This 5-day tour combines private airport transfers with small group experiences, allowing you to explore some of Northern Vietnam's must-see destinations, including Hoa Lu and Tam Coc in Ninh Binh. You'll enjoy an authentic local ferry ride, travel along one of the most scenic coastal roads, and experience an overnight cruise in the less-crowded Lan Ha Bay—an alternative to its famous neighbor, Halong Bay. Ideal for budget-conscious travelers with limited time, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of these iconic locations.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Notes: Hotel check-in time is at 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee.
7:00 - 7:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you are staying outside the Old Quarter, you can either arrange your own transportation to our departure point or we can arrange a hotel pick-up for an additional fee. We will then set off for Ninh Binh. The province is located about 120 km from the center of Hanoi, and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
9:00 AM: We'll make a brief stop along the way for you to stretch and relax.
10:30 AM: Upon arriving in Ninh Binh, our first stop will be Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. Here, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Vietnamese history, exploring the feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
11:30: We'll hop on bikes for a 45-minute ride through the village, giving you a chance to experience local life firsthand.
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional specialties like goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available at the buffet.
13:30 - 14:00: After lunch, we'll embark on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride to explore Tam Coc. As we glide along, you'll be captivated by the picturesque beauty of the area, with its lush paddy fields, winding river, and stunning cave formations, all set against a backdrop of sky and clouds. This enchanting landscape, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land,' truly lives up to its name.
4:00 PM: We’ll board the bus for our return trip to Hanoi.
6:30 - 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi, with drop-off at your hotel in the Old Quarter, concluding our one-day excursion.
7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up either from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or our shuttle bus stop if your accommodation is located outside the Old Quarter (an additional fee applies). We'll then begin a scenic journey to Cat Ba Island. The transfer time is approximately 2-3 hours, including reaching Dong Bai Ferry Terminal. From there, you'll board a ferry that will take you across the bay, followed by another short drive to Cat Ba Island.
11:30: Arrive at Beo Harbor in Cat Ba island, transfer by tender to Sunlight Cruise, and enjoy a welcome drink. Receive a brief orientation about the cruise, including safety instructions, then check into your cabin.
12:30: Savor a special lunch featuring fresh seafood and a variety of Vietnamese dishes while cruising through the stunning islands.
14:00: The cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay, passing through the Cua Van area, known for its extraordinary karst landscapes. Take some time to explore the bay on your own by kayaking through the Dark and Bright cave.
16:30: Enjoy swimming in a nearby area, with the option to jump or dive from the top deck into the refreshing water.
18:00: Return to the cruise for a fun cooking class, where you'll learn how to make fresh spring rolls.
19:00: Dinner is served in the onboard restaurant. Delight in a selection of delicious local dishes prepared by our talented catering staff.
After dinner, you can try your hand at squid fishing or join in some karaoke fun.
20:00-21:00: “Happy Hour” – enjoy free local beer on the sundeck with your group. Overnight on board.
06:00: Wake up and enjoy the breathtaking moments as the sunrise pierces through the clouds over the bay (Note: During winter, there may be no sunrise).
07:00: Breakfast will be served in the peaceful setting of the quiet bay.
08:00: Begin a 5 km bike ride to Viet Hai Village, a small, secluded village nestled in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by the towering mountains of Cat Ba National Park.
09:30: Cycle back to the boat, freshen up with a shower, and prepare to check out.
11:00: Lunch will be served on board.
12:00: Disembark at Beo Harbor and board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi, bidding farewell to the stunning Cat Ba Island.
You will be picked up by our driver and transferred you to Hanoi (additional fees apply). The journey takes approximately 1 hour to reach Cai Vieng Ferry Terminal. From there, you will board the ferry to cross the bay, followed by another 2-hour drive to arrive back in Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or at our Shuttle Bus stop.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.
Notes: Hotel check out is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee. For international flights, it's recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours before.