About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, we’ve all seen the "5-star" label slapped onto every wooden boat in Vietnam lately, and frankly, the word is losing its meaning faster than a budget airline’s legroom. But every now and then, a route comes along that actually justifies the occupancy rates. This 3-day loop through Ninh Binh and the bays isn't just about ticking boxes; it’s about escaping the "tourist trap" gravity of central Hanoi. While the industry loves to squeeze every lead for an extra dollar, this itinerary actually feels like it's designed by someone who likes travel, not just logistics. Is it perfect? No—nature doesn't follow a spreadsheet—but if you want to see the north without feeling like a piece of cargo, this is where you start. Just remember to pack a sense of wonder and maybe leave the plastic water bottles at home, unless you want to be that traveler.
About the Tour
If you’re looking to maximize your time in Vietnam, this 3-day expedition is the heavy hitter. You’re hitting the terrestrial beauty of Ninh Binh before transitioning to the aquatic majesty of Ha Long and the slightly more "insider secret" Lan Ha Bay.
What You Need to Know
The revpar on these luxury cabins is high for a reason, but to keep things smooth, keep these logistics in your back pocket:
- The Essentials: You must have your passport or ID card (a clear copy is fine) to board.
- Eco-Friendly Zone: Single-use plastic bottles are strictly prohibited. The bays are beautiful; let's keep them that way.
- Pickup Logistics: Door-to-door service is included for central Hanoi hotels. If you're tucked away in a hidden Airbnb, just make sure to give us the exact coordinates during booking so the driver doesn't play hide-and-seek.
- Luggage: No need to store your bags at the hotel—you can bring all your suitcases along for the ride.
Special Requests & Occasions
The crew loves a good celebration, but they aren't mind readers. If you want to level up the experience:
- Birthdays: Email ahead to request a birthday cake.
- Honeymoons/Anniversaries: Shoot an email before the tour to request a special cabin setup. It's a small touch that makes a massive difference when you're waking up on the water.
The Fine Print (The "Non-Corporate" Version)
The schedule is the boss, but Mother Nature is the CEO. Bad weather or tide levels can shift the itinerary. Also, keep an eye on these specific costs that aren't always in the bold print:
- Peak Season: A $12 surcharge per person applies from Oct 1 to April 30.
- Family Policy: One child (0–3) is FOC (Free of Charge). If you're bringing two toddlers, the second one will incur a 50% adult rate.
- Tax: There is a government VAT of $25 per person to keep in mind.
It’s a lot of info, but trust us—once you’re sipping a drink on that deck watching the limestone karsts go by, the paperwork will be the last thing on your mind.
Highlights
- Feel the fresh air as you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vietnam
- Admire panoramic views of Tam Coc after climbing to the top of the Mua Caves
- Take part in kayaking, swimming, fishing, a cooking class, and a Tai Chi session
- Enjoy and stay on a 5-star cruise with your very own private balcony
- Savor a buffet with Vietnamese cuisine, western food, and vegetarians options
Know before you go
- The schedule may be subject to change due to bad weather, tide levels, and operating conditions
- If you have a birthday, you can request a birthday cake by email before the tour
- If you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, you can request a special cabin by email before the tour
- Pickup and drop-off are only available from accommodation in central Hanoi. If staying in an Airbnb or other private accommodation, please provide a clear address during the booking process
- You can bring all suitcases with you on trip
- Peak season extra surcharge $12 per person from 1 Oct to 30 April
- FOC (Free of Charge) for 1 child from 0–3 years old.
- If a family has 2 children under 3 years old, a surcharge of 50% of the adult rate will apply for one child.
- Government VAT: $25 per person
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Depart from Hanoi Old Quarter
Get picked up in the Hanoi Old Quarter and head to Ninh Binh Province. On the way, visit the Bai Dinh Temple Complex, the largest complex of Buddhist temples in Vietnam, and see its impressive pagoda. After, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Float through the tranquil rivers of Trang An on a wooden boat and climb to the top of Mua Caves for striking panoramic views of Tam Coc.
Check in to your bungalow in Ninh Binh
After arriving at your accommodation, check in before relaxing for the evening. Go for a stroll or ride a bike around the area.
Dinner and overnight stay
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the bungalow's restaurant before winding down for bed. Spend the night in comfort.
Transfer to Ha Long Bay
Have an early breakfast at the Ninh Binh Bungalow before riding in a limousine bus to Ha Long Bay.
Ha Long Bay Cruise with Lunch
Check in for the cruise and enjoy lunch onboard. Cruise past Con Vit Islet and Thumb Islet as you sail through Gia Luan Harbor and Lan Ha Bay.
Visit Ba Trai Dao Beach or the Dark & Bright Cave
Depending on the weather, either drop anchor for some kayaking or swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach or explore the Dark and Bright Cave.
Enjoy a Sunset Party and Cooking Demonstration
As the day draws to a close, gather on the deck to enjoy the vibrant colors of the sunset as you relax with tea and coffee. Dive into Vietnamese culture as you learn how to make traditional spring rolls during a cooking demonstration.
Dinner and Evening Activities
Savor a delicious dinner onboard. Afterward, chill out at the panoramic bar, play board games, watch a movie, or go squid fishing before retiring to your cabin for the night.
Tai Chi and Breakfast
Start your day with an early morning Tai Chi session on the deck to focus the mind and condition the body. Enjoy a light breakfast while taking in stunning views of the bay and its dramatic limestone islets.
Sail to Ao Ech or Visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island
Depending on the weather and cruise itinerary, either sail through the calm emerald waters to Ao Ech for a kayaking trip and swimming or visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island.
Enjoy Lunch Onboard
After your adventure, enjoy some Vietnamese cuisine for lunch as you sail back to Tuan Chau.
Return to Hanoi
Check out of the cruise, disembark, and take a speedboat back to Tuan Chau Marina. Finally, board the bus that will take you back to your accommodation in Hanoi.