Draft Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay 2-day trip from Hanoi: From Ancient Temples to Timeless Waters

07:30 – 08:00 | Pick-Up from Hanoi
Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sit back in a comfortable vehicle and watch the city melt into green countryside as you head to Ninh Binh.

09:15 | Refreshment Stop
Take a quick break for restrooms or refreshments before continuing the drive.

10:30 | Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Discover Vietnam’s original capital from the 10th and 11th centuries. Walk through the Temple of King Dinh and King Le, set against dramatic karst mountains, and hear how these rulers helped shape a young Vietnamese nation.

11:15 – 11:45 | Village Cycling or Relaxation
Choose to cycle through quiet backroads, rice fields, and peaceful villages for a glimpse into rural life. Not into biking? Stay at the restaurant for a slow moment by the lake and waterfalls.

12:00 | Garden Lunch
Enjoy a buffet of Ninh Binh specialties at our private restaurant. Vegetarian options are available.

13:15 | Scenic Boat Ride – Your Choice:

• Tam Coc: Sail on the Ngo Dong River through limestone cliffs and golden paddies, entering Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves.

• Trang An: A majestic UNESCO site of tunnel caves and sacred grottoes. This cinematic landscape was featured in Kong: Skull Island.

15:30 | Hike Mua Cave
Climb 500 steps for a bird’s-eye view over Tam Coc and the vast Ninh Binh valley. A rewarding hike with epic photo ops.

17:00 | Transfer to Trang An Heritage Garden
Check in and unwind.

17:30 | Free Time
Swim in the pool (seasonal) or relax in the garden.

19:00 – 19:30 | Dinner & Overnight Stay
Enjoy a home-style Vietnamese dinner at the property. Overnight in the peaceful countryside.

06:15 – 06:30 | Check-Out & Light Breakfast
Early breakfast before a scenic transfer eastward to the Gulf of Tonkin.

07:00 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay
Travel by limousine bus for around 3.5 to 4 hours. Enjoy views of the Red River Delta en route.

11:15 – 11:30 | Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor
Check-in at the cruise terminal and meet your onboard team. Enjoy a welcome drink and get ready for a different kind of adventure.

12:00 – 13:15 | Cruise Lunch
Dig into a delicious buffet lunch featuring Ha Long’s freshest seafood as the cruise sets sail past iconic islets like Stone Dog, Incense Burner, and The Kissing Rocks.

13:30 – 14:15 | Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
Explore one of Ha Long Bay’s largest and most awe-inspiring caves, filled with limestone formations and colorful lights.

14:30 – 15:15 | Luon Cave Exploration
Choose between kayaking through this hidden lagoon or relaxing on a bamboo boat rowed by a local.

15:30 – 16:30 | Titov Island
Swim in emerald waters or climb to the island's summit for panoramic views of Ha Long’s limestone maze. Or simply unwind in the Jacuzzi on board.

16:45 | Sunset Party on the Deck
Enjoy fresh fruit, tea, and snacks while watching the sun dip behind the karsts—a perfect end to the day’s journey.

17:45 – 18:00 | Return to Harbor & Transfer to Hanoi
Disembark and board the limousine for the return to the capital.

20:30 – 20:45 | Drop-Off in Hanoi Old Quarter
Arrive back at your hotel. Tour ends with memories of mountain peaks and emerald seas.