VIETNAM’S RICE TERRACES & RIVER JOURNEY – 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

DAY 1: HANOI – NINH BINH | MUA CAVE – TRANG AN – BICH DONG PAGODA

08:00 | Departure from Hanoi

Your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel or designated meeting point in Hanoi and depart for Ninh Binh, a destination renowned for its limestone mountains, winding rivers and peaceful countryside landscapes.

09:30 – 10:00 | Explore Mua Cave

Arrive at Mua Cave and begin the climb of nearly 500 stone steps to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. From the top, enjoy panoramic views over the rice fields, winding rivers and spectacular limestone karsts – one of the most iconic landscapes of Ninh Binh.

12:30 | Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring Vietnamese specialties.

14:30 | Boat trip through Trang An

Continue to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Board a traditional sampan and cruise through a spectacular landscape of limestone mountains, peaceful waterways and natural caves. The journey offers a relaxing experience surrounded by the distinctive scenery of Ninh Binh.

Late afternoon | Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

On the way back to the hotel, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple nestled among limestone mountains and lush greenery. Discover its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

17:30 – 18:00 | Check in and relax at the hotel in Ninh Binh.

Overnight: Hotel in Ninh Binh
Meals: Lunch

DAY 2: NINH BINH – NAM DINH | CAT DANG LACQUER VILLAGE – NAM DINH CITY TOUR

Morning | Cycling through the countryside

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely cycling experience through peaceful village roads and rice fields. Visit Thai Vi Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple closely associated with the history of Ninh Binh.

Continue the journey to Nam Dinh Province.

11:30 – 12:30 | Arrive in Nam Dinh and have lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in at the hotel and taking some time to relax.

14:00 | Discover Cat Dang Traditional Craft Village

Visit Cat Dang, a traditional craft village with a history spanning hundreds of years. Learn about the traditional lacquerware-making process, meet local artisans and observe their craftsmanship as they preserve this heritage craft through generations.

15:30 | Explore Nam Dinh City

Begin your city tour with Nam Dinh Flag Tower, one of the city's notable historical landmarks.

Continue to Nam Dinh Museum, home to a collection of artifacts reflecting the history, culture and heritage of the region.

Explore several streets in Nam Dinh Old Quarter, where you can observe local life and discover the city's traditional urban character.

Continue to the Tran Hung Dao Monument, dedicated to one of Vietnam's most celebrated military commanders and national heroes of the Tran Dynasty.

Local food experience

Visit a local bakery specializing in Xiu Pao, a signature pastry of Nam Dinh influenced by the culinary traditions of the Chinese community that once lived in the area. Enjoy a freshly baked Xiu Pao with its flaky layers and flavorful filling.

18:00 | Return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Nam Dinh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3: NAM DINH – HONG QUANG – XUAN THUY NATIONAL PARK – HAI HAU

08:30 | Departure

After breakfast, check out and begin your journey to discover the cultural and natural heritage of Nam Dinh's coastal countryside.

Hong Quang Village | Water Puppet Experience

Visit Hong Quang Village and discover the traditional art of Vietnamese water puppetry, one of the most distinctive forms of folk performance in Northern Vietnam.

Meet local artisans, learn how traditional puppets are made and discover the stories behind this unique art form, which has been passed down through generations.

Xuan Thuy National Park | Wetland Discovery

Continue to Xuan Thuy National Park, a protected coastal wetland area known for its rich biodiversity and importance as a habitat for migratory birds.

Take a local boat through the waterways and mangrove areas to explore the natural ecosystem and coastal landscapes. Enjoy lunch in a local setting and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside by the sea.

14:00 | Transfer to Hai Hau – Check in at Ecohost

Leave Xuan Thuy National Park and travel to Ecohost Hai Hau. Check in and relax in the peaceful green surroundings of this rural retreat.

16:00 | Cycling through Hai Hau countryside

Continue by bicycle to Pham Phao Village, known for traditional wood carving, musical instrument making and religious architecture.

Visit Luong Pagoda Covered Bridge, a unique historical structure dating back to the 16th century and an excellent example of traditional rural Vietnamese architecture.

Along the way, observe the daily life of local residents and learn more about traditional village culture and Vietnamese customs.

Late afternoon | Herbal foot bath

Return to Ecohost and enjoy a relaxing herbal foot bath, a soothing experience designed to help you unwind after a day of exploration.

Enjoy dinner and relax in the peaceful countryside.

Overnight: Ecohost Hai Hau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4: HAI HAU – HA LONG – LAN HA BAY | OVERNIGHT CRUISE

08:00 | Depart Hai Hau for Ha Long

After breakfast, leave Ecohost Hai Hau and travel to Ha Long to begin your overnight cruise through Lan Ha Bay.

11:30 – 11:45 | Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina

Arrive at the Heritage Cruises Lounge at Tuan Chau International Marina and complete the boarding procedures before taking the speedboat to the Heritage Binh Chuan Archipelago.

12:30 | Embark on Heritage Cruises

Welcome aboard with a refreshing welcome drink, followed by a brief introduction to the itinerary, safety instructions and check-in procedures.

The cruise then sets sail towards Lan Ha Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, renowned for its hundreds of limestone islands, emerald waters and pristine natural scenery.

13:15 | Lunch on board

Enjoy lunch at L'Indochine Restaurant while cruising through the spectacular landscapes of Lan Ha Bay.

15:30 | Explore Ba Trai Dao / Tra Ba area

Depending on weather conditions, the cruise will visit the Ba Trai Dao area or Tra Ba area. This beautiful part of Lan Ha Bay is characterized by secluded beaches, small lagoons, caves and limestone islands.

Guests can choose to kayak or swim in the crystal-clear waters.

17:00 | Return to the cruise

Relax on board or unwind in the comfort of your suite.

18:00 | Afternoon tea & Vietnamese cooking class

Enjoy afternoon tea and join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration led by the cruise's chef.

17:00 – 19:00 | Happy Hour & Sunset

Enjoy drinks during Happy Hour while admiring the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

19:15 | Dinner

Enjoy a memorable dinner at Le Tonkin Restaurant, featuring Vietnamese-inspired cuisine in an elegant and intimate setting.

Evening leisure

Relax at the rooftop bar, try squid fishing, watch a movie or enjoy karaoke, depending on the cruise's evening program.

Overnight: Heritage Cruises
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5: LAN HA BAY – TUAN CHAU – HANOI | TOUR ENDS

06:15 | Morning Vovinam session

Start your day with a Vovinam session on the sundeck while enjoying the fresh morning air and peaceful scenery of Lan Ha Bay.

06:45 | Breakfast

Enjoy a light breakfast on board. Guests may also choose a special breakfast experience by the pool on Deck 3, subject to availability and the cruise's applicable policy.

07:15 | Explore Dark & Bright Cave

Take a traditional bamboo boat to explore Dark & Bright Cave, discovering the impressive limestone formations and tranquil waterways of Lan Ha Bay.

09:00 – 09:30 | Check-out

Return to the cruise and complete the check-out procedures before relaxing on board.

09:30 | Brunch

Enjoy a light brunch as the cruise sails back towards Tuan Chau Marina.

10:30 | Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina

Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and continue your journey to Hanoi by private car or limousine, depending on your selected transfer service.

14:00 – 14:30 | Arrive in Hanoi

Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or designated location in Hanoi.

End of the 5-day, 4-night journey.

Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey through the natural landscapes, cultural heritage and authentic local life of Northern Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming you on another adventure!

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch