This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aid, then this tour is not suitable.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All airport and port transfers
✓ 5 nights in 4-star accommodation in a Deluxe Room
✓ 1 nights cruising the stunning Halong Bay in a Deluxe Cabin aboard the Majestic Cruise
✓ 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner
✓ Professional, English-speaking guide
✓ All coach transportation
✓ In-depth sightseeing of Hanoi and Northern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, Tran Quoc Pagoda, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and two of its surviving temples, Tam Coc caves and the scenic rural landscapes of northern Vietnam
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Chào Mừng! Welcome to Vietnam and Hanoi. You’ll be met on arrival at Hanoi airport and transferred to your hotel.
It’s no wonder Hanoi is fondly referred to as the cultural capital of Vietnam. With lots to do and see, it’s a fascinating mix of old and modern Vietnam. Hanoi street life is crowded and hectic – with motorbikes whizzing by, just crossing the road can be an adventure. Hanoi is known for its street food and you’ll find vendors all over the city, especially in the Old Quarter. Don’t forget to try the local delicacies, whether it’s pho, sticky rice or banh mi.
Take a break at a local coffee shop to experience the popular Hanoi pastime of sipping coffee and watching life in the neighbourhood.
Please note - some flights may depart the night before.
We’ll see the city with a guided tour today. First stop is tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda, located near West Lake. This 1400-year-old temple is the oldest in the city and very peaceful and scenic.
We’ll then visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, containing a museum and Ho Chi Minh’s final resting place. Ho Chi Minh is undoubtedly one of the most important leaders Vietnam has ever seen and this is a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. See ‘Uncle Ho’s Stilt House’, the simple two-room dwelling where he lived from 1958 until his final days in 1969. You’ll have a chance to visit the mausoleum. Nearby, sitting in a lotus pond, view the miniature One Pillar Pagoda. It’s a reconstruction of the original 11th century temple.
We’ll visit beautiful Van Mieu, or Temple of Literature. The template dates back to 1070, and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Note the peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways – this is one of the best examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Afterwards, we’ll explore Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), dedicated to the national hero Tran Hung Dao. The temple, with its famous bright red Huc Bridge, is in the centre of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Explore the bustling Old Quarter of Hanoi on this three-hour walking tour. Along the perimeter of the market, dozens of street hawkers sell a staggering variety of produce, from live seafood to exotic fruits and spices. Your expert guide will give you an insight into the intricacies and traditions of Vietnamese food culture and popular northern dishes. Eat as you go, trying seasonal fruits and sampling a tasty French-inspired snack from a street cart. Watch chefs prepare the famed Hanoi dish banh cuon and stop for snacks at outdoor barbeque stalls. For dessert, join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed ice and condensed milk. Your guide will take you to a hidden, hard to find, cafe that is one of Hanoi’s best kept secrets to taste the top ten street foods, like famous egg coffee. When the tour finishes you are free to continue exploring the atmospheric Old Quarter.
Starts: approx: 6pm
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
After breakfast, we’ll leave Hanoi for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a few hours drive – a journey through the Red River Delta with lush rice fields, water buffalo and a glimpse into Vietnamese rural life.
When we arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, we’ll proceed with check-in formalities. After your welcome on board, lunch will be served while cruising towards Halong Bay.
First stop is the pearl farm, home to the long-time local tradition of pearl harvesting. There’s also a chance for kayaking. We’ll then visit Titop Island before continuing through the bay, admiring the dramatic, fascinating rock formations. In the evening, you can join a cooking class onboard and learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, like spring rolls.
Dinner is a seafood BBQ served onboard, followed by evening entertainment like chess, karaoke, squid fishing and cards.
Early risers will enjoy a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, followed by breakfast, with those beautiful morning views of the bay’s landscape.
We’ll stop at Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave), where a guide will help you explore the cave. We’ll then continue to cruise though the magnificent rock formations, back towards port. Lunch will be served onboard before disembarking to transfer back to Hanoi. There will be a brief stop in Hai Duong province to visit a ceramics workshop.
When you arrive back in Hanoi, the rest of the day is yours.
This morning we’ll take a scenic drive passing through the rural beauty of northern Vietnam to arrive at Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu. Here we’ll visit the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang (first emperor of Vietnam) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh (of the Le dynasty, 980-1009). Hoa Lu’s ancient citadel used to cover an area of approximately three square kilometres, with palaces, temples, defensive walls and shrines. However, now only a few temples of past greatness remain.
After seeing these temples, we’ll continue our drive to Tam Coc town for a Vietnamese lunch. We can make photo stops on the way as these dramatic landscapes are beautiful. Famous for its flooded cave system under the amazing limestone karsts that define its landscape, Tam Coc is part of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch, enjoy a boat ride along Ngo Dong River, passing through paddy fields and limestone karst formations to get to Tam Coc caves – the name means ‘three caves’. No doubt this will be the highlight of the day – Hang Ca (First Cave) is the longest and most beautiful, around 127 metres long with a ceiling about two metres high above the water.
Returning to the boat station, if you’d like to cycle you can see the village by bike. Or, enjoy an ice cream or fresh sugar cane juice and enjoy majestic Tam Coc waterway from the boat station.
We’ll return back to Hanoi in the evening.
It’s a free day in Hanoi today. There is lots to discover in this vibrant, teeming metropolis. You might like to visit the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, or see the traditional ancient art form of water puppetry at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. There are places to recuperate from the crowds and action, like tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake, a relaxing oasis on the southern edge of the old town quarter. West Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in Hanoi, is right in the centre of the city.
Visit the infamous Hoa Lo prison, built by the French colonial government in the late 19th century to house Vietnamese political prisoners. During the Vietnam War, it was used by North Vietnam, and dubbed the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by American prisoners of war. Today, only part of the prison still exists as a history museum.
You might like to explore Hanoi’s historic and lively Old Quarter, the oldest continuously developed area of Vietnam that showcases more than 1000 years of history. Explore the network of narrow alleyways known as the 36 Streets. Each street was named for the specialised trade of merchants with shops there, like silk traders or jewellery. This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines.
You’ll travel west of Hanoi to visit the ancient village of Duong Lam. This agricultural village of the northern Red River Delta is home to many well-preserved hundred-year-old houses. It’s a unique experience to walk through tiny ancient alleys. We’ll visit Mong Phu Temple in Mong Phu, where the original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. You’ll chat to locals in their ancient houses when you visit Mr Lam, Mr Ha and Mr Huyen. Enjoy a special Vietnamese lunch in an ancient house. Afterwards, continue to Mia Pagoda. Built in the 15th century, there are an impressive 287 statues of all sizes, along with famous sculptures like the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities. The last stop is a visit to Ngo Quyen Temple and Phung Hung Temple, dedicated to their namesake national heroes. You’ll return back to Hanoi at about 6pm.
Starts: approx: 8am
Duration: approx: 9 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
You’ll meet your tour guide and depart for Perfume Pagoda, a vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains, about 60km west of Hanoi. We’ll stop on the way to experience Vietnamese handicrafts like lacquerwares, paintings and embroideries. Enjoy a boat ride along the river for nearly an hour to take in the beautiful landscape of streams and paddy fields. Start hiking up to a unique pagoda inside Huong Tich cave on the mountain summit. These views are breathtaking. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant nearby. After a visit to Thien Tru Pagoda, board the boat back to Duc Dock and return to Hanoi.
Starts: approx: 8am
Duration: approx: 9 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
We’ll head through the scenic countryside of blissful Mai Chau valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and seemingly endless rice fields. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local village then take a bicycle tour to see farmers working in the fields, locals weaving scarves and the peaceful surrounding villages. You’ll return to your hotel in the evening.
Starts: approx: 7.30am
Duration: approx: 11 hours
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
It’s free time this morning until your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Full-service airline used will be Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, China Airlines, Vietnam Airlines or similar.
Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections
If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.
All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.
Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
To enhance your journey, we are offering the following optional sightseeing experiences:
Please note - only 1 of the 3 options on Day 6 can be chosen.
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
For the services of your guide, it is suggested that you budget for NZD$10-20 per person, per day. Tipping of your driver is also appreciated and we would suggest NZD$5 per person, per day.
As this particular tour does not collect a ‘kitty’, it is entirely up to the individual whether or not you would like to tip locals for the services of things like taxis or when dining at restaurants. In these cases, we suggest you allow 10-20% of the value of the service as a tip. Again, it is not compulsory and entirely up to the individual.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $350 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
A visa is required for travel to Vietnam. The visa is easiest to complete online and takes approximately 72 hours to confirm.
Please note the e-visa is limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and is only valid for 3 months from date of issue. You must make sure that the same travel document that was used for applying online is used for entering into Vietnam. Visit https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ to apply for an e-visa.
Information required:
Once approved, please ensure that you travel with the following documentation as they are required to present to customs upon arrival into the country:
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://safetravel.govt.nz/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2-30 people.
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
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