Magnificent Northern Vietnam with Ninh Binh Exploration

Welcome to Hanoi, a city steeped in legend and history, founded in the year 1010. Known as the quintessence of the rice civilization in the Red River Delta, Hanoi is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. We'll take care of your transfer and ensure you arrive comfortably at your hotel in Hanoi. Get ready to experience the charm and excitement of one of Asia's most captivating cities!

• Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before we start our full-day city tour in Hanoi. Today’s trip starts with a ride to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, which is the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi built on small island in the West Lake. Also acts as a small museum, the pagoda stores many centuries-old artifacts while the temple itself is believed to be built in the 6th century.
• Within the vicinity of the pagoda is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, the final resting place for the revolutionary leader and President Ho Chi Minh, who earned the country its independence. Visitors can also view his modest residence on stilts from the outside. Once we’re done with viewing, we’ll have a lunch break before continuing the tour.
• We’ll head over to the One Pillar Pagoda, a landmark with a deep meaning for the people of Hanoi. It is a Buddhist temple with significant historical value. The One Pillar Pagoda is actually a complex that was constructed in the shape of a lotus flower by Emperor Ly Thai Thong who dreamed of a Buddhist goddess. The current pagoda is a rebuilt on top of the original pillar after the pagoda was destroyed in 1954 during the French colonization.
• The Museum of Ethnology is next on the list, a special Vietnamese museum devoted to the documentation and preservation of 54 recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. Here, people are educated on the culture of the indigenous people that reside within this land and their history. If the museum is closed on Mondays, we can visit the Women’s Museum instead where it’s a place to learn everything about women’s culture and way of living in Vietnam.
• Enjoy your lunch after this, a traditional Vietnamese meal served with 8 mouth-watering dishes.
• Then to the Temple of Literature (Quoc Tu Giam). It is the location of Vietnam’s first national university’s Imperial Academy and was built in 1070. This thousand-year-old heritage marks the beginning of advance education in Hanoi and was dedicate to major figures in education, particularly Confucius. It’s a tranquil place that just soothes the soul and calms the mind.
• We’re going to head over to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum as the final destination of the day, a memorial dedicated to the prisoners and lives lost since it was built by the French colonists first and then North Vietnam later. Hoa Lo means “Hell’s hole” and is the name from which the street name pho Hoa lo was derived from.
• The tour finishes after the prison and your driver will bring you back to your hotel for your overnight stay in Hanoi.
• (Breakfast and Lunch)

• Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel today before we pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter/Opera House. Today we’re setting off to Tuan Chau Port at Halong Bay. The trip will be about 2.5 hours long, going via the beautiful coastline city of Haiphong before going into the Tuan Chau Highway and we’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor.
• Today’s excursion happens on board a cruise ship that’ll go around the waters of Halong Bay. After boarding, a set menu lunch will be served featuring many popular Halong dishes. Enjoy the scenic cruise with your lunch as thousands of limestone formations decorate your surroundings, jutting from the Fighting Chicken and Incense Burner Islets. These are the two symbols of Halong Bay that look like what they’re called.
• The cruise will first stop at Bo Hon Island where we can visit the Sung Sot Cave, Ha Long Bay’s biggest cave that was found in 1901 and one of the most beautiful to explore in Ha Long Bay. Still on the same island, the Luon Cave is another appealing place to be at where you can explore by kayaking or riding the bamboo boat. This exquisite cave is just one of the many magnificent things to see and explore here. It is called Halong’s smallest cave with the Con Rua islet located just across the cave and the Sky Gate is just to the right.
• Once we’re done exploring this gorgeous cave, return to the boat to continue the cruise. The next stop is the Ti Top Island which is about 7km from Tuan Chau port. This small, picturesque island is one of the most favorite stops among tourists. The view, the quiet atmosphere, just turn this into the best place to get your holiday snaps for Instagram. Walk up the trek to the top of the island or go for a cool swim on Halong Bay.
• Back on the boat, a sunset party has been prepared with wine and fruits for your as we make our way back to the harbor. Over at the harbor, a bus will be available to transfer you back to Hanoi to drop you off at the hotel for your overnight stay.
• (Breakfast and Lunch)

• Start your day off with a hearty breakfast before our guide arrives to pick you up from your hotel. Get ready to embark on a 2-hour drive through picturesque green fields and charming villages along Highway Number 01.
• Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the 11th century. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Vietnam as we visit the Dinh and Le dynasty temples and learn about the country's struggles during the war with China. Take in the breathtaking views of the lush rice paddies and breathe in the fresh air around you.
• Afternoon have lunch and take a boat trip to visit the Tam Coc, a series of three limestone caves that stretch along the Ngo Dong River. Marvel at the peaceful scenery of limestone mountains and rice paddies as you pass by some temples along the way from Hang Ca (first cave) to Hang Hai (second cave) and Hang Ba (third cave).
• As the tour comes to an end, we'll return to Hanoi for a comfortable stay at the hotel.
• (Breakfast and Lunch)

• Your journey in this beautiful destination may be coming to an end, but our commitment to your comfort and satisfaction remains as strong as ever. Our expert guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, ensuring that you have a smooth and hassle-free transfer back to the airport.
• Reflect on the amazing experiences you've had during your stay and let us take care of the rest. We'll ensure that you arrive at the airport on time and feeling refreshed, ready to continue your adventures in your next destination. Thank you for choosing us as your travel partner, and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you again in the future.
• (Breakfast)