Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay classic tour - 05 Days

Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

Continue the day, tour guide will escort you walking around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House, stopping at the statue of King Ly Thai To and Vietnamese Government Guest House, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back to the Old town, visit some main streets before returning to your hotel.

Option: If your flight arrives late or you are jet lag after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

Follow it with a visit to one of the city’s museums (choose among the National history museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology and Fine art museum) before having a break for lunch or some drink (by your own budget).

In the afternoon you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

Continue to the Quan Thanh temple, one of the four most important temples in the city, dated back to the 11th century under Ly Thai To King, worshipping the Tran Vu gods, the principal deities in Taoism. Take a leisurely walk on a romantic road crossing the West Lake with beautiful city views. Stop at the Tran Quoc pagoda which dates back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty.

Finally enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

Travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

Keep your tour to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before transfering to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

8:00 AM:8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up from either your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or our Shuttle Bus stop if you're staying outside the Old Quarter (additional fee applies). We'll then embark on a scenic journey to Halong City. The transfer takes approximately 2.5 - 3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional).

11:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in at the waiting lounge.

12:00: Board the cruise ship, enjoy welcome drinks, and receive a short briefing. Check into your room and prepare for lunch.

12:30: Indulge in a Vietnamese and international lunch while taking in the scenic beauty of the bay, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, and Three Coconuts Island.

14:30: Explore Halong Bay further by visiting the Pearl Farm. This is an ideal opportunity for kayaking and experiencing the timeless beauty of Ha Long Bay up close.

16:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Grotte des Surprising, the largest limestone cave in the area. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. (Proper footwear is highly recommended, especially in wet conditions.)

17:45: Return to the boat and enjoy the bar’s Happy Hour (buy 2, get 1 free).

(Option: Massage service available. Please book directly with the Cruise Manager.)

19:30: Delight in a deluxe dinner featuring traditional and fusion dishes prepared by our talented chefs.

21:00: After dinner, unwind at the bar and spa, participate in squid fishing, watch a movie in your cabin, play cards or chess, or simply relax on the sundeck.

23:00: Overnight on board.

06:15: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to awaken your senses, followed by breakfast in the restaurant.

06:30: Enjoy breakfast with coffee, tea, and pastries.

07:30: Visit Titov Island, known for its stunning sandy beaches and panoramic views of the bay from the top of the limestone island. (Proper footwear is recommended, especially when wet.)

09:30: Return to the cruise ship. Check out and settle your bill at the reception.

10:00: Enjoy brunch while cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. Relax on the sundeck or in the restaurant.

11:30: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and bid farewell to the crew.

Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi (additional fees applied). The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional). You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or at our Shuttle Bus stop.

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.