Day 1: Hanoi - Halong Bay
The legendary Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. This world famous wonder is just a three and half hour drive from Hanoi. Today we depart hotel at 8h00 and travel by roads to Halong Bay passing by the scenic countryside. On arrival we board a traditional board for a five hour trip around Halong Bay. This exciting cruise provides us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. We have a huge seafood lunch served on board and continue sailing out. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. O/N in Halong. (L)

Day 2: Halong Bay - Bat Trang - Hanoi
The wonderful time in beach ends as we embark our vehicle and drive past the scenic rural landscape. En route we make stop to visit the riverside craft village of Bat Trang, where distinctive ceramics are made and used throughout the delta region for over 500 years. The vitality of this village is still blown up by the hundreds of pottery kilns on fire day and night. We stroll around various cottage industries and watch craftsmen forming, painting and glazing their products in traditional ways.The trip ends after arrival in Hanoi. (B)