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.
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: If you book a transfer with us (either a shuttle bus or a private car), our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or from our designated shuttle bus stop. 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.
12:30: Arrive at Beo Harbor, transfer to the Sunlight Cruise via tender, and enjoy a welcome drink. Receive a briefing about the cruise, safety instructions, and check into your cabin.
13:00: Savor a special Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh seafood and a variety of appetizing dishes while cruising through the picturesque islands.
14:30: The cruise navigates through Lan Ha Bay, entering the stunning Cua Van area, surrounded by extraordinary karst landscapes. Enjoy kayaking around Lan Ha Bay to explore its serene beauty.
16:30: Take a refreshing swim in a nearby area, and for the adventurous, try jumping into the water from the top of the boat!
18:00: Return to the cruise and join a fun cooking class where you’ll learn to make fresh spring rolls.
19:00: Dinner is served in the onboard restaurant. Relish delicious local cuisine prepared by our talented catering team. After dinner, you can participate in squid fishing or enjoy karaoke.
20:00–21:00: Join the group for “Happy Hour” on the sundeck. Stay on board and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the bay.
06:00: Wake up and enjoy the breathtaking moments as the sun rises over the bay, painting the sky with vibrant colors.
07:00: Enjoy breakfast at the restaurant. Afterward, transfer to Viet Hai Harbor and embark on a 5km bike ride to the village. This picturesque route is perfect for a relaxing half-hour ride, surrounded by stunning scenery.
11:00: Return to the boat for lunch and savor a delicious meal.
12:00: Disembark at Beo Harbor and board the bus back to Hanoi. Say goodbye to the amazing Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
Note: During winter, there may be no visible sunrise.
If the transfer is included, our driver will pick you up at the pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. 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 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.