Escape from the buzz of Hanoi with an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Be surrounded by stunning views of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the Bay’s deep blue waters. And discover a corner of Vietnam where ancient history and stunning landscapes collide. Travel from the modern capital to the first capital city, Hoa Lu and admire ancient relics. Explore the limestone karsts and rice paddies of ‘Halong on Land’ before boarding a boat to cruise the real Halong Bay. a
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met by our car driver and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Notes: The itinerary can be flexible base on the arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with a small surcharge).
Depart for a 2.5 hour journey to Halong Bay via new highway. The scenery of Halong Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes is truly an iconic image for Vietnam. An overnight boat trip is the best way to enjoy this Vietnamese must-see. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome onboard, lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on board.
Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on Halong Bay
The sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (also brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises are slowly back towards port. Disembark and afterward, take the 4-hour drive to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
NOTES
Suggested time: 08:00
Duration: 2 days 1 night
Trang An Landscape complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2014 and is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by vertical cliffs. Start the trip at Hoa Lu ancient capital. This was the capital of the first centralized feudal state in Vietnam at the end of the 10th century. The ravages of time have destroyed the ancient citadel but some vestiges including the temples of King Dinh and King Le still stand to this day among the rice paddies and are a worthwhile visit to get a glimpse of the ancient Vietnamese past. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh then continue on to Tam Coc - “Ha Long Bay on Land” for a 2-hour row-boat journey. Enjoy the beauty of the karsts formations as you pass along their base and row into several of the many caves carved through the limestone and paddy fields. (Boat is rowed by local workers).
Overnight in Ninh Binh
NOTES
Suggested time: 09:00
Duration: 6 hours
This morning, enjoy a short drive to Tho Ha village in Nho Quan for a leisurely biking trip ranging from 5 km to 15 km (depending on your wish) passing by sleepy villages and picturesque countryside sceneries. Then head to Dong Tam hamlet to take part in some fun agricultural activities such as catching crab, fishing, transplanting and watering plants and more. After an hour or so, return back to the hamlet to join a cooking class and lunch with a local family where you learn how to prepare some local treats such as sweet potato cake and toasted fish. After lunch, transfer back to Noi Bai airport for your onward flight
NOTES
Suggested time: 08:00
Duration: 5 hours
End of service!
