Discover Classic Vietnam: 5-Day Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Lan Ha Bay Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar

After a delicious breakfast, your day of deep discovery begins at 9:00 AM. Our first stop is the Temple of Literature, a place of profound peace and history. You’ll walk through the serene, sun-dappled courtyards of Vietnam's very first university, founded in 1070. Feel the weight of history as you admire the beautiful Khue Van Cac pavilion and the 82 stone "steles"—massive turtles carved from blue stone, each bearing the name of a scholar who passed the royal exams centuries ago.

Next, we journey through the soul of the nation at the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Note: closed on Mondays). This is no ordinary museum; it’s a vibrant showcase of the 54 distinct ethnic groups that form this incredible country. You'll be captivated by the intricate traditional costumes, ancient tools, and the amazing full-scale replicas of traditional village houses that you can walk right into.

This afternoon, we explore the elegant, tree-lined boulevards of the French Quarter, a "little Paris" that stands in beautiful contrast to the Old Quarter. We will then visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the heart of modern Vietnam. Here, you will (from the outside) see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of the nation's beloved leader.

You’ll then find a surprising peace in the surrounding botanical gardens, gaining an intimate glimpse into Ho Chi Minh's simple life at his modest House on Stilts. We’ll also visit the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda, a tiny, lotus-shaped temple that is one of the city's most beloved symbols.

As evening approaches, a true Vietnamese cultural treat awaits. You'll be enchanted by a traditional Water Puppet Show. This uniquely northern Vietnamese art form, born in the rice paddies of the Red River Delta, brings ancient legends to life. Watch as colorful puppets, supported by hidden bamboo rods, seem to dance and skim across a stage of shimmering water, all set to the sound of live, traditional music. It's a magical and unforgettable end to your day.

Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (100km each way, ~2 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar

Prepare to be astonished. Today, you journey to a landscape of such staggering beauty it's famously nicknamed "Ha Long Bay on Land." After a comfortable 2-hour drive through the picturesque Red River Delta, a patchwork of rice fields and villages, you'll arrive in the wonderland of Ninh Binh.

Your first experience here is pure magic: a 15km bicycle ride (a gentle walk or van ride is also a wonderful option) along a quiet village dyke. You are inside the painting now. Towering limestone karsts, draped in green, rise directly from the vibrant rice paddies as a peaceful river winds beside you.

This path leads us to the ancient Thung La Temple, dating back to the 11th century. Here, you'll have a truly authentic encounter, meeting the temple's guardian, Mr. Tuong. Feel the warmth of a genuine conversation and then let the vibrations of an ancient drum performance wash over you—a powerful, 20-minute show that echoes the very soul of this land.

The wonder continues at the Van Long Nature Reserve. You'll board a traditional wooden sampan boat, and a local villager will expertly row you through a silent, protected wetland. The only sounds are the oars dipping rhythmically into the water and the calls of nature. Gaze up at the dramatic cliffs—if you are lucky, you might spot the rare, white-furred Delacour's langur (monkey) leaping between crags, or flocks of white egrets returning home. This is peace, personified.

Finally, you’ll connect with local artisans in a nearby village. We’ll visit the home of Mrs. Lam, a craftswoman who will proudly share the history and techniques of her traditional embroidery craft. Under her expert guidance, you'll even have the chance to practice on fabric yourself—a beautiful, hands-on memory to take home. As the sun begins to set, you'll transfer back to Hanoi, your heart full of the serene, otherworldly beauty of Ninh Binh.

Route: Hanoi - Tuan Chau - Lan Ha Bay (140km, ~2.5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise: Peony Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin)

The legend awaits. Today, you journey from the capital to the coast. At 9:00 AM, your comfortable shuttle bus departs Hanoi for the 2.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau Port, your gateway to the world-famous bay.

At the port, the grandeur of the Gulf of Tonkin opens up before you. You'll be warmly welcomed, transferred to the exquisite Peony Cruise, and greeted with a refreshing drink and towel. As the ship sets sail, a gourmet lunch of fresh, local delicacies is served in the elegant restaurant. Find a spot on deck, feel the gentle sea breeze, and watch in awe as we leave the shore behind and enter the maze of thousands of jungle-topped limestone karsts.

We chart a course for Lan Ha Bay, the pristine, quieter, and more beautiful southern cousin of Halong Bay. This afternoon, we anchor in the stunning Tra Bau area. This is your moment to connect with the bay. Will you seize a kayak and paddle silently on your own, gliding through the emerald water into hidden lagoons? Or will you simply dive off the boat for a refreshing swim? You can also choose to simply relax in the onboard Jacuzzi pool, a cocktail in hand, surrounded by one of the world's most breathtaking landscapes.

As the sun begins its spectacular descent, the sundeck comes alive. Join a fun and interactive cooking demonstration to learn the art of making (and eating!) classic Vietnamese spring rolls. This is also Happy Hour (Buy One, Get One Free!) at the bar—the perfect time to find a comfortable lounge chair and watch the sky explode in colors of orange, purple, and pink. The magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin is a moment of pure magic you will never forget.

The evening is pure indulgence. A sumptuous dinner, blending Vietnamese and international flavors, is served in the romantic, lamplit restaurant. Afterward, the night is yours. Relax under a blanket of stars on the top deck, treat yourself to a spa service (optional), or join the crew for a bit of fun squid fishing off the main deck.

Route: Lan Ha Bay - Tuan Chau - Hanoi (140km, ~2.5 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Greet the new day in the most tranquil way imaginable. At 6:00 AM, join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck. As the first rays of light appear, feel the gentle energy of the morning as you move in sync with the lapping water and the rising sun. It’s a truly rejuvenating start to your final day.

After a light breakfast, we embark on our last excursion. A tender will take you to Cat Ba Island to explore the magnificent Trung Trang Cave. You'll walk through a 300-meter-long cavern filled with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that glitter like jewels in the soft light. This subterranean world, sculpted by nature over millions of years, is a fascinating ecosystem all its own.

We return to the Peony Cruise for you to freshen up and complete your check-out. Your luggage will be handled by the crew as you sit down for a final, delicious brunch in the restaurant. Savor your meal and the last stunning views of the bay as we cruise peacefully back to port.

Around 11:30 AM, you'll bid farewell to the dedicated crew at Tuan Chau port. Your driver will be waiting to transfer you directly back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Later, at the pre-arranged time, your driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby for your final, comfortable transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN), ensuring you arrive with plenty of time for your onward flight. You leave Vietnam with a heart full of memories, from the vibrant pulse of Hanoi to the serene majesty of its legendary bays.