Northeast Vietnam: Ba Be Lake & Ban Gioc Waterfall 5 Days -

From: $310 4-star hotels

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Duration

5 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hue

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
* All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
* Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
* Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Indochina Royal Travel
* Entrance fees if specified in the program
* Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.

* Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
* Meals not mentioned in the program
* Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
* Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
* Surcharge for the festive seasons
* Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
* The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
* Porterage Facility

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

Afternoon

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be transferred directly to your hotel in the city.
Check-in at your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
NOTE: Hotel rooms will be ready for check-in at 2:00 pm. If you wish to secure an early check-in, an additional charge will apply.

After settling in, you may choose to rest and rejuvenate, explore the surroundings, or consider participating in one of the following suggested activities:

Option 1: Water Puppet Show - Experience the traditional Vietnamese water puppetry, a captivating art form that narrates Vietnamese folk tales, history, and local life through vibrant puppets.

Option 2: Vietnamese Cooking Class or Foodie Tours - Delight in the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Take a short stroll through the Old Quarter to savor some of Hanoi's best food, or engage in a fun cooking class to kickstart your culinary journey in this charming country.

Meals: NA
Accommodation: Hotels in Hanoi

Please note that both international and domestic airports may be busy at times during the day. If you have difficulty locating our representatives, please proceed to Pole No.10 (International) or Gate B (Domestic Airport) and contact us. Our travel consultants are available 24/7 to assist you. If you are interested in these services, please feel free to contact us.

<span> Day 2</span> Hanoi – Full day City

Morning

Embark on your journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, hailed as the First University of Vietnam.

Take a brief stop at Ba Dinh Square (external visit) to delve into the historical significance of September 2, 1945, when a momentous ceremony was held here to proclaim Vietnam's Independence.

Continue your exploration along Thanh Nien Road, making halts to explore Quan Thanh Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda.

After a delightful stroll, take a seat to indulge in some of the finest Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore the Thang Long Imperial City, once the residence of the royal family during various historical periods.

Navigate through the Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the lifestyle of Hanoi's inhabitants from centuries past.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotels in Hanoi
Activities: - Sightseeing.

Historical exploration.

<span> Day 3</span> Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Night train to Hue

Morning

Venture to the second ancient capitals, specifically Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh Province.

Explore the renowned temples of the Le and Dinh Dynasties during a brief visit to Hoa Lu.

Embark on a delightful cycling journey, pedaling for an hour along an enchanting trail that winds through serene villages, mountains, rice fields, and rivers, leading to Tam Coc.

Savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Board a sampan boat for an enchanting excursion to the "Inland Halong Bay," adorned with numerous caves and distinctive rock karsts.

Return to Ninh Binh city for relaxation and dinner.

Depart on a night train bound for Hue city, the third and final capital on our enriching journey.

Accommodation: Night train
Activities: - Sightseeing.

Historical Exploration.
Sampan-boat.
Overnight-train.

Morning

Upon your morning arrival in Hue, our dedicated tour guide greets you at the train station and escorts you to a local restaurant for a delightful traditional Hue breakfast.

Begin your exploration with a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, an exquisite and ancient architectural masterpiece that holds significance in Vietnamese worship practices.

Continue your journey to unravel the wonders of the Imperial Citadel.

Proceed to the Hue Royal Antiques Museum, housing a remarkable collection of ornaments, notably the Long An Palace.

Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore Tu Duc Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb, gaining insights into the lives of the royals.

Visit the Incense and Conical Hat making villages.

Return to your hotel in the city center for check-in, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotels in Hue City.
Activities: - Sightseeing.

Historical Exploration.

Morning

Make the most of your final moments in Hue City before our designated transfer arrives to escort you to Phu Bai International Airport for your upcoming flight.
We bid you farewell at the airport, expressing our hope to welcome you on another one of our journeys.

Accommodation: None.

