Northern Vietnam + The Lantern Festival + The Golden Bridge
Ha Noi – Halong Bay - Ninh Binh – Hoi An – Da Nang (Ba Na Hills)
Dates:
Lantern Fest on 4th May 2023 (tour starts from 30th Apr to 6th May 2023)
Lantern Fest on 2nd Jun 2023 (tour starts from 29th May to 4th Jun 2023)
Lantern Fest on 2nd Jul 2023 (tour starts from 28th Jun to 4th Jul 2023)
Lantern Festival on 1st Aug 2023 (tour starts from 28th Jul to 3rd Aug 2023)
Duration: 6 nights / 7 days
Tour Price in USD per person (Double Sharing with meals indicated as B (breakfast), L (lunch), and D (dinner)
3 Star: $840 (2 pax) | $745 (4 pax) | $710 (6 pax) | $685 (8 pax)
4 Star: $871 (2 pax) | $775 (4 pax) | $740 (6 pax) | $715 (8 pax)
Single sharing is an additional $185 (3 star) and $215 (4 star)
TCS is 5% of package price and is refunded back to you
Itinerary
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT ON THE CRUISE (L,D)
Today we transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay by Limousine shuttle bus for the cruise (SIC)
After arriving in Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi at 05:05am, we meet our driver and transfer to our pick up point in city center where we meet Mr Tony + 84 (0) 968 058 595.
We board our shuttle bus from the pick up point and drive to Halong, one of the earliest World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO in 1994.
Upon arrival at Station number 17 – OVERNIGHT CRUISE PORT, Tuan Chau Maria, Ha Long passengers will be welcomed by the receptionist at La Casta Cruise’s waiting lounge.
11:30 – 12:00: After resting up, our high speed tender will transfer you to the main boat (approx 25 minutes).
Once on board, we will receive a warm welcome from the La Casta crew team with a welcome drink followed by a short briefing about the cruise and safety guidelines at the restaurant.
Complete the check-in procedure and check-into your suite cabins.
13:00: Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the restaurant. The cruise starts to depart for the voyage to discover Lan Ha Bay.
15:45: Visit the Ba Trai Dao area and the natural lagoon of Lan Ha Bay – this area includes the beach and breathes a romantic atmosphere where three smaller islets resemble three giant peaches on the sea. Explore activities such as kayaking, open water swimming, sightseeing and explore the Ba Trai Dao area.
(In unfavorable weather conditions to ensure the safety of our guests, this destination would change to Dark and Bright cave- famous for its pristine natural beauty and stunning seascape of Lan Ha Bay.
Enjoy activities such as kayaking and sightseeing on the bamboo boat.
17:30 – 18:30: Come back to our La Casta cruise and enjoy the pre-dinner sunset party with Happy Hour.
Promotion (buy 1 get 1 free with select drinks) at the bar while watching the views of the bay at sunset.
18:00: Join a cooking demonstration - our chef will teach you how to make some simple signature Vietnamese dishes.
19:30: Enjoy special seafood and typical Vietnamese food on the cruise. Vegetarian options also available.
21:00: Evening entertainment: Squid fishing, karaoke. Overnight on the La Casta Cruise in Halong Bay.
DAY 2: HALONG BAY - HANOI (B,L,D)
Today transfer to Hanoi from Halong Bay by Limousine shuttle bus from the cruise (SIC)
6:15: Wake up early, join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck, enjoy the fresh air and watch the sunrise in Lan Ha Bay.
7:00 – 7:45: Have breakfast. Take in the morning views of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee.
08:00: Witness the stunning views of the Bay and it’s dramatic limestone islets
Visit the famous Tra Bau - free time for kayaking and exploring or swimming.
09:00: Back to your cabin, relax and pack your luggage.
09:30 - 11:00: Complete check out procedure and enjoy a delicious brunch at La Casta cruise.
11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau harbor.
