HIGHLIGHT
- Immerse yourself in the limestone karst formations of Dinh Mountain
- Explore the largest pagoda temple complex in Vietnam
- Ride up to the grottoes of Tràng An by traditional sampan
- Cycle along the banks of the canals on rural roads
ITINERARY
08:00 – 08:30 – Our guide will meet you at your hotel/stay and start 100km modern bus-journey through verdant landscape of countryside, short-break en route.
11:00 – Arrive Bai Dinh pagoda complex, get on electric cars to visit massive architecture: 500 stone statues of Arhats; Bell tower with 27 tons and 36 tons bronze bell; Golden statue of Goddess of Mercy, walk up summit mountain where 100 tones in weight – 10 meter in hights bronze statue of Bhudda Sakyamuni located. Amazing views, sacred atmospheres and intriguing Buddhism story presented by our insider guide, you cannot fail to enchant.
13:00 – Enjoy a lavish buffet lunch in a local restaurant
14:00 – Embark on a 2 hours – sampan boat in Trang An – A spectacular labyrinth of mirrored waters studded with towering, jungle-clad limestone outcrops. Gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves : Hang Toi, 320 meter long, Sang cave, 90 meter long, and Hang Nau Ruou, 250 meter long… Every passages bring new surprise of mystery hidden inside isolated valleys of tranquility that likely transformed to another world and time.
16:15 – Leisure cycling on rural roads alongside the extensive canal network and through small villages with backdrops of a maze of limestone mountains
17:30 – Get on shuttle bus to return to Hanoi
20:00 – Drop off at your hotel/ accommodation’s door steps in Hanoi Old Quarter. Trip ends.
Inclusion
- Pick-up from hotel/ accommodation in the Hanoi Old Quarter
- Transfer by A/C modern bus, Hanoi – Trang An – Bai Dinh – Hanoi
- English speaking guide during the trip
- A lavish buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes
- 2 bottles of water per person on bus, water after cycling
- All entrance fees indicated in our itinerary
Exclusion
- Beverages, travel insurance & tax
DAY 3: HANOI – LAN HA BAY – DARK & BRIGHT CAVES – OVERNIGHT AREA (L/D)
09:00 – 09:30: Pick-up at your hotel near by the Old Quarter in Hanoi.
12:00 – 12:30: Embark the Luxury Cruise at Cat Hai port. Savor a welcome drink and cruise briefing.
13:00 – 14:00: Sit down in the dining room for a delicious lunch and a scrolling view of the wonderfully unique limestone towers outside the windows.
15:15 – 17:15: On sampan boats, some residents of the bay will show us their home by taking us to the Dark & Bright caves, two gorgeous caverns with a vast and enclosed lake on the other side. Swimming is also available here.
17:00 – 18:45: Return to the Luxury Cruise to catch the daily spectacle of a gorgeous sunset, as well as happy hour at the bar.
19:00: Along with a fantastic dinner, we have a very special performance of traditional Vietnamese music in the dining room. Before you retire to your cabin, perhaps you would like to head to the bar, the spa or join the crew for some squid fishing.
DAY 4: LAN HA BAY – TRA BAU – HANOI (B/L)
06:00 – 06:30: Begin your new day with the Tai Chi session on the top deck, run by our onboard Tai Chi teacher as the sunrise greets us from behind the mountains.
07:00 – 08:00: Enjoy breakfast in the fresh air and peaceful beauty of the Bay.
08:15 – 08:45: Experience some fantastic kayaking to discover the lovely Tra Bau area. Visit a fishing farm and socialize with the resident fishermen in order to know more about their life and how they work every day.
09:00 – 11:30: Return to the ship and enjoy the cooking demonstration put on by our talented chef as they give you an insight into Vietnamese cuisine, then sit down for a lovely lunch buffet, on our approach to the harbour.
11:45 – 12:00: Stepping off the Luxury Cruise at the harbour, we board the bus and head back to Hanoi.
14:30 – 15:00: Arrive in Hanoi and stay at the hotel.