A Discovery of Northern Vietnam

Your Vietnam discovery starts on arrival at Hanoi International Airport where our staff will be waiting to welcome and transfer you to your hotel in the historic colonial center of old Hanoi, around the Hoàn Kiếm lake.
No arrangement for the day, but depending on our flight arrival we can propose (extra charges) some visits. Dinner on your own. We can recommend our Secret Tables in Hanoi.

We leave Hanoi heading north to Hoa Lu the site of the country’s first capital (years968-1009) whose ancient citadel covered almost 3 km2. Although now mostly destroyed, ruminants remain today. The temples of Dinh Tien Hoang (restored in the 17th century) and Le Dai Hanh remain and the stunning views and scenery are worth the stop.
We then head for Tam Coc town. Known as ‘Halong Bay in the rice fields,’ the views and photographic opportunities are endless and it is truly one of the more beautiful places in the entire country. After lunch break, we board small sampan and traverse the Ngo Dong River through the rice fields where huge rock formations rise from these green fields. The sampans are manned by locals who, incredibly, row with their feet. During this leisure trip the boats enter three sacred caves, Tam Coc Caves, after which the town itself was named. The boat trip takes approximately 2hrs and is a very peaceful and scenic time.
Check in at your peaceful retreat for the next 3 days: Aravinda. And the rest of day is yours, free time at your leisure.

Ride a bike through the countryside to Thai Vi temple. Situated in the middle of rice paddies and limestone peaks, in a calm and serene atmosphere, its original architecture follows the principles of Eastern geomancy. Continue on the bike towards Bich Dong Pagoda where, if timing allows, and you are brave enough, you may climb the stairs carved into the rock walls and access the pagoda. Your reward will be the amazing and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
We continue for Mua Cave, visit the secret hospital that Vietnamese used in the days of thunder (Vietnam War). Inside the cave you can challenge yourself with 500 steps to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the fresh air at the “rooftop of Ninh Binh” with some breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, back to the resort and enjoy time on your own. (no meal arrangement).

Free time all morning after breakfast.
A visit to Phat Diem will follow to see the vast cathedral. The vaulted ceiling here is held up by massive columns 10mts tall and mts in diameter, and during the French era, was the center of Catholicism. The enormous bell situated on the highest tower is much larger than the one at Notre Dame. Transfer to the Nature Reserve of Van Long and then we get on a bamboo rowboat as soon as we arrive for a boat trip rowing along this beautiful wetland of Van Long, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies, lotus pond and towering limestone mountain peaks.
Back to the resort for the evening (no meal arrangement).

Morning transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay by private car.
Halong Bay, with its 1,969 islands set in beautiful turquoise waters, was recognized for its natural beauty by UNESCO in 1994 and is now classified as a World Heritage Site.
‘Ha Long’ means ‘descending dragon’ and according to local legend, a dragon was lowered into the bay to harness the ocean currents. His violent tail movements disturbed and broke up the surrounding mountains and when he plunged into the sea the water level rose up, leaving only the highest peaks above the water.
We have prepared a program that leads you to the discovery of Bai Tu Long, a jewel in Halong Bay and outside the well plied channels taken by the majority of Halong Bay’s tourist junks.
Once on board your sailing junk you will meet the captain and the crew, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and settle down into your cabin for the cruise. Lunch will be served in the elegant dining room or on the outside deck when the cruise starts – a delicious menu of locally caught fresh seafood.
Take a seat on the deck and relax with fresh brewed tea while enjoying the incredible landscape as it unfolds around you; the deep jade coloured water, the limestone islands with their striking shapes rising out of the bay and marching out to the horizons around you. We will be sailing away from the “beaten tracks”, no noise, nothing to clutter your views of the all the natural beauty surrounding you. We will weigh anchor at Cap La Tra San where you can enjoy paddling around the many small islands and lonely beaches by kayak or simply enjoy swimming in the bay.
Dinner will be served around sunset, indoor or outdoor as you prefer

You will rise with the morning sun surrounded by enchanting peaceful scenes. After breakfast, we continue the cruise to Cong Dam and Bai Tu Long Bay. Here you will have the chance to take a kayak and explore the hidden lagoons and the geological park of Cong Dam. Lunch will be a BBQ set on the beach before returning to your junk and continuing the cruise to Cong Do. We will cruise to Hon Co Island where you can explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son cave before we cruise back to Cap La for the evening. Dinner is served around sunset, indoor or outdoor as you prefer.

This morning you will have the opportunity to visit the Vung Vieng fishing village and witness the lifestyles of the local fisherfolk. The fisherman and their families live permanently on the water, their houses literally floating on the bay, a truly unique lifestyle. You will meet the village chief who will share with you the stories of the daily lives of the inhabitants of Halong Bay.
On returning to your junk lunch will be served and your Halong Bay cruise comes to its end. The whole crew will bid you farewell and you will return to port by mid-afternoon before taking the drive back to Hanoi where we will transfer you to either the airport or your next hotel as required.

End of service.