North Vietnam Discovery: Culture, Nature & Bay

Let's embark on our journey to Nam Dinh! Please be ready at your Hanoi hotel at 9:00 AM. Our destination, approximately 90 km southeast in the Red River Delta, awaits with its fascinating tapestry of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Upon arrival in Nam Dinh, we begin our day with a visit to Hong Quang Village, one of the most charming water puppet villages in Vietnam. Here, you'll observe local artisans crafting traditional water puppets and hear stories about the origins of this unique art form, as well as how it has been preserved and passed down through generations.
Leaving the village, we travel by car to Giao Thuy District and continue to Xuan Thuy National Park. Board a boat and journey deep into the wetland reserve to reach the clam farming area, where we'll enjoy a rustic lunch in a traditional clam hut, surrounded by fresh sea breezes and coastal scenery. (Note: The setting may be basic, but the experience is truly authentic, with stunning views of the sea and a unique glimpse into the daily life of local clam farmers)
14:00  After saying goodbye to the national park, we transfer to Ecohost Hai Hau, check in, and relax in the homestay’s lush green garden.
15:00 Hop on a bicycle to explore Pham Phao Village, renowned for its traditional wood carving, trumpet-making crafts, and the striking Pham Phao Church.
Right next to the church is Hai Minh Painters’ Village, where we’ll stop to meet and chat with local artists. Today, around 40 painters work from their homes here, creating artworks that are regularly featured in galleries across Hanoi.
On the way back, we’ll stop by the tile-roofed bridge of Luong Pagoda in Hai Anh Commune. Built in the 16th century, this bridge is an architectural gem that reflects the charm of rural Vietnam. You’ll also have the chance to observe the daily life of local residents and learn about Vietnamese ancestor worship and spiritual rituals.
Optional experience: Visit a local household where traditional straw brooms are made — essential items in every Vietnamese home. You’ll even have the opportunity to try making one yourself in this hands-on cultural activity, gaining a deeper appreciation for the artisans’ skill and dedication.
After the visit, we return to EcoHost to unwind with a herbal foot bath, a relaxing treat for both your feet and your mind.
Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and rest for the night in the peaceful countryside setting.

Overnight in Nam Dinh

Note: 
A leisurely 10-12 km bike ride.
Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Transfer from Nam Dinh to Ninh Binh: 54km or about 1,5 hours Cycling in Ninh Binh: About 7-10km

Wake up in the early morning, you can enjoy a stroll along a countryside road, witnessing how local people are starting a new day.
Having breakfast then leave the village then we depart drive through rural northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province — one of the most stunning areas of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful (seasonal) and the area has earned the nickname of ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape. 
Take your bicycle and start a ride through picturesque village roads lined with green rice paddies and dramatic limestone mountains. The tranquil countryside greets you with the freshness of a morning, with picture-postcard scenes at every turn. Pay a visit to Thai Vi Temple, a spot amidst nature’s grandeur. One can understand much of the significance of architecture that speaks about stories of the Tran kings worshipped at the temple. Here, tranquility presents an ideal ambiance to sit for moments and contemplate upon this rich heritage of Vietnam.
 After checking in hotel and having short rest in late afternoon, we will take a boat trip on 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’.

Overnight in Ninh Binh
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 From Cuc Phuong to hotel in Tam Coc Town (57 km): approx. 1h45minutes

09:00: we will get on car to transfer visit a Bear Sanctuary established by Four Paws, the global animal welfare organization for animals. 

The sanctuary is not only a new home to bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam, but an unforgettable experience for learning and exploring in a natural setting.

Follow the representative of the centre to explore the bear kitchen, vet clinic and bear houses where rehabilitation processes and bear healthcare happen. The tour guide will share bear stories and give insightful information about the bears.

After the visit, enjoy a fresh vegetarian lunch at the centre.

Continue to Cuc Phuong National Park to visit a second conservation centre, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center where some of the rarest primate species in Asia including langurs and gibbons can be seen (not primates are not always active during the hotter parts of the day).  

More wildlife discovery at the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre. The current permanent resident animals include Pangolin, Binturong, Mask Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Owston’s Civet, and Common Palm Civet. Listen to their rescue stories and find out why they sadly cannot return to the wild.

Continue further into Cuc Phuong National and visit the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man’, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7.500 years old have been found.

Conclude the day with a drive to Tam Coc Town (Ninh Binh Province). 

Overnight in Ninh Binh
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ninh Binh to Halong (180 km): 4hrs

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Bai Tu Long 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 wondrous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast, leave Ninh Binh for  Halong City

12.00: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruise. Itinerary briefing is announced during this time.

12:30: You will be taken aboard our support vessel and travel from the wharf via the bay to board our luxurious craft, Peony Cruises. Itinerary briefing is announced during this time.

13.00: Welcome fresh drinks, wet towels and a special lunch of fresh food and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served. You will be enchanted when decadently dining on our luxury junk. Life just doesn't get better than this! We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay - A member of the World’s Most
Beautiful Bays.

Enjoy the delicious luncheon of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies while cruising along Lan Ha bay with the breathtaking scenery.

15:30: Visiting Tra Bau area where has known as an area famous for its unspoiled, poetic natural beauty and attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the best time for kayaking to discover the truest beauty of the limestone islands.

Immerse yourself in the emerald green water of the bay or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on the Peony Cruises.

17:30 - 18:30: Joining us for cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Or reach the top deck of cruise where the guests can admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy a Happy Hour time – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar. It is an deal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest moment of sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

19.30: Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our skillful chef.
This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting.

21:00 – 22.00: Relax and sip the exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with surcharge). Indulge yourself with spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck just under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.

Or try to get your luck at the squid fishing on the main deck.

Overnight on joined cruise

Notes:  The cruise’s itinerary may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

6:00: Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.

6:45 - 7:15: Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time maybe adjust and follow the real itinerary)

7:30 - 9:00: You will join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of talactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

9:30: Return to the main boat from the cave and the guests will do the cabin check out. Luggage is placed outside of the cabin.

Early lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill by the desk at the restaurant (if any)

10:30 - 11:00 disembark the cruise and transferred back habour. Relax and wait for the luggage. Meet our driver again then transfer back to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi at approximately 15:00

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch