Hanoi – Van Long – Cuc Phuong – Lan Ha Bay Tour 6 Days

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, a skilled tour guide and driver await you at the pickup lobby. Revel in a 45-minute drive to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter), during which you’ll receive insightful information about 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. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city at your own pace.

At 8:30 AM, our team will pick you up from your hotel for a captivating journey to Bat Trang, nestled along the Red River just 20km from the heart of Hanoi. This village holds a prestigious reputation as one of Vietnam’s foremost traditional craft hubs, specializing in the delicate art of porcelain craftsmanship.

Upon arrival, our exploration begins with a visit to the local communal house, dedicated to the founder of the porcelain craft village. Meander through narrow alleys to discover an ancient house dating back to the same period as the iconic Long Bien Bridge. Here, your host will unveil the unique aspects of Vietnamese culture and its spiritual beliefs.

Next on the agenda is a tour of a family-owned factory. Your guide will lead you through the fascinating processes involved in crafting ceramic products, offering you a hands-on experience working alongside skilled artisans if you’re inclined. As you stroll through the village, explore the charming products on display in local shops before we embark on a comfortable journey back to Hanoi.

Return to the city center and take a lunch break (at your own expense) before visiting the Temple of Literature, built during the Ly dynasty in the 11th century to honor Confucius and educate royal children. Wander through the garden to the city’s emblem, Khue Van Cac. Explore the World Heritage “stone steles,” showcasing the names of outstanding students, and continue to the Quoc Tu Giam, regarded as Vietnam’s first national university.

Drive through the French quarter, passing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Presidential Palace, and reach the Hanoi Old Quarter, constructed in the 15th century as the capital’s bustling trading center with 36 streets offering various products. Despite changes, the Old Quarter remains a living city museum, featuring unique tube houses, narrow alleys, temples, open-air markets, and street vendor foods, all harmoniously blending together. Immerse yourself in the town’s charm by exploring on foot, stimulating all your senses.

Wrap up the day by enjoying the water puppet show, a unique performance that originated in the 11th century. These shows vividly depict the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people through water puppets, often accompanied by traditional music performances.

Return to your hotel, marking the end of our day’s service.

Commencing at 8:00 AM, embark on a journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, traversing the enchanting countryside of the Red River Delta, adorned with picturesque rice and vegetable fields.

Opt for a 15km bike ride (optional) or a leisurely walk through the villages. Along the dyke, treat yourself to stunning views of rice fields, a winding river, and limestone mountains. Numerous stops are scattered along the route, providing opportunities for beautiful photos or chance encounters with the locals. Proceed to explore Thung La temple, a historic site dating back to the 11th century. Here, meet Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, engaging in an authentic conversation and relishing a 20-minute drum show.

Following this, embark on a serene sampan boat trip, meandering through streams amidst the limestone mountains to uncover the beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve. With luck, you might catch sight of white monkeys and egrets perched on the cliffs. Post-boat trip, visit an embroidery village and partake in an embroidery course led by the skilled local craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. She takes pride in elucidating the techniques of her traditional craft, offering you a unique opportunity to practice on fabric like a true craftsman.

As the day concludes, return to your homestay, savoring the evening in the heart of the Red River Delta.

You depart at 8:00 AM from your hotel for a one-hour journey to Cuc Phuong National Park. Nestled in the southwest of Hanoi, this park, inaugurated in 1960, stands as Vietnam’s first nature reserve. Renowned for its tropical rainforest, the park boasts an exceptionally diverse range of flora and fauna. Upon arrival, delve into a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, dedicated to the care and rescue of Vietnam’s rare primates. Explore the Turtle House Project before making your way to the park center. Relish a lunch at the house-on-stilts before embarking on a trek into the heart of the park.

Embark on a pleasant and leisurely 3-4 hour trek through the tropical jungle, unveiling open vistas of majestic landscapes, untouched limestone mountains, and serene valleys. Pause for a well-deserved rest at a colossal ancient tree midway through your journey. On the return route, take a short trek to the Cave of Early Man before being chauffeured back to your hotel. This marks the conclusion of the tour.

Depart from Ninh Binh, passing through Nam Dinh and Thai Binh, concluding your journey in Hai Phong (Got Ferry). Traverse a captivating landscape of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Pause for refreshments and restroom breaks along the way. Arriving at the harbor around noon, receive a warm welcome aboard our support vessel at 12:30. Journey from the wharf to board the luxurious Peony Cruises via the bay. Indulge in welcome fresh drinks, cold towels, and a special lunch featuring fresh cuisine and an array of delectable delicacies on our opulent junk. Dining on our luxury vessel is an enchanting experience like no other as we set sail for Lan Ha Bay, a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

At 15:30, explore the Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its pristine natural beauty and the poetic, captivating seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Capture the romantic, lyrical scenes with your camera and engage in bamboo boat rides and swimming—a fascinating way to uncover the true beauty of the limestone mountains and the azure sky of Lan Ha Bay. Subsequently, immerse yourself in the emerald green waters of Lan Ha Bay with invigorating swimming activities or relish the mini pool with jacuzzi on Peony Cruise.

By 17:30, return to Peony Cruise and revel in a sunset party on Lan Ha Bay—an ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the stunning sunset moments. At 19:30, savor a romantic dinner at the restaurant on Peony Cruise.

As the night unfolds, at 21:00, relish the bay’s nightlife from the top deck. Lose yourself in music, enjoy a cocktail from the bar, watch famous films, and unwind on the cruise. Alternatively, join the sailors in squid fishing or simply relax in your room, gazing out at the bay from the balcony.

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

Begin your day with breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 served at the Peony Cruise restaurant.

At 8:00, the cruise will reach the Frog Pond area, providing an opportunity for kayaking and leisurely moments in the four-season mini pool on Lan Ha Bay – a canvas woven from verdant mountains, azure seas, and diverse fauna and flora.

By 9:30, check out of your room, and as you travel back to the port, lunch will be ready in the restaurant. Any additional fees incurred can be settled at the reception during this time.

Between 11:15 and 11:30, disembark and return to the port, concluding your cruise experience.

From 11:30 to 11:45, find yourself at Tuan Chau International Marina Station. A driver will warmly welcome you at the harbor, and you’ll embark on a 2.5-hour journey back to Hanoi via the new highway No5B, traversing the Red River Delta and its charming villages. Your drop-off will be at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Should you have an international flight, a private driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for a 45-minute transfer to Noi Bai Airport, whether to the international or domestic hall, based on your request. End of Northern Vietnam Tour 6 Days.

Note: For international flights, please ensure you are at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, arrive 2 hours before departure time.