Your four-day immersion in northern Vietnam takes in Hanoi’s highlights, from bustling markets to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, with time to explore the sights of Hanoi on your own. After a scenic drive further east, relax as you cruise the calm waters of Halong Bay. You have your choice of three-star or 4-star accommodation, including a night spent on board a luxury junk (type of sailing vessel)!

Day 1: Hanoi (L)
Your Hanoi highlights tour begins with pickup from your hotel for a visit to the Ho Chi Minh complex, including the former leader’s stilt home, presidential palace, museum and mausoleum. After lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant, visit Hanoi’s bustling Dong Xuan Market, where stalls are crowded with everything from clothing and vegetables to whitegoods and live chickens. You’ll also see the 13th-century temple of Hgoc Son on its tiny island on Hoan Kiem Lake, and take a one-hour cyclo (bicycle taxi) tour through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets -- an essential Hanoi experience.

*Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum closed on Mondays and Fridays. On these days, visitors will tour Hoa Lo Prison.
** Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be closed from September 6, 2013 until November 5, 2013 for maintenance. During this time visitors will tour Hoa Lo Prison instead.

Accommodation: Authentic Hanoi Hotel (three-star) or Lan Vien Hotel (four-star)

Day 2: Hanoi (B)
After breakfast at your hotel, take a one-hour drive to Tam Dao in the Chat Dau Valley to visit a moon bear (Asian black bear) rescue center. Moon bears are highly sought after for their bile, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and you’ll see the rehabilitated animals’ new 30-acre (12-hectare) home in Tam Dao National Park. Returning to Hanoi, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Authentic Hanoi Hotel (three-star) or Lan Vien Hotel (four-star)

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast at your hotel, relax on the three-hour drive to Halong Bay. Lunch will be served while you cruise the bay on board a comfortable junk (converted fishing boat). Admire the limestone caves, rocky outcrops and silky waters, and take the opportunity to sunbathe on the junk’s top deck or go for a kayak on the bay. Enjoy a seafood dinner prepared by your onboard chef, before spending the night aboard your cruiser.

Accommodation: Jewel of the Bay (three-star) or Bhaya Cruise (four-star)

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L)
Wake up at sea, and take a swim before breakfast, then cruise to Surprise Cave and Halong Bay’s main harbor. After lunch, relax on the three-hour drive back to your Hanoi hotel, where the tour ends.

Please note: Hotels subject to change