Our car and guide will pick you up in the morning for the two-hour drive to Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh province - the former feudal capital of Vietnam at the end of the 10th century. You will visit two ancient temples dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang - the founder of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Le Dai Hanh - the founder of Early Le Dynasty (980 - 1009). 
In the afternoon, you will board a rowing boat in Tam Coc (three grottoes) for a peaceful navigation along Ngo Dong River, cruising among limestone mountains, between rice fields and through three beautiful limestone caves. We will spend the rest of the day riding bicycles, getting lost on winding roads passing lotus ponds, temples, and cottages, typical of Vietnamese countryside. We will visit the Bich Dong pagoda complex, which dates back to the 15th century, hiding among the jungle on a lush hillside. There are three humble, yet interesting pagodas connected by stone steps. The reward for reaching the highest pagoda is the precious panoramic view of the valley below. Overnight at the hotel.

Today you have breakfast at the hotel, and we depart early for Halong Bay. We take the way via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh, passing a typical countryside of the Red River Delta with endless rice fields and meandering rivers. Arriving at Halong Bay tourist harbour around noon, you will board an elegant wooden junk. A delicious lunch is served on board while the boat gently navigates through countless islands and limestone structures arising from the turquoise water. In the evening, a fresh seafood dinner prepared by a skillful chef awaits you. Enjoy a peaceful night on board in the middle of the quiet sea. 
Please note that the itinerary is subject to change according to the cruise and weather conditions. 

Nothing can be compared to waking up to a serene morning surrounded by karsts. You can have an early morning dip and then breakfast on board. We will continue to sail through the bay during the morning to explore hidden areas. The junk will stay close at all times serving as a backup vessel for those who need it. Around midday we will return to the main harbour and drive back to Hanoi.