Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay: 5-Day Classic Northern Vietnam Adventure

A warm welcome to Ha Noi - Vietnam awaits you!

Arriving at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met and taken up to the hotel. The rest of the day is your own time for relaxation or visit around on your own.

Have dinner. A comfortable overnight stay at the hotel marks the end of the first day of your HANOI - NINH BINH – HA LONG BAY:  CLASSIC 5-DAY NORTHERN VIETNAM ADVENTURE.

08:00-08:30: We will pick you up at the hotel. In the morning, we will visit:

• Tran Quoc Pagoda - West Lake, is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam with its historical progression in 1500 years. It has a harmonious combination between the majesty, hoariness architecture and peaceful landscape of the West Lake. 
• Visit the Complex of President Ho Chi Minh (Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and Stilt house) - Where the great leader lived and worked until the last years of his life. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn about Uncle Ho's simple life. In addition, stop by One Pillar Pagoda to admire one of the 4 symbols of Hanoi. 

Note: On Monday and Friday, Mausoleum Management Board will carry out maintenance of the mausoleum, you will visit only outside of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stilt house and One Pillar Pagoda.

• The Temple of Literature, which was constructed in 1070, was the first university in Vietnam. Its gardens and well-preserved architecture will offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

12:00: Have lunch at the restaurant. 

Then we will visit:

• Thang Long Imperial Citadel was built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty to commemorate the Dai Viet's independence. The Imperial Citadel structures depict a distinct South-East Asian civilization at the intersection of influences from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south.

Note: With every Monday, Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be closed. If departing on Monday, the attractions of Thang Long Imperial Citadel will be compensated with tickets to visit Ngoc Son Temple.

• Hoa Lo Prison or Maison Centrale, is a symbol of the prisoners' strong will and sacrifice for their communist principles. It is well-known as one of the most brutal jails with terrifying punishment..
• St. Joseph's Cathedral: A Hanoi Attraction with Unique Structure in the Old Quarter.
• Hoan Kiem lake (Sword lake) - is famous for its peaceful beauty, its cultural as well as historical values with Turtle tower, Ngoc Son Temple. Furthermore, you can discover the Vietnamese traditional and French colonial architecture through buildings surrounding.

16:00: Back to your hotel. Relax.

Have dinner and free at night.

Optional: Recommended activities to do: rent a cyclo around the Old Quarter and Sword Lake, enjoy a water puppet show, Food tour.

Overnight in Hanoi. Finish Day 2!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Have breakfast. Check-out

08:00: Leave Hanoi for Ninh Binh - ancient capital of Vietnam. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of rural Northern Vietnam  on the way.

Arrive in Ninh Binh. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, was strategically established here to defend against Chinese enemies in the 10th and 11th centuries AD, hear about the heroic histories of Dinh King and Le King during the defense war.

11:30: Have lunch, enjoy the specialties of Ninh Binh (mountain goat).

13:00: 

• Get on a small boat to visit Trang An Landscape Complex. You will see majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious yet inviting caves, as well as countryside sights, like peaceful streams, rice paddies, and deserted green fields. Visit the cave complex: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave in mystery and wilderness.
• Visit Mua Cave - After climbing 500 stone steps, you can see all the way to Tam Coc and enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Vietnam (When it comes to ripe rice season, from May to June, you may view the finest of Tam Coc way). You may also enjoy the beautiful sunset.
• Hotel check-in.

Have dinner and Free at night.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. Finish Day 3!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Have breakfast.

08:00: Leave Ninh Binh for Ha Long Bay. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we travel through the countryside, farmlands and Red River delta. Comfort break. 

12:00: Reach Tuan Chau Wharf. Upon your arrival in Halong Bay, you will be taken on board. Check-in before lunch.

13:00: Have lunch while the boat is sailing through Ha Long Bay. After lunchtime, you will have a short break before joining the first activity of the tour. Time to refresh and unwind with Paradise Sails Cruise:

• Tung Sau Pearl Farm is the most well-known pearl farm in Halong Bay where you can witness and learn the entire process of making pearls and expansive pearl products from the first step of growing to harvesting pearls. You can enjoy kayaking here (on your own expense)
• Drop anchor in the calm water surrounded by beautiful islets. Visit Titop Island for swimming and snorkeling or do the short trek to the top of the island to have an overview of Halong Bay from here.
• Heading back toward the sleeping area.

Summit on the sundeck watching the sunset, enjoy Sunset party.

Have dinner. Enjoy your free time.

You can try night squid fishing.

Overnight in Ha Long Bay. Finish Day 4!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start the new day with the sound of sea waves.

06:30: Greets first light of the Day on Sundeck, warming up your body with Tai Chi lessons or enjoying leisure time in your room.

07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast, before starting the journey to visit the last view in the schedule.

• Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), the largest and most beautiful cave on Halong Bay. The stalagmites will astound you. Magnificent stalactites formed over millions of years, evolving into abundant and mystical forms. 

08:45: Back on the cruise, you can enjoy a deluxe breakfast buffet. Cruise will once again pass through Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave and Ga Choi Islet before you check out and return to Tuan Chau Whalf.

10:30: Reach the Whalf. Return to Hanoi. Have lunch on the way.

Reach Hanoi. GTrip goodbye and see you!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch