Vietnam · Cruise & Sailing

Ninh Binh and Bai Tu Long Cruise 4 Days 3 Nights from Hanoi

4 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam
  • 02 Take a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape
  • 03 Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views over Ninh Binh
  • 04 Cycle through the countryside and local villages
  • 05 Spend two nights cruising in the quieter Bai Tu Long Bay
  • 06 Kayak and swim around Cap La Island and Cong Dam
  • 07 Visit Vung Vieng fishing village and Thien Canh Son Cave
  • 08 Enjoy onboard experiences including Tai Chi and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration

Discover two of northern Vietnam’s most memorable landscapes on this 4-day journey from Hanoi, combining the cultural heritage of Ninh Binh with the quieter beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay. Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, drift through the cave-lined waterways of Trang An, cycle through the countryside, and climb Mua Cave for sweeping views over limestone peaks and rice fields.

The adventure continues with two nights on a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, where you can kayak among karst formations, visit a fishing village, explore Thien Canh Son Cave, and enjoy time on board with meals, sunset moments, Tai Chi, and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. With a homestay or bungalow stay in Ninh Binh and overnight cruising in the bay, this itinerary offers a varied and immersive way to experience northern Vietnam.

Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, drift through the cave-lined waterways of Trang An, cycle through the countryside, and climb Mua Cave for sweeping views over limestone peaks and rice fields.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Hanoi - Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave – Bungalow/Homestay Overnight (L/D)We will pick up guests at hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter Area. Our guide will come to your hotel check your name with receptionist for the tour then transfer to Ninh Binh Province included short break on the way.Visit Hoa Lu which is the first capital of Vietnam which was built in 10th century. Today the capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, but in the 10th and 11th centuries that honour was held by Hoa Lu. This small ancient city was naturally protected from invasions by karsts and rivers. Then stop for lunch in the local restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, fried rice. Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch. After lunch, guests will visit Tràng An which was recognized by UNESCO as AWorld Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”. After boat trip, we keep continute cycling to see countryside and local villages. Visit Mua Cave and start an amazing trek up to the top of Ngoa Long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with specious view of the nature. Get a bird's-eye view of Ninh Binh at Hang Mua, where 500 steps have been dramatically carved into the steep face of a mountain. At the top, a lookout point offers a surreal vista of the river winding lazily among paddies and limestone outcrops. At the end of the day, we will transfer guests to Bungalow/Homestay. Have dinner and overnight at bungalow/homestay in Ninh Binh Staying at Bungalow/Homestay in Ninh Binh

2
Day 02

Ninh Binh to Bai Tu Long Bay Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)Have breakfast and then check-out of your bungalow. Between 6h45 am to 7h15 am, you will get on group limousine going to Bai Tu Long BayThis sample itinerary for overnight cruises:

11.30: Arrive at cruise’s waiting lounge at the harbour, you will have a bit of time to relax. Wait for our captain to finish the registration and transfer by tender to our boat. 12.35: Enjoy a welcome drink and spend a couple of minutes briefing about safety on the boat and activities included then we check in our cabin. 13.00: Delicious Vietnamese set menu will be served while leisurely cruising further into Bai Tu Long Bay. 15.00: Arrive in the kayaking area named is Cap La Island. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing. 17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage. 19.00: Sumptuous set dinner on board. 20.30: Free time to challenge yourself in Vietnamese puzzle games, or gathers your group/family for a board game; try your luck with squid fishing or simply have a cocktail and enjoy the quiet night on the bay. Overnight on Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay

3
Day 03

Explore Bai Tu Long Bay – Overnight Cruise (B/L/D)06.30: Start your day with a Tai Chi routine on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. 07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style, familiar to you to fulfill your strength, and ready for another exploring day. 8.45 – 09.00: Transfer to a day cruise, spend more time kayaking and swimming at Cong Dam, or relaxing on the boat. If the weather allows, we can take a glance at Thay Cave before going back to the anchor point. 12.00: Back to the boat for a delicious hot lunch at noontime. 14.30: Return to the main boat and enjoy a sunset party afterward. 15.30: Time for relaxation you can choose (more time kayaking & swimming and relaxing 17.30: Enjoy our Sunset party. 19.00: Dinner will be served. 20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.  13.00: we cruise passing several floating hamlets including Cap La, we enter the Center of pristine Bai Tu Long Geology Park. There, we will visit Vung Vieng fishing village to interact with local people.Stay at second night on Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay

4
Day 04

Bai Tu Long Bay - Thien Canh Son Cave – Hanoi (B/L)06.00: Start your day with a Tai Chi routine on sundeck or catch a morning view of the stunning bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. 07.00: Breakfast will be served at restaurant on boat, familiar to you to fulfill your strength, and ready for another exploring day. 09.00: Upon return to the boat you will have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. 10.00: Attend a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. You can quickly learn a simple but delicious Vietnamese dish that named Nem Cuon. 10.15: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat. 11.40: Back to the harbor and guests will say good bye to crews and Bai Tu Long Bay before heading back to Hanoi City. Explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. Thien Canh Son Cave is a hidden gem nestled between the pristine waters of Bai Tu Long Bay. This stunning cave offers visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty, marvel at the intricate limestone formations, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes that surround it. At the harbour, guests will get on bus transfer back to Hanoi City. We will drop off guests back hotel/place in Old Quarter Area between 15h00 PM to 15h30 PM. End of the tripNot included

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. 3 cities · 4 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Limousine Bus and Activities as program
  • English tour guide and Entrance fees
  • Kayaking/ bamboo boat and cave

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses & Beverages
  • Holiday surcharge & All other services not clearly mentioned above

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • We will pick up all travelers within Hanoi Old Quarter Area. Kindly provide the hotel name and address for pick-up arrangements, check your email once you book the tour to confirm your pick-up time.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Hanoi.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Hanoi.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Hanoi..

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