NORTHERN VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS: HANOI – NINH BINH – HALONG (4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS)

Description of the programme

• DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – COLONIAL CHARM & OLD QUARTER CYCLO WALK (L or D)

  Welcome to Hanoi—the soul of Vietnam!

  Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, your private chauffeur and expert English-speaking guide will greet you with a warm welcome and escort you in a comfortable luxury AC vehicle to your hotel in the city center.

  Afternoon Experience: Step into the rhythmic pulse of Hanoi with a classic 1-hour Cyclo (Rickshaw) ride through the famous 36 Old Guild Streets. Feel the cool breeze as you weave past ancient tube houses, fragrant street-side herb vendors, and elegant French colonial architecture. Take a serene stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, crossing the iconic crimson Huc Bridge to visit the sacred Ngoc Son Temple perched quietly on a jade island.

  Evening: Indulge in an authentic Welcome Dinner featuring local Hanoian culinary specialties. Spend the night soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Quarter's night markets or sipping egg coffee at a lakeside café.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

   

  

   

  

   

• DAY 2: HANOI – NINH BINH HERITAGE: HOA LU ANCIENT CAPITAL & TRANG AN SAMPAN CRUISE (B, L)

  08:00: Depart Hanoi after a delicious breakfast for a scenic 2-hour drive through the lush green countryside of the Red River Delta to Ninh Binh province, affectionately celebrated as "Halong Bay on Land."

  Morning Exploration: Journey back over 1,000 years into Vietnam’s glorious history at Hoa Lu, the nation's first ancient capital during the Dinh and Le Dynasties (10th century). Walk among moss-draped stone sanctuaries nestled beneath dramatic sheer cliff walls as your guide shares captivating legends of royal court life and resistance battles.

  Gourmet Local Lunch: Savor a sumptuous lunch at a quiet garden restaurant, tasting famous regional delicacies including crispy rice (Com Chay) and tender mountain goat dishes.

  Afternoon Sampan Voyage: Board a private hand-rowed wooden sampan boat at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex—a UNESCO World Heritage site. For 2 hours, gently float along crystal-clear rivers winding beneath towering limestone monoliths. Pass through mystical subterranean river caves (Lam Cave, Vang Cave), admire water lilies, and gaze up at ancient pagoda shrines hidden deep within sacred mountain valleys.

  16:30: Return to your private vehicle for the comfortable drive back to Hanoi.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  

• DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY 4★ LUXURY OVERNIGHT CRUISE & SUNSET MAGIC (B, L, D)

  08:15 – 08:45: Board your private VIP Limousine for a smooth, high-speed journey through scenic coastal plains toward the magnificent Halong Bay.

  11:45: Arrive at the private cruise lounge at Tuan Chau / International Harbor. Receive a warm welcome before embarking on your 5-Star Luxury Cruise Vessel. Enjoy a refreshing signature welcome drink while the cruise manager presents a short briefing on safety and your exciting voyage.

  13:00: Savor a lavish seafood lunch in the panoramic ocean-view dining room as the ship smoothly navigates deep into the heart of Halong Bay, gliding past thousands of towering karst islands, mystical rock formations, and peaceful floating fishing hamlets.

  15:00: Disembark to explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave—the vastest and most breathtaking cavern in the bay, filled with sparkling stalactites and fairy-tale stone formations. Afterwards, gear up for an exhilarating kayaking or bamboo boat trip through the secluded, turquoise lagoon waters of Luon Cave.

  17:30: Return onboard for the Sundeck Sunset Party. Sip handcrafted cocktails, taste fresh tropical fruits, and watch the golden twilight cast magical shadows over the karst landscape during a live Vietnamese culinary masterclass hosted by the ship's executive chef.

  19:00: Treat your palate to a multi-course fine-dining seafood gala dinner under the stars.

  20:30: Evening relaxation: Try your luck at night squid fishing with the friendly crew, unwind with a pampering massage at the onboard spa, or sip wine under the starlit sky.

  Overnight onboard in a private luxury suite with ocean-view balcony.

  

   

• DAY 4: SUNRISE TAI CHI – TITOV ISLAND / LUON CAVE – HANOI DEPARTURE (B, Brunch)

  06:30: Greet the dawn with a peaceful Tai Chi lesson on the open sundeck, breathing in the fresh sea morning air as mist gently rolls off the limestone peaks.

  07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast with hot coffee, artisan teas, and fresh baked pastries.

  07:45: Excursion to Titov Island. Dip your toes in the crescent-shaped white sandy beach, or challenge yourself to climb 400 stone steps up to the summit viewing deck for an unforgettable 360-degree panoramic view over the vast, emerald expanse of Halong Bay.

  09:30: Return onboard to freshen up and complete cabin check-out. Indulge in a lavish Farewell Gourmet Buffet Brunch while the cruise gently sails back toward the harbor.

  11:30: Disembark at the port. Your private driver will meet you for a smooth transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter or directly to Noi Bai International Airport for your evening flight home.

  End of an unforgettable 4-Day Northern Vietnam Highlights Journey with Link Asia Travel!