Culture, Cruise & River Life: Vietnam North to South

Arrival Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Xin Chao! Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam.

A warm greeting awaits at Noi Bai International airport, your private guide and driver will meet you at EXIT GATE – COLUMN 10 and transfer you (45 minutes) to your hotel in city centre.

Please look for your tour guide who holds up your names on a welcome signboard. While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check in time is at 02:00pm; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Please note: Your travel documents contain a Vietnam eVisa (unless otherwise arranged). Please ensure to pack this in your carry-on luggage. Your Vietnam eVisa must be presented to Customs upon entry into the country.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Accommodation: Chalcedony Hotel or Similar

07:45 – 08:15: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by a shared van to begin your exploration of Hanoi.

Start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closed in the afternoons, Fridays, and Mondays), where you can learn about the architectural and historical significance of the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader. Nearby, discover Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, a simple yet meaningful residence reflecting his modest lifestyle. Just beside the complex stands the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 — a unique structure that has become a symbol of Hanoi.

Continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest and most picturesque Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam, beautifully set along the shores of West Lake.

Depending on the day, you will then visit Bat Trang Pottery Village (operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), where you can observe traditional ceramic craftsmanship and explore the village’s artisanal heritage.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (operating on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), offering fascinating insights into the diverse cultures of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Continue to the Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. Its tranquil gardens and well-presed architecture provide a peaceful glimpse into the country’s scholarly past.

Next, pass by Hoan Kiem Lake, the symbolic heart of Hanoi, and visit Ngoc Son Temple, gracefully set on a small island within the lake.

Conclude the day with a walk through Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, where you will have time to explore its lively streets, browse local shops, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.

Tour ends around 15:30 – 16:00.

Overnight in Hanoi. 

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Chalcedony Hotel or Similar

A shared van will pick you up and transfer you to Quang Ninh Province. Enjoy the scenic journey through the Red River Delta, with its patchwork of rice fields, rivers, and local villages along the way to Ha Long Bay.

12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina (No.34), where the crew of Peony Cruises will warmly welcome you at the lounge.

12:30: You will be transferred by a support vessel from the pier to board your elegant cruise, Peony Cruises. A short itinerary briefing will be given during this time.

13:00: Enjoy a welcome drink and refreshing towels as you settle in. A special lunch featuring fresh seafood and a selection of Vietnamese delicacies will be served as the cruise begins its journey toward Lan Ha Bay — a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Savor your meal while admiring the bay’s stunning seascapes.

15:30: Arrive at the Tra Bau Area, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquil waters. This is the perfect time to enjoy kayaking, allowing you to explore the hidden corners and limestone formations of Lan Ha Bay up close.Alternatively, relax and swim in the emerald waters or unwind in the Jacuzzi onboard.

17:30 – 18:30: Join a cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes — fresh spring rolls.Or head to the sundeck to admire a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy Happy Hour (Buy 1 Get 1 Free) at the bar — an ideal moment for sunset photography and relaxation.

19:30: Indulge in a delicious dinner prepared by the cruise’s talented chef, served in an intimate and romantic setting.

21:00 – 22:00: Spend your evening at leisure. Relax with a drink at the sky bar (additional charge), enjoy a spa treatment (optional), or unwind on the sundeck under the star-lit sky.

You may also try your luck with squid fishing on the main deck.

Overnight on board the cruise.

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C, Shared cruise
Tour guide: English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Peony Cruise or Similar

06:00: Begin your day with an energizing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun gently rises over the horizon — a peaceful and refreshing start to the morning.

06:45 – 07:15: Breakfast is served on board while the cruise makes its way back toward Gia Luan Jetty.
(Please note: timing may be adjusted depending on the cruise itinerary.)

07:30 – 09:00: Transfer to Cat Ba Island for a visit to the Cat Ba World Biosphere Reserve. Continue to explore Trung Trang Cave, one of the island’s most impressive natural wonders. This limestone cave features thousands of stalactites in fascinating shapes, showcasing both geological beauty and a unique ecosystem.

09:30: Return to the main boat. Guests will proceed with cabin check-out, and luggage should be placed outside the cabin for collection.

Enjoy an early lunch served at the restaurant on board.

Please settle any personal expenses at the reception desk.

10:30 – 11:00: Disembark from Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau Marina (Block #34, Big Bay Terminal). Relax while waiting for your luggage.

11:30 – 12:00: Your cruise comes to an end. Bid farewell to the crew and depart with wonderful memories of your time in Lan Ha Bay.

You will then be met by your private driver for the return journey to Hanoi, heading directly to the airport for your flight to Da Nang, in central Vietnam.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your private guide and transferred to your hotel in Hoi An, a charming UNESCO World Heritage town. Hoi An is also known for its proximity to beautiful beaches just 5 km away, offering a range of lovely seaside resorts — please let us know if you prefer a beach stay.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C, Shared cruise, Private airport vehicle and driver with A/C
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide on cruise, Private English speaking guide in Da Nang.
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa or Similar

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure after the previous day’s journey.

Around 15:00: Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Hoi An City Center to begin your Hoi An City Tour.

Start with a visit to the Hoi An Traditional Performing Arts House, where you will enjoy a traditional performance offering an authentic glimpse into local folklore, music, and cultural expressions.

Continue your walking tour with a visit to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, showcasing Hoi An’s rich history as a major trading port through an impressive collection of ceramics from Vietnam and across Asia.

Explore the beautifully preserved Tan Ky Ancient House, a 200-year-old merchant residence that reflects a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural influences.

Next, visit the historic Cantonese Assembly Hall (Hoi Quan Quang Dong), admired for its intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and cultural significance to the local Chinese community — a vivid reflection of Hoi An’s multicultural heritage.

Stop at the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of its rich history.

As evening falls, enjoy free time to explore the lively Hoi An Night Market, where you can soak in the magical lantern-lit atmosphere, browse local handicrafts, and capture memorable photos.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, featuring Hoi An’s specialty dishes.

19:00: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the river, where you will release a flower lantern — a meaningful local tradition believed to bring luck and good wishes to you and your loved ones.

Around 19:30: Conclude the tour and return to your hotel.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Included for the day:
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide, Shared boat
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa or Similar

These three traditional craft villages in Hoi An offer a meaningful glimpse into local life and heritage—peaceful communities where time-honored skills are still preserved amid modern development.

08:00 AM or 1:30 PM: Meet your guide at the hotel and begin with a visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, where you can explore small temples and museums, learn about the village’s history, and try your hand at shaping clay using traditional techniques.

Continue to Kim Bong Carpentry Village, located along the Thu Bon River. Known for its long-standing woodworking tradition, the village comes alive with the rhythmic sounds of carving tools. Visit local workshops to observe artisans crafting intricate wooden pieces, and if you wish, order a custom-made item or browse ready-made products. You may also enjoy a short bicycle ride through the village to take in the tranquil scenery and daily life.

Next, head to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a charming farming community with over 300 years of history. Surrounded by lush gardens, lagoons, and rivers, the village is known for its organic farming methods. Here, you’ll experience a slice of local life by joining farmers in activities such as soil preparation, watering, and harvesting fresh herbs and vegetables.

Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An. 

Included for the day:
Transfer: Shared vehicle and driver with A/C
Tour guide: Shared English speaking tour guide
Entrance fees: To all sites stated in the itinerary
Accommodation: Hoi An Golden Holiday Hotel & Spa or Similar

Departure Flight: Guest’s own tickets

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before preparing for check-out. Your private car (without guide) will be waiting in the lobby to transfer you to Da Nang International Airport for your onward flight home.

Included for the day:
Transfer: Private vehicle and driver with A/C