Arriving in Hanoi
A short morning flight from Da Nang brings you to the capital
Morning flight from Da Nang (DAD) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air operate frequent daily services. Noi Bai is about 45 minutes from the Old Quarter by car — your hotel can arrange a private transfer.
Hanoi
A theatrical boutique gem in the heart of the French Quarter
An intimate 47-room hotel that draws its soul from the Hanoi Opera House nearby. Every detail is theatrical — from the cabaret-inspired lobby to rooms that feel like private dressing rooms of a prima donna. It is one of the most distinctive small hotels in Southeast Asia, blending colonial glamour with Vietnamese artistry.
The Old Quarter
Thirty-six streets, each named for its historic trade — a living museum of commerce and culture
Hanoi's Old Quarter has been the beating commercial heart of the city for nearly 1,000 years. Each of its 36 streets was originally home to a single guild or trade, and many still bear those names today — Silk Street, Silver Street, Paper Street. Walking here is a sensory immersion: the hiss of pho broth, the clink of iced ca phe, motorbikes weaving through impossibly narrow lanes, and ancient tube houses hiding courtyards within.
Fine silk, custom tailoring, and lacquerware. The most elegant shopping street in the quarter.
Silversmiths and jewelers have worked here since the 13th century. Beautiful handcrafted pieces.
The most lively street at night. Tiny plastic stools, cold bia hoi, and the best people-watching in Hanoi.
Vibrant paper votives, lanterns, and seasonal decorations. Especially spectacular during festivals.
Seek out Cafe Giang, birthplace of ca phe trung — whipped egg yolk over strong Vietnamese coffee. Addictive.
The serene heart of Hanoi. Morning tai chi, the red Huc Bridge, and the legend of the Turtle King's sword.
An Evening to Remember
One legendary restaurant, one iconic rooftop
For over 130 years, this restaurant has served exactly one dish: turmeric-marinated catfish, sizzled tableside in a clay pan with dill, spring onions, shrimp paste, and roasted peanuts. The street it sits on — Cha Ca Street — was literally renamed after the restaurant. It is a singular culinary pilgrimage, unchanged across generations.
End the evening with cocktails above the city lights. Panoramic views over the Old Quarter rooftops, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the distant Red River. The perfect nightcap before your Ha Long Bay adventure.
Hanoi Discovery
From arrival to the legendary one-dish dinner
Depart Da Nang (DAD) for Hanoi (HAN), approximately 1.5 hours. Private transfer to Capella Hanoi in the French Quarter. Settle in and enjoy the theatrical surroundings.
Guided walk through the 36 ancient streets. Explore Silk Street, Silver Street, and Paper Street. Pause at Hoan Kiem Lake and the red Huc Bridge. Try egg coffee at Cafe Giang. Soak in the energy of a city that has thrived for a thousand years.
The legendary one-dish restaurant — turmeric fish prepared tableside, a tradition since 1871. The street was renamed in its honor. Follow with rooftop cocktails at Twilight Sky Bar overlooking the Old Quarter.
Ha Long Bay Overnight
A UNESCO World Heritage wonder — 1,600 limestone islands rising from emerald waters
Skip the 3.5-hour drive. A 45-minute seaplane flight from Hanoi offers breathtaking aerial views of the bay's karst formations before splashing down on the water. An unforgettable arrival.
A beautifully restored wooden junk-style vessel with approximately 20 cabins, Heritage Cruises is inspired by the glamorous Indochina era. Full-board dining features the freshest seafood from the bay, prepared by an onboard chef. Fall asleep to gentle waves and wake to limestone towers dissolving in mist.
On the Bay
Glide through towering limestone karsts and hidden lagoons in emerald waters
Swim in warm, sheltered bays surrounded by ancient rock formations
Try your hand at traditional night squid fishing from the deck under the stars
Learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes with the ship's chef using fresh local ingredients
Seaplane from Hanoi (~45 min, recommended) or private car transfer (~3.5 hrs). Board Heritage Cruises and set sail into the bay. Welcome drink and seafood lunch as you cruise past the first limestone islands.
Explore hidden caves and lagoons by kayak, weaving through towering karsts draped in jungle. Swim in the warm emerald waters of a sheltered bay. Cooking class with the onboard chef.
Full-course seafood dinner on deck as the sun sets behind the karsts. Try squid fishing under the stars. Fall asleep on the bay with nothing but gentle waves and the Milky Way above.
Sunrise on the Bay
One last magical morning before Saigon
Rise with the sun for tai chi on the upper deck. Watch the limestone peaks emerge from the morning mist as the bay awakens. One of those moments that stays with you forever.
Leisurely brunch as the ship cruises back through the bay. Fresh fruit, pho, Vietnamese coffee, and one last look at the karsts glowing in morning light.
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by midday. Afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for the next chapter of the journey.
Ha Long Bay at a Glance
A natural wonder like nowhere else on earth
Ha Long Bay was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and is one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Over 1,600 limestone islands and islets rise dramatically from emerald waters, many hollow with enormous caves. The bay's name means "Descending Dragon" — legend says a family of dragons descended to help Vietnam defend against invaders, their jewels turning into the islands and islets.
July in Ha Long Bay is warm and humid (28–33°C / 82–91°F) with occasional rain showers. The bay is stunning in summer mist, and rain passes quickly. Pack light layers, a rain jacket, and reef-safe sunscreen. The water is warm enough for comfortable swimming.
Tips for Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Everything you need to know for a seamless visit
Vietnamese Dong (VND). Cards are widely accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. Carry some cash for street food, markets, and small shops. ATMs are everywhere.
Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) works perfectly in Hanoi. The Old Quarter is best explored on foot. For Ha Long Bay, your cruise company handles all transfers from pickup to drop-off.
Get a local SIM or eSIM at the airport for fast, cheap data. WiFi is available on cruise ships but can be spotty on the bay. Download offline maps before boarding.
Light, breathable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes for the Old Quarter. Swimwear and water shoes for kayaking. A light rain jacket for summer showers. Reef-safe sunscreen.
Golden hour on the bay is extraordinary. Bring a waterproof case for kayaking. The Old Quarter at dusk, with its lanterns and neon, is endlessly photogenic.
Vietnamese people are warm and welcoming. A small bow or nod is a respectful greeting. Remove shoes when entering homes or temples. Tipping is appreciated but not expected.