Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Lan Ha Bay Tour 5 Days

Welcome to Hanoi, where your journey begins with a captivating walking tour in the Old Quarter. Upon landing at Noi Bai airport, a professional tour guide and driver warmly greet you at the pickup lobby. Enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with a comprehensive briefing on the city’s highlights, culture, traffic, and cuisine. Upon reaching your hotel, check-in, and take a well-deserved rest.

Note: Hotel check-in time is at 14:00.

Continue your day as your tour guide leads you on a delightful walking tour. Begin with a visit to the serene Ba Da pagoda tucked away in a small alley, just a few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, a relic of French colonialism dating back to the 19th century. Your guide will navigate you through typical Hanoi streets like Lan Ong Street, renowned for traditional medicine, and Lo Ren Street, a hub for metal items production. Explore the Dong Xuan central market, Hanoi’s largest, and continue strolling to Ta Hien street, famous for its vibrant night activities and street food. Indulge your senses with the delectable local fare for an unforgettable experience.

Note: In the event of a late flight arrival or jet lag after a long flight, the walking tour will be rescheduled to the city tour day.

Our day begins at 9:00 AM when you are picked up by the tour guide for a visit to the Temple of Literature, a sacred site built during the Ly dynasty in the 11th century to honor Confucius and educate royal children. Take a leisurely stroll in the garden to witness the city’s symbol, Khue Van Cac, and explore the World Heritage “stone steles” that showcase the names of exceptional students. Continue your journey to Quoc Tu Giam, recognized as Vietnam’s first national university.

Our next stop, the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday), provides a profound insight into Vietnamese culture through its display of traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments, and the traditional houses of various ethnic groups. Allow around two hours to fully appreciate the richness of this engaging museum.

In the afternoon, our exploration takes us to the French Quarter, often referred to as a “little Paris” in Hanoi, characterized by tree-lined boulevards, government head offices, and a grand square. Visit the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before enjoying a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens, where you’ll explore the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, his former residence and workplace. Continue towards the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, a prominent symbol of the city, with exploration time ranging from 1 to 2 hours depending on the number of travelers.

Cap off the day with a delightful water puppet show, a unique performance dating back to the 11th century. In these shows, puppets on water depict the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people, accompanied by traditional music performances.

Return to the hotel, concluding a day filled with cultural immersion and discovery.

Commencing at 8:00 AM, your day kicks off with a scenic transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, traversing the idyllic countryside of the Red River Delta, adorned with vibrant rice and vegetable fields.

Opt for a 15km cycling excursion (optional) or take a leisurely walk through the charming villages. A picturesque journey along the dyke unveils stunning vistas of rice fields, a meandering river, and limestone mountains. Multiple stops along the way invite you to capture breathtaking photos or engage with the locals. Proceed to explore Thung La Temple, a historical site dating back to the 11th century. Encounter Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, engaging in an authentic conversation, followed by a captivating 20-minute drum performance.

Subsequently, embark on a serene sampan boat trip along the stream, weaving through the limestone mountains to discover the enchanting beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve. A stroke of luck may reveal sightings of white monkeys and egrets perched on the cliffs. Post-boat excursion, visit an embroidery village and participate in an embroidery workshop under the guidance of local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. Delve into the techniques of this traditional craft, with Mrs. Lam providing insights and facilitating hands-on practice on fabric, allowing you to experience the artistry firsthand.

As the day concludes, return to your hotel in Hanoi, filled with memories of a day immersed in cultural richness and natural splendor.

Commencing at 9:00 AM, your day unfolds with a pick-up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Embark on a captivating two-and-a-half-hour journey from Hanoi to the picturesque Lan Ha Bay, traversing the scenic landscapes of the Red River Delta adorned with quaint villages and lush rice fields. Take a brief pause for refreshments and restroom facilities before continuing your drive to the harbor.

Around noon, a warm welcome awaits you at the cruise reception, where you’ll board our support vessel to transfer to the luxurious Peony Cruises. Indulge in a delightful welcome with fresh drinks, cold towels, and a specially crafted lunch featuring fresh, delectable cuisine. The enchantment continues as you relish the luxury of dining on our esteemed junk, sailing towards Lan Ha Bay, a distinguished member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

At 3:30 PM, venture into the mesmerizing Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its pristine natural beauty and poetic seascape. Capture the romantic and lyrical charm of local sights, providing an ideal opportunity for photographs. Revel in bamboo boat rides and swimming – an engaging activity to uncover the authentic beauty of the limestone mountains and the azure sky of Lan Ha Bay. Subsequently, immerse yourself in the emerald green waters, indulging in invigorating swimming activities or enjoying the mini pool with a jacuzzi on Peony Cruise.

As the clock approaches 5:30 PM, return to Peony Cruise to partake in a sunset party on Lan Ha Bay. A moment of sheer beauty, this is an opportune time for photography enthusiasts to capture the breathtaking sunset. The evening unfolds with a romantic dinner at the cruise restaurant around 7:30 PM.

At 9:00 PM, transition into the nightlife of the bay from the top deck. Immerse yourself in music, savor a cocktail from the bar, indulge in movie-watching, and relax on the cruise. Alternatively, engage in squid fishing with the sailors or unwind in the comfort of your room, enjoying the bay’s view from the balcony.

Prepare for an enchanting overnight stay on the cruise, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Lan Ha Bay.

Commencing between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM, begin your day with a delightful breakfast served at the Peony Cruise restaurant.

At 8:00 AM, the cruise arrives at the Frog Pond area, providing you with the opportunity for kayaking and relaxation in the four-season mini pool on Lan Ha Bay. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty – a silk ribbon woven from green mountains, blue seas, and diverse fauna and flora.

By 9:30 AM, it’s time to check out of your room. Lunch awaits you in the restaurant; any additional fees can be settled at the reception during your journey to the port. Kindly attend to any costs charged by the front desk while en route to the port.

Between 11:15 AM and 11:30 AM, disembark and return to the port, where you’ll find yourself at Tuan Chau International Marina Station by 11:45 AM.

A warm welcome by your driver at the harbor marks the commencement of a 2 and a half-hour journey back to Hanoi on the new highway No5B, traversing the Red River Delta and picturesque villages. Your drop-off awaits at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Subsequently, a private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for a journey of approximately 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport, tailored to your preference for either the international or domestic hall. Appreciate the visit to our city, and keep in mind that international flights necessitate a 3-hour advance arrival at the airport, while domestic flights require 2 hours before departure time.