Northern Vietnam with Cat Ba Island 1 Week

Upon landing at Hanoi Airport, you will be greeted by our driver and transferred directly to your hotel in the city center.

After checking in, you are free to relax and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Pick-up time: 08:30 AM

Today is dedicated to discovering the rich history and culture of Hanoi, a city that has thrived for over a thousand years. Your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Begin the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you’ll explore several important sites related to Vietnam’s revered leader. Learn about his life, leadership, and legacy as you visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the simple Stilt House where he lived, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique architectural symbol of the city.

Next, continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in the 11th century. This peaceful place offers insight into the country’s long-standing appreciation for education and Confucian values.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, located about 8 km from the city center. This museum provides a fascinating look into the lives, cultures, and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through interactive displays and thousands of artifacts.

Later, enjoy a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and wander through the Old Quarter. Known for its maze of narrow streets and colonial architecture, the area is filled with shops, street food stalls, and a vibrant blend of the old and new. Each street in the Old Quarter has its own specialty, from silk and silver to lanterns and local snacks. 

Lunch & dinner on your own account.

Pick-up time: 08:30 AM

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel for a full-day trip to Ninh Binh, located about 2 hours south of Hanoi. Enjoy the peaceful rural landscape along the way.

Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. You’ll visit the ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, set against a backdrop of limestone karsts. The temples feature traditional architecture and offer a glimpse into the country’s early dynastic history.

Note: Please wear modest clothing when visiting temples.

Next, board a small rowboat to explore the stunning waterways of Trang An, a UNESCO-recognized natural and cultural heritage site. As you glide through the calm rivers, you’ll pass beneath dramatic limestone cliffs and drift through a series of caves and grottoes. The area is also known for its lush vegetation and peaceful scenery.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Mua Cave, where a climb of 486 stone steps rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside and the Ngo Dong River winding through the karst landscape. This is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Ninh Binh.

After the tour, return to Hanoi in the early evening around 6:00 PM.

Lunch & dinner on your own.

07:45 AM: A shared limousine bus will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Cat Hai Port, a journey of about 3 hours. From there, you’ll board the cable car to Cat Ba Island, which takes around 20 minutes and offers impressive views over the bay. Upon arrival, a local bus will take you to your hotel in Cat Ba Town.

11:45 AM: You’ll arrive at Cat Ba and check into your hotel (standard check-in is at 2:00 PM; early check-in is not included and depends on availability).

 Lunch is at your own expense.

1:00 PM: Leave your luggage at the hotel and get ready for an active afternoon. Your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to Trung Trang, the entrance to Cat Ba National Park, located about 30 minutes away.

1:30 PM: Arrive at the park, buy entrance tickets, and begin your trek along the Trung Trang – Ngu Lam Peak trail. The path winds through tropical forest and striking limestone formations, with a chance to spot local wildlife and native plants along the way.

3:00 PM: Reach Ngu Lam Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island’s lush, forest-covered mountains. It’s an ideal spot to relax and take photos.

3:30 PM: Start hiking back down along the same trail or an alternate route, depending on trail conditions and your guide’s recommendation.

4:30 PM: Return to Cat Ba Town. The rest of the afternoon is free for you.

Lunch and dinner on your own.

Breakfast at hotel.

10:00 – 10:30 AM: The cruise team will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you along the scenic coastal road to Cai Beo Harbor.

10:45 AM: You’ll board the cruise and enjoy a welcome drink. Your guide will introduce the day’s program and share important notes for the journey.

As the boat sets sail, you will pass by Cai Beo ancient fishing village, where floating houses sit quietly at the foot of limestone mountains. This village has existed for over 7,000 years and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life on the bay.

The cruise continues deeper into the heart of Lan Ha Bay, where emerald waters weave between countless limestone karsts and islets. The natural beauty of this area will leave a lasting impression.

11:30 AM: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board while surrounded by the stunning scenery.

1:00 PM: After lunch, the boat arrives at Viet Hai Pier. Disembark and travel by electric car or bicycle to Viet Hai Village, a quiet community nestled within Cat Ba National Park. Here, you can try a fun fish massage, walk through old-style village homes, or chat with locals to learn about their daily life.

2:30 PM: Time for outdoor fun. Your guide and captain will select a calm spot for swimming, kayaking, jumping off the boat, or sliding from the top deck into the refreshing sea.

3:40 PM: Begin the return trip to Beo Pier. Relax on the sundeck and soak in the peaceful views as the cruise makes its way back.

4:15 PM: A light sunset party with fresh fruit, cookies, and tea is served on board.

4:45 PM: Return to Beo Pier, where a shuttle will take you back to your hotel in Cat Ba Town.

Dinner is at your own expense.

On Day 6 in Cat Ba, you can spend your morning at leisure. You might take a final stroll along the waterfront, enjoy a coffee at a local café, or simply relax at the hotel.

12:00 PM: Check out of your hotel. Lunch is on your own before departure.

3:00 PM: A shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Cai Vieng Port.

3:30 PM: Board the express boat for a short ride (approximately 20 minutes) back to Cat Hai Port on the mainland.

Upon arrival, you will transfer to a shared limousine bus for the journey back to Hanoi, which takes about 3 hours.

Dinner is on your own upon arrival in Hanoi.

Enjoy the last day in Vietnam with breakfast at the hotel. You’ll have some free time in the morning to take a final walk through the city, do some last-minute shopping, or simply relax before heading to the airport.

The hotel room is available until 12:00 noon.

Our private car (no guide) will transfer you to the airport in time for your departure flight. 

End of service!