This 5-day tour seamlessly combines private airport transfers with small group experiences, allowing you to explore Northern Vietnam’s must-see destinations, including the bustling capital, Hanoi, the historic Dinh and Le temples in Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, and the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers with limited time, this tour provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning beauty 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.
8:00 - 8:30 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. From there, we will start our exploration of the city.
08:45: Our first stop will be at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader, Uncle Ho. You’ll have the chance to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and stroll through the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Afterward, we’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
10:15: Next, we’ll explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. (Please note: If the museum is closed on Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.)
12:30 - 12:45: Enjoy a lunch break at our restaurant, where you can savor Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available upon request (please inform us when booking).
13:30: We’ll then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.
14:30: Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. It’s one of Northern Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions.
15:30: We’ll continue to Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by the French from 1886 to 1901 during their occupation of Vietnam. Known as “Maison Centrale” by the French, this site is now a museum, offering insights into Vietnam’s struggle against French colonial rule.
16:30: Finally, our bus will take you back to your hotel, concluding our one-day city tour.
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.
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. Trip ends.
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.
Oct 18, 2024