Hanoi Trip Overview
If you are short on time, this is the most time-efficient way to visit these two gems of the north. Possibly the two most beautiful spots in all of Asia, they are quite similar yet beautifully different. In Halong Bay you’ll cruise gently through the maze of islets full of lush green jungle jutting out of the sea. While in Ninh Binh you’ll explore the history of ancient Dynasties, get a rowboat along the narrow winding river that snakes through the giant towering mountain overhead, and take a peaceful bicycle ride through the beautifully groomed rice paddy fields in the countryside.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 days
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Trip Category: Multi-day & Extended Tours >> Multi-day Tours
Explore Hanoi Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Hanoi, Vietnam, Vietnam
If you are short on time, this is the most time-efficient way to visit these two gems of the north. Possibly the two most beautiful spots in all of Asia, they are quite similar yet beautifully different. In Halong Bay you’ll cruise gently through the maze of islets full of lush green jungle jutting out of the sea. While in Ninh Binh you’ll explore the history of ancient Dynasties, get a rowboat along the narrow winding river that snakes through the giant towering mountain overhead, and take a peaceful bicycle ride through the beautifully groomed rice paddy fields in the countryside.
Itinerary
Day 1: HANOI – EXPLORE HALONG BAY
Stop At: Halong Bay, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province
8h00 – 8h30 Pick you up at your hotel.
12h30 Arrive at Tuan Chau harbour and refresh at the Oasis Bay Lounge for about 20 minutes before boarding.
13h00 Transfer to cruise. Welcome drink, cruise briefing, safety instructions, and check-in cabins. Cruise and program commence.
13h30-14h30 Special lunch will be served on board while cruising and passing Fighting Cock islet (symbol of Halong Bay). After having lunch, the Oasis Bay will continue exploring the wonders of Halong bay. Anchoring the vessels at Frog Pond area.
15h30-17h00 Explore this beautiful area by kayaking through the majestic scenery or swimming in emerald coloured water.
17h15-18h45 Relax on the sundeck with a few cocktails complimented by a variety of tropical fruits and best local wines. Then attend a cooking demonstration with our Chef to learn one of the most popular cuisines in Vietnam: spring rolls, or refresh yourself in outdoor Jacuzzi.
19h00-20h00 Enjoy a specially gourmet dinner.
21h00-23h00: Evening Activities, relax at leisure: squid fishing
Meal: Lunch,Dinner
Duration: 16 hours
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise.
Day 2: HALONG BAY – HANOI
Stop At: Halong Bay, Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province
6h30 Wake up to a very special morning with an organized Taichi class among the peaceful surroundings of Halong.
7h00-7h30 Breakfast. Coffee & tea with assorted homemade pastries, fresh juices…
8h00-9h00 Visit Sung Sot Cave, hiking up and down 600 steps to the magnificent limestone formations of the most beautiful and biggest cave in Halong bay.
9h30 Check-out cabins and settle bills.
10h30 Lunch will be served while the Oasis Bay is crusing back to Tuan Chau harbor.
12h30-12h45 Shuttle bus pick guest up at Oasis Bay Lounge.
17h00-17h30 Arrive in Hanoi and you will be dropped off at your hotel. Be sure to get some dinner in you. This is your only meal on the trip that is not included. We also recommend bringing some snacks for the overnight train ride.
Overnight in hotel in Hanoi
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch
Duration: 16 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3: NINH BINH CITADELS & KARSTS
Stop At: Ninh Binh Province, Ninh Binh Province
8.00-8.30 am: our tourguide will pick you up from your hotel in Old Quarter to depart to Ninh Binh city
10.30-11.00 am: You will reach Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
In 968, Dinh Bo Linh declared himself as the King. Since then Hoa Lu existed as the capital for the next 41 years (968 – 1009), of which 12 years was under the Dinh dynasty – King Dinh Tien Hoang, the country named Dai Co Viet, and 29 years later was under the Le dynasty – King Le Dai Hanh. In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long – present day Hanoi. Hoa Lu became the old citadel. In Hoa Lu there are now 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.
Today you will enjoy buffet lunch at local restaurant in Tam Coc. The food is served with Asian style, local dishes, organic vegetable.
After finishing your lunch, you will be taking the rowing boat at Tam Coc Harbour. Arranged by local people here, the boat is rowed by both hand and legs. The boat will take you to 3 specular caves with hundreds of limestones on the way. If you travel during harvest season, you will see many terrace rice fields in golden colors.
The boat rowing will be in around 2 hours. Not only you could see the peaceful scenery of mountain, rice paddy fields, temples, you also have chances to learn about local people cultures on their daily life.
Optional activities: Enjoy a bicycle ride through the countryside after the boat trip (Bicyle ride fee is included)
4:00 pm: leave Tam Coc and drive back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at around 6:30 pm. Finish unforgettable full day trip at your hotel in Hanoi!
End of services!
Meal: Breakfast,Lunch
Duration: 16 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.
