Amazing Discovery of Tonkin - 4 days

Hanoi - Cat Ba Island - Lan Ha Bay - Ninh Binh

Overview

This 4-day itinerary will allow you to explore the Red River Delta region in a unique and very interesting way. You will visit the beautiful capital of the country, Hanoi, during a gastronomic tour in the heart of the Old Quarter and a stroll through the French concession. Then, you will experience a unique moment with a private junk cruise to Ha Long Bay, following an original route that will take you to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. You will then spend a night with a local family in Ninh Binh, discovering the countryside lifestyle during a bike ride, and visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the Trang An site, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage.

  • An original discovery of Hanoi, through the mysterious alleys of the Old Quarter and towards the former French concession.
  • A two-day off-the-beaten-path cruise with one night in Lan Ha Bay, on a shared junk boat, following an original itinerary.
  • The visit to Hoa Lu and Trang An in Ninh Binh, along with a night with a local family and a bike ride to breathe in the freshness of the countryside in the Red River Delta.

Itinerary Expand All

With the aim of providing you with a unique opportunity to learn more about the Vietnamese capital, whether in terms of its fascinating history, exceptional cultural value, distinctive architecture, or unique gastronomy, we invite you to take a walking tour through the charming corners and unusual alleys to better feel the daily life of the inhabitants of the old quarters.

This formula consists of approximately a 3-hour walking tour, which can be extended if you wish to explore the main tourist sites of Hanoi.

8:30 AM: You will be greeted by our French-speaking guide. We will first visit the local markets – where you will discover all kinds of local spices and various types of medicinal herbs – as well as the 36 commercial streets of old Hanoi. With French-inspired architectural buildings in the background, you will taste authentic food found in the 36 craft streets while soaking in the bustling atmosphere of the city.

You will undoubtedly be surprised by the street food in Hanoi – it is abundant wherever you look, and it is an integral part of the livelihood of many locals. Thanks to a delicate balance between fresh herbs and meats, along with a selective use of spices to achieve a good taste, Vietnamese food is distinctive in both taste and smell. The fine blend of all the fresh ingredients that make up these dishes is also a reason why Vietnamese cuisine is often considered one of the healthiest in the world.

Afternoon: Continue the tour in Hanoi with a stroll through the former French concession. Throughout this walk, you will see buildings erected at different periods under the colonial era: these are structures blending European and Indochinese architectural styles (a perfect marriage between French and oriental architectural inspirations).

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Lunch

7:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Take a collective bus to Cat Ba Island.

12:15 PM: Embark on our junk boat. After a welcome drink, you'll have the opportunity to observe karst rocks emerging from the emerald waters of Halong Bay, before the junk boat heads to Lan Ha Bay while you enjoy a lunch featuring seafood and fish. After this nourishing stop, the cruise continues to the Ca Tunnel, where a rowboat ride allows you to explore a beautiful lake surrounded by cliffs once the tunnel is crossed. Return on board, cooking demonstration. The engine will then be stopped for you to enjoy a moment of relaxation. To end this day, we will anchor in a beautiful bay away from the anchor points of other boats. Enjoy delicious dishes during dinner, before spending the evening according to your desires.

Overnight on board.

4h00, 180
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning: If you have the courage to wake up early and weather permits, you can admire the sunrise over Lan Ha Bay. After breakfast, we will continue our cruise in Lan Ha Bay, sailing to the village of Viet Hai through the thousands of "sugarloaf" islets emerging from the waters. You will feel like you are in a world of animals fossilized millions of years ago. Bicycle or electric car ride to visit the village. Return on board for an early lunch as the boat heads to the port.

11:30 AM: We disembark in Cat Ba. Take a collective bus to reach Ninh Binh. Dinner with the locals, you can participate in making Nem with the family. Overnight at a homestay in Ninh Binh.

5h00, 200km
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Visit the local market and bike ride through villages and rice fields. You will have a great time exploring the authentic life of the Red River Delta countryside. You can interact with the smiling and hospitable farmers.

Transfer by car to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of independent Vietnam from 968 to 1009. This fabulous site is surrounded by limestone peaks and rivers, forming a natural wall that protected against the Chinese invader, providing a breathtaking and astonishing setting. Visit the two temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

Explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning karst landscapes and as a filming location for "Kong: Skull Island." Enjoy a peaceful 2.5-hour sampan ride, gliding through emerald waters and a series of mystical caves that open into hidden valleys. Enjoy the enchanting landscapes, the beautiful view of karst mountains covered in tropical plants, and the beautiful emerald river. Along the way, visit tranquil pagodas and temples, including the Presentation Temple, where you can see red carp swimming.

Return to Hanoi.

2h30 , 120km
Breakfast, Lunch

Prices and Accommodation

  • To find a property that suits your whole group at the exact same price, we need to know the children's ages at check-out

How to book?

  • Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language

  • Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.

  • "Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'

Included

  • Accommodation
  • Transportation according to the itinerary in a private vehicle with a driver for your group ONLY
  • Meals as mentioned in the program: B = Breakfast, L = 1 Lunch, D = Dinner
  • English-speaking guide
  • Visitation fees and entrance fees to the sites to visit
  • Bicycle, Kayaking
  • Collective sampan excursion in Trang An (4 persons/sampan)
  • One liter of bottled water per day per person, administration fees

Excluded

  • Travelers' personal insurance
  • Bank fees, Drinks, phone expenses, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the section 'What is included'
  • Tips
  • Gala dinner and surcharge for holidays (if applicable)

Useful Information

  • It is hot in the North from April to November. Please bring sunscreen, raincoat, and hat, as well as insect repellent. Warm clothing is recommended during winter (mid-November to early March). Towel and toiletries for the night with locals.
  • Out of respect for the places of worship to be visited, such as temples and pagodas, proper attire is required, and you must cover your knees and shoulders.
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