Located in northern Vietnam, Cát Bà National Park is known for its endangered inhabitant – the Cát Bà langur (white-headed langur). This langur is one of the rarest primate species in Asia and the world, with fewer than 70 langurs left! Conservation efforts are being put in place to protect the last remaining langurs.

The challenging 9km hiking trail through the park to the village of Viet Hai is best undertaken with a guide. Take proper hiking shoes, a raincoat, and a generous supply of water for the Viet Hai hike. This will not be an easy walk and is best avoided during the wet season or after rain. Visitors will have a lot of chances for bird watching, and sightseeing in the primary forest and Frog Lake.

Overnight at a local bungalow.

After breakfast at your bungalow, check out of your room and ride a bicycle from the center of the village to the Viet Hai pier.

First, you’ll visit with a local family to learn how rice wine is brewed, then you’ll catch a ride by motor boat from the pier to Beo Port. From there you’ll ride the smaller motorized “cruise tender” boat to Tuan Chau Marina where you’ll enjoy a refreshing welcome drink as you board the ship. Listen to the Cruise Manager’s orientation talk for the cruise activities & onboard safety as the boat begins its journey toward Lan Ha Bay. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch while the cruise passes Chan Voi (Elephant Feet), Van Boi, and Tra Bau area.

In the afternoon, start your first off-board activity, choosing between kayaking or swimming to explore the turquoise waters and the white sand beach of Tra Bau or Van Boi. You’ll then return to the cruise boat for a relaxing evening featuring a special dinner in the restaurant.

Overnight on the boat.

Greet the new day on the sundeck by doing Taichi with fellow passengers. Light breakfast is served at the restaurant as the cruise extends further to Hang Sang – Hang Toi – one of the best attractions on Lan Ha Bay, known for its pristine and tranquil beauty. Guests will be offered the opportunity to explore the area on the smaller motorized tender boat.

Then you’ll check out of your cabin before enjoying a Vietnamese cuisine brunch buffet served at the restaurant. Transfer again by cruise tender boat for 20-30m to return to Tuan Chau Marina.

Next, you’ll set off on the 3.5-hour car ride to Tam Coc in Ninh Bình Province.

Overnight at a bungalow in Tam Coc.

Embark on a full-day tour of the Ninh Binh province. Explore the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu to better understand the history of the country in the 11th century. Visit the Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh Temple to appreciate their unique architecture and delve deep into the history of the first Vietnamese government.

Then you’ll enjoy a bike ride to Mua Cave, one of the most alluring places in Ninh Binh. After visiting the cave, you can hike up Ngoa Long Mountain for the spectacular views from the top.

In the afternoon, visit Trang An. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its dramatic limestone karst towers and archeological evidence of 30,000 years of continuous human use. During the 2.5-hour bamboo boat tour you’ll glide through the majestic caves along the river, passing villages, mountains, and lush rice fields. The scenery of Trang An combines the unique beauty of deep turquoise river water flowing between mountains, caves, and a clear blue sky.

Then get in the car for your ride back to Hanoi, ending the day of adventure back at your hotel.