Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Ha Long

📍 Hanoi to Ninh Binh (110km):2hrs

Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a day visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

Today’s tour will begin at 08:30. Escape from Hanoi this morning after breakfast, leaving the busy streets of the capital behind and entering the quieter countryside.  

After around 2 hours of driving, reach Tam Coc River. Tam Coc means ‘three caves’’ in Vietnamese. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, here board a private sampan through ‘Halong Bay on Land’. Admire the views of enormous limestone karsts jutting out of fields while the boat cruises along the calm waters, through the ‘three river caves’ 

Enjoy a lunch of Vietnamese dishes before continuing to Hoa Lu. Join the guide for an in-depth exploration of the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital. Learn about the Dinh (968-980) and Le (980-1009) Dynasties and about the history of the site. See ancient tombs and the ruins of the once-imposing Citadel. 

If feeling fit, there is an option to climb into the limestone karst hills. The half-hour walk is rewarded with spectacular views over Hoa Lu and its surroundings.  

Option: For an alternative experience to visiting Hoa Lu ancient capital, an optional tour involves a scenic bike ride around the village, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 From your chosen hotel in Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (160km): approx. 4hrs

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wonderous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast leave Ninh Binh at 07:30 for a drive to Halong City. Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities. 

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations. 

Enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening. 

Overnight on Halong or Lan Ha Bay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 From Halong Bay to Hanoi (160km): approx. 2.5 hrs

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the bay and have breakfast (brunch on some boats) while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. 

Proceed to checkout as the cruise arrives towards port. Upon disembarkation, be met by the driver for the transfer back to Hanoi.  

Note: 
- The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
- Over the past years Halong Bay has been experiencing increasing environmental problems such as pollution, overfishing and impairment of its natural habitats. We encourage you to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay, but also to help protect and preserve it so that future generations can experience its beauty with responsible tourism behavior which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast