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Hidden Vietnam: Bai Tu Long Bay & Ninh Binh Countryside 3D2N

Excellent
Duration

3 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

9 people

Languages

English, Vietnamese

Discover a quieter, more authentic side of Vietnam on this 3-day journey combining nature, culture, and relaxation. Cruise through the peaceful waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, away from the crowds of Ha Long Bay, then unwind in the serene countryside of Ninh Binh.

From kayaking in hidden lagoons and enjoying sunset views on a boutique cruise to cycling through quiet villages and sharing a home-cooked meal with a local host, this experience offers a perfect balance of scenic beauty and meaningful local connection.

Highlights

  • Cruise through the quieter waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, far from the crowds of Ha Long Bay
  • Kayak into hidden lagoons and enjoy rare peaceful moments with minimal boats around
  • Watch sunset on the sundeck in a calm, uncrowded setting
  • Visit the secluded Thien Canh Son Cave, away from mass tourism routes
  • Stay at a boutique countryside homestay in Ninh Binh surrounded by rice fields and limestone mountains
  • Share a home-cooked dinner and connect with a local host for an authentic cultural experience
  • Explore the untouched wetlands of Van Long Nature Reserve by traditional boat
  • Cycle through quiet villages and scenic countryside paths rarely seen by tourists

Day 1: Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay - Overnight on Cruise (L/D) - Off-the-Beaten-Path Cruise

08:00: Hotel pick-up you at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Transfer by luxury limousine via expressway to Ha Long area.

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at the harbor. Welcome drink & check-in at the lounge.

12:30: Board your boutique cruise sailing through the untouched part of Bai Tu Long Bay (less crowded than Halong Bay).

13:00: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while cruising past limestone karsts and hidden islets.

15:00 – 16:30: Explore Bai Tu Long Bay - less tourist 

  • Kayaking through lagoons & karst formations
  • Visit a secluded beach (swimming & relaxing)

17:30: Sunset party on sundeck – local wine, fruits & snacks.

18:00: Join a Vietnamese cooking class (spring rolls / local dishes).

19:00: Dinner onboard – fusion Vietnamese cuisine.

20:30 – Evening

  • Squid fishing
  • Stargazing
  • Relax on sundeck or in your private cabin

🛏️ Overnight on cruise (private cabin with ocean view)

Day 2: Bai Tu Long Bay – Ninh Binh Countryside (Hidden Rural Life) (B/L/D)

06:15: Sunrise Tai Chi session on sundeck.

07:00: Light breakfast (coffee, tea, pastries).

07:45: Visit a floating fishing village or cave (depending on cruise route).

09:00 – 09:30: Check-out and brunch while cruising back to harbor.

11:30 – 12:00: Disembark. Transfer directly to Ninh Binh (~3.5–4 hours).

15:30 – 16:00: Arrival in Ninh Binh countryside. Check-in at a boutique homestay surrounded by rice fields & limestone mountains.

16:30 – 18:00

  • Bicycle ride through rural villages
  • Visit local homes, buffalo fields, lotus ponds (seasonal)

18:30: Dinner at homestay – authentic home-cooked Vietnamese meal.

Evening: Chill by pool or garden

🛏️ Overnight in countryside homestay (peaceful, non-touristy area)

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Hanoi (Nature & Culture Immersion)

07:30: Breakfast with local flavors.

08:30 – 11:30: Explore Ninh Binh’s highlights: Less touristy:

  • Boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve (wild nature, fewer crowds)
  • Cycling through rice fields

12:00: Check out & enjoy a lunch at local restaurant with regional specialties (goat meat, crispy rice).

13:30: Return transfer to Hanoi.

16:00: Drop-off you at hotel.

  • Round-trip transfer from Hanoi (shared limousine)
  • 1-night boutique cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
  • All meals on cruise (lunch, dinner, breakfast, brunch)
  • Kayaking experience in the bay
  • All entrance fees
  • 1-night stay at countryside homestay in Ninh Binh
  • Daily breakfast and 1 home-cooked dinner at homestay
  • Cycling experience in local villages & 1 lunch in Ninh Binh
  • Boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve
  • English-speaking guide during activities
  • Personal expenses and drinks
  • Tips (optional)
  • Tax
  • Surcharge for holiday

2-3 Days

English
Vietnamese

Tour's Location

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, all activities such as kayaking and cycling are easy and suitable for beginners with basic fitness

How crowded is the cruise compared to Halong Bay?

This experience takes place in Bai Tu Long Bay, which is much quieter than Ha Long Bay, with fewer boats and a more peaceful atmosphere

What type of accommodation is included?

You will stay 1 night on a boutique cruise (private cabin) and 1 night at a countryside homestay in Ninh Binh with comfortable, local-style facilities.

Is the homestay comfortable?

Yes, the homestay offers clean, comfortable rooms in a peaceful rural setting, though it is not a luxury resort.

What should I bring?

We recommend comfortable clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and suitable shoes for light activities.

Are meals included?

Yes, all meals on the cruise and selected meals in Ninh Binh are included, including a home-cooked dinner with a local host.

What happens in case of bad weather?

The itinerary may be adjusted for safety reasons, especially for cruising and kayaking activities.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions or allergies

Is pickup included?

Yes, round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter is included. Additional charges may apply for other areas.

Reviews

5/5
Excellent
Based on 3 reviews
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Hidden Vietnam: Bai Tu Long Bay & Ninh Binh Countryside 3D2N
Jenny
04/04/2026

Great to deal with true professionals!!

Azotar Travel was excellent from start to finish! All the transfers they booked for us arrived on time and were as promised. Follow up and information text kept us updated and where we needed to be . Special thanks to Ben & Sofia for all their hard work and expertise!!
Hidden Vietnam: Bai Tu Long Bay & Ninh Binh Countryside 3D2N
Clara Dubois
03/09/2026

Nature at Its Finest

Stunning landscapes from start to finish. I especially loved the peaceful boat ride in Ninh Binh and the quiet atmosphere on the bay. Food was good, though more variety would have been nice. Highly recommended!
Hidden Vietnam: Bai Tu Long Bay & Ninh Binh Countryside 3D2N
Thomas Müller
01/16/2026

Beyond the Crowds

Perfect choice if you want to avoid busy tourist spots. Ninh Binh was calm and scenic, and Bai Tu Long Bay felt authentic and relaxing. The guide was excellent. Transport took a while, but the views made up for it.
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