Vacay in Vietnam with

On His Own Trip!

Hanoi – Ninh Binh-Cat Ba Island – Hoi An

(9 Days, 8 Nights)

Tour Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh-Cat Ba Island – Hoi An

Tour Duration: 9 Days, 8 Nights
Travel dates: Nov 5-13

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BRIEF ITINERARY:

November 5: Land in Hanoi

November 6: Travel to Ninh Binh; head to Tam Coc and visit Bich Dong Pagoda
November 7: Visit Trang An
November 8: Travel to Cat Ba Island; visit Cat Ba National Park
November 9: Halong Bay day tour
November 10: Free day at Cat Ba Island. Optional activities like Lan Ha Bay tour.
November 11: Land in Hoi An; explore Old Town
November 12: Ba Na Hills visit
November 13: Fly back to India

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Land in Hanoi, O/N Hanoi

Fly from India so that you reach Hanoi by noon. A cab will pick you up from the airport and transfer
you to the hotel. Your flight might have left you a little tired so rest for a bit. After freshening up, let’s
head out into the ever so vibrant streets of Hanoi!

Let’s start with a stroll in the Old Quarters.

Hanoi is a city rich with history. It celebrated its millennium in 2010. Yes, that’s right, a millennium!
Within the city the Old Quarters within the Hoan Kiem District is considered to be the main tourist
attraction.
Locally known as “Phố Cổ”, the quarters were a hub for craftsman from back in the 13th century. Even
today they are hustling bustling with vendors, street shops, sidewalk cafes and people all on the move.
Here against the typical Vietnamese architecture, you will see hints of French influence too.
From the busy streets we will make our way to the Hoan Kiem Lake. In the evening the area is lit up. It
is also called the “Lake of the Returned Sword”. Local legend has it that an emperor was once given a magical
sword which helped him defeat the Chinese Ming dynasty and bring back the Golden Turtle God to the
lake.

We can even walk up to Ngoc Son Temple. It was built in the 19th century as a dedication to General
Tran Hung Dao who defeated 300,000 soldiers in the area.

The lake is also home to the endangered soft-shell turtles. These are rarely spotted and it is considered
extremely auspicious to spot one. Who’s feeling lucky?

Sit back and relax on the sides of the lake with your new friends, your holiday has just begun! So, let’s
NOT call it a night, instead let’s head to Beer Street for some local brew and barbecued street food.

Day 2: Travel to Ninh Binh; head to Tam Coc and visit Bich Dong Pagoda
We will start in the morning and be transferred from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh is a growing gem in Vietnam. Adored by backpackers, Ninh Binh is where you can get a
true taste of Vietnam’s greenery and nature.
It is a small city in the Red River Delta of northern province. Vietnam’s first capital was established
here in the Ninh Binh province. Today it is a UNESCO protected world heritage site.

Ninh Binh is blessed with beautiful landscapes. Let’s rent out scooties and make our way to Tam Coc.
What is a vacation without zipping away leisurely on a bike and feeling the wind in your hair?

Tam Coc has been referred to as “Halong Bay on Earth”. This is because it inhabits numerous rice fields
and wetlands surrounded by limestones karsts which have been the key feature of Halong. So, as we
drive to Tam Coc, we’re sure to stop along the way wherever the view pleases us, to admire the landscapes,
to take a picture and to let it all sink in!
The Tam Coc village’s pride is the Bich Dong Pagoda. The pagoda was built by Buddhist monks Tri Kien and Tri
The. The pagoda worships the monks and Lord Buddha himself. There’s climbing and walking around
in store so thrown on those sneakers. But wait for it because the tranquillity of the pagoda will make it
worth the walk!

In the Chinese style of architecture for religious structures, this pagoda was built comprising of 3
pagodas inside of it. The rustic structure is surrounded by water and gradually rises up till the top
pagoda.
Natural caves, majestic mountains and the ancient structure hidden in a tropical forest will make you
cherish this experience.

ByeveningweheadbacktoNinhBinhcity. Wehaveonlyarrivedsolet’sstepout,takeawalk and see what’s

there to explore!

