Day 1 Hanoi - Ha long - Cai Rong 
This morning you will be picked up from the hotel, then take an air-conditioned bus to Halong City. Arriving in Ha Long City, you will have time for lunch in a local restaurant before continuing your drive to Cai Rong town. Take time to see some beauty spots on the island like Van Don harbour (Vietnam's oldest trade harbour), Cai Rong town market, Hang Doi (Bat Cave) and especially the Cua Ong Temple. We spend the night in Bai Tu Long marine eco-tourism Resort.

Days 2-3 Co To island
In the early morning we board the ferry to Co To Island. On board the ferry you will have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of Bai Tu Long Bay during the 5 hour journey.
Arriving at the island, we take a short walk from the pier to our guest house. Two days to chill out and relax. A popular option is to hire a bicycle and take a photographic trip around the Island, which will allow you to glimpse the remoteness and untouched scenery that was Vietnam before wide-scale tourism made its impact.
In the northeast, Co To Island is the farthest island. Its highest peak reaches a respectable 170m. There are numerous other hills, and a large lighthouse atop one of them. The coastline is mostly cliffs or large rocks, but there are many fine beaches. Fishing boats usually anchor just off here and you can walk to some of them during low tide.
In addition to their lovely shores, the islands also attract visitors with their diverse sea ecosystems that exhibit a diversity of species. Visitors tend to be particularly awed by the green and red corals lying deep in the blue water surrounding Co To. When the tide ebbs, people on board ships witness a fantastic panorama of a six-kilometre-long coral forest. The reef also supports the island's developing pearl industry.

Day 4 Co To - Hanoi
The last day starts with a refreshingly bright and early ferry back to Cai Rong Town through picturesque Bai Tu Long Bay, where your guide will take you to a local restaurant before your bus ride back to Hanoi.

travel style: Independent
If you're looking for something different or you want an extension to your trip, an Independent adventure could be just the thing. These private itineraries will take you to a new level of personal experience and self discovery. They can accommodate a special interest, such as cookery or meditation, or can be as simple as a beach break. Transport, accommodation standard and inclusions vary from trip to trip.
group size
N/A as this trip is on a private basis.
accommodation & meal inclusions
1 night in village homestay and 1 night in hotel
Cai Rong: Bai Tu Long resort
Meals included: breakfast
Co To island: Guesthouse
Meals included: breakfasts
*Note: This trip operates on a twin share basis (two single beds in one room) except when we are in a home-stay where we are one big happy family. Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room
transport
private air-conditioned vehicles, boat
physical rating:*easy
Be prepared to carry your bag for short distances to your hotel and to the boat

Tour includes:
* Local English speaking guide the whole trip 
*Accommodation with daily breakfast, entrance fees, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as itinerary.
*Permits
Tour excludes:
* Visa costs 
* Pre/post trip arrangements
* Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature. 
* International flights 
* Arrival and departure transfers 
* Meals other than those listed 
* Travel insurance