This 5-day tour blends private airport transfers with small group experiences, giving you the chance to explore some of Northern Vietnam’s must-see destinations, including Hoa Lu, Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, and an overnight cruise in Halong Bay. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers with limited time, this tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking 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.
8:00 – 8:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or our Shuttle Bus stop (if you have booked the transfer with us - an additional fee applies). We'll then embark on a scenic drive to Halong City. The transfer takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional restroom stop along the way.
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Receptionists warmly welcome guests at Tuan Chau Harbor.
12:45 PM: Guests board Syrena Cruises via tender, where the captain greets you. Check in while enjoying a welcome drink, followed by a safety briefing as you settle into your cabin.
1:00 PM: Set sail from Tuan Chau International Harbor to explore the stunning Halong Bay, one of the world's natural wonders. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties as you cruise past iconic sights such as Ba Hang Fishing Village, Dinh Huong Island, Cho Da Islet, and Ga Choi Islet.
2:30 PM: The cruise makes a stop at Bo Nau Cave, located in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a tender to visit Surprising Cave, one of the most magnificent caves in Halong Bay.
3:45 PM: Depart Surprising Cave and transfer by tender to Titov Island, named by President Ho Chi Minh in honor of Soviet astronaut Gherman Titov, who visited in 1962. Here, you can swim, relax on the beach, or hike up to the island’s summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay.
4:45 PM: Return to the cruise. Unwind and enjoy the sunset on the sundeck as we cruise to our overnight anchorage.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: HAPPY HOUR – Buy one drink, get one free (wine excluded). Also, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
7:00 PM: Savor a buffet dinner.
8:30 PM: After dinner, enjoy evening activities like movie entertainment in the dining room or try your hand at squid fishing.
6:30 AM: Start your day with a 30-minute Tai Chi session on the sundeck as we cruise toward Luon Cave.
7:00 AM: Enjoy a light breakfast in the dining room, featuring coffee, tea, fresh milk, water, pastries, bread, eggs, fresh fruit, and cereals.
8:00 AM: Visit Luon Cave, renowned for its beautiful endemic vegetation in Halong Bay. Explore the cave on a traditional bamboo boat, rowed by a local boatman.
8:30 AM: Return to Syrena Cruise to relax and prepare for check-out. Please place your luggage outside your cabin door, where our porters will collect and have it ready for you at the pier.
9:15 AM: Final check-out. Enjoy a brunch buffet in the dining room, and settle any bills after your meal (if applicable).
10:45 AM: Transfer by tender back to Tuan Chau Harbor and disembark.
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.
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.