Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Heritage Escape: 3 Days, 2 Nights

3 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Discover Northern Vietnam in 3 days, combining the spectacular landscapes of Halong Bay with the cultural heritage and countryside of Ninh Binh. Cruise among limestone karsts, kayak around the Pearl Farm area, explore Sung Sot Cave, and enjoy panoramic views from Titop Island. Continue to Ninh Binh to visit Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, explore a local market, enjoy two hands-on Vietnamese cooking experiences, and take a traditional sampan ride through Tam Coc.

* Overnight cruise through the stunning limestone landscapes of Halong Bay
* Explore Sung Sot Cave and kayak around the Pearl Farm area
* Visit Titop Island for panoramic bay views and beach time
* Discover Phat Diem Stone Cathedral and its unique architecture
* Visit a local market and enjoy two hands-on Vietnamese cooking experiences
* Take a traditional sampan boat ride through the caves and rice fields of Tam Coc
* Stay one night aboard Fantasea Cruise and one night at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel

What's Included

Halong Bay cruise experience
One night at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel
Lunch (Optional[3])
Lunch
Two Vietnamese cooking experiences
Dinner (Optional[2])
Dinner
All sightseeing entrance fees
English-speaking guide
Breakfast (Optional[2])
Breakfast
Transportation is provided by air-conditioned vehicles and shared limousine transfers as specified in the itinerary.
Traditional sampan boat ride in Tam Coc
Kayaking in Halong Bay
Complimentary bottled water
One night aboard the Fantasea Cruise
Travel insurance
Beverages
Personal expenses and tips

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Hotel pickup is available from hotels in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Due to local traffic restrictions, some hotels may not be directly accessible to our vehicle. In these cases, we may ask guests to walk a short distance to a nearby meeting point. The exact pickup time and meeting point will be confirmed in advance. Please be ready in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the confirmed pickup time.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Hanoi – Halong Bay – Fantasea Cruise

    5 stops
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Vietnam (Pass by)

    08:30–09:00: Depart from Hanoi's Old Quarter and travel by comfortable vehicle to Tuan Chau Marina, with a short rest stop along the way.

  • 1

    Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina before noon, where you’ll be transferred by tender boat to Fantasea Cruise for your overnight journey in Halong Bay.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 2
    Sung Sot Cave

    Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. Explore its spectacular chambers, impressive stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoy panoramic views of the bay from the cave entrance.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Ha Long Pearl

    Visit the Pearl Farm area and enjoy a peaceful kayaking experience through the calm waters surrounded by Halong Bay’s stunning limestone scenery. You may also relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Halong Bay

    Return to the Fantasea Cruise and relax on the sundeck during a memorable Sunset Party as the sun sets over Halong Bay, surrounded by spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • Day 2

    Halong Bay – Ninh Binh – Phat Diem

    4 stops
  • 5
    Ti Top Island

    Visit Titop Island and hike to the summit for panoramic views of Halong Bay, or relax on the sandy beach below.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Halong Bay

    Return to the cruise for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking demonstration. Learn how to roll fresh Vietnamese spring rolls, then make your own by hand and enjoy them immediately as part of an early lunch on board.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    Disembark the Fantasea Cruise around midday and transfer by shared limousine from Halong City to Ninh Binh, approximately 3.5 hours.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Tam Coc - Bich Dong (Pass by)

    Arrive in Tam Coc for a short break, then meet your local transfer and continue by vehicle to Phat Diem for hotel check-in.

  • Day 3

    Phat Diem – Cooking Experience – Tam Coc – Hanoi

    6 stops
  • 8
    Phat Diem Cathedral

    Visit the remarkable Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, a unique landmark blending traditional Vietnamese architecture with European Gothic influences.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 9

    Explore a lively local market with your guide, browse fresh produce, herbs and local ingredients, and select what you’ll use for your cooking experience.

    35 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10

    Return to Phat Diem Plaza Hotel for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking experience. Learn traditional cooking techniques with local cooks, prepare regional dishes using fresh market ingredients, and enjoy the meal you have prepared for lunch.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 11

    After check-out, depart from Phat Diem Plaza Hotel and transfer by vehicle to Tam Coc.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Tam Coc - Bich Dong

    Enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride through peaceful waterways surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, emerald rice fields, and natural caves.

    2 hours • Admission ticket included
  • Hanoi Old Quarter Vietnam (Pass by)

    Begin the journey back to Hanoi in the afternoon, with expected arrival at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 18:00–18:30, depending on traffic.

Additional info

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Supplied by Culture Adventure Travel

Tags

Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Historical Tours
Kayaking Tours
Underground Tours
Water Tours
Limousine Tours
Food & Drink
Adventure Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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