Ninh Binh & Halong Bay — 3 Days
3 days / 2 nights

Ninh Binh & Halong Bay — 3 Days

Ninh Binh & Halong Bay — 3 Days

This exclusive three-day journey brings together the two iconic facets of Tonkin's limestone scenery: the rustic countryside charm of Ninh Binh, often called 'terrestrial Halong Bay', and the vast maritime expanse of Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay.

From the ascent of Mua Mountain and peaceful rowboat excursions through the rice fields of Tam Coc to a magical overnight stay aboard a traditional wooden junk amidst emerald karst islets, you enjoy a complete experience of northern Vietnam's most breathtaking landscapes.

✦ You will love:

  • The combined discovery of Vietnam's two limestone jewels: Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
  • Panoramic ascent of Mua Mountain and tranquil rowboat gliding along the Ngo Dong River.
  • An intimate cruise with an overnight stay on a traditional wooden junk in pristine Bai Tu Long Bay.
  • Varied activities on the water: sea kayaking, visiting Thien Canh Son Cave, and dawn Tai Chi.
Itinerary MapYou can add an itinerary map in Strapi

Highlights

  • •Breathtaking panorama from the summit viewpoint of Mua Mountain
  • •Countryside bicycle ride among the karst towers of Tam Coc
  • •Rowing boat excursion along the Ngo Dong River

Morning departure from Hanoi by private vehicle heading south to Ninh Binh province. Your first stop is dedicated to Mua Mountain: ascending the 486 stone steps rewards you with an exceptional panoramic view over the karst amphitheater and the winding waterways of Tam Coc.

Continue to Tam Coc for an enjoyable bicycle ride through fruit orchards, lotus ponds, and dark limestone cliffs. Next, board a traditional wooden sampan for a serene journey along the Ngo Dong River, gliding beneath three natural limestone cave tunnels just above water level.

In the late afternoon, return by vehicle to Hanoi and check in to your hotel.

Driving time: approx. 2 hours each way (100 km). Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Highlights

  • •Boarding the junk and beginning navigation in Bai Tu Long Bay
  • •Visiting Thien Canh Son Cave and sea kayaking outing
  • •Seafood dinner and magical overnight at anchor among sea karsts

Morning departure from Hanoi by comfortable shuttle toward the Gulf of Tonkin coast. Arrive at the pier and receive a warm welcome aboard your traditional wooden junk. Settle into your private ocean-view cabin as the vessel casts off.

The junk glides into the heart of splendid Bai Tu Long Bay, a pristine area north of Halong Bay. Explore the remarkable Thien Canh Son Cave, a magnificent natural gallery sculpted with stalactites, before enjoying sea kayaking in the sheltered coves of Cap La. Swimming is possible in emerald waters depending on the season.

Late in the afternoon, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration on the sundeck, followed by a gourmet dinner highlighting fresh seafood. Spend a starry evening relaxing on deck or try your hand at night squid fishing.

Driving time: approx. 3 hours (180 km). Lunch, dinner, and overnight aboard the junk.

Highlights

  • •Sunrise Tai Chi session on deck overlooking the Gulf of Tonkin
  • •Rowboat exploration of Vung Vieng floating fishing village
  • •Scenic cruising brunch and return to Hanoi in the late afternoon

Greet the sunrise on the upper deck for an early morning Tai Chi session, enjoying absolute serenity as morning mist lifts over the karst islands.

Following a light breakfast, set off by rowboat or kayak to explore the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng, discovering traditional aquaculture methods and marine community life. Return on board for a convivial brunch while the junk gently sails back to port.

Disembark around 11:30 AM and transfer back by vehicle to Hanoi. Arrive in the capital late in the afternoon and drop-off at your hotel.

Driving time: approx. 3 hours (180 km). Brunch included. End of services.

Travel Log

Selected moments to experience the landscapes, encounters, and rhythm of this itinerary.

Hang BUI
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Hang BUIco-fondatrice & créatrice de voyages

Originaire de Nam Dinh, berceau de traditions au cœur du delta du fleuve Rouge, j’ai grandi avec un amour viscéral pour le Vietnam : pour la poésie de ses paysages — des pitons karstiques du Nord aux méandres fertiles du Mékong —, mais surtout pour l’infinie bonté, le sourire et la résilience de son peuple.

Favorite picks:
  • Partager un thé aux fleurs de lotus au lever du jour à Hanoï
  • Naviguer en jonque traditionnelle dans les dédales secrets de Lan Hạ
  • Contempler les rizières en terrasses sculptées de Hoàng Su Phì
  • S'attarder au crépuscule sur les ponts illuminés de lanternes à Hội An

Du souffle majestueux des pitons calcaires du Tonkin à la douceur nonchalante des arroyos du Mékong, le Vietnam est une terre de contrastes poétiques. Mon bonheur est de vous ouvrir les portes de nos adresses confidentielles et de dessiner pour vous un itinéraire fluide, vivant et profondément humain.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most common questions

Find answers to common questions about this tour here.

Bai Tu Long Bay, situated northeast of Halong Bay, shares the same spectacular karst scenery rising from emerald waters while hosting significantly fewer cruise vessels. The cruising experience is noticeably more peaceful and intimate.

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Tour name: *Ninh Binh & Halong Bay — 3 Days
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