Capture vivacious Vietnam on this one-week holiday package from the colonial charm of Hanoi to astonishing Halong Bay. Sip coffee in Hanoi train street, cruise along emerald waters on a Tam Coc boat trip, visit traditional villages in Hai Hau and touch the heart of Xuan Thuy national park. This is an adventure full of beauty and contrast that introduces Vietnam as a country of incredible culinary, stunning scenery and long-standing cultures.
General Information
Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Nam Dinh – Halong Bay
Duration: 7 Days/ 6 Nights
Date: No fixed dates
Start/ End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
Day 3: Ninh Binh – Hai Hau (Nam Dinh)
Day 4: Hai Hau – Xuan Thuy National Park – Halong Bay
Day 5: Halong Bay
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi
Day 7: Hanoi Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)
Upon Hanoi arrival, you will be welcomed by Viet Vision Travel’s tour guide and driver then transferred to hotel for check-in and repose. In the afternoon, enjoy a cyclo tour around Hanoi Old Quarter inspired by French architecture. You will have time to buy some souvenirs at local shops or taste some amazing foods at street vendors. Tonight, you are free to relax at the hotel or continue to explore Hanoi at night. Besides, you can travel to Hanoi theater to enjoy the traditional Vietnam Water Puppet Show.
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu (B, L)
In the morning, travel southbound to Ninh Binh province. Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in the 10th and 11th century. This land used to be the rice field and was broken by picturesque limestone mountains then. You will explore the temples and tombs of two of the greatest emperors in Vietnam – Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh. Afterward, move to hotel for check-in and lunch.
After lunch, take a sampan along the Ngo Dong River to visit Three Caves (a.k.a Tam Coc) Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba. It will start from Van Lam embroidery village then journey through a scenic landscape covered by rice fields and karst limestones. These natural caves are about 125m long with the ceilings of over 2m high from the water and filled by stunning stalactites. Overnight in Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh.
Day 3: Hoa Lu – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Hai Hau (B, L, D)
In the morning, move to Bai Dinh Pagoda – one of the biggest pagodas in Southeast Asia. It was rebuilt on the ground of old Bai Dinh Pagoda dating back from hundreds of years. Its architecture and worshipping monuments represent the long-standing Buddhism in Vietnam. After lunch, travel to Hai Hau, Nam Dinh – the essence of culture, agriculture, and tradition in Northern Vietnam. First, reach Vi Khe village which is famous for creating wonderful bonsai trees of unique shapes.
Then get on a bike and cycle through rustic villages on a lovely path with beautiful flowers on two sides as well as peaceful river nearby. Arrive in the traditional village of making water puppets where you have a chance to contact with a local artisan the elaborate process of creating a traditional puppet. At the end of this journey, enjoy an interesting water puppet show performed by local people. Overnight in a traditional wooden house at Ecohost Hai Hau.
Day 4: Hai Hau – Xuan Thuy National Park (B, L)
Wake up early then travel to Hai Ly ruined church on the shore of Hai Ly church for spectacular sunrise view and watch the famous religious construction ruined by effects of nature. After that, join in a soft cycling tour to visit Cau Ngoi (Bridge with tiled roof) built in the 15th century and impressive Luong pagoda nearby. Then interact with people at a local market by a small purchasing competition, explore Pham Phao church owning the architecture combining Buddhist and Catholic ones. Next, cycle to a house of manufacturing trumpets where you will see how to make bronze ones and enjoy performances of the owner as well as a family of lacquer paintings to witness how these artworks are created by skillful hands of craftmen.
After breakfast, travel to Xuan Thuy national park, board a boat then reach the heart of this park. From the sundeck, you can see large clam areas, contact with local people living in clam huts. Enjoy lunch on the boat with the clams while beholding the fantastic view of mangroves and special birds (if you are lucky). Return to the mainland and get back to Ecohost Hai Hau. On the way, you can stop to see salt farms and how salt is made from brine. Dinner today is accompanied by traditional folk performances of singing and dancing. Overnight in Ecohost Hai Hau.
Day 5: Hai Hau – Halong – Overnight on Cruise (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at noon, get on the cruise ship and you will be welcomed by a complimentary drink. After a compulsory safety procedure session and check-in, a special lunch of fresh seafood and an assortment of appetizing delicacies will be served while the ship is moving to Lan Ha Bay over Da Chong islet where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago.
In the afternoon, the ship takes you through the Cua Van area to Lan Ha Bay of about 300 karst islands and limestone outcrops which are stunning with their pristine, snow-white beaches. Then explore Ba Trai Dao beach and Tra Bau area via kayaks or immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters. Later, it is time to return to your lavish liner and join in a Vietnamese cooking demonstration by the ship’s chef which is a great way to learn how to prepare delicious appetizers. After dinner, relax with an exotic cocktail and drink in the evening landscape. Then you can order an indulgent spa service, watch movies, go squid fishing or simply relax on our top deck under the cover of a brightly illuminated sky.
Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, L)
The morning is the best time of the day on Lan Ha Bay so wake up early this morning and participate in Tai Chi sessions or relax with an early morning cup of tea, coffee or juice to watch the stunning scenery unfolded before you.
After breakfast, discover the mysterious caves and amongst the remote islets via local rowing boats. Later, return to the ship for check-out of. After lunch and a last farewell from ship’s crew, head back to the wharf then transfer back to Hanoi. The rest of the day is your leisure to explore Hanoi city. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi Departure (B)
After breakfast, feel free until the vehicle arrives to take you to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight. Tour ends. See you again in the next Vietnam tour packages.
