Today you will explore the most remarkable sites of Hanoi as well as its hidden gems. Start your day by seeing the beautiful architecture and people's busy morning in historic Ba Dinh Square and Lenin Garden. Next, stroll through the narrow hidden alleys of Hanoi, where sewing shops have been passed down through generations of families. Observe the locals' daily routines as they continue to practice traditional ways of life in the alleys of Hanoi.

Then, we will visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, constructed in the late 11th century, and the Ethnology Museum, to learn about the culture and traditions of different ethnic groups of Vietnam (closed Mondays).

Enjoy a delectable lunch at a local restaurant before taking a stroll around the captivating Hanoi Old Quarter, exploring the enthralling maze of backstreets. We will visit an old French house of a Hanoian for a cup of afternoon tea, learn more about the changes in local life, and listen to family stories from each period. Finally, attend a Water Puppet show, a distinctive art form originating in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy a delicious breakfast and check out the hotel. Today, we will transfer you to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, which is about a 4.5-hour drive from Hanoi. Upon arrival, have lunch at the resort and have some free time to rest or explore the beautiful retreat with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting.

In the afternoon, we will take you for a walk around the local villages. You will have a chance to get close to countryside life and interact with locals. See daily life, walk around working farmland and rice fields, and get to know more about the local culture.

Overnight at Pu Luong Retreat

This fresh morning will start with descending 6km into the beautiful valley facing the resort, where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village nestled at the base of a towering mountain. It will certainly be the perfect time for sensational picture-taking. Pass Uoi village, which is nestled among palm foliage, then continue walking to Lan Village, where you can smell the smoke coming from cottage chimneys in the valley. Savor the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot. Then, you will have a picnic lunch and freshen up before returning to the resort.

Overnight in Pu Luong Retreat

After breakfast, enjoy a 3.5-hour scenic drive to Ninh Binh province. Ninh Binh is a wonderful place with breathtaking natural landscapes and authentic countryside. Today, we will take you away from the typical tourist routes and give you a deeper insight into the life of local farmers.

In the morning, we will drive to the Tho Ha village in Nho Quan. Here you will start a leisurely 5-15km (3-10mi) cycling trip passing by sleepy villages and picturesque countryside landscapes. Continue to Dong Tam Hamlet to join the agricultural activities of locals, such as catching crabs, fishing, transplanting, and watering vegetables. After about an hour, return to the hamlet for a cooking class and have lunch with a local family where sweet potato cakes and grilled fish are on the menu.

In the afternoon, board a rowboat at the Nha Le Pier and enjoy a trip to the 900m

(2,953ft)-deep Galaxy Grotto, so named for the sea of stalactites growing from the ceiling above, like so many stars. The Grotto is also home to a large bat colony that nests near the end of it. Then, we will take you to your hotel in Ninh Binh for a relaxing night.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

This morning we will transfer you to Nam Dinh.

Upon arrival, you will meet a water puppet artisan, Mr. Phan, and learn about this unique art originated from the wet rice civilization of Northern Vietnam. Mr. Phan is the sixth generation of the family with a tradition of performing water puppetry in Nam Dinh province. He has set up a mini stage for water puppetry and had his solo performances around Vietnam and abroad.

Sit down for a cup of tea while Mr. Phan is telling you the story about how the water puppet originated, and his memorable experience traveling to different corners of the world to bring Vietnamese culture and folklore to international friends. Then join a 30-minute show showing lion dances, buffalo fighting, rice farming, and boat racing. After the show, get yourself in the performer's role to handle puppets in the water or join Mr. Phan to make and paint the puppets.

Then, head to Ecohost Resort to check in and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, take a cycling trip through the countryside to immerse in the cultural life of Vietnam's Red River Delta, an authentic place still undiscovered by tourists. You will visit Pham Phao Cathedral and the Traditional trumpet- making Brass village nearby. On the way, you will also see a Tile-roofed Bridge built in the 16th century. Then, cycle to the local family, which produces the conical hats. Finally, explore the daily life of local people and understand the ancestor worship traditions in the local village.

Overnight in Ecohost Hai Hau

Today, get up early in the morning to explore a small typical local market in Dong Bien village and enjoy a guided walk on the small paths of the village to discover the real daily life of the residents before returning to Ecohost to get breakfast.

Then depart from Hai Hau for a 3.5-hour drive to Tuan Chau harbor, via the new highway. Arrive at noon, and board the cruise, which will take you through the breathtaking natural sites of Halong Bay. After checking in on board, enjoy the delicious lunch while the cruise passes by the lighthouse built by the French more than 100 years ago and amazing limestone formations. After lunch, cruise to Gia Luan Lagoon and marvel at the dramatic limestone karst formations rising out of the sea. Savor the serene atmosphere in this quiet bay, relatively untouched with few visiting cruise ships. Then sail to one of the secret hideaways of Lan Ha Bay to enjoy kayaking or swimming in the clear waters of the bay. Then, return on the cruise and enjoy the afternoon activities on the boat before savoring the delectable dinner.

Overnight on Heritage Cruise

Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Then take a bamboo boat out to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Then return to the ship for checkout. Enjoy brunch while cruising back, arriving at Got Harbor, and relaxing at our lounge while your transportation arrives. Drive back to Hanoi for your onward flight.