At 8:30 AM, depart towards Tam Coc (~120 km, approximately 2.5 hours by road), located in Ninh Binh Province and often nicknamed the “Halong Bay on land.”

Upon arrival, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former capital of Vietnam’s first independent dynasties (968–1009), following nearly one thousand years of Chinese domination.

Then continue to visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a cave pagoda built on the side of a steep mountain. Here you will discover three pagodas and a monastery dating back to the 17th century. Those who have seen the film Indochine may remember this magical and unreal setting.

After free lunch, transfer to the Tam Coc pier for a small rowing boat trip through the famous Tam Coc landscape, often called the “Halong Bay on land,” passing among karst peaks, flooded rice fields, and natural caves. Many scenes from the movie Indochine were filmed here.

Finally, enjoy a bicycle ride along peaceful paths lined with rice fields and limestone mountains through the villages of Hai Nham, Dam Khe Trong, and surrounding countryside.

Free dinner. Overnight at An's Eco Garden.

At 8:30 AM, depart for an excursion to Hang Mua, climbing the 486 stone steps leading to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain located near Tam Coc. At the top, you will enjoy an exceptional panoramic view over the “Halong Bay on land.”

After visiting Hang Mua, we continue to Gia Thang commune to discover a traditional village of the Red River Delta and learn about the daily life of the local inhabitants. We also visit the temple dedicated to Saint Nguyen Minh Khong, a Zen master from the Ly Dynasty (11th–12th centuries). Lunch will be served at a local family’s home.

In the afternoon, explore Van Long Nature Reserve. You may choose between a peaceful boat trip or a bicycle ride along the dike to admire the spectacular karst landscapes.

Return to Hanoi at the end of the day (~90 km).

Morning:

Between 8:00 and 8:30 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel (located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter) for a 3-hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long.

Arrival at Tuan Chau Island pier around 11:30 AM.

At 1:00 PM, the Vega Cruise crew warmly welcomes you aboard with a tropical welcome cocktail before check-in to your cabin.

Afternoon:

At 1:30 PM, enjoy lunch on board the Vega Cruise (vegetarian and vegan meals available upon request).

Cruise through the spectacular Ha Long Bay among stunning limestone islands and emerald waters. Continue along a unique route toward Lan Ha Bay, where you will have the opportunity to kayak and swim.

The cruise continues off the beaten track through breathtaking scenery including the Light and Dark Caves, Frog Lagoon, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Bat Islet, and the Buddhist Statue Rock.

Arrival in Lan Ha Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, for kayaking and swimming activities. In double kayaks, your guide will lead you through narrow karst passages and floating fishing villages.

Paddle beneath a tunnel cave into a hidden lagoon (depending on the tide). You may also swim in the emerald waters or relax on secluded beaches.

Enjoy the sunset over the crystal-clear bay.

Evening:

Take part in a Vietnamese cooking class! Our experienced chef will show you how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes that you can easily recreate at home after your journey.

Enjoy a memorable dinner and a peaceful overnight stay in the heart of this beautiful bay.

Squid fishing is also available in the evening for those who enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay at night.

Overnight on board.

Morning:

06:00 AM: At dawn, you may head to the upper deck to admire a spectacular sunrise over the bay before enjoying a light breakfast.
(Breakfast is served between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM.)

07:00 AM: Transfer by shuttle boat to Cat Ba Island and the Viet Hai pier for a cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village.

Enjoy a 30-minute bicycle ride along shaded paths through peaceful landscapes leading to the village, nestled in a beautiful valley within Cat Ba National Park.

Visit a local house to discover the daily life and traditions of the villagers, or visit the island school.

Cycle back and return by tender boat to the cruise ship.

Relax on board, swim in the bay, or enjoy the sun loungers on the upper deck.

At 10:30 AM, continue cruising through thousands of limestone islands and islets scattered across the bay. Take stunning photographs while enjoying a delicious brunch on board.

At 12:00 PM, return to the pier of Ha Long Bay.

Afternoon:

12:10 PM: Disembarkation and departure back to Hanoi.

Expected arrival in Hanoi between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

Drop-off at the Vega office or at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 8:00 AM, meet your guide and driver at your hotel before departing from Hanoi towards Ba Be Lake (~240 km, approximately 5 hours by road), often called the “Halong Bay in the mountains.” Along the way, visit tea plantations and enjoy a tasting of different teas prepared by a local artisan.

