Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival Hanoi               
Upon arrival in Hanoi, pick up by driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi

Meal plan: none      
Overnight in Hanoi at Five Star Intercontinental West Lake Hotel (Deluxe room)
 
Day 2: Hanoi at leisure                               
Discover the most charming city in Asia on your own
Enjoy one hour of Vietnamese body massage at Santal Spa next to the hotel

Meal plan: B      
Overnight in Hanoi at Five Star Intercontinental West Lake Hotel (Deluxe room)

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay                        
Shuttle bus pick up at 07.45 am for Halong Bay (4 hours drive)
The first day of your cruise is an introduction to the amazing scenery of Halong Bay and its southern sister; Lan Ha Bay. Cruising through Halong Bay will literally take your breath away, as we pass famous spots likeThien Cung and Me Cung caves, plus Soi Sim and Titov islands. Also located in the Gulf of Tonkin, to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave offers tranquility and nature at its best, and a guided kayaking tour or a refreshing swim in the Bay’s emerald waters are two of the best ways to enjoy it. Then we anchor at Ho Dong Tien area, a peaceful and beautiful location.

>>> Don’t forget to reserve the time for the body massage on board (1 hour)

Meal plan: B/L/D      
Overnight on Auco Cruises (deluxe cabin)

Day 4: Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island - Bai Tu Long Bay
Cat Ba Island is famous for its national park, with more than half the island designated. This island, far and away the largest in the Gulf of Tonkin, is covered by a dense rainforest home to numerous indigenous species of flora and fauna. The secluded village of Viet Hai, situated in the middle of this pristine environment, is easily accessible thanks to a short walk or cycling trip  and is where we are developing an organic farm which you can visit.
 
Bai Tu Long Bay, located a little further east of Halong Bay, is the most remote area of your voyage. The exceptional scale and variety of the geological rock formations in this area are sure to make this a future destination for cruising in the Gulf of Tonkin. A relaxing rowing boat tour through the floating village of Vung Vieng and cruising into the geological park of this bay will definitely be delightful moments for you to remember.
Dinner & Accommodation on board Five Star cruise: The Au Co (Deluxe Cabin)

Meal plan: B/L/D      
Overnight on Auco Cruises (deluxe cabin)

Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Airport transfer
Halong Bay, designated a UNESCO world heritage site for its limestone rock formations, is home to about 2,000 isles and islets of different shapes and sizes, creating a truly breathtaking seascape. At its heart is the highest concentration of limestone rocks in the area and caves and grottoes abound. One of the most beautiful is The Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. Exceptional because of its size and the shapes which have been created by millions of years of erosion, the Surprise Cave is not to be missed.

11.00. Check out of the boat in Halong Bay for four hours transfer back to Hanoi
15.00. Private car from Hanoi City to airport.
16.00. Arrive at airport. End of service.

Prices include (Auco - Inter Continental Hotel)
• 02 night accommodation in twin/double Deluxe Room at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake with daily breakfast (check in at 2 pm and check out at noontime)
http://www.intercontinental.com/hotels/gb/en/reservation 
• 02 nights  cruise on board The Au Co with sightseeing in twin/double Deluxe Cabin
www.aucocruises.com
• Airport transfer in & out by private car with aircon (2 ways)
• Aircon sharing shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi (join in)
• 3 lunches, 2 dinners & 2 breakfasts on board
• 1 hour massage per person at Venus Spa (at 30 Xuan Dieu street)
• All entrance fees as program
• 01 bottle of mineral water per person per day on bus and in room

COMPLIMENTARY
• Kayaking in Halong Bay
• Biking tour in Cat Ba Island
• Vietnamese cooking demonstration on board
• Tai Chi exercise in the morning on board
• Vietnamese tea introduction on board

Prices Exclude
• Airfares (international and domestic)
• Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
• Beverage
• Visas to Vietnam (if any)
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Early check in or late check out
• Private car Hanoi – Halong - Hanoi
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges (if any)
• Anything not clearly mentioned in the inclusions

What to bring
• Original passport
• Insect repellent
• Swimming suits (warm clothes in winter)
• Camera, sunglasses and sun screams
• Money for drinks (beer, wine) on boat.