VFTA–16: HANOI – HALONG – TAM COC/NINH BINH

Pick you up at Noi Bai International Airport (Flight TBA). Transfer to Hanoi Downtown. Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some of Asia's most striking colonial architecture, many peaceful lakes, parks and oriental temples making for a relaxing atmosphere. 
O/N at hotel in Hanoi.

ABF at hotel.
Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Enjoy the architectural and historical aspects of Uncle Ho’s final resting-place. Just next door is Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Lying to one side of the Mausoleum is the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 and the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Then visit to Tran Quoc (One of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam) & Van Nien pagoda _the thousand-year-old pagoda is considered one of the most famous ones in the old capital of Thang Long, both pagodas are on the shores of West lake. This pagoda dates from the 11th century and is said to protect this region from outside invaders. Continue to visit the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam), Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Here we will also have a chance to see a traditional music performance.
 After lunch at local restaurant, visit to the Temple of Literature, which is regarded as the first university in Viet Nam. Then, we shall proceed to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s greatest natural wonders and was recognized as World’s Natural Heritage by UNESCO in 2000. 
This evening, you will have a seafood dinner at one of the best local restaurants. Free go shopping at night market.
Overnight at hotel in Ha Long Bay. 

ABF at hotel.
8.00: Welcome on boat at Bai Chay pier while boat is cruising towards Cho Da, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi.
10.20: Visit Thien Cung Cave. 
11.00: Back to the boat, continue the cruise and have set menu lunch.
12.00: Back to Bai Chay pier. End of the trip.
Drive back to Hanoi. On arrival in Hanoi, free shopping at Dong Xuan Market (if time permits) & enjoy the Special Vietnam water puppet show, a unique and famous traditional performance.
Dinner at a local restaurant. Take a short sightseeing tour by cyclo through the bustling old quarter streets. 
 Free go shopping at night Market in some streets of Ancient Quarter (open at weekend).
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

ABF at hotel.
This morning, continue your tour program to Hoa Lu - Ancient Capital of Vietnam late 10th century - early 11th century, which is called ‘the terrestrial Ha Long Bay’ as its towering limestone cliffs and mountains spring up from the green, lush paddy field instead of blue water. Visit Dinh & Le Dynasty Temples which were built in the 11th century. We then climb 200 steps to the top of Ma Yen mount for a fantastic view over the surrounding areas. After that, you will take a sampan on a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape and the rice paddies to the grottoes of the sacred Tam Coc Caves. Lastly, you will visit Bich Dong caves pagoda.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. 
Have dinner at a local restaurant. Free go shopping at Trang Tien Plaza, Ancient Quarter or Vincom City Tower.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.