5 DAY WETLANDS TO THE BAY

5 days, 4 nights

CODE: MC5D

This multi-city tour has been designed to for those who want to experience the natural wonders of northern Vietnam. Get your camera ready as you float through the waters of Halong Bay, Tam Coc, and Xuan Thuy National Park, taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in Vietnam. You’ll also have time to learn about Vietnamese culture, stay with a local family in Hai Ly, and overnight on a traditional junk boat.

Stunning scenery

Local homestay

Wildlife

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Tran Temple- Xuan Thuy - Giao Thuy

At 8AM we’ll leave Hanoi for Xuan Thuy National Park, Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Ramsar Site- meaning it is a wetland of unique international importance. We’ll break up the trip 160 kilometre trip with a visit to the Tran Temple in Nam Dinh, where the kings of the Tran Dynasty are worshipped. Xuan Thuy National Park is 12,000-hectares and features an amazing array of biodiversity. We’ll have lunch with a local family. As we explore Xuan Thuy, you’ll have an opportunity to see many different types of animals. The park is especially known for its many species of birds, including the rare spoon-bill stork and Saunder’s Gull. We’ll hop aboard a small boat to explore the wetlands further and have lots of opportunities to take great photos. We’ll overnight in a guesthouse in the park.

Day 2: Giao Thuy - Xuan Thuy – Hai Ly

After breakfast, we’ll again explore the Xuan Thuy National Park, walking through the natural and human-construced habitats along the dike system. We’ll then stop for lunch and then transfer to Hai Ly. This area is home to many Christians and unique churches, including some churches on the coast that have started to fall down due sea level rise. This landscape offers tourists some dramatic photo opportunities, especially early in the morning and in the late afternoon when the “golden hour” lighting is just right. In the afternoon you’ll get to see the salt making process and meet the local women workers. At night, you’ll stay with a local family where you can learn how to cook some Vietnamese food and enjoy dinner.

Day 3: Hai Ly – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc

Today you will wake up early to join the fisherman. You can try your hand at catching some fish and take some great photos. We’ll then return to the homestay for breakfast. We’ll then continue onto Ninh Binh to see the spectacular Tam Coc, taking a 2-hour boat trip through what is known as the ‘On-land Ha Long Bay’. You’ll then take a short hike up to Bich Dong Pagoda at the peak of Ngu Nhac Mountain. It will be worth it for the amazing view. You’ll overnight in a bungalow and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Day 4: Tam Coc - Halong Bay

Today we travel to Halong Bay and board an iconic junk boat. The tradition of these elegant, smooth-sailing sea vessels extends back to 220 B.C.E. When you arrive you’ll enjoy the view of the endless islands and jungle-clad limestone cliffs as you sit down to a delicious lunch. The boat will take you past the distinctive formations of Chicken Rock and Titop Island. In the afternoon you’ll head out in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon in Bai Tu Long Bay. There is plenty of time to relax on the junk’s sun-deck, taking advantage of the spa services and sip a cocktail or two if you like, before dinner. Later, take the opportunity to try your hand at squid fishing before retreating to your room for peaceful sleep.

Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi

Wake early to start your day with Tai Chi on the sun-deck, as the sun rises over the bay. After a light breakfast, discover one of Halong Bay’s biggest and most beautiful caves, the Surprise Cave. You’ll then return to the boat and enjoy a final meal before sailing back to the Tuan Chau Marina and be taken back to your hotel in Hanoi, arriving at around 4PM.

Itinerary subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.<pIncluded: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, activities & meals mentioned above. Not included: Airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses & all other services not clearly mentioned above.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

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“We had YESD organise a trip to Ninh Binh last March and it was beyond what we had expected. Above all, the guys from YESD were really helpful and supportive, making our trip wonderfully smooth and memorable.” See more.

Bich Phuong / Trip Advisor

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5 DAY WETLANDS TO THE BAY