5 DAY WETLANDS TO THE BAY

To start the first day of our Wetlands To The Bay tour, at 8 AM, 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. On that way, we’ll visit 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 this beautiful National Park, 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 spoonbill stork and Saunder’s Gull.

Next, we’ll hop aboard a small boat to explore the wetlands further and have lots of opportunities to take great photos.

After a long day on this Wetlands To The Bay tour, you will spend overnight in a guesthouse in the park.

After breakfast, we’ll again explore the Xuan Thuy National Park, walking through the natural and human-constructed habitats along the dike system.

Your tour guide will 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 due to sea level rise. The 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.

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. Next, continue your Wetlands To The Bay tour 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 stay in a bungalow at night and enjoy a traditional dinner.

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 sipping 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 a peaceful sleep

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. To end this Wetlands To The Bay tour, you’ll then return to the boat and enjoy a final meal before sailing back to the Tuan Chau Marina and being taken back to your hotel in Hanoi, arriving at around 4 PM.