Excursion to Bat Trang pottery village, Temple of Literature, driving through the Old Quarter, enjoying water puppet show

8:30 AM: pick up from your hotel to Bat Trang Village, located on the bank of the Red River 20km from the Hanoi center. Bat Trang is one of the most famous traditional craft villages in the country, specializing in porcelain crafts. Built over 700 years ago, Bat Trangs’ name has a Chinese origin meaning “a large field where the bowls are made”. Bat means bowl and Trang means a specialized area.

On arrival, we will visit the communal house dedicated to the man who created the porcelain craft village. Make a special visit to a family factory. Your tour guide will explain the processes of making ceramic products and you might have a chance to work with the craftsmen. Stroll around to explore village, visit some traditional ceramic ovens and have a look beautiful products in the shops. Enjoy time for shopping souvenirs.

Travel back to city center, have a break for lunch (by your own account) before visit the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage “stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

Continue by driving through French quarter, passing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace to the Hanoi Old Quarter which was built in the 15th century as a trading center in the capital city with 36 streets of different products. Despite the changes, the Old Quarter is always considered a live city museum. The unique tube houses, small alleys, temples, open door markets and street vendor foods come together in a beautiful harmony. Discovering the town by walking is the best way to stimulate all your senses.

Finally, enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and driver at hotel then transfer to Ninh Binh, the awesome site is enriched with historical, cultural, religion and geographic wonders. On the journey passing the Red River delta, stop as you wish for pictures.

Travel to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10 to the 11 century. The citadel is surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers naturally protecting it and making for an amazing picturesque setting.

On arrival at Hoa Lu, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence after it was ruled by China for a thousand years. Both temples were built in the 17th symbolizing a deep respect to the King’s contributions.

Keep your tour to the Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15th century. On arrival, you will cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, from which over 100 steps lead to Chua Trung – the cave pagoda with unique clay statues. You will then hike up to Chua Thuong. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views.

Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before transfering to Tam Coc which has been well-known as the “Halong Bay on land” and appeared in famous French movie “Indochina”. On arrival at the pier, you will take a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

12:45: Warmest welcome drinks from our staffs. Listen to a brief of safety on board then check in your cabin

13:30: Enjoying delicious Vietnamese dishes for lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay.

15:00: Leave the cruise to discover Cap La Island– the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing

17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset Time (enjoy tea and fresh fruits). This time is regarded as “Happy Hour” – “buy two get one free” while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage. In addition, cooking class is also organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine by yourself.

19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.

20:30: Free time for relaxing on the sundeck, listening to music, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.

If you want to join in karaoke activity, please inform our tour guide to be supported

Overnight on board on Bai Tu Long bay

06:30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi 

07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available

08:00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature

09:30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.   

Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

10:30: Join in and show your creativity in fruit carving activity

11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

12:00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier

Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.