On arrival in Hanoi, please make your own way to the Pan Pacific Hotel.  The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure (dinner at own expense).

Depart by coach to Halong Bay this morning, arriving in time to settle into your cabins before a delicious buffet lunch in the restaurant. Our luxury ship features 46 elegant and well-appointed cabins, a deluxe restaurant, two 360-degree sundecks, an outdoor jacuzzi pool and a spa lounge.  

Enjoy lunch as you drift over emerald waters past towering rocky outcrops, some more than 100 metres high.

Your cruise includes a variety of excursions and activities visiting hidden beaches, forested islands and gorgeous sea lakes. Our personalised 2 night cruise allows us to showcase the less visited and remote areas of Halong Bay.

Enjoy a sumptuous set menu dinner in the dining room this evening.

Rise early for an optional Tai Chi class on the deck, or simply drink in the first rays touching the water before enjoying a buffet breakfast in the dining room.

There will be a morning and afternoon excursions including cave explorations to see the interesting limestone formations which you can experience by bamboo boat or kayak.  Also visit Titov Island - a splendid destination encompassing a crescent moon-shaped beach where you can take a dip in the turquoise water and climb to the top of the island for breathtaking 360 degree views.

Savour a buffet lunch on board whilst enjoying the majestic views of Halong Bay's limestone islets. 

A 2 hour conference session will be held in the Piano Lounge at a time that fits in best with the excursions.

In the late afternoon you can participate in a cooking demonstration before taking your place on the terrace deck to watch the sun sink behind the bay’s myriad islands.

Enjoy a delicious dinner with Chef's special menu in the restaurant this evening.

Disembark after another hearty buffet breakfast and transfer by coach back to Hanoi, arriving early afternoon. 

Our accommodation in Hanoi for the next three nights is at the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel.  Located in the historic Old Quarter, the hotel stands as a testament to Hanoi's rich cultural heritage.  With its French colonial architecture and meticulously manicured gardens, you will enjoy a truly immersive experience, transported back in time while enjoying all of the modern comforts and amenities of a truly deluxe 5 star hotel.

After checking in to the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.  Being ideally situated in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you can easily explore the labyrinth of narrow streets and bustling markets that have remained the commercial centre of Hanoi for centuries. As you weave through the lively thoroughfares, you'll be greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee, the melodic chatter of local vendors and the rhythmic hum of cyclos navigating the bustling avenues. This is where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the city's residents.

Drinks reception
We welcome friends and colleagues who will be joining the program in Hanoi this evening with a drinks reception at the hotel.  

The remainder of the evening is at leisure (dinner at own expense). Fancy checking out a popular Hanoi hangout that is considered one of the best nightlife spots in the city?  On the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets in the Old Quarter is Bia Hoi Junction which is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The numerous street food stalls have prices so low that it would be silly not to eat a bit of everything. Some local delicacies include barbecue pork and rice noodle soup, fresh rich noodle rolls, beef pho, flame grilled skewers of vegetables and meat, and Vietnam’s iconic Banh Mi. Pull up a plastic stool, order a cheap pint of beer and start people-watching!

Tours of the Metropole Hotel will be available with the resident historian, delving into the hotel's rich past, from hosting renowned guests like Graham Greene to serving as a 1960s bomb shelter. From 1964 to 1973, the Metropole’s underground bomb shelter was a safe haven for guests, including celebrities Joan Baez and Jane Fonda. The bunker was sealed after the war ended, and only rediscovered by chance during renovations in 2011. Today, it serves as a reminder of the tragedy of war and a memorial to the courage and perseverance of the hotel employees.  These tours are only available to in-house guests.

Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole
Meals: Breakfast