
15:00: Drop anchor for swimming or just simply sunbathe on our cruise (private, wild, and fresh air).
­
Also, you can go kayaking under our tour guide’s instruction to explore many beautiful spots.
­
16:30: Come back to Rosy Cruise
­
17:30: Summit on the sundeck for watching the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin, you are invited to Sunset party (we serve you local snacks and fresh fruits) and do not miss the exclusive offer “Happy hours – buy 2 get 1 for free” (from 17:30 to 19:00).
­
18:00: You take part in a cooking demonstration. We will guide you how to make the traditional Vietnamese dish – deep fried spring rolls.
­
19:15: The delicious dinner is served with fresh food set menu.
­
21:00: After dinner, reward yourself with a wide selection of cocktails at a panoramic bar or go down to the entrance of the cruise for squid fishing (We turn on the light and prepare the squid fishing rods).
­ ­ ­
DAY 2: LAN HA BAY – HALONG BAY – HANOI (Breakfast, Lunch)
­
05:30 – 06:00: Wake up early for the sunrise (depends on the season and the weather)
­
Enjoy Tai Chi session on the sundeck (If it is not raining). Tai Chi helps focus the mind and condition the body.
­
06:30: Light breakfast is served in the dining room with the morning view of bay’s landscape.
­
07:30: Traditional bamboo sampan or kayaking activities in the Light cave area – a perfect destination for the adventurous visitor who would love to row or kayak on calm water surface while enjoying the cave’s impressive stonewalls.
­
08:30: Come back to Rosy Cruise and pack your luggage.
­
09:15: Check-out, settle your bills and return the room keys at the reception area
­
09:30: Delicious brunch is served with set menu.
­
10:45: After disembarking from Rosy Cruise, you will be transferred speedboat to Tuan Chau Marina
­
11:30: Arrive at the harbor and farewell
­
(If you want to go to Cat Ba Island, you must let us know, we will transfer you by Rosy Cruise small transfer boat to Gia Luan Port.)
­ ­ ­
Notes:
­
– Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions. Swimming, kayaking or bamboo sampan may be canceled due to poor weather.
­
– Meals on board are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood…. Guests should advise any special food preferences, allergies, or dietary requirements.
­
– Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers.
­
– The Wi-Fi signal is not strong all the time due to the bay surrounded by islands
­
– The beverage is higher than inland because of the storage, service fee and tax
­
– All activities are included in the program. Guests can choose to relax and enjoy the scenery on board, without having to fully participate in the activities above.

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, and also its second largest city, is one of the most charming cities in Asia with a unique character. Years of foreign occupation have left a mark on this city as it is shown in the interesting museums, the historical buildings, the pagodas, the mausoleum, and its own French quarter give the city a very distinctive atmosphere. The best way to get to know Hanoi is to walk around. The historical center is not very extensive, many places to visit are there or in the immediate surroundings, and walking is the best way to have some contact with the friendly people of Hanoi. Hanoi is known as a city of lakes as there are many lakes and trees all around the city, the biggest being the West Lake, Ho Tay, and the most famous in the city center being the Lake of the Restored Sword, Ho Hoan Kiem. The beautiful thing about Hanoi is the interesting contrasts of architecture, ranging from the traditional old buildings of the Old Quarter to the European style huge buildings of the French Quarter to the Communist monuments at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and surrounding areas, not to mention the beautiful traditional architecture of its temples such as the Quan Su Pagoda. Hanoi is a peaceful and hectic city, buzzing with street life and exotic markets yet serene around the tranquil pagodas and temples. The City of the Soaring Dragon is the place to be in Vietnam.