Smash Travel Vietnam

Day 1: Early Afternoon Arrival in Hanoi – Light City Discovery

Meal: Dinner

Guests arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, they are warmly welcomed by the tour guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in and a short rest.

In the late afternoon, guests enjoy a light and relaxed city discovery of Hanoi, including a walk around Hoàn Kiếm Lake and a visit to St. Joseph’s Cathedral, offering a gentle introduction to the city without rushing.

In the evening, dinner is served at a selected local restaurant in Hanoi.

Overnight stay is in Hanoi.

Guests may also choose to join an optional Hop-on Hop-off double-decker bus tour, enjoying panoramic night views of Hanoi City.

Day 2: Local Hanoi Experience – Pickleball – Free Evening

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, guests enjoy a local Hanoi experience. The morning includes a visit to Hanoi Train Street, where guests can enjoy coffee while observing the unique rhythm of daily life along the railway, followed by shopping time at Dong Xuan Market.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant in the Old Quarter.

In the afternoon, guests take part in a friendly pickleball session at a selected court in Hanoi, suitable for all levels and focused on light movement and social connection.

Dinner this evening is at guests’ own expense, intentionally arranged to allow freedom to explore Hanoi’s vibrant nightlife and street food scene around Ta Hien Street.

Overnight stay is in Hanoi.

Day 3: Early Photo Stop at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning, guests visit the area of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum for a photo stop before departing the city.

Afterwards, guests travel via expressway to Hạ Long Bay. Around midday, guests board a luxury overnight cruise and check in to private cabins.

Lunch featuring fresh seafood is served onboard as the cruise sails through limestone formations.

In the afternoon, the cruise visits Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak, followed by Titov Island for swimming or a short hike to the panoramic viewpoint.

In the evening, guests join a Vietnamese cooking class to prepare traditional cha gio (fried spring rolls) or nem ran, followed by dinner onboard.

After dinner, guests may enjoy karaoke entertainment or join the squid fishing activity. Overnight stay is on the cruise.

Day 4: Tai Chi Lesson – Sung Sot Cave – Return to Hanoi – Late Evening Departure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, guests participate in a Tai Chi (Thái Cực Quyền) lesson on the sundeck, enjoying fresh sea air and sunrise views over the bay. Breakfast is served onboard.

The morning excursion continues with a visit to Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most impressive cave in Ha Long Bay. Guests then return to the cruise for check-out and brunch while cruising back to the harbor.

In the early afternoon, guests return to Hanoi. The remainder of the day is arranged at a comfortable pace, allowing time for rest or light personal activities before transfer to Noi Bai International Airport.

Flights are scheduled for the late evening or midnight, ensuring a smooth and unhurried conclusion to the journey.

Included and excluded

The program includes accommodation at selected four- or five-star hotels in Hanoi, one night on a four- or five-star Ha Long Bay overnight cruise, daily breakfast, meals as specified, private air-conditioned transportation, professional English-speaking guide services, one pickleball session with basic equipment, cooking class, Tai Chi lesson, onboard entertainment, and entrance fees mentioned.

The program excludes air tickets, personal expenses, beverages, optional activities not stated, additional pickleball sessions, spa treatments, travel insurance, and gratuities.

What to Bring

Guests are advised to prepare comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for Hanoi’s urban climate, along with breathable outfits for outdoor sightseeing and activities in Ha Long Bay. Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended, as the program includes city walks, market visits, marina transfers, cave exploration, and island activities during the cruise. Swimwear is recommended for swimming or kayaking at Titov Island. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful for early mornings, evenings, and time spent on the cruise deck, especially during Tai Chi practice at sunrise.

For the pickleball session, guests may bring their own pickleball paddles if preferred. Alternatively, basic equipment will be provided, and paddles can also be rented or purchased locally in Vietnam if needed. Sportswear, a small towel, and an extra change of clothes are recommended for pickleball and onboard activities. Guests should also bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medication if needed, a reusable water bottle, and a small backpack for daily excursions. Some cash is advisable for shopping, street food exploration, or personal expenses.

Note for Muslim Guests

For Muslim travelers, Halal-friendly arrangements can be provided throughout the program upon advance request. Halal meals will be arranged at selected Halal-certified restaurants in Hanoi whenever available. During the Ha Long Bay overnight cruise, where Halal dining options are limited, suitable alternatives such as seafood or vegetarian meals can be arranged to meet dietary requirements with prior notice. Prayer time considerations can be accommodated, and assistance can be provided to identify suitable prayer spaces on board the cruise or nearby mosques in Hanoi when possible. Our team is committed to ensuring a comfortable, respectful, and seamless travel experience for Muslim guests throughout the Kitchen KOK journey in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.