6-Day Red River Delta Family Adventure: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Lan Ha Bay Cruise

The day is a perfect blend of hands-on creativity and profound historical discovery. We start at 8:30 AM with an excursion to Bat Trang, a famous traditional craft village specializing in porcelain craftsmanship.

You will walk through narrow, historic alleys to the communal house and visit an ancient house dating back to the French Colonial era, where a host will explain Vietnamese spiritual beliefs. The highlight for families is a tour of a family-owned factory, where you will witness the intricate process of creating ceramic art. Family hands-on experience is available—a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the skilled artisans and create a personal keepsake of your journey!

After returning to the city for lunch (on your own account), we delve into history at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university (11th century). Walk through its serene gardens and admire the UNESCO-recognized “stone steles,” where the names of outstanding scholars are engraved. We conclude the day with a drive through the majestic French Quarter and a final exploration of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Cap off your cultural journey with the unique and captivating Water Puppet Show, an ancient performance where the daily life of the Red River Delta comes alive on water, accompanied by traditional music—an absolute delight for all ages!

• Experience: Creative family bonding at the pottery wheel, profound historical discovery at the Temple of Literature, sensory awakening in the Old Quarter, and the magic of the Water Puppet Show.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show, Breakfast, Water.

• Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room or similar).

Today, we escape the capital's bustle, driving 2 hours through the picturesque Red River Delta countryside—a landscape painted with rice and vegetable fields—to the serene beauty of Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival, we embark on a shared gentle conquest: an optional 15km bike ride (or walk) along the village dyke. This immersive journey offers gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, rivers, and towering limestone mountains, allowing you to breathe the fresh country air and connect with the locals. We discover the historic Thung La Temple, where you will meet Mr. Tuong, the temple guardian, for an authentic conversation and an unforgettable 20-minute drum show!

Later, experience the serene tranquility of the Van Long Nature Reserve on a traditional sampan boat trip. Glide silently among the towering limestone mountains, a perfect moment of peaceful discovery. Keep your eyes peeled—if luck is on your side, you may spot white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs! We conclude the day with a fascinating visit to an embroidery village and a fun, introductory embroidery course with the skilled craftswoman, Mrs. Lam. Tonight, enjoy dinner and the quiet evening at your traditional Nep House Homestay.

• Experience: Shared cycling adventure, authentic drumming performance, serene wildlife spotting in Van Long, hands-on embroidery craft, and the warmth of a local homestay.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Boat (Van Long), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike (Ninh Binh), Thung La Temple Music, Lunch, Dinner, Water.

• Stay: Nep House (Double Room or similar).

Prepare for a day of soft adventure and wildlife education at Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first nature reserve and a living tropical rainforest museum.

Our first stop is the deeply impactful Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Turtle House Project. Here, your family will meet the incredible, dedicated staff and learn about their vital work rescuing and rehabilitating Vietnam’s rare primates and turtles. This is a moment of profound connection to conservation.

After lunch, we set off on a gentle, rewarding 3-4 hour trek through the tropical jungle. This is a journey of discovery through a pristine landscape of majestic limestone mountains and valleys. We pause halfway to admire a giant ancient tree, feeling small beneath its immense canopy. On the way back, a short trek takes us to the Cave of Early Man, completing your journey through nature and history. Return to your homestay for a final relaxing evening in the heart of the Red River Delta.

• Experience: Educational and emotional connection with rare primates/turtles, soft adventure trekking through a tropical jungle, witnessing a magnificent ancient tree, and discovering the Cave of Early Man.

• Included: English Speaking Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Lunch, Dinner, Water.

• Stay: Nep House (Double Room or similar).

Today is the highly anticipated transition to the maritime wonderland! We travel across the Red River Delta villages, through Nam Dinh and Thai Binh, to the harbor in Hai Phong (Got Ferry).

Around noon, you will be warmly welcomed aboard the luxurious Peony Cruises at Tuan Chau Port. As you sip a fresh welcome drink, we set sail into the Lan Ha Bay—a less-touched, equally magnificent member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Lunch is a special affair featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies, enjoyed against the backdrop of towering limestone karsts.

The afternoon is dedicated to family bonding and adventure in the unspoiled Tra Bau area. This is the perfect time for kayaking—paddle together through the emerald waters, exploring hidden beaches and the base of the majestic islands. You can also relax in the Jacuzzi pool. The evening is capped with a fun cooking demonstration (learn to make famous Vietnamese spring rolls), Happy Hour on the sun deck to watch the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin, and a delightful dinner served in an intimate, romantic setting. Later, try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck—a guaranteed memory maker!

• Experience: Luxurious welcome, sailing into the serene Lan Ha Bay, active kayak discovery, sunset viewing bonding time, and a fun family cooking class.

• Included: English Speaking Guide (on board), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Squid Fishing, Swimming, Cooking Demonstration, Lunch, Dinner, Water.

• Stay: Peony Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Balcony Cabin).

Start your final day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the top deck as the sun rises over the limestone karsts—a moment of quiet serenity and contemplation.

After a light breakfast, your final adventure takes you to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. This impressive cave, part of the Cat Ba World Biosphere, is a geological marvel with thousands of colorful stalactites—a beautiful and gentle exploration of a natural wonder.

Return to the main boat for an early final lunch as we leisurely cruise back to the port. After disembarking, your driver will meet you for the comfortable 2.5-hour transfer back to Hanoi on the modern highway, crossing back over the Red River Delta with a final look at the beautiful villages and fields you explored.

You will be dropped off at your hotel in the Old Quarter before being transferred to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your departure, carrying with you the cherished memories of your Red River Delta family adventure.

• Experience: Tranquil Tai Chi session, exploring a geological marvel (Trung Trang Cave), scenic drive back through the Red River Delta, and a smooth farewell transfer.

• Included: English Speaking Guide (on board), Transportation, Entrance Fees, Morning Tai Chi, Breakfast, Lunch, Water.