FROM URBAN HA NOI TO SERENE LANDSCAPES: A NORTHERN VIETNAM ADVENTURE (HANOI – HA LONG BAY – NINH BINH – MAI CHAU)

• After arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. 
• Have lunch.
• In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ha Noi City. This tour includes visits to:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum and One Pillar Pagoda: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Museum is a significant cultural and historical site, that serves as a tribute to Ho Chi Minh, the revered leader of the Vietnamese independence movement. One Pillar Pagoda is a small but iconic Buddhist pagoda, built on a single pillar rising from a lotus pond, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhism.

Temple of Literature (since 1070), is a historic complex that holds great cultural significance, was originally dedicated to Confucius, and served as Vietnam's first national university.

• Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Lake of the Returned Sword, is a picturesque landmark located in the heart of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. This charming lake holds significant cultural and historical importance and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
• Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge (since the 11th century), are two captivating landmarks situated on Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Mountain, is a historic Buddhist temple that dates back to the 18th century. The temple is located on a small island in the northern part of Hoan Kiem Lake and is accessible via the red-painted The Huc Bridge. The Huc Bridge, meaning "Morning Sunlight Bridge," is a vivid red-painted wooden bridge that connects the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake to Ngoc Son Temple. The bridge is an iconic symbol of Hanoi and adds a touch of charm to the surrounding landscape.

• Enjoy dinner with local specialties.
• Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter (since the 11th century, optional), which is a vibrant and bustling district located in the heart of the capital city of Vietnam. With its narrow streets, colonial architecture, and bustling markets, the Old Quarter is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and everyday life.

• Experience a Water Puppet Show (since the 11th century, optional, http://thanglongwaterpuppet.com/), is a traditional art form that originated in Vietnam. It is a unique and captivating performance that combines music, storytelling, and puppetry. The puppets, made of wood and controlled by puppeteers standing waist-deep in water, appear to be moving on the water's surface.
• Overnight in Ha Noi City.

• Have breakfast.
• Depart for Ha Long International Cruise Port in Ha Long City (traveling 150km in 02 hours), and visit the most beautiful bay in the Gulf of Tonkin – Ha Long Bay by cruise.

You will be transferred to the cruise by a tender boat. The Cruise Manager and the whole crew member welcome you onboard, a safety briefing and

• clearing out the itinerary will be delivered while you are enjoying our signature welcome drink
• Lunch is served at our cozy restaurant. As the cruise departs towards Ha Long Bay – a natural wonder of the world, absorb yourself in the gorgeous scenery and famous sights of limestone.
• The cruise stops at Bo Nau Cave (Pelican Cave), the core area of the world’s natural heritage. Transferring by tender to Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) – Ha Long Bay's biggest and most beautiful cave.

• Leaving the Surprising cave, keep moving by tender to the Titov Island was named by Uncle Ho, after Gherman Stepanovich Titov - the Soviet astronaut who visited in 1962. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach, or climbing the steps of the Rock to the top of the island. A magical panoramic view of Ha Long Bay will surprise you there.

• Back to the main cruise, it’s the best time for doing whatever you want. Relaxing at the outdoor jacuzzi, sunbathe on the sundeck, experience a spa treatment,...The cruise moves to the overnight place.
• Take advantage of the Happy Hours “Buy 1 get 1 free” drink while the sun is giving way to stunning twilight.
• A Cooking Demonstration of traditional Vietnamese dishes will be organized by Head Chef. A fusion set menu will be served to warm up your stomach after a long active day
• Freetime for evening activities: film entertainment, mini-games (in the dining room); squid fishing; massage.
• Overnight on the cruise.

• Good morning the Bay by joining Tai-Chi Exercise on the sundeck in 30 minutes whilst cruising to Luon Cave.
• A light breakfast is ready to serve at the restaurant.

• Visit Luon Cave - one of the caves open to the form beautiful endemic then vegetation of Ha Long Bay. Two options to choose from how to discover it: Kayaking for free and a traditional woven (bamboo) boat rowed by a local boatman (expense).

• Come back to the cruise, relax, and pack the luggage. Leave the luggage. outside the door. The staff will collect and get them ready on the Pier.
• Enjoy a brunch buffet at the restaurant after check-out while cruising toward the port.
• Transfer by tender back to Ha Long International Cruise Port and disembarkation.
• Depart for Ninh Binh Province. 

• Explore the beautiful landscapes and limestone karsts of Tam Coc – Bich Dong:

• Tam Coc is often referred to as the "Halong Bay on Land" due to its resemblance to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the landscape is characterized by towering limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald-green waters of the Ngo Dong River. The best way to explore Tam Coc is by taking a traditional sampan boat ride along the river. Local boatwomen skillfully navigate through the waterways, taking you on a scenic journey through three natural caves carved into the karsts.
• Bich Dong, situated nearby, is an ancient temple complex dating back to the 15th century. The complex is built into the side of a mountain and consists of three levels: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda. Each level is adorned with intricate architectural details, stone carvings, and ancient statues.

• Enjoy dinner with local specialties.

• Overnight in Ninh Binh.

• Have breakfast.
• Visit The Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the historic relics and learn about this former royal city's rich history and cultural significance. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, which are nestled amidst picturesque landscapes.

• Enjoy lunch with local specialties.
• Depart Mai Chau Town (traveling 135km in 03 hours) in Hoa Binh Province, which is a picturesque destination renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage.

• Free time to explore Mai Chau Town.
• Enjoy dinner with local specialties.
• Overnight in Mai Chau Town.

• Have breakfast.

• Immerse yourself in the captivating region of Mai Chau on a biking tour that combines natural beauty, cultural exploration, and immersive experiences. Pedal through the picturesque valley, passing by stunning landscapes of rice paddies, rolling hills, and lush forests. Visit the charming Lac village, where you will be welcomed by the hospitable Thai ethnic community and have the chance to learn about their traditional way of life. Marvel at the stilt houses and engage with the locals to gain insights into their customs and traditions. Observe farmers at work in the fields, as they tend to their crops and showcase the simplicity and tranquility of rural life. Explore Tong Dau village, known for its rich cultural heritage, and witness skilled artisans crafting traditional garments and handicrafts. 
• Enjoy lunch with local specialties. 
• Return to Ha Noi City (traveling 145km in 03 hours).
• Depart to Noi Bai airport and mark the end of your memorable journey.