Durations

5 - 8 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hue

Hanoi’s Colonial Architecture - 🏛️ Exploring Hanoi’s Colonial Architecture: A Journey Through Time in the French Quarter When most travelers think of Hanoi, their minds often jump to the lively chaos of the Old Quarter — buzzing scooters, sizzling street food stalls, and narrow alleyways filled with history. But just a short stroll away lies another side of the city: the French Quarter, where grand boulevards, leafy trees, and elegant colonial mansions whisper stories of Vietnam’s colonial past. If the Old Quarter feels like a vibrant maze, then the French Quarter offers space, serenity, and timeless elegance. And what makes it truly fascinating is how these buildings — constructed during French rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries — now blend seamlessly into modern-day Hanoi. In this blog, let’s dive deep into Hanoi’s colonial architecture, explore the must-see landmarks, uncover hidden gems, and share insider tips to make your visit in 2025 unforgettable. 🌿 A Different Pace: From Old Quarter to French Quarter After the sensory overload of the Old Quarter, stepping into the French Quarter feels like a breath of fresh air. The streets are wider, the pace slower, and the trees taller. Instead of tiny tube houses, here you’ll find broad boulevards, neoclassical façades, and elegant villas that once housed colonial administrators and wealthy merchants. This neighborhood, located around Hoan Kiem Lake and stretching toward Ba Dinh District, is sometimes called Hanoi’s “second French Quarter.” Both areas showcase different layers of colonial influence, each with its own unique atmosphere. Walking here is a joy: you can actually hear birdsong, admire the pastel-colored villas, and feel the cool shade of banyan and flamboyant trees. It’s no wonder that many embassies, luxury hotels, and cultural institutions now call this district home. 🏰 Architectural Styles: From Neoclassical to Art Deco The architecture of Hanoi’s French Quarter isn’t uniform. Instead, it’s a rich mix of styles that evolved over decades: ✨ Neoclassical (early 1900s) – Think grand pillars, symmetrical facades, and whitewashed walls. These buildings often housed important colonial offices.✨ Beaux-Arts & Renaissance influences – Characterized by ornate balconies, arched windows, and elaborate detailing.✨ Art Deco (1930s) – Sleek, geometric lines that represented modernity at the time.✨ Oriental touches – Some villas incorporated tiled roofs or dragon motifs, blending French design with Vietnamese aesthetics. The result? A living museum of architectural evolution, all within walking distance. 🌟 Must-See Colonial Landmarks in Hanoi (Updated for 2025) Here are the highlights you shouldn’t miss when exploring Hanoi’s French Quarter and beyond: 1. Hanoi Opera House 🎭 Perhaps the most iconic colonial building in Hanoi, the Opera House (built in 1911) was modeled after Paris’s Palais Garnier. With its elegant yellow façade, grand columns, and ornate interior, it remains a cultural hub. Today, it hosts concerts, ballets, and international performances — check the 2025 schedule for special events if you want to experience it firsthand. 2. Government Guest House 🏛️ Originally the residence of the Governor of Tonkin, this grand neoclassical mansion now serves as the Government Guest House. While it’s not open to the public, you can admire its pastel-yellow walls and elegant gardens from the outside. It’s located at the intersection of Ngo Quyen and Le Thach streets, just a few steps from Hoan Kiem Lake. 3. Metropole Hanoi Hotel ✨ A living legend of colonial luxury, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (built in 1901) has hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Angelina Jolie. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the glass-roofed Le Club Bar or sip cocktails at the Bamboo Bar by the pool. 4. St. Joseph’s Cathedral ⛪ Although technically in the Old Quarter, this Gothic Revival church (built in 1886) reflects the French colonial period. Often compared to a mini version of Notre-Dame de Paris, it’s still an active place of worship and a popular photography spot. 5. Ba Dinh’s Colonial Villas 🏡 Along Phan Dinh Phung and Dien Bien Phu streets in Ba Dinh District, you’ll find tree-lined avenues dotted with French villas. Many of them now serve as embassies or government offices. These quieter streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll away from tourist crowds. 6. Vietnam National Museum of History 📚 Housed in a former colonial building with yellow walls and Indochinese architectural flair, this museum is worth visiting not only for its exhibits but also for its design. The mix of French style and Vietnamese motifs makes it a standout landmark. 🚶 Best Ways to Explore the French Quarter Exploring Hanoi’s French Quarter is best done on foot. Here are some tips for your 2025 visit: 👟 Walking Tour – Start from Hoan Kiem Lake, pass by the Opera House, then wander down Trang Tien Street, where luxury boutiques now sit inside colonial storefronts. Continue toward Ngo Quyen Street to see the Government Guest House, then loop around toward the Metropole. 🚲 Cyclo Ride – For a slower pace, hop on a cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle taxi) and let a local guide pedal you through the boulevards while you sit back and soak in the views. 🚌 Guided Tour – Several Hanoi walking tour companies now offer themed “Colonial Architecture Tours,” which include hidden villas and access to buildings usually closed to the public. ☕ Cafés & Dining in Colonial Buildings One of the best ways to experience colonial architecture is to enjoy it from the inside. Many of Hanoi’s historic villas have been transformed into stylish cafés, restaurants, and art spaces: Maison de Tet Décor – A villa-turned-café with garden views, perfect for brunch. L’Espace (French Cultural Center) – A cultural hub with exhibitions, film screenings, and a cozy café. Metropole’s Angelina Bar – For fine dining and crafted cocktails inside one of Hanoi’s most elegant hotels. 