Puluong – Ninh Binh – Halong

📍 Hanoi to Puluong (160 km): 4 hours / Walking & sightseeing route: 3 km easy walking – approx. 2 hours

Depart Hanoi at 08:30 for the 4-hour drive to Puluong located 160 km southwest of Hanoi. 
Puluong Nature Reserve is located on the cusp of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces known for its stunning scenery, including cascading waterfalls, rice terraces, and lush forests. It is also home to a variety of hill tribe groups, including the Thai and Muong hill tribe groups. 
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel then enjoy lunch before a short transfer to a nearby village. 
From here, start walking around the cascading rice terraces (season dependent). Trek through narrow paths surrounded by lush vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village nestled at the base of a towering mountain. 
Rest of the evening at leisure.  

Notes:
- Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels.
- Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. 
- The program may change depending on weather conditions  

Overnight in Puluong

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 Walking & sightseeing route: 5-6 km easy walking – approx. 3.5 hours

Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast among the tranquil setting of fields and mountains. 

After breakfast, embark on a 3.5-hour trek along beautiful mountain trails. See traditional wooden stilt houses of the Thai and Muong Hill Tribe groups en-route. 

Depending on the season, see various farming activities including rice planting and harvesting as well as buffalos, ducks and chickens in the fields and villages.
At the end of the morning, transfer back to the hotel for lunch then spend the rest of the day relaxing at leisure.

Note: Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed. Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels. 

Overnight in Puluong

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Puluong to Ninh Binh (130 km): 3.5 hours

Depart Puluong early this morning at 08:00 for a 3.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Delve deeper into Vietnam's past with a visit to picturesque Ninh Binh. Explore ancient sites as well as a relaxing sampan cruise through 'Halong Bay on Land'. 

On arrival in Ninh Binh check into the hotel then enjoy a lunch of local specialties. 

In the afternoon, transfer from the hotel to the 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’. 

Then hop on a scenic bike ride around the villages, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. Along the way, stop at Thai Vi Temple, set in a picturesque valley - a peaceful spot dedicated to the Tran dynasty kings.    

For those wanting to extend the ride, continue 7-10km (45-60 minutes) to Bich Dong Pagoda 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. (Note: This extension includes approximately 1 km of biking along roads where vehicle traffic can be busy) 

Leisurely flat road cycling (5-15 km) depending on fitness level
- Short route (3–5 km): Tam Coc – Local Market – Thai Vi Temple – Thung Sen
- Extended route (10–15 km): Tam Coc – Bich Dong Pagoda

Notes:
- Some women on boats may try to sell local products or drinks. Refer to the guide as needed.
- The boat cruise location is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control (flooding due to weather or other issues).
- Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (210 km): 4 hours

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 wondrous shapes covered in lush flora is truly breathtaking.   

Following breakfast, leave Ninh Binh early at 07:30 for the 4-hour 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. 

Notes: 

- 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 behaviour which is crucial to reducing issues on Halong Bay and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

- To ensure we can effectively manage guest dietary needs during the cruise, please provide a list of any specific food restrictions or preferences at least 7 days prior to arrival. Please note that accommodating last-minute dietary changes may not be feasible and could incur additional costs

Overnight on Halong or Lan Ha Bay  

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Halong Bay - Hanoi (160 km): 2.5 hours

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. 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast