Overview
A five-day introduction to northern Vietnam, taking in the capital Hanoi, an overnight cruise through the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and the paddy fields and river caves of Ninh Binh - the region known as the Halong Bay on land.
Tour attractions: Hanoi, Halong Bay cruise and Ninh Binh. Accommodation is at 3-star properties on a twin or double sharing basis, with Indian dinners each evening.
Day-wise Schedule
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi. Welcomed by the driver and guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in between 2:00 and 3:00 PM. A four-hour half-day city tour in the afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 2: Hanoi to Ninh Binh day trip - Hoa Lu ancient town and the Tam Coc boat ride. A 90 km drive south of Hanoi leads to Ninh Binh, capital of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took that role in the 11th century. A boat trip through Tam Coc, where limestone karsts rise from green paddy fields, then Bich Dong Pagoda and Hoa Lu with the Dinh and Le temples. Return to Hanoi. Meals: breakfast and dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay - a two-day, one-night cruise. Pick-up at 8:00 AM and a 3.5 to 4 hour drive to Halong Bay. Board the boat and enjoy a seafood lunch while cruising among thousands of rocks, islets and beaches, with time to visit karst grottoes, swim or watch the sunset. Overnight on the boat. Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 4: Second day on the cruise, then back to Hanoi. Morning sightseeing by boat past islands named for their shapes - the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense Burner Rock and Sea Dog Rock. Early brunch on board, arrive at Halong Wharf around noon and transfer to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: brunch and dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Day 5: Departure. Breakfast at the hotel, check out, and transfer to the airport. Meals: breakfast.
Note: The cruise program may vary depending on the cruise operator. The schedule may change as per conditions and participant convenience.
Facts & Eligibility
Fee
- Rs. 38,000 per person plus 5% GST - Rs. 39,900 per person in total.
Inclusions
- 4 nights' accommodation on a double or twin sharing basis at 3-star properties - Hanoi 3 nights, Halong Bay cruise 1 night
- 4 breakfasts at the hotel, 4 dinners at an authentic Indian restaurant, 1 lunch on the Halong Bay cruise
- Transfers as per the itinerary in air-conditioned vehicles
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as per the itinerary; boat trips as per the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide; compulsory tips included
- Drinking water during tours - one bottle per day
Hotels
- Hanoi: Moon View Hanoi Hotel, superior room or similar
- Halong Bay cruise: Syrena Cruise, deluxe room or similar
Who Can Participate?
- Open to YHAI members aged 15 years and above who are physically fit.
- Participants below 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Documents Required
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Vietnam e-visa
- Arrival card
- Passport-size photographs
- Travel insurance - mandatory
- Travel tickets
- Carry copies of all important documents separately from the originals
Packing
Expect warm, humid weather with occasional showers; average temperatures 26 to 30 degrees Celsius.
- Light cotton clothing, comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen; umbrella
- Swimwear and a personal towel
- A small 20-litre backpack for excursions
- Personal medicines, first-aid kit and electrolytes
- Power bank and travel adapters; water bottle
Money and Connectivity
- Carry USD 150 to 200 from India for personal expenses. Currency exchange is available at the hotel - retain exchange receipts.
- Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards are accepted at some hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry small denominations for local purchases.
- Local SIM cards are best bought at the airport on arrival; affordable prepaid 4G/5G packs are available. Keep your Indian SIM active for OTPs and emergency calls.
Food
Breakfast and dinner are included daily. Carry dry snacks such as biscuits, nuts or namkeen for excursions where meal timings may be delayed. If you have dietary restrictions, carry suitable packaged food from India. Avoid carrying fresh fruit, vegetables or liquids beyond permitted limits.
Arrival and Transfers
Airport pickup and transfer to the hotel is provided at two slots, 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, based on majority arrivals. Arrivals outside these timings must arrange their own transfer to the hotel. Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM.
On-ground Support
A YHAI group leader and a local coordinator or guide accompany participants throughout. Their contact details are shared in the official WhatsApp group before departure. For urgent matters contact YHAI Delhi State Branch: Shri Jyoti Kumar Srivastava 9818097600 or Shri Rakesh Tiwari 8745036589.
Group Size
A minimum of 16 confirmed participants is required to operate the tour. If there are fewer, the organiser may cancel the batch; participants then receive a 100% refund within a stipulated time frame, or may transfer to another batch or date subject to availability.
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights
- Vietnam visa fees
- Single supplement, early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks, personal expenses and services not mentioned
- Insurance
Batch Dates
Reporting Point: Hanoi Airport, Vietnam - hotel check-in from 2:00 PM
Cancellation Policy
- Cancel 10 days or more before the travel date to receive a 50% refund of the program fee.
- Cancellations within 10 days of the travel date receive no refund under any circumstances, as all arrangements are already finalised.
- There is no credit shell option and no transfer of a booking to another batch or program.
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