Northern Vietnam, Halong & Ninh Binh

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hanoi

If you’d like, rise early to visit Hoan Kiem Lake and join the locals in their morning exercise routine. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, located in the middle of the Hoan Kiem Lake, then enjoy Vietnam’s local coffee, Cà phê, in a charming café. Try the delicious bánh mì – a typical baguette sandwich filled in with a variety of ingredients. Go deeper into Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a walking tour, stopping at St. Joseph Cathedral, then on to Hoa Lo Prison where Vietnamese as well as American and French prisoners of war were imprisoned. See the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established to educate Vietnam’s royalty; giving you a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. Overnight in Hanoi

Transfer to Ha Long Bay, one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas and the world’s largest marine limestone “karst” landscape. Embark on your overnight cruise to the magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admiring the beautiful scenery. Cruise to Vung Dang – Cong Dam area for a swim or to relax on a white sandy beach. Go kayaking through the mysterious Karst Mountains. Watch the sun set on this amazing landscape. Overnight on cruise

Enjoy the morning view of the Bay while sailing to the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. Located in the center of the World Heritage area, Bai Tu Long Bay, the cave offers a wild and mysterious beauty. The pathway to Thien Canh Son Cave is set below a forest canopy and a stone cliff, as though they are climbing towards heaven. Disembark and transfer to Ninh Binh. Overnight Ninh Binh

Visit Tam Coc area grottoes via boat. Enjoy the spectacular scenery while gliding along the river among rice paddies and limestone mountains. Arrive at Mua cave and start a leisurely trek up to the top of mountain, (500 steps), where the view opens to the surrounding region and the impressive sight of beautiful forested limestone pillars, a gently flowing river, pristine rice fields, and local villages. Explore Van Long nature reserve in a rowboat where you may see waterfowl, the giant water bug, and Delacour’s langur. Overnight Ninh Binh

After breakfast, head toward Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries when Vietnam was under the Dinh and Le dynasties. Explore some of the monuments dedicated to both emperors before visiting Trang An, known as “Ha Long Bay inland.” Some say, its beauty surpasses that of Ha Long Bay. Cruise upriver through karst hills and rice fields. Transfer to Hanoi and enjoy the rest of day at leisure. Overnight Hanoi

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight – or extend your stay in Asia!