Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Halong Bay - 3 Days 2 Nights

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 1: HANOI - HOA LU - TAM COC - NINH BINH                                                                                                [MEALS: LUNCH]

Depart from the hotel in Hanoi in the early morning for the drive to Ninh Binh, home to Vietnam’s first ancient capital. The route passes through the rural landscapes of northern Vietnam before arriving in Hoa Lu.

In Hoa Lu, visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, two rulers associated with the earliest foundations of the Vietnamese feudal state. Although much of the old Hoa Lu Citadel has disappeared over time, the site still offers a strong sense of its former historical importance.

Afterwards, if time permits, guests may take a short walk up one of the surrounding limestone hills for panoramic views over the karst landscape.

Continue to Tam Coc for lunch, with opportunities to stop along the way for photographs of local villages and countryside scenes.

After lunch, board a private sampan for a peaceful cruise through waterways framed by towering limestone formations and rice paddies, the landscape that has earned this area the nickname “Halong Bay on Land.”

For guests seeking a more active option, there is the possibility to climb to Bich Dong Pagoda on nearby Ngu Nhac Mountain. The pagoda complex includes Ha, Trung and Thuong Pagodas and dates back to 1428.

Alternative boat options may also be considered instead of Tam Coc:

• Option 1: Trang An
  Located near Tam Coc, Trang An is a scenic nature reserve with a quieter atmosphere and a series of river caves. The peaceful setting, clear water and natural surroundings make it a rewarding eco-tourism alternative.
• Option 2: Thung Nang
  A less-visited and more tranquil option, Thung Nang offers a pleasant boat ride through a cave, lotus fields in summer and a small pagoda before returning along the same route.

Please note that on some rowing routes, boat rowers may offer local products for sale. Guests may refer to their guide if they feel uncomfortable in such situations.

Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Road distance: approx. 110 km
Road transfer time: approx. 2 hours
Main experiences: historical visits, sampan ride, light walking or optional stair climb

Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh

DAY 2: NINH BINH - HALONG BAY                                                                                [MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER]
This morning, transfer by road from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay.

Arrive at the pier around midday and complete check-in formalities for the overnight cruise. Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most extraordinary natural wonders, where thousands of limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald waters. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

After the onboard welcome, lunch is served while the cruise begins its journey into the bay.

In the afternoon, guests may enjoy visits and activities depending on the program of each individual boat, or simply relax on board and take in the scenery.

Towards the end of the day, the boat anchors for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight on Halong Bay.

Road distance: approx. 160 km
Road transfer time: approx. 4 hours
Main experiences: transfer, cruise, sightseeing or leisure on the bay

Cruise On Ha Long Bay

DAY 3: HALONG BAY - HANOI                                                                                                                         [MEALS: BREAKFAST]
Wake to a fresh morning in the middle of Halong Bay as the cruise continues through magnificent limestone formations.

Breakfast is served on board. On some boats, this may be offered as a brunch service.

The vessel then cruises slowly back toward the port. After disembarkation, transfer back to Hanoi or Haiphong.

Please note that this tour may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Road distance: approx. 160 km
Road transfer time: approx. 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on drop-off point
Main experiences: morning cruise, return to port, onward transfer

***END OF SERVICES***

SERVICES

✅ WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
• Meals as mentioned in the program
• English or French speaking guide
• Other languages can be arranged on request with applicable supplements
• Private air-conditioned vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary
• Tours and transfers as mentioned in the program
• Entrance fees for the visits included in the program
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

❌ WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals other than those mentioned in the program
• Services other than those mentioned in the program
• International and domestic flights
• Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and other personal expenditure
• Tips
• Travel insurance

  ✅ WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
• Meals as mentioned in the program
• English- or French-speaking guide
• Other languages can be arranged on request with applicable supplements
• Private air-conditioned vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary
• Tours and transfers as mentioned in the program
• Entrance fees for the visits included in the program
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance, including emergency medical evacuation coverage, for trips to Vietnam.
• Prices are valid for 30 days from the date of offer. After this period, prices and conditions may be readjusted.
• Air ticket costs are subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
• Reservations during peak periods such as Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year and national holidays may be subject to supplementary charges.
• Hotel rooms are generally available from 14:00 on the arrival day until 12:00 on the departure day. A supplement may apply for early check-in or late check-out.
• Please note that all services and tours above are currently proposed for reference only, and no reservations will be made before we receive your confirmation.
• If one or more proposed services are not available at the time of booking, we will try to find alternative options or similar services in order to avoid major changes to the program.
• Boat routes in Tam Coc, Trang An or Thung Nang and Halong cruise activities may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and actual operations.