In a nutshell

Skyscrapers, pagodas, tiny islands straight from a dream, and New Year's Eve like a real local. In five days, you'll see more than you usually would in a month: flights, a hotel with all the comforts you could wish for, expert guides and a concentrated shot of Vietnam with its folklore, street food and poster-worthy nature. From the poetic chaos of Hanoi to the magic of Halong Bay, and Tet – the best-loved celebration of the year – in the home of the people who really know how to celebrate it. And then? Perfect photos, incredible cuisine and plenty of “wow” factor.

Main stops

Day 1

Flight from Hong Kong to the heart of Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (external visit) and the One Pillar Pagoda
Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake
Visit to the Old Quarter

Day 2

Cruise in a private suite in Lan Ha bay
Kayaking, swimming and sunset aperitifs
Cooking show and karaoke evening under the stars

Day 3

Tai Chi at dawn
A last view of the bay and brunch
Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
Night in a hotel

Day 4

Tet party like a Vietnamese local
Traditional lunch
Stroll through the Spring Flower Market
Dinner and cruise along the Saigon river
Day 5
Historical Museum, water puppets, market, and visit to a lacquerware factory and the Bitexco tower

The programme

Day 1 – Hanoi: where history sounds its horn
First flight: depart from Hong Kong and land in Hanoi, where people toot their horns just to say hello. Lunch ready, bags in your room and then you're off - it's time to get to know “Uncle Ho” (AKA Ho Chi Minh, the father of Vietnamese independence).
We'll visit an important site of pilgrimage for all Vietnamese people, entirely dedicated to him: starting with his tomb, the mausoleum (which we'll only see from outside), and then the house on stilts where he lived, the museum, the Presidential Palace and nearby, a unique Buddhist pagoda — constructed on a single pillar and suspended over the water like a lotus flower.
Then it's time to dive into the traffic (literally): stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit to the Temple of Literature, and finally into the beating heart of the Old Quarter. There are mopeds everywhere, along with street vendors, crooked houses, and an unforgettable Asian like something from a movie.
A typical dinner and off to bed: tomorrow we set sail!

Day 2 – Lan Ha Bay: the chilled side of Halong
You'll travel by bus to Haiphong, but the real journey starts when you set off on your cruise: your floating suite will reveal all the wonders of Lan Ha Bay, the most secluded and spectacular side of the famous Halong Bay, which you'll reach via a less traveled, almost secret route.
Lunch on board while you slip past rock stacks and lush green islets. In the afternoon, you'll arrive at Ba Trai Dao: Emerald waters, three islands like giant peaches, kayaking, swimming, and the ultimate postcard views. If the weather isn't playing ball, you'll change course and head for the evocative Light Cave, which can be explored by bamboo boat or with a paddle in hand.
On your return, you'll enjoy a sunset aperitif with incredible views, a mini Vietnamese cooking course with the chef and a typical dinner of fresh fish. After dinner: squid fishing, karaoke, or simply relaxing under the stars.
Then spend the night on board, lulled by the bay.

Day 3 – A last look at the bay before flying south
Wake up early and enjoy a little Tai Chi on the deck, like in a martial arts film... but without breaking a sweat. Then it's breakfast, a few last photos of the rock stacks and a panoramic brunch while the ship takes you back to dry land.
Last stop in the bay: Tra Bau, a floating village famous for its dreamlike landscapes and authentic atmosphere. Kayaking, photos or just a little quiet contemplation: you choose.
Then get off the boat and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, a fascinating metropolis which never stands still. Relaxed dinner in the hotel: tomorrow we'll party for real!

Day 4 – The Tet Festival: happy New Year, Vietnam!
Today, celebrate Vietnamese New Year like real locals. After breakfast, you'll visit a local family: laughing, chatting, preparations, traditional games and lunch together, with spring rolls and lucky dishes.
Then you'll keep soaking up the atmosphere of Tet with a walk at the Spring Flower Festival in Tao Dan park: colorful lanterns, flowers everywhere, music and the “new beginning” energy that makes everything magical.
The day ends on a high: dinner on a cruise along the river Saigon, with the evening lights, delicious dishes and a sparkling skyline.

Day 5 – Last tour, last surprise
Have breakfast and then set off for a city tour with plenty of photo opportunities: the Historical Museum (with treasures from all over Indochina), water puppetry (a totally unique spectacle), the cathedral and the Central Post Office in French style, Independence Palace (just from outside, but it still makes a real impression).
Then it's shopping at Ben Thanh Market, a visit to a lacquerware factory and the grand finale at the Bitexco Tower, where you can see everything from above and say: “yup, it really was worth it”. Lunch is included, then it's back to the ship, tired but happy.

Good to know

Bring your passport: you'll need it to take part in this experience.
The experience can be canceled up to 60 days prior to the start date of the excursion.
In order to offer you an exclusive experience, the number of places is limited: book early.
The presence of the Costa Tour Expert is not guaranteed for the entire experience.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.
This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.
Ha Long Bay and its surrounding area are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so we kindly ask you to take extra care to protect the environment. Water bottles and plastic bags are not permitted during the cruise.