Vietnam · Cruise & Sailing

Northern Vietnam in 5 Days: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

5 Days Round trip from Hanoi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Hanoi and enjoy free time in the lively Old Quarter
  • 02 Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh
  • 03 Cruise through Tam Coc on a bamboo boat
  • 04 Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views over Tam Coc
  • 05 Overnight on a cruise in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay
  • 06 Discover caves, beaches, floating villages, and limestone islets
  • 07 Enjoy onboard experiences including a cooking demonstration and Tai Chi
  • 08 Airport transfers, accommodation, guide, and key meals included

Discover the highlights of Northern Vietnam on a 5-day journey that blends culture, history, and spectacular scenery. Begin in Hanoi, where you can soak up the atmosphere of the Old Quarter before heading south to Ninh Binh to explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, drift through Tam Coc by bamboo boat, and take in sweeping views from Mua Cave.

Your adventure continues with an overnight cruise in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay. Sail among limestone islets, visit remarkable caves and scenic spots, enjoy meals on board, and take part in activities such as a cooking demonstration and Tai Chi on deck. With airport transfers, guided sightseeing, accommodation, and key meals included, this itinerary offers an easy and memorable way to experience Northern Vietnam.

As the sun sets, marvel at the stunning colors painting the sky while lounging on the sundeck of your cruise.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 5 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Halong, Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư, Tam Cốc-Bích Động
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

DAY 1: HA NOI ARRIVALUpon reaching Hanoi, complete the immigration and visa on arrival process at the airport. Meet our driver at the airport and board your transfers to reach the pre-booked hotel.Complete the check-in procedure at the hotel and get ready to explore this capital city of Vietnam. Free time for leisure to enjoy Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay.  Overnight at your hotel

2
Day 02

DAY 2: HOA LU – TAM COC – MUA CAVE DAY TRIP ( B/L )After getting up and enjoy your tasty breakfast at hotel in Hanoi, be ready to get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province. On the way, you will have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax.Then reach Ninh Binh after approximately 2 hours. You will visit Hoa Lư, ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty.  Then in the middle of day, you will have lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, fried rice…. Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch.After lunch, you will visit Tam Coc by 1.5 hour bamboo boat. You will be surprised by the charming beauty her with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and a stunning cave system during the boat trip. All make a masterpiece that the Vietnamese people called “Ha Long Bay on land”. Continue the tour for 45 mins - cycling around the village to discover the life of the local people.  Get back to the bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.After the tour ends, you will get on the bus to return to Hanoi and drop you off at hotel at Hanoi Old Quarter.Overnight at your hotel

3
Day 03

DAY 3: HA NOI – HA LONG BAY ( B/L/D )Indulge in a sumptuous breakfast at your hotel and gear up for an exciting excursion to the stunning Halong Bay.Embark on a fascinating journey through the Red River Delta, where you can witness the day-to-day lifestyle of the Vietnamese villagers. Upon arrival at Halong, hop on board a luxurious cruise ship and receive a warm welcome from the friendly crew members. In the afternoon, explore some of the hidden gems scattered across the Bay of the Descending Dragon. Get enchanted by the fascinating caves, pristine beaches, picturesque floating villages, and incredible rock formations emerging from the emerald waters. Relish a delectable lunch on board and enjoy some leisure time. You can learn the art of making spring rolls by attending the chef's cooking demonstration or simply relax and soak in the breathtaking views.  As the sun sets, marvel at the stunning colors painting the sky while lounging on the sundeck of your cruise. In the evening, treat your taste buds to a delicious dinner accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages (additional cost for drinks). You can also choose to unwind by watching a movie, go squid fishing or enjoy a drink surrounded by the majestic limestone rocks rising out of the calm waters. Stay overnight on