* Because of cruising conditions, the program may slightly change due to specific weather or tide conditions without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available although internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of Ha Long.
Our tour guide and van will pick you up and transfer back to Hanoi for hotel check-in around 15:30pm. Rest of the day, you are free to relax or go shopping.
19:00: Mr Tony will pick you up at the hotel for dinner at Indian Restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 3: HANOI FULL-DAY CITY TOUR (B,L) – SIC tour, sharing with other tourists.
7:00 - 8:00: Breakfast at hotel.
Hanoi, located on the banks of the Red River is one of the most ancient capitals in the world, where travelers can find well-preserved colonial buildings, ancient pagodas, temples and unique museums within the city center.
8.00- 8.30: Get picked up by our friendly guide and start to explore Hanoi City
08.45: Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake.
It is the oldest pagoda in Ha Noi built in the 6th century.
09.30: Visit Ho Chi Minh complex where you will have a chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Walk around the garden to see 2 houses where he lived & worked from 1954 to 1969. Then visit One Pillar Pagoda where the Goddess of Mercy is worshipped. It is the most unique pagoda in the world.
Special Note:
Please dress modestly by covering from shoulders to knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, pagodas…
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed at least 2 months (15th June -15th August) for annual maintenance but you can still take pictures of Mausoleum and visit the area.
11.15: Visit Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. We will visit the Women Museum if it is a Monday.
12.45: Time for lunch at a local restaurant.
14.00-14.15 : Visit the Temple of Literature – the first university of Vietnam, established in the 11th century.
15.15: Leave for Hoa Lo Prison Museum which was originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton.
16.15 -16.30: Tour finishes. Back to hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 4: HANOI – NINH BINH (HOA LU & TAM COC) - HANOI (B,L) – SIC tour, sharing with other tourists.
Post breakfast at hotel,
08:00: Our tour guide will pick you up and take you to Ninh Binh province which is about 100 km from Hanoi.
10:15: The first destination in this trip is Hoa Lu- the ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam.
When visiting Hoa Lu, you will learn why the capital was moved to Hanoi.
The architecture of the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam built in the 17 century, is absolutely outstanding.
11:30: Arrive in Tam Coc near Tam Coc wharf after visiting Hoa Lu.
11:45: Time for lunch at a Local restaurant.
13h00: At Tam Coc wharf, you get on a rowing boat on the Tam Coc River to discover the beauty of Tam Coc – Bich Dong. Within 1.5 hours on the boat, local boat riders will take you to visit three Tam Coc caves: Hang Ca (the first grotto), Hang Hai (the second grotto) and Hang Ba (the third grotto).
15:40: Cycle around the beautiful village and explore. You can also cycle to Thai Vi temple near Tam Coc wharf. This experience is sure to take your breath away.
16:45: Come back to our shuttle bus to return to Hanoi.
18:50: Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 5: HA NOI fly to DA NANG - HOI AN CITY TOUR & LANTERN FESTIVAL (B,D)
Airfare: Hanoi to Da Nang at USD 68 / 1 ticket/ 1 way (included airport tax, service charge, baggage allowance 20kg+7kg)
After Breakfast at around 08:00am our driver will pick you up from hotel and transfer to Noi Bai Airport for domestic flight to Da Nang. Arrive in Da Nang Airport, our tour guide and driver will pick you up and transfer to Hoi An Ancient Town for hotel check-in.
In the afternoon, we will visit Hoi An ancient town – walk over the tile-roofed Japanese Bridge and visit taciturn Chinese Assembly Halls and Trading Houses, Pagodas, and stroll around the market located by Thu Bon river. You may experience the same feeling the ancient artists felt. Those who saw the charm of Hoi An - a magical old world of Oriental feel and source of inspiration. From the town pier, we embark on the boat on Thu Bon river.
Enjoy the busy daily life of Hoi An people from the boat. Continue to Thanh Ha pottery village where we learn and enjoy the daily life of Thanh Ha people. Observe all the steps of making a pottery product: vase, pot, kettle, cooking pot.
