What's included
Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay in eight days. The Old Quarter and the French Quarter, a boat through the limestone valleys of Trang An, and two nights aboard a premium cruise in Ha Long Bay itself.
Package includes
- Return international flights, Johannesburg to Hanoi and back
- 4 nights accommodation in Hanoi, sharing
- 2 nights aboard a premium Ha Long Bay cruise
- Daily breakfast
- Vietnamese lunch on the Ninh Binh tour
- Meals included in the Ha Long Bay cruise programme
- Airport transfers and group transport for scheduled activities
- Return transfers between Hanoi and Ninh Binh
- Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and back
- Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and The Huc Bridge, and the French Quarter
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and the Trang An boat experience
- Ninh Binh countryside experience
- Two-night Ha Long Bay cruise with its programme of activities
- Thrifty Adventures experience leader throughout
Not included
- Entry fees and activities — optional, at extra cost
- Visa costs, if applicable
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending money
- Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned
- Tips and gratuities
- Activities undertaken during free time
Optional activities
What you need
- Passport must not expire before 18 October 2027
- Travellers under 18: unabridged birth certificate, valid passport, and an affidavit from any parent not travelling
- Universal adapter
Your itinerary
Eight days, Sunday to Sunday — four nights in Hanoi and two aboard the Ha Long Bay cruise.
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1
Depart South Africa
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure.
- Check in for your international flight and depart Johannesburg for Hanoi.
- Overnight journey.
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2
Arrival in Hanoi and city highlights
- Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your transfer and travel to your hotel in central Hanoi — about 45 to 60 minutes.
- Hanoi Old Quarter — the colourful historic streets and local shops.
- Hoan Kiem Lake and The Huc Bridge.
- The French Quarter and its colonial architecture.
- Free evening to relax, have dinner or explore at your own pace.
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3
Ninh Binh day tour
- Early breakfast, then depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital — the temples and history of Vietnam's former capital.
- Trang An boat experience — by traditional boat through limestone mountains, caves, rivers and valleys.
- Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
- Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
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4
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay — cruise begins
- Breakfast, check out and travel to the Ha Long Bay cruise terminal — about two and a half to three hours.
- Welcome drink, cruise check-in and lunch onboard.
- Kayaking or a sampan boat experience, island exploration and a cave visit.
- Dinner and a relaxed evening onboard.
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5
Full day on Ha Long Bay
- Wake up surrounded by the bay, and breakfast onboard.
- A full day exploring, following the cruise programme — kayaking or boat excursions, island exploration and cave experiences.
- Meals onboard, and an afternoon taking in the scenery.
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6
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi
- Breakfast, a final cruise activity, cabin check-out and brunch according to the cruise programme.
- Disembark around midday and travel back to Hanoi.
- Arrive in the afternoon and check back into the hotel.
- Free evening.
-
7
Free day in Hanoi
- A full day at leisure with no scheduled group activities.
- Rest, shop, explore Hanoi independently or enjoy the hotel.
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8
Departure from Vietnam
- Final breakfast at the hotel and check out.
- Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.
- Depart Hanoi for Johannesburg.
Cruise activities follow the operator's programme and may vary. Itineraries may adjust slightly for weather, flight schedules or local conditions.
Transport. Scheduled transport is provided only for activities and locations included in the official itinerary. Transport for personal activities, optional excursions, shopping trips or restaurants outside the planned programme is not included.
Optional activities are subject to availability, supplier confirmation and price changes. The itinerary may adjust slightly for flight schedules, weather or local operating hours.



