In the early morning you journey far beyond the outskirts of Hanoi to the shores of the gentle Yen River. From there, travel by boat through the lush farmlands to the Perfume Pagoda, one of Buddhism’s most significant spiritual sites, where pilgrims burn offerings for loved ones in the spirit world in a huge limestone grotto believed to be the birthplace of the goddess Quan Am (Quan Yin). Return to Hanoi late in the afternoon. You will see some very spectacular scenery on this trip. A new cable car makes the trip to the top of the mountain practically effortless.


Often called "Halong on Land," Tam Coc is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural landscapes. Aboard a small boat you glide through a fertile plain of rice fields, surrounded by immense, jagged limestone rock formations that are geologically identical to the steep stone shards that punctuate Halong Bay. After lunch you will visit Phat Diem Church, one of the most exceptional pieces of religious architecture in Vietnam. The center of Northern Vietnamese Catholicism, the Phat Diem complex of stone and wood churches and ecclesiastical buildings dates to 1875. The architectural style is a remarkable marriage of Chinese/Vietnamese and European traditions making use of local woods and decorated with lotus and bamboo. The centerpiece is a massive stone cathedral. Phat Diem was also the scene of one of the bloodiest battles of the French war, immortalized by Graham Greene in his book, The Quiet American. The best day to visit is Sunday, when roads are packed with people going to and from mass.
Cost:  US$148 one guest, $167 for two guests. If you are using one of our all-inclusive Hanoi packages cost is $123 for one, $139 for two.

Also see: Traditional Villages and Pagodas