Embark on a 4-day private journey through North Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and stunning karst landscapes. Begin in Hanoi, exploring its historic sites and vibrant streets. Travel to Ninh Binh, often dubbed the "inland Ha Long Bay," where you'll glide through serene waterways amidst towering limestone formations. Conclude with an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, marveling at its emerald waters and majestic islets. This curated itinerary offers an immersive experience into Vietnam's timeless beauty.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and 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.
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.
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.
Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, originally established in the 15th century as a bustling trading hub, features 36 streets—each historically dedicated to a specific craft or product. Despite the city’s evolution, the Old Quarter remains a vibrant living museum. Its iconic tube houses, narrow alleyways, centuries-old temples, open-air markets, and mouthwatering street food come together in a captivating blend of history and everyday life. Exploring this charming neighborhood on foot is the best way to awaken all your senses.
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.
Come back to hotel. End of the day
8:00 AM: Start from your hotel for 2 hour drive to Bai Dinh pagoda which is one of the most impressive of Buddhism centers in Vietnam. On arrival at pagoda, walk along a path with 500 stone arhats alongside it, lining the route to the main pagodas. Each of the large pagodas and huge statues is an example of artistic architecture.
Take a lift to the viewpoint, a 13-storey tower that is believed to keep a part of Buddha’s ashes. Experience a panoramic view of the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, surrounded by an exquisite river valley that is dotted with limestone karsts which will take your breath away.
Have a break for lunch then visit Trang An, recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as the world’s first mixed heritage site, is a true marvel of nature and culture. Upon arrival at the pier, you’ll board a private traditional sampan, gently rowed by a local. Glide along a poetic river and pass through a series of caves, some stretching 300–400 meters in length. Each bend reveals a hidden world nestled in peaceful, isolated valleys.
Step off the boat to wander through serene pagodas and temples dedicated to revered mandarins of the Tran Dynasty. Then, return to your sampan and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty as you head back to the pier.
Finally transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
08:15 - 09:00: Our tour guide will pick up guests from various hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (if you have booked the transfer with us). We then depart for Halong Bay.
10:30 - 10:45: We will make a quick rest stop halfway to stretch our legs, use the facilities, or grab a quick snack if you missed breakfast (not included) before getting back on the road to complete the drive.
12:00 – 12:30: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Welcome to Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. We will take you on a 5-hour journey via a two-day sleeper boat cruise route, renowned for its striking passages with uninhabited islets and outcrops given imaginative names by the locals due to their perceived shapes. Lunch will be served on the boat.
14:00: You will visit Sung Sot Cave to see a variety of stalagmites and stalactites with different shapes resembling sea life.
15:00: Visit Titop Island, which features a sandy beach and a towering limestone mountain with an excellent backdrop of the Bay. Climb up Titop Peak for a panoramic view of the bay, which looks like paradise.
16:00: Enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride in Luon Cave to discover the beautiful lagoon.
18:00 – 18:30: Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor. Enjoy a Sunset Party with tea, cakes, and sunbathing on the upper deck with music, and have great fun with fellow travelers among the world’s iconic natural scenery. Then, we will take the bus back to Hanoi via the expressway, with a short break for 20-30 minutes.
21:00 – 21:30: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
We will depart for Quang Phu Cau village, located about an hour's drive from Hanoi's city center. This charming village is renowned for its century-old tradition of making bamboo incense sticks. Upon arrival, you'll learn about the intricate process, from splitting bamboo and dyeing sticks to drying them under the sunlight, creating a sea of vibrant red hues. This picturesque setting offers fantastic photo opportunities, allowing you to capture the essence of this unique craft and the daily life of local artisans.
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.