Day 3: Visit Trang An

Close parallels are often drawn between Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. Today we are going to put that to
test. We will visit Trang An and no visit to Trang An can be complete without taking a boat ride!
The Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular site. It comprises of towering limestone karst peaks
which merge into lush green valleys. Archaeological exploration in the area has found traces of human
activity that date as far back as 30,000 years ago. These mountains are inhabited by seasonal hunter-
gatherers who over the course of time adapted to major climatic and environmental changes, even as
the landscapes were submerged by the sea after the last ice age.
Trang An is thus a true wonder, enveloped in history, in nature and in its beauty.

After our time at Trang An, we could all rent out cycles. Call out to your inner school child, remember
those cycling lessons and share a laugh with your new friends as you make your way!

Fun and games to continue at night.

Day 4: Travel to Cat Ba island; visit Cat Ba National Park, O/N Cat Ba island
Today we are going to the beautiful Cat Ba island. Getting from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba takes about 4
hours, so, we’ll start our journey early today. Wait till you see Cat Ba, you’ll know it’s worth it!
Cat Ba archipelago is made up of 367 islands. Of these, Cat Ba is the largest one. It thus dominates the Gulf
of Tonkin. Lush green forests are seen lounging from the hills and valleys with bays dotted along the
coastlines. Jungles, caves and waterfalls – welcome to the visual treat that is Cat Ba!
Early in the afternoon we will head to the Cat Ba National Park. It was declared a UNESCO World
Biosphere Reserve back in 2004.
Home to 32 varieties of mammals, the national park is renowned for having the endangered golden-
headed langur. There are multiple hiking trails within the national park. We will take a short 3.6km
long hike around it. Immerse yourself in the greenery of this site. And in the evening let’s check out some
cafes and pubs!

Day 5: Halong Bay day tour, O/N Cat Ba island

Today we are headed to Vietnam’s jewel and star attraction, Halong Bay. Declared a UNESCO site, it is
undoubtedly one of the most beautiful island bays in the world. It is made up of 1600 limestone islands
and islets. Yes, you read that number right. Archaeologists have even found proof of Halong Bay having
been inhabited 18,000 years ago!
The widespread islands are lined with hidden caves and grottoes too. We shall explore a few of these
and get a feel of the place. Folklore states that gods had sent down dragons to protect the Vietnamese
natives from invaders. They believe that the dragons dropped jewels from their mouths, thus, the
islands were formed. After this the dragons plunged into the bay and remain resting in its deep waters.
This story is credited for how the name was coined, Halong Bay which means “where the dragon
descends into the sea”.
Halong Bay is blessed with marine life too. It’s time for some adventure. Let’s go snorkelling! Or grab a
kayak and try your shot at kayaking. You can take a lazy swim too in the cold blue waters. Splash your
new friends and get into a water fight!
That’s your day at Halong Bay – a little adventure, a lot of legends to make you go “ooh” and all the while
some stunning view that are sure to make your heart soar and sing.

Day 6: Free day at Cat Ba island. Optional activities like Lan Ha Bay tour or beach hopping.

Today’s day has been left for you to enjoy the slow island life as you please.

One option is to take the Lan Ha Bay tour. South of Cat Ba town, is the ever so pretty Lan Ha Bay. With
its limestone outcrops and added white sand beaches, the visit to Lan Ha Bay is an ideal one.

Cat Ba also some beautiful beaches on the island. Wake up late and make your way to the beach. Take a
dip, jump into the water and throw your fellow trippers in!
Cat Co 3 is a personal favourite. The beach is a small and cosy one. The cleanliness here is the cherry on
top. Run into the waves, make a sand castle or enjoy a walk at the beach. Who’s feeling beachy?
Cat Ba is a joy in itself and there’s a lot that you can do on your free day. Sip a fruity cocktail, sit at a local café
with a view, take strolls with your new friends and enjoy the happy slowness of what is referred to as
“the island life”.

Day 7: Land in Hoi An, O/N Hoi An

We shall make our way to Hoi An today. A ferry, a taxi and a flight away, Hoi An awaits you. Book your
flights only after discussing them with us. For all internal flights the group will book the same flights.
Reach the hotel by evening and freshen up. We will head out soon because there’s a lot in store in this
city! And hey, some clichés make perfect sense because you know, the night is still young. So, grab your
gang and make a move.

