Undiscovered Nam Dinh, Karsts of Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

📍 Distances and journey time Hanoi to Ninh Binh (110 km): 2hrs

Today’s tour will begin at 08:00. 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 (265 steps). The half-hour walk is rewarded with spectacular views over Hoa Lu and its surroundings.  

For an alternative experience to Hoa Lu temple, an option involves 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

Overnight in Ninh Binh 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Ninh Binh - Nam Dinh (70 km): 2 hrs

Start the morning by heading to Nam Dinh province, a place little-known to travelers but one of the cradles of Northern Vietnamese culture and cuisine.

After driving through the picturesque Red River Delta landscapes, arrive at a beautiful house once owned by a mandarin.
From the old house, the exploration continues by bicycle into the surrounding countryside. Cycling along canals, through villages and rice paddies, the tour includes stops to engage with local life. Visit a carpentry workshop, a painter's studio, a woman making brooms by hand, and a musical instrument repairman, offering genuine opportunities to understand daily life in this region. Returning to the house for a demonstration of Phở soup, celebrating a dish for which this area is famous.

Following lunch in the courtyard, the trip continues to a small village of puppet artisans. Here, learn about the creation of water puppets directly from a local craftsman. The experience concludes with a short performance on a small stage behind the artisan’s home, providing insight into this thousand-year-old Vietnamese art form.

Bike ride (9 km): 2 hours 30 minutes

Overnight in Nam Dinh

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: Nam Dinh to Halong Bay (170 km): approx. 3.5hrs

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 Nam Dinh 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

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  

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: From Halong Bay to Hanoi (160 km): 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.  

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast