Ninh Binh landscapes + Ha Long Bay day cruise
Northern Vietnam's two most famous landscapes in two days: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc or Trang An and Mua Cave, then a luxury day cruise on Ha Long Bay before returning to Hanoi.
Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or the Opera House area, then depart for Ninh Binh. Exact pick-up time depends on your hotel location.
Short 15–20 minute rest stop on the way.
Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital from 968 to 1010, and learn about the Dinh, Le and Ly dynasties. Then cycle through the surrounding village to see local life up close.
Buffet lunch at a spacious local restaurant with Ninh Binh specialities — goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice and fresh salads. Vegetarian dishes are always available.
A 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc, gliding past rice paddies, limestone peaks and river caves — the landscape locals call “Ha Long Bay on land”.
Continue to Mua Cave (Dragon Peak). Climb almost 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for a sweeping panoramic view over Tam Coc and, in summer, the lotus fields below.
Check in to your bungalow or hotel and relax (pool available in summer at many properties).
Dinner, then an evening stroll around Tam Coc. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Pick-up in Ninh Binh and drive to Ha Long Bay (about 3.5 hours, including a short break).
Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbour and board a luxury day cruise with a welcome drink from the crew.
Vietnamese lunch on board as the boat cruises past thousands of limestone islands.
Arrive at Bo Hon Island and explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, one of the bay's most impressive caves, full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave into a peaceful hidden lagoon.
Stop at Ti Top Island: swim at the sandy beach or climb to the summit for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay.
Sunset party on board with wine, tea, fruit and biscuits as the boat cruises back to the harbour.
Arrive back at the harbour and drive to Hanoi.
Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends.