Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh (5D4N)

<p>Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met by our car driver and be transferred to the hotel for</p><p>check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.</p><p>Overnight in Hanoi.</p><p>Notes: The itinerary can be flexible base on the arrival flight schedule; some sites</p><p>can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next</p><p>day (with small surcharge).</p>

<p>Depart for a 2.5 hour journey to Halong Bay via new highway. The scenery of Halong</p><p>Bay where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into</p><p>bizarre shapes is truly an iconic image for Vietnam. An overnight boat trip is the best</p><p>way to enjoy this Vietnamese must-see. Arrive at the jetty in Halong City towards</p><p>noon and proceed with check-in formalities. After a  welcome onboard, lunch will be</p><p>served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits</p><p>and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time</p><p>relaxing on board.</p><p>Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst</p><p>formations. Dinner is served on board.</p><p>Overnight on Halong Bay</p>

<p>The sun rises on Halong in the morning and breakfast is served (also brunch on</p><p>some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly back towards port. Disembark and</p><p>afterwards, take the 4-hour drive to your hotel in Ninh Binh.</p><p>NOTES</p><p>Suggested time: 08:00</p><p>Duration: 2 days 1 night</p>

<p>Trang An Landscape complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in</p><p>June 2014 and is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with</p><p>valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by vertical cliffs. Start the</p><p>trip at Hoa Lu ancient capital. This was the capital of the first centralized feudal state</p><p>in Vietnam at the end of the 10th century. The ravages of time have destroyed the</p><p>ancient citadel but some vestiges including the temples of King Dinh and King Le still</p><p>stand to this day among the rice paddies and are a worthwhile visit to get a glimpse</p><p>of the ancient Vietnamese past. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh then</p><p>continue on to Tam Coc – “Ha Long Bay on Land” for a 2-hour row-boat journey.</p><p>Enjoy the beauty of the karsts formations as you pass along their base and row into</p><p>several of the many caves carved through the limestone and paddy fields. (Boat is</p><p>rowed by local workers).</p><p>Overnight in Ninh Binh</p><p>NOTES</p><p>Suggested time: 09:00</p><p>Duration: 6 hours</p>

<p>This morning, enjoy a short drive to Tho Ha village in Nho Quan for a leisurely biking</p><p>trip ranging from 5 km to 15 km (depending on your wish) passing by sleepy villages</p><p>and picturesque countryside sceneries. Then head to Dong Tam hamlet to take part</p><p>in some fun agricultural activities such as catching crab, fishing, transplanting and</p><p>watering plants and more. After an hour or so, return back to the hamlet to join a</p><p>cooking class and lunch with a local family where you learn how to prepare some</p><p>local treats such as sweet potato cake and toasted fish. After lunch, transfer back to</p><p>Noi Bai airport for your onward flight</p><p>NOTES</p><p>Suggested time: 08:00</p><p>Duration: 5 hours</p><p>End of service!</p>