Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba – Ninh Binh Combo Tour

You’ll be picked up from your Hanoi hotel in the early morning and head south to Ninh Binh. The drive takes a few hours, giving you time to relax before a busy day of sightseeing.

Arriving in Ninh Binh, you can either continue by bus or hop on a bike for a short ride through quiet villages. At Mua Cave, climb nearly 500 stone steps to the top for one of the best panoramic views over Tam Coc’s rice fields and limestone peaks.

Enjoy a hearty Vietnamese buffet lunch at a local restaurant — a good chance to recharge before the afternoon program.

Step back in time at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, where temples honor the kings Dinh and Le. Your guide will share stories about this early period of Vietnamese history and point out the distinctive architecture that remains.

End the day with a rowing boat trip along the Trang An waterways. Glide through limestone grottoes, pass by lush cliffs, and admire the peaceful scenery that earned this area UNESCO World Heritage status.

Return to your homestay in Ninh Binh, such as Green Mountain Homestay or a similar option. Dinner is on your own, and the evening is free to relax in the countryside.

After breakfast, board a shuttle bus that takes you from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island with a short refreshment stop along the way. Around midday, you’ll reach Beo Harbor, transfer by tender to your cruise, and check into your cabin after a welcome drink and safety briefing.

As the boat sails deeper into Lan Ha Bay, enjoy a seafood-focused lunch served with Vietnamese side dishes. Keep your eyes on the windows — the karst scenery is spectacular.

The boat anchors near Dark & Bright Cave, where you can paddle your kayak through the arches and hidden lagoons. It’s one of the most scenic areas in the bay.

Take a dip in the emerald water or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try jumping from the top deck of the boat.

Back on board, join a short cooking class to learn how to make fresh spring rolls before sitting down to dinner in the dining area. Afterward, the evening is yours — try squid fishing, sing karaoke, or simply relax on deck under the stars. Overnight on the cruise.

If you’re an early riser, watch the sun come up over the bay’s limestone cliffs — a highlight of the cruise. In winter, the sunrise may be hidden, but the early morning still offers a calm atmosphere.

Enjoy a light breakfast while the boat cruises through quiet corners of the bay.

Disembark for a short 5 km bike ride into Viet Hai, a small community tucked inside Cat Ba National Park. Surrounded by jungle and mountains, it’s a great chance to see local life away from the coast.

Cycle back to the boat, take a shower, and pack up your cabin before checking out.

A final lunch is served on board before returning to Beo Harbor. From there, you’ll travel back to Hanoi by bus, arriving in the late afternoon.