Meal: lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Tam Coc

8:30 - You will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi by our guide and driver and head to Green Ninh Binh (the drive should take us less than 2 hours on the highway). 

Upon arrival, you will visit Hoa Lu, the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam back in the 10th century. Your guide will take you through the history of Vietnam a thousand years back by visiting some temples dedicated to the Kings. After that, you will drive through the scenic landscape and countryside villages to Tam Coc village and enjoy a home lunch at one of the village’s houses. 

In the afternoon, you will hop on your bicycles for an easy-paced ride to a local pier to board a rowing sampan for about one hour, sailing through the less-traveled canals of the region, whose beauty has nothing to envy the busiest ones. You will sail through caves and along the Thung Nham wetland, a part of the spectacular natural site of the Trang An landscape complex. After the boat trip, let's continue the cycling route through the scenic rural landscapes in Tam Coc to get a closer look at the villages’ rural life. 

As the sun goes down, we’ll head to Hang Mua (Mua Cave) for an adventurous 500 steps to a spectacular view. Once on top, enjoy the spectacular view of the rivers, rice fields, and villages in the surrounding area. Overnight in Tam Coc

If you prefer not to cycle, please inform your Handspan travel consultant. A very interesting and more relaxed tour program can be customized to meet your preferences.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Onboard the Treasure Junk 

We depart early for an approximate 4-hour drive to Halong City through the Red River Delta region. Upon arrival, we will give farewell to our guide and driver, since they will bring us to join our little group cruise. 

Upon arrival, we will board the Treasure Junk and start to cruise towards the boundaries of Halong Bay while a delicious lunch with fresh seafood is served (vegetarian and kid’s menus available).

Make yourself at ease and just relax after lunch. Hundreds of emerging limestone rock formations will parade all around us for about 2 hours before our first stop. We will reach then the perfect spot, where the waters of Halong and Bai Tu Long hit and wave together. Let's get ready for a closer look at the water and explore the bay in depth paddling on our own kayak.

We’ll get back on the Treasure before sunset when we will be able to enjoy a cocktail on board while we will sail to the anchorage area where we will spend the night offshore. The dinner will be served either inside or outside on the deck, depending on weather conditions. Overnight on board in our cozy air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom. 

Meal: brunch | Accommodation: not included

Wake up smoothly while witnessing the silence of the beautifully misty bay. From 6:30 a.m., coffee, tea, and cakes will be served. We will be free to join a 30-minute Tai Chi session at the first light of dawn, organized by our Tai Chi master on board, so we will have the chance to energize our body, mind, and soul, although if we prefer, we can simply enjoy a sunbath with a cup of coffee.  

We will hop later on a bamboo boat to visit a secluded floating village surrounded by mountains. We will trace our way among numerous floating houses and small rowing boats that are used in everyday life as a vehicle, itinerant shops, fishing utilities, and even sometimes as an overnight shelter.

We will be back on the Treasure before 9:00 a.m. to start cruising back to the pier. From 9.30, a brunch will be served. Take a last glance at the emerging rocks, standing still as the eternal guardians of a kingdom, we are about to reach the pier.

Once in Terra Firma, we will be transferred back to Hanoi, where we will get in the late afternoon.

Note: On our way to Hanoi, we will stop at a place with food, beverages, and souvenirs for sale. Please bear in mind that we are not trying to incite you to buy any product. This is just the only place on the way with proper facilities that our travelers, guides, and drivers can use without being forced to buy anything. Thanks for your understanding.