Hoi An is known for it’s Ancient Town which is cut through by canals. As we walk around you will see
Vietnamese tube houses, Chinese shophouses and even French colonial buildings.
We will spend our evening walking around Old Town. By late evening let’s sample some more Vietnamese
cuisine. We can even head out to the Night Market where local brews and food are served all along the
street.
Hoi An has been called the Lantern Town. There are a hundred reasons for this name. Those are the
hundred lamps you will see adorning the streets of the Old Quarters one after the other.

The streets are lined with cosy cafes. Few hidden art galleries will greet you. And shopaholics, shops
of all kinds will straight out call you. But mostly everywhere you go, the lanterns will follow you.
A must do in Hoi An’s Old Town is a boat ride in the lake. While you’ll see many tourists lining up to do
this, you won’t want to stay behind, that is just how the lake and the lights surrounding it call out to all of us.

Day 8: Ba Na Hills visit, O/N Hoi An

Today we’re headed to the place which has got many across the world wondering about the little wonders
that Vietnam has to offer, Ba Na Hills!

Ba Na hills had once served as a popular getaway for the French during the colonialism period. Today
it stands as a mountaintop resort complex. What’s so interesting about another resort, you ask? Well, this
one looks like a medieval castle.
1487 meters above sea level, sits this full-fledged French replica village. We will take a cable car and the
moment you are aboard the cable car you will feel as if you have stepped into a little European village.
The cable car is one of the longest in the world and the views from it will stun you, to say the least.
The gardens are well groomed and closely manicured. When you walk past them you will even see
pagodas. And since we’re visiting Ba Na Hills, of course, we must walk past the now-famous Golden Bridge.

This hand holds up the Golden Bridge and offers you gorgeous panoramic views of the valley. The

theme park also has fun rides for all of us to try so unleash the mad kid inside of you!

Later let’s enjoy the nightlife of Hoi An. Hoi An is famous for its sea food and authentic
Vietnamese delicacies. Nom nom nom. It’s the last night of our trip, so let’s really live it up!

Day 9: Fly back to India.

Today sadly the trip has come to an end. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. A cab transfers
you to the airport from where you can fly back to India.

Flight Schedule:

You can contact Sakshi Pant on 7011240084 to check your flight related and other queries. Once
confirmed, proceed to book your flights. Do not book your flights without confirmation.

Flights to and from India:

Reach Hanoi by 12pm on Nov 5th
Fly out of Da Nang (closest airport to Hoi An), anytime on Nov 13th
Internal flight during the trip: Nov 11th

Trip Cost:

Rs. 42,000/- per person (If booked on or before September 15)

Rs. 44,000/- per person (If booked after September 15)

Inclusions:
1. Airport transfers from Hanoi airport to the hotel
2. Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
3. Visit to Bich Dong Pagoda
4. Boat ride in Trang An
5. Transfer from Ninh Binh to Cat Ba island
6. Entry ticket for Cat Ba National Park
7. Excursion to Halong Bay
8. Kayaking during Halong Bay tour
9. Airport transfers from Cat Ba Island to Cat Bi airport
10. Airport transfer from Da Nang airport to Hoi An hotel
11. Ba Na Hills cable car and theme park ticket
12. Vehicle for group’s Ba Na Hills visit
13. Airport transfer from Hoi An hotel to Da Nang airport
14. Accommodation for all 8 nights in 3-star hotels
15. All breakfasts from after hotel check in till check out day (no lunches, dinners)
16. Trip leader from This Guy’s team

Exclusions:
1. Flight tickets from India to Hanoi and from Da Nang back to India
2. Flight ticket from Cat Bi airport (Hai Phong) to Da Nang (for Hoi An)
3. Lunches and dinners
4. VISA
 5. Internal flight tickets
6. Optional activities like Lan Ha Bay tour
7. Scooty or bike rentals
8. Anything not specified in the itinerary or inclusions

Cancellation Policy:

- 60 or more days before the trip start date: 75% refund

- 30 to 60 days before the trip start date: 50% refund
- 14-30days before the trip start date: 25% refund
- Less than 14days before trip start date: No refund

Note: Images have been sourced through Google and belong to their respective owners.