📸 Photography Tips for 2025 Morning Light: The soft glow between 7–9 AM is ideal for capturing yellow façades. Avoid Midday Heat: Hanoi can get hot, especially from May to September. Details Matter: Don’t just snap the whole building — zoom in on wrought-iron balconies,...Hanoi Opera House - 🎭 Hanoi Opera House in 2025: A Timeless Icon of Art, Culture & History Few landmarks in Hanoi capture the city’s unique mix of history, culture, and elegance quite like the Hanoi Opera House. Known officially as the Municipal Theatre, this magnificent building stands proudly at the eastern end of Trang Tien Street, where French charm meets Vietnamese soul. More than just a venue for performances, the Opera House is a symbol of Hanoi’s colonial heritage and its continuing transformation into a global cultural capital. Let’s dive into its history, architecture, experiences, and tips for visiting in 2025. 🏛️ A Journey Through Time 🇫🇷 French Ambitions in Vietnam Construction of the Opera House began in 1901 and lasted nearly ten years. Built on reclaimed land, it officially opened in 1911, modeled after the neo-Baroque Palais Garnier in Paris. With its Ionic columns, slate tiles imported from France, and intricate façade, it was the ultimate jewel of French Hanoi. During the colonial era, it wasn’t just a building — it was the epicenter of high society, where the French elite attended operas, ballets, and classical concerts. ✊ The August Revolution of 1945 In August 1945, the Opera House became a stage for politics rather than performance. From its balcony, the Viet Minh proclaimed the success of the August Revolution, marking a turning point in Vietnam’s fight for independence. 🎭 From Socialist Realism to Global Stage After independence, the Opera House hosted plays and performances centered on Socialist Realism and revolutionary ideals. However, following a major restoration in the early 2000s, the building returned to its former grandeur, once again shining as a cultural hub. Today in 2025, it remains a living monument where history, art, and architecture merge. ✨ Architectural Grandeur Step inside (or even admire from outside), and you’ll instantly understand why this is one of Hanoi’s crown jewels. 🕯️ Interiors That Breathe Elegance The Opera House is adorned with: Crystal chandeliers ✨ Sweeping marble staircases 🪞 Ornate Parisian mirrors Red velvet seats and golden accents Every detail reflects Parisian luxury, yet it has been carefully restored to preserve authenticity. 🌙 Exterior Beauty If you don’t attend a show, don’t worry. The facade is a masterpiece in itself — especially under: Evening floodlights 🌆 The soft glow of a full moon 🌕 Early morning golden light 🌞 It’s a photographer’s dream, and many locals gather here just to enjoy the atmosphere. 🎶 Performances & Events in 2025 The Hanoi Opera House isn’t just about history — it’s an active cultural hub. 🎻 What You Can See In 2025, the Opera House continues to host: Classical concerts featuring Vietnamese and international orchestras 🎼 Ballet & opera performances in collaboration with global companies 🩰 Traditional Vietnamese music and dance shows with modern interpretations 🎶 Contemporary fusion events, blending Vietnamese instruments with Western symphonies 🎷 💡 Pro Tip Tickets often sell out quickly, especially for international collaborations. Book online directly at the official Hanoi Opera House website or via reputable Vietnamese ticketing platforms. 🍵 Experiences Around the Opera House The Opera House is located in the French Quarter, one of Hanoi’s most elegant districts. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss nearby: ☕ Café Terrace at Sofitel Metropole Hotel – enjoy afternoon tea in Hanoi’s most iconic hotel. 🛍️ Trang Tien Plaza – luxury shopping and local designer boutiques. 🎨 L’Espace (Institut Français) – exhibitions, film screenings, and cultural events. 🌳 Hoan Kiem Lake – just a short walk away, perfect for an evening stroll. 📸 Best Photo Spots For the perfect Opera House picture in 2025: 📍 Across Trang Tien Street – for a full frontal view. 📍 From the side boulevards – to capture the columns and angles. 📍 At night – when the building glows in golden light. 📍 During Tet Festival – when the Opera House is decorated with flowers and lights. 🗺️ Practical Travel Tips (2025) 🕰️ Opening Hours The Opera House is only open to the public during performances and special tours. If you don’t attend a show, you can still admire the exterior anytime. 🎟️ Ticket Prices Local performances: From 150,000 VND (~6 USD) International shows: Up to 2,500,000 VND (~100 USD) Guided tours (when available): Around 200,000–300,000 VND (~8–12 USD) 🚕 Getting There 🚶 Walking: Only 10–15 minutes from Hoan Kiem Lake. 🚖 Taxi or Grab: Affordable and convenient. 🚲 Cyclo ride: A charming old-fashioned way to arrive. 👜 Dress Code While not extremely strict, smart casual is recommended. Locals often dress elegantly for evening shows. 🌟 Why Visit the Hanoi Opera House in 2025? It’s Hanoi’s most iconic colonial building. It’s a living museum of Vietnamese history — from colonial times to independence. It offers world-class performances in a unique setting. It’s surrounded by the French Quarter’s charm — perfect for a half-day cultural stroll. 🎭 Final Thoughts The Hanoi Opera House is more than just a building — it’s a symbol of Hanoi’s identity. From colonial glamour to revolutionary history and modern-day cultural rebirth, it has witnessed the city’s greatest transformations. In 2025, whether you attend a world-class ballet, enjoy a Vietnamese traditional concert, or simply admire its architecture under the moonlight, the Opera House promises an unforgettable experience. 👉 My advice: Don’t just pass by. Book a performance, step inside, and let the magic of Hanoi’s Opera House transport you across time.