Today we will witness the LANTERN FESTIVAL that occurs on every 15th of the Lunar month.
Have dinner at INDIAN restaurant and overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 6: HOI AN – DA NANG (BA NA HILLS, GOLDEN BRIDGE (B,L) – SIC tour, sharing with other tourists.
Post Breakfast at the hotel,
07:30-08:00am: we leave for the hills of Ba Na in Da Nang. Take the cable car that earns 5 points in the world to the Ba Na station. Stop at By Night Station to visit the hills of Vong Nguyet, the Linh Ung pagoda, The Old Villas of the French. Continue on a cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain - the top of the Ba Na range, visit the top of Nginh Phong, Le Nim Villas, and the orchid garden. Try the climbing train (first and only funicular) in Vietnam) and visit an ancient French winery (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), Le Jardin and amour flower garden.
Have BUFFET lunch in Ba Na Hills
Do not miss the walk on the Golden Bridge among the foggy hills of the mountain and enjoy the beautiful view of the city of Da Nang. After visiting Ba Na Hills, we transfer back to the hotel in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
DAY 7: HOI AN - DA NANG DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, you get some leisure time. Then the driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for departure.
HAVE A FANTASTIC TRIP!
Inclusions:
Hotel accommodation based on Double/Twin sharing rooms
A/C transfer with experienced drivers
English speaking local tour guides
Overnight cruise package in Halong bay (2
days/ 1 night)
Sampan in Ninh Binh
Cable car to Ba Na Hills
Meals without drinks as indicated: B =
Breakfast ; L = Lunch ; D = Dinner
All sightseeing fees as program
02 bottles of 0,5l on each day tour
Exclusions:
E-visa into Vietnam: USD35/ 1 person
(included visa stamp fee)
International air ticket to / from Vietnam and
domestic flights.
Early check-in and late check-out.
Other meals not mentioned in programs
Gratuities/ tips for tour guides; Drinks,
personal expenses and others…
Hotel Options:
Hanoi -
3 Star: HM Boutique Hotel (Deluxe Room) -
4 Star: Shining Central Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room) -
http://www.shiningcentralhotel.com/
Halong Bay -
La Casta Cruise - Junior Suite -
Hoi An -
3 Star: Golden Holiday Hotel (Superior Room) -
http://goldenholidayhoianhotel.com/
4 Star: Lasenta Hotel (Superior Room) -
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made before 30 days of travel will qualify for a full refund after deducting bank/credit card charges if applicable. Thereafter, refund shall be made as follows:
• Full refund if cancelled 2 weeks before date of departure
• 50% of the total amount charged if cancelled between 1-2 weeks prior to the trip
• 100% cancellation charge in if cancelled less than 1 week of travel/postponement of the trip/no show
For bookings and other details contact:
Laidback Outdoor
Whatsapp: +91 8375090772
Email: nakblaidback@gmail.com
Instagram: @laidbackoutdoor
Facebook: @LaidbackIndia
Me and my five friends traveled to Vietnam in April. The trip was very well planned by Nakul. Starting from visa, flights, stay, local guides and food every thing was very well curated.
The hotels were centrally located and neat with good cleanliness. It was wonderful, smooth, memorable trip.
Thanks to Nakul and team
I’ve toured with Laidback Outdoor for the March tour to Vietnam and it was amazing! Nakul took care of the entire itinerary, daily tours and food preferences. He also helped us with the flights and e-visa. So it was very smooth planning. The tour itself was amazing, we had some entertaining tour guides who took us to some amazing places and the hotels chosen were beautiful, clean and very central to most of the attractions and city centre. Transport were in air conditioned, comfy vehicles and always on time. I personally liked how relaxed the trip was, none of the rushed tours or late night/early morning travelling. It really felt like a holiday and we enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks so much for everything!