The Hidden Kingdom: 8 Days in Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay

Luxury without rushing.

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8 days / 7 nights

Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Hanoi → Ha Long & Lan Ha Bay

Group size: 2–6 guests

Activity level

1–2

The journey

From the lantern-lit streets of Hanoi to the limestone rivers of Ninh Binh and the quiet bays of Ha Long, The Hidden Kingdom is a private Northern Vietnam journey built around time, space and choice rather than a checklist of sights. You travel with your own driver and English-speaking guide, stay in calm, well-chosen hotels, and keep each day to one or two main moments, with room to rest, wander and eat well.

Journey highlights

Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, told through its dynasties and stories
An early-morning boat ride through the Trang An landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Golden-hour cycling or e-biking through Ninh Binh’s rice fields and villages
Hanoi’s French Quarter, Temple of Literature and Old Quarter with a knowledgeable local guide
A hands-on Vietnamese coffee workshop: egg coffee, phin drip, Arabica and Robusta
An overnight cruise on Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay, with kayaking and a sunrise on deck

Your journey, day by day

Day 1 — Arrival in Hanoi

Your driver and guide meet you at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel by West Lake. The rest of the day is yours: rest after the flight, or take a gentle evening stroll through the Old Quarter.

Day 2 — Hanoi to Ninh Binh: the ancient capital

A two-hour private drive brings you to Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Your guide tells the story of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties among the temples and karst hills. In the afternoon, settle into a riverside retreat in Hoa Lu and unwind with a 90-minute herbal wellness ritual.

Day 3 — Trang An by boat, Ninh Binh by bicycle

Set out early, when the light is soft, for a private boat ride through Trang An's rivers, caves and limestone towers. After a slow brunch and a free afternoon, follow small roads through rice fields and villages by e-bike or bicycle, timed for golden hour, and end the day with a sunset aperitif over the landscape.

Day 4 — Back to Hanoi: the French Quarter

A leisurely morning, then a return drive to Hanoi. In the afternoon, walk the French Quarter with your guide: tree-lined boulevards, colonial architecture and the history held inside Hoa Lo Prison.

Day 5 — Hanoi: heritage and coffee

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, and hear how scholars, examinations and Confucian ideas shaped the country. Then join a Vietnamese coffee workshop to learn the difference between egg coffee, phin drip, Arabica and Robusta. The evening is free; your guide can book a table at one of Hanoi's Michelin-recognised restaurants.

Day 6 — Hanoi: the Old Quarter and local life

Explore the Old Quarter's guild streets, family businesses and hidden courtyards, with a tasting of Hanoi classics such as phở, bánh cuốn and bún chả. After a rest, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and finish with the story of Hanoi's bia hơi culture at a carefully chosen local spot.

Day 7 — Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay cruise

A private drive takes you to the coast to board your overnight cruise. Swim or kayak in a quiet lagoon, watch the sunset from the sundeck, and join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration before dinner on board.

Day 8 — Sunrise on the bay and return

Start with sunrise and tai chi on deck, then explore a cave by rowing boat or kayak. After brunch, return to shore and travel privately back to Hanoi, to your hotel or the airport. We recommend evening flights from 7 pm.

Journey details

Duration: 8 days / 7 nights (1 night Hanoi, 2 nights Ninh Binh, 3 nights Hanoi, 1 night on the bay)
Travel style: 100% private, with a private air-conditioned vehicle, dedicated driver and English-speaking guide
Group size: 2–6 guests; larger groups on request
Activity level: 1–2, mostly light walking. Cycling, kayaking and cave visits are optional.
Best time to go: autumn (September–November) and spring (March–April) usually bring the most comfortable weather in Northern Vietnam. Summer is hot and humid and can bring storms that affect cruises. Winter in Hanoi is cool and often misty.
Good to know: stays and experiences are subject to availability, and cruises run subject to weather and maritime conditions. Your proposal will set out exactly what is included.

Frequently asked questions

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