After lunch in the city of Bac Kan, continue to Ba Be Lake for a walking tour through nearby villages to discover the daily life of the ethnic minority communities living in the region.

Then visit Hua Ma Cave, a beautiful natural cave hidden in the mountains.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat cruise to Pac Ngoi Village, where you will stay with a local Tay ethnic family in a traditional stilt house. You may also join your hosts in preparing dinner.

Dinner included and overnight in a traditional stilt house (private room, simple local comfort).

Breakfast at the homestay.

At 8:30 AM, depart for Puoc Lom and board a small local motorboat for an approximately 3-hour cruise on Ba Be Lake. You will travel along the Nang River and first pass through the beautiful natural Puong Cave.

During the cruise, a stop is planned for a 30-minute walk through a local ethnic minority village. Continue with a visit to Dau Dang Waterfall. The cruise then continues across Ba Be Lake, where you may spot local fishermen working from their small traditional boats.

Lunch included along the way.

Afterwards, depart for Cao Bang (~150 km, approximately 3 hours by road), crossing the famous Wind Pass. Several stops are planned along the route for photographs and to discover villages inhabited by various ethnic minority groups.

Arrival in Cao Bang and check-in at a local hotel.

Breakfast at the lodge.

In the morning, depart from Trung Khanh towards Bao Lac (~200 km, approximately 5.5 hours by road), a region known as the homeland of the Black Lo Lo people.

Upon arrival at the Black Lo Lo village of Khuoi Khon Village (located about 12 km from Bao Lac), made famous in France through the TV program Rendez-vous en terre inconnue, check in at Khuoi Khon Homestay. Lunch included at the homestay.

In the afternoon, enjoy a 2–3 hour hike around the surrounding area. A mountain trail leads deep into a remote valley beneath steep rocky mountains, where several Black Lo Lo families still live in near self-sufficiency according to their ancestral traditions.

Meet the villagers and discover their traditional costumes and unique houses.

Return to the homestay. Free time or opportunity to help your hosts prepare dinner.

Dinner included and overnight in a private room with simple comfort.

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, depart towards the karst plateau of Dong Van (~130 km, approximately 3.5 hours by road) via Meo Vac. This mountain route is considered one of the most spectacular sections of your journey. You will cross breathtaking landscapes, especially the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass (literally “the horse’s nose” in the local language).

Enjoy a motorboat excursion on the Nho Que River to admire the majestic canyon scenery. Several stops are planned along the way for panoramic viewpoints and excellent photo opportunities, especially at the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass.

A 2-hour hike through the karst mountains allows you to get closer to the ethnic minority communities living in these remote highlands.

Arrival in Dong Van and check-in at a local hotel. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour through the old town to discover the atmosphere and local life.

Lunch included at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Simple breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, depart towards Ha Giang (~150 km, approximately 4 hours by road), crossing magnificent mountain landscapes. Along the way, you will discover impressive limestone peaks and sugarloaf mountains rising dramatically above the stone forests, symbolizing the harsh living conditions of the H’mong people who inhabit this remote and wild region.

Despite extreme weather conditions — intense heat in summer and cold winters — local people work tirelessly to transform barren rocky hills into fertile corn fields. Over generations, they have built a true corn-based culture and civilization, in contrast to the rice culture of the Red River Delta and Northwest Vietnam.

Lunch included along the way.

Several stops are planned to visit remarkable sites, including the former residence of the Vuong royal family, Vuong Family Mansion, whose architecture blends Chinese and European influences, showcasing the creativity and architectural talent of the H’mong people.

You will also pass through the villages of Lung Cam, Pho Bang, and Pho Cao before reaching Quan Ba, where a stunning panorama opens over the surrounding mountains, especially the famous Quan Ba Twin Mountains and nearby valleys.

Arrival and check-in at a homestay in Ha Thanh village. Free time to get to know your hosts and possibly join them in preparing dinner.

Dinner included and overnight at the homestay (simple comfort).

Breakfast at the homestay.

In the morning, enjoy a walking tour around Ha Thanh village. You will discover beautiful landscapes, terraced rice fields, lush plantations, and charming traditional Tay stilt houses. Along the way, you will meet friendly and welcoming villagers.

Then depart from Ha Giang towards Bac Ha (~190 km, approximately 5 hours by road).

Lunch included along the way.

Arrival in Bac Ha at the end of the afternoon and check-in at a local homestay located in Ta Van Chu village. Free time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.