Dry Halong Bay

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park is considered to be one of Vietnam's most beautiful and important nature reserves, home to a wealth of beautiful tropical birds, many of them endemic to Vietnam and Indochina.

Amongst the 300+ species of rare birds that you might encounter are the Silver-pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill and the Bar-bellied Pita.

After visiting Cuc Phuong, see the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Turtle Rescue Centre before heading back to Ninh Binh for a second night.

On the third day journey just outside town to Tam Coc, or Dry Halong Bay.

This area is famous for its breath-taking scenery, where dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands.

Embark on a small, hand rowed sampan, and begin a journey along green waterways, one of the most scenic areas in the whole of Indochina.

Day One: Ninh Binh

Depart from Hanoi for the drive to Ninh Binh where you will check in with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Ninh Binh.

Day Two: Cuc Phuong

Journey south along Highway 1 through the provinces of Ha Tay, Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh.

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park is considered to be one of Vietnam's most beautiful and important nature reserves, home to a wealth of beautiful tropical birds, many of them endemic to Vietnam and Indochina.

Amongst the 300+ species of rare birds that you might encounter are the Silver-pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Brown Hornbill and the Bar-bellied Pita.

Cuc Phuong is also home to many different species of amphibians, insects, and reptiles, many of them endemic to Cuc Phuong and Vietnam.

The ancient forest contains almost 2,000 species of trees and amongst them lives some amazing and rare animals including the Clouded Leopard and Delacour Langur.

A National Park professional guide will lead a specific programme depending on the season to look for birds and other wildlife.

The reason for being in Ninh Binh the previous night is to facilitate an early start today, when the wildlife is at its most active.

Enjoy a half day trekking in the National Park, before visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue centre (EPRC), one of the highlights of a visit to Cuc Phuong. Here it's possible to observe some of the rarest primate species in the world.

Afterwards visit the Turtle Conservation centre (TCC), the flagship programme for efforts in Vietnam to conserve turtles.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

As this is a private tour, there are no set departure dates.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific would be airlines we most often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

Vietnam Airlines fly directly to both Hanoi and Saigon from the UK.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Indochina from our office in Vietnam and regularly inspect the hotels we use.