Tonkin Discovery

On arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or gently explore Hanoi’s tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture.

Explore Hanoi’s ancient and recent history. Begin your city tour by visiting the Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 AD – and its Confucian shrine, then the Mausoleum of the legendary Ho Chi Minh, and his stilt house. A short walk takes you to the lotus-like One Pillar Pagoda, standing on a single stone pillar which emerges from the water.

Wind your way through the alleyways to Ngoc Ha village and B52 Lake (Huu Tiep Lake), where the wreckage of a bomber downed in 1972 can still be seen in the water. Then, explore the Hoa Lo Prison museum, ironically referred to as the Hanoi Hilton. Built by the French in 1896 to house Vietnamese revolutionaries, it was later used to hold American POWs in the 1960s. Next, catch a cyclo through the bustling alleys of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the heart of the original city. The evening takes you to the old theatre for a one-hour water puppet show, a unique traditional art.

Drive south from Hanoi to Doan Vy (Cau Khuat), where you cycle for 16km through the stunning landscape of the Northern Plain’s largest nature reserve, Van Long. Limestone karsts rise dramatically from calm waterways, where local people paddle silently among the fields.

Cycle on through villages and rice fields to the isolated Kenh Ga village. The floating village lies in a region dominated by water, about 15km north of Ninh Binh. The picturesque landscape and unique sight of locals rowing boats with their feet make a memorable picture. After a busy day, you will be driven to your hotel in Ninh Binh. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Cycle through local villages and farms to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital (968-1009) for an introduction to the history of 10th century Vietnam, and visit the temple of King Dinh. Next, cycle to Tam Coc through more unspoiled villages and limestone karsts.

At Tam Coc, board a small boat and quietly row away to see more of Tam Coc (Three Caves), said to be like Halong Bay on land. Spectacular mountains rise vertically out of the placid water. Then, paddle through an idyllic landscape of green paddy fields. Return to Tam Coc for lunch at a local restaurant.

Ride 7km to Bich Dong temple through the picturesque rural landscape. Enjoy the temple before heading back along the road you came by. You will be taken back to your hotel to for a well-deserved rest.

Leave the bikes and drive to Halong City. The drive will take you through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, with vivid green rice fields, water buffaloes and Vietnamese village life.

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994 for its thousands of natural islands, Halong Bay (Descending Dragon Bay) is like a magical world, and one of the most magnificent scenic destinations in Vietnam.

From Halong city, board your boat for an overnight cruise to experience the natural beauty of Halong Bay. Here you will see magnificent views of limestone karsts in turquoise waters, deserted beaches, spectacular caves, lively floating fishing villages, and hidden lagoons.

Wake up to the sun illuminating the spectacular rock formations. Continue cruising among the 2,000 islets and visit Halong’s major highlights. Breakfast or brunch is served before cruising back to port to disembark and return to Hanoi. Relax at your hotel and explore the local restaurants for dinner.Overnight in Hanoi.

Please note

• The Halong Bay cruise itinerary will be updated when the final boat is booked
• This tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.

Transfer to the airport according to your flight time.