5-Day Halong Bay Cruise & Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi - Vietnam!
The driver will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport; it takes us 35 minutes driving to the centre of Hanoi.
Based on your arrival time, you could choose the morning or afternoon joining city tour with lunch.
Morning option:
Embark on a captivating exploration of Hanoi City as our friendly guide picks you up between 8:00am and 8:30am. Your journey begins with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled on the picturesque Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This ancient pagoda, dating back to the 6th century, is a testament to Hanoi's rich history. Next, you'll discover the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you'll have a remarkable opportunity to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh himself. Stroll through the lush garden, which once served as his residence and workplace from 1954 to 1969. Your next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. It stands as one of the world's most unique pagodas. Please remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. 
Keep in mind that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, if you travel on closing dates of this place, our guide would replace this to another attraction.
By 11:15am, we would visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, where you'll gain valuable insights into the diverse cultures of the country's 54 ethnic groups. On Mondays, when the Ethnology Museum is closed, we'll take you to the Women's Museum for an equally enriching experience.
By lunchtime, savor a Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant. Your morning half-day city tour concludes here, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Hanoi's cultural and historical treasures.

Afternoon option: Starting around 12:30pm
Your adventure begins with our friendly guide extending a warm welcome as they pick you up from your hotel. You're about to embark on an enriching afternoon exploration of Hanoi, one of Vietnam's most culturally vibrant cities.
Your culinary and cultural journey kicks off with a visit to a local restaurant, where you'll have the pleasure of indulging in a Vietnamese lunch. The first stop on your itinerary is the esteemed Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. Founded in the year 1070, this historic complex holds immense significance in Hanoi. Stroll through its picturesque gardens, marvel at the time-honored architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the country's educational heritage.
The journey continues with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, a site that holds historical weight and was famously known as the "Hanoi Hilton." Explore its thought-provoking exhibits, each narrating stories from different chapters of the nation's past.
As late afternoon approaches, you'll find yourself at the tranquil Ngoc Son Temple, gracefully positioned on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach this sacred sanctuary, you'll cross the iconic red bridge, adding to the experience.
This is where your adventure through Hanoi's rich cultural and historical tapestry comes to an end and you will return back to your hotel.
O/N in Hanoi

A 90km drive south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name "Halong-bay-on-land". Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued in the site that used to be the kings' palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relieves of the shady Dinh and Le temples. Late afternoon back to Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

From Hanoi, at 8:0am, head East for more than 3 hours to Halong Bay, the pride of the Gulf of Tonkin, a Natural World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994. The road will pass by the Red River delta with green paddyfields and rural villages, where hard-work farmers are busy with their farming jobs, ploughing buffaloes or planting seedling. Upon arrival in Halong, we'll take a big boat to cruise the Bay to discover the magnificent beauty of this "Descending-dragon" bay, created by thousands odd-shaped limestone rocks and karst grottoes. After a lunch of fresh seafood on board, we can visit the Surprising Grotto, stop for swimming or kayaking, passing floating villages and approach islets to enjoy their beauty in close distance. Back to the boat for dinner late afternoon. Evening attend activities on the boat or relax at your own leisure. Overnight on the boat near Titov Beach. 

After breakfast, visit by boat to Luon Cave, a ring-shaped pool inside an island in Halong with absolutely tranquil landscape and emerald water. Back to the Wharf of Halong passing the most densely area with many islands that have been named like the Cock-Fighting Rock, Sail Island, Incense burner rock or Sea Dog Rock. Arrive at Halong Wharf around 11.00. Return to Hanoi around 4PM. Free at your own leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.  

You are free until transfer to the airport for departure flight. End of service!