6 Days: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong

Tour overview:

Explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. Drive to Ky Son Village in the morning. Take a pleasant walk around the village to get a taste of the northern countryside lifestyle of Vietnam. Visit the Dinh Temple and Le Temple, where people pay their respects to former kings of the nation. Take a delightful morning cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the dock.

Day 1 - Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi. Please note: Check-in time is 14:00.

Day 2 - Hanoi - City tour

Take a full day tour to explore Hanoi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple, and an ancient Vietnamese "long house". A one-hour cyclo tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Hanoi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture. Then go to see Water Puppets Show (2nd class ticket). – the unique form of Vietnamese art derived from wet rice civilization of South East Asia. Overnight in Hanoi. (B)

Day 3 - Hanoi / Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu - Trang An) / Ninh Binh

Breakfast at hotel and check out. Morning, a 90km driving south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which includes Trang An Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. Visit Trang An Scenic Landscape complex nearby which recently recognized as an UNESCO World natural heritage, get on a rowing boat (4 pax max per private sampan, without guide) traveling along the small river with scenic mountain and green fields landscaspe. Boat takes you to visit cave complex of Trang An: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou in mystery and wildness, the scenery of mountain and rivers – Halong on land of Ninh Binh. Afternoon, further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued by visiting Hoa Lu, the site that used to be the kings’ palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relieves of the shady Dinh and Le temples. Overnight in Cometa Villa Ninh Binh. (B)

This is the perfect place for a family stay, to get a real taste of Vietnam rural daily life and culture . The Villa is perfect for a unique and authentic stay away from mass tourism. It offers peaceful surroundings and a real connection with the local landscape.

Complimentary cultural activities:

• Traditional dance performance in the evening 
• Cycling through villages and valleys

Day 4 - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

Drive through rice paddy fields to Ha Long Bay. Board a junk for a cruise among the hundreds of islets of Ha Long Bay while enjoying lunch. Drop anchor in the late evening for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks rising out of the sea. Overnight on board. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Ha Long Bay - Boat Cruise - Ha Noi

Take a delightful morning cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay before returning to the dock. Overnight in Hanoi. (B/BR)

Day 6 - Depart Hanoi

Enjoy some free time at leisure before your scheduled transfer to the airport for your onward flight back home. (B)

Please note: Checkout time is 12:00