Hanoi Overnight (Double)
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Port
Halong Bay, Vietnam
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$499.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (D) Halong Bay - Hanoi
Relax on a three-hour journey by motorcoach through northern Vietnamese landscapes.
Your destination is Hanoi -- Vietnam’s capital. This a remarkable city that will seduce you with its old-world charm. Boasting a romantic blend of ancient Asian and French heritage, Hanoi claims it is the jewel in Vietnam’s crown. Indeed, it is a dignified hub that pleasantly blends east and west, with bicycle-cluttered streets and a population that is reluctant to join the frenetic atmosphere of cities to the south, opting for a more reserved and relaxed way of life.
Enjoy a bit of Old Hanoi as you visit the Thirty-Six Streets -- an ancient district where the essence of Vietnamese culture is alive and well. You will explore on foot the myriad of alleys that are named after the trades traditionally plied here -- Tin Street, Silk Street and, of course, Grilled Fish Street.
A fascinating aspect of Vietnamese culture is the performing art of water puppetry. At the Water Puppet Theatre, the stage is set for you to watch a show -- an amazing experience, as this is an art form endemic to Vietnam. At the fore is a pool of water, and the background is a red-tiled communal house. The wooden puppets seemingly walk on the water as the puppeteers skillfully maneuver them, hidden by the stage set. Brightly-colored animals and figures come to life as their stories are told. There are usually several acts, each of which tells a story either about daily life in Vietnam or about ancient cultural beliefs. Everyday activities are depicted, such as rice farming, rearing ducks, and fishing -- all accompanied by songs and music performed on traditional instruments.
Decompress over a delicious taste of Vietnam with dinner at a renowned local restaurant.
Hotel: Hanoi Intercontinental Hotel (or similar).
Day 2 (B/L) Hanoi - Halong Bay
After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Ba Dinh Square, also known as the Ho Chi Minh Quarter. Here, an impressive marble and granite tomb is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh himself -- the father of the country.
Walking from the former French Governor’s Residence, you will pass tranquil lotus ponds at the entrance to Ho Chi Minh’s Cottage. In stark contrast to the neighboring residence, this cottage is a simple teak building designed in harmony with the surroundings and in the style of the ethnic hill-tribe homes. Ho Chi Minh’s belongings, including books, radio and a hat, are on display. You can walk up the steps to see his bedroom.
Nearby, you will find the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins are shrouded in legend, and step inside the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. This is a serene retreat from the busy streets and was Vietnam’s first university. Walk through the tranquil, five-walled courtyards and see the pavilion where ‘men of letters’ once recited their poetry. Entering the Confucius temple of worship, you’ll discover a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Step inside the former prison Hoa Lo Museum, widely known as ‘the Hanoi Hilton’ among American GIs and POWs during the Vietnam War. Hoa Lo Prison was originally established by the French colonial government in 1896 for the purpose of detaining political prisoners and formed part of a northern network of ‘unjust and cruel prisons.’ You can view the original cells, complete with leg-irons, along with a selection of bilingual (Vietnamese and English) displays illustrating the horrors of life in the prison during the French colonial period.
Lunch is served at a well-known Vietnamese restaurant in Hanoi’s city center.
Finally, reboard your motorcoach for the return journey through the undulating countryside to Halong.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. The Ho Chi Minh tomb complex and the Hoa Lo Museum are closed on Mondays and Fridays. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship’s staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 60 days before the ship’s call at Halong Bay. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 60 days prior to the call at Halong Bay. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Transfers, transportation by air-conditioned coach, all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Important information regarding visa requirements:
It is solely each participant’s responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will re-join the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line’s preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email
customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line’s website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica <https://cibtvisas.com/hollandamerica>. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.