Today you will explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, bustling city, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone.
Full day exploring the ancient capital will take you to Hanoi’s key sites. In the morning, you start a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex (the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, continue your trip to Cua Bac Church (built in 1932, modern architecture), St. Joseph’s Cathedral (built in 1886), then travel back to French quarter for Hoa Lo Prison Museum – also known as “Hanoi Hilton” and “Maison Centrale”, a key historical site during French colony and Vietnam war.
Ending the tour with the Water Puppet Show about daily Vietnamese in the countryside that used to be performed in Lakes or Ponds in the traditional villages.
Optional experience: Attend Mass in the evening (your own arrangement)
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Non Town, a quiet, culturally rich community nestled in the heart of Ha Nam.
On arrival, take a leisurely walk along the quiet village roads, surrounded by vegetable gardens, rice paddies, and charming houses. Along the way, greet friendly locals, observe daily rural life, and take in the scenic simplicity of this peaceful town.
Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to a beautiful village Catholic church, reflecting the strong presence of Catholicism in the area. Learn about the history of Catholicism in Ha Nam and how it has shaped the community’s culture and daily life.
Next, step into the daily life of a local Catholic family—a testament to Vietnam’s unique religious harmony. You’ll receive a warm welcome and enjoy heartfelt conversations over cups of green tea. Learn about their customs, lifestyle, stories of faith, and the unique blend of local customs with Catholic traditions.
Savor an authentic countryside lunch made with love by your hosts using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This is a chance to taste traditional dishes, and maybe even try your hand at a few simple recipes!
Say farewell to your new friends and drive to Ninh Binh. Check in before head out for a leisure biking tour along surrounding villages, passing slowly through rice fields amidst the spectacular scenery of rocky peaks, meandering canals and lush vegetation.
Meals included: Breakfast, home-made lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh
Parameter Hanoi – Hanam: 70km – 1hour 30 minutes
Parameter Hanam – Ninh Binh: 40km – 1hour

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver at hotel lobby. Travel to Phat Diem Cathedral - “Catholic capital of Vietnam”. The Cathedral is a breathtaking fusion of Eastern and Western architecture. Built in 1891 entirely of stone and wood, the cathedral complex resembles a traditional Vietnamese temple yet houses Catholic chapels, stone carvings of saints, and a serene bell tower. Located in Kim Son District, Ninh Binh, it is not only a place of worship but also a masterpiece of cultural harmony, attracting pilgrims and travelers from around the world.
Then, journey to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 1009 AD. Some of the sanctuaries and tombs have survived the years and can still be seen today.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisure cruise to visit Trang An, a nature reserve similar to Tam Coc however less visited. Limestone hills surround a peaceful river which passes through a series of caves (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). It is an “eco-tourism” area, the only interruptions here are the sound of birds and the gentle paddle of the oar upon the crystal clear river. Back to your hotel in the afternoon for leisure time.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

After breakfast, at 7:30am we depart by car to Halong - the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On arrive at the jetty in Halong City around noon, embark on your cruise and get a warmly welcome onboard.
In the afternoon, the cruise itinerary includes more activities such as kayaking or cave visits on the vast sea, cooking class onboard to challenge your skills in preparing a very famous Vietnamese dish (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or you can just spend some time relaxing on board.
Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations.
You will be served lunch and dinner on board.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: on cruise
Notes: Cruise program is the subject to change according to weather conditions.
Parameter Ninh Binh – Halong: 219km – 3hour 30 minutes

The sun rises on Halong in the morning and a light breakfast is served on board, followed by brunch time while cruising slowly back to the shore.
This is the time you can take advantage of the sundeck and admire the amazing rock formations of the bay as you navigate back to Halong City.
Disembark at noon and meet your driver at the dock and drive to Noi Bai Airport to catch your departure flight back home or to next travel destination. You will reach Noi Bai airport around 14:00.
Bon voyage!
Meals included: Brunch
Accommodation: N/A
Parameter Halong – Hanoi: 160km – 2hour 30 minutes