Overview

If you're looking for a Vietnam tour package that covers two of Vietnam’s most stunning UNESCO Heritage Sites, this 5-day tour is just what you need. Explore the dynamic duo of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh, a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. You'll start your adventure with a luxury overnight cruise on Halong Bay, where you can kayak, swim, and enjoy breathtaking limestone karsts.

Continue to Ninh Binh for Vietnam’s history at Hoa Lu, spiritual moments at Bai Dinh Pagoda, and scenic boat rides through the Tam Coc and Van Long Wetland Reserve. Complete the trip with a trek in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest forest, to see its rich biodiversity. This 5-day trip is the perfect mix of chill vibes, adventure, and cultural exploration. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys now to book this tour!

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Places you’ll see

Hanoi

Halong Bay

Ninh Binh

Trang An

Tam Coc

Highlights

Luxury Overnight Cruise on Halong Bay, kayak through hidden caves, & enjoy a sunset party on the deck.
Visit ancient Hoa Lu, explore the vast Bai Dinh Pagoda, and take a tranquil boat ride through Tam Coc.
Hike to the top of Dragon Mountain for breathtaking panoramic Mua Cave views.
Visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and trek through Cuc Phuong National Forest.
Row Through Van Long Wetland Reserve to spot unique birds.

Itinerary

V'Spirit Cruise

08.15 - 08:45 | Pick-up: Our shared Limousine Bus driver will pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter.

11:45–12:30: Check-in at Tuan Chau Harbour and get on board with a welcome drink and briefing safety guidelines.

1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at The Dawn Restaurant as the cruise sails through the most breathtaking sceneries of Halong and Lan Ha Bay.

2:45 PM: Kayak in the Tra Bau area to explore rocky islands and hidden temples (if the weather permits).

4:15 PM: It’s time for swimming or just relaxing in the emerald waters of the bay.

5:00–6:30 PM: Join a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese cuisine, enjoy a Sunset Party, and grab drinks during HAPPY HOUR.

7:00 PM: Dinner at the restaurant with local dishes.

9:00 PM: End the day with top-deck games, scenic views, or optional squid fishing.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Notes: Cruise itinerary can change depending on the weather and the cruise you choose.
Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, tide levels and operating conditions without prior notice.
Swimming or kayaking excursions may be canceled due to poor weather.
Meals on board are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least one (01) week prior to the cruise date.
Advance registration is required prior to departure at least 3 days with your full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiration date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by the port authority.
Wi-Fi is available onboard free of charge. However, regular interruption is expected due to the nature of internet signals at sea.

Dark and Bright Cave

6:15 AM: Start your day with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises.

7:00 AM: Enjoy a light breakfast onboard.

7:30–8:45 AM: Visit Dark & Bright Cave on a traditional bamboo boat rowed by locals.

9:00 AM: Return to the cruise and check out of your cabin.

9:30 AM: Savor a luxury set menu brunch as you sail back to Tuan Chau Port.

11:00 AM: Disembark at Tuan Chau Port.

Our limousine bus will pick you up and head to Ninh Binh to stay overnight.

3:00 PM: Arrive at in Ninh Binh hotel. Check-in and relax.

Dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Bai Dinh Pagoda

8:00 AM: Get picked up by your tour guide and van from your hotel in Trang An.

8:30 AM: Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from 968 to 1010. Explore its rich history and learn about the feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

10:00 AM: Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest and most famous pagoda in Southeast Asia. Marvel at its impressive records, including 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a massive 100-ton Buddha statue.

12:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at our restaurant, offering a variety of local dishes and vegetarian options.

1:30 PM: Then head to the Tam Coc Boat Station. Get on the bamboo boat rowed by the local and cruise through the stunning landscape of lush fields and dramatic karsts, stopping at the famous three caves – Ca, Hai, and Ba. The scenery is especially breathtaking during the rice harvest season when the fields turn golden.

3:00 PM: Cycle to Mua Cave, enjoying the majestic mountain views and expansive rice fields along the way.

5:45 PM: Arrive at Mua Cave aka Dancing Cave and climb the 500 steps to the top of Dragon Mountain. From the top, you can contemplate the breathtaking panoramic views of Hoa Lu and soak in the stunning natural scenery, especially as the sunset casts a magical glow.

5:20 PM: Take the bus back to your hotel, carrying beautiful memories of Ninh Binh.

Dinner on your own account.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Van Long Wetland Reserve

Breakfast at hotel.

8:00 AM: You will be picked up and sent to Van Long Wetland Reserve to start your full-day tour.

8:30 AM: Arrive at Van Long Wetland Reserve and hop on a rowing boat to explore the peaceful wetlands. Keep an eye out for birds and primates as you paddle through the area.

10:30 AM: Depart Van Long and head to Cuc Phuong National Park.

11:30 AM: Arrive at Cuc Phuong and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

12:30 PM: Then pay a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre to learn about the conservation efforts for endangered primates. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, also stopping by the Monkey Conservation Center.

1:30 PM: Explore Nguoi Xua Cave, known as the Cave of Prehistoric Man. This site contains graves and tools dating back 7,500 years, making it one of Vietnam’s oldest human habitation sites.

2:15 PM: Continue the tour by heading through the primary forest to the Park Center, then take a short trek into Cuc Phuong National Park to explore the rich flora and fauna of Vietnam’s oldest forest.

4:00 PM: Head back to your hotel.

Dinner on your own account.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tam Coc Boat

Free time to explore on your own.

The room is at your disposal until 12:00 noon.

13:30: Our limousine bus will pick you up to get back to Hanoi.

15:30 – 16:00: Arrive in Hanoi.

Lunch & dinner on your own account.

Meals: Breakfast

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View Destinations

Halong Bay

V'Spirit Cruise

V'Spirit Cruise is one of the most luxury cruise in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. V'Spirit Cruise with 18 cabins and all cruises with balcony will offer travellers with the best experience when you visit Halong Bay.The concept of V'Spirit Cruise is combined between classic style of a junk cruise and a modern cruise with luxury facility. The V'Spirit Cruise looks like a junk boat but it is a steel cruise with luxury facility to offer a good experience but safety and travellers can experience a luxury trip to Halong Bay.With unique itinerary, V'Spirit Halong Bay will bring the best trip for travellers who wish to experience the best of Halong Bay from cave visiting, kayaking, swimming, sampan boat, beach swimming to cycling on island.There are 2 day and 3 day itinerary for travellers to choose when you visit Halong Bay. Enjoy your trip in Halong Bay with V'Spirit Cruise and you will not regret of choosing this cruise.

V'Spirit Cruise

Trang An

Trang An Eco Holiday Retreat

Trang An Eco Holiday Retreat is a peaceful place to stay in Ninh Binh, just 13 km from Bai Dinh Pagoda. The retreat offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, including free toiletries, hairdryers, and slippers. Guests can enjoy a tasty breakfast with options like buffet, à la carte, and Asian dishes. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace for relaxation. Free bicycles are available for guests who want to explore the area, and activities like billiards, fishing, and cycling can be enjoyed nearby. With free WiFi and parking, Trang An Eco Holiday Retreat is a great choice for a relaxing and fun getaway.

Trang An Eco Holiday Retreat

Rating Summary

Overall experience

Guide

Local learning

Responsible travel

Met expectations

Inclusions

3-night accommodation in double/twin room with daily breakfast
1-night on Halong Bay with full meals as mentioned
Shared limousine bus
Joint tours and transfers as mentioned
Boat trip in Tam Coc & Van Long
Bamboo boat on Halong Bay
Bicycle
English-speaking guide
Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
Entrance fees
Water for activities (1 bottle per person per day)

Exclusions

International & domestic flights.
Accommodation in Hanoi
Airport transfer
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, massage & spa etc.).
Tips for guides and drivers.
Personal travel insurance.
Visa to Vietnam.
Holiday surcharges
Other meals than mentioned
Other services than mentioned
Any additional expenses caused by reasons beyond our control such as natural calamities (typhoon, floods), flight delays rescheduling or cancellations, any accidents, medical evacuations, riots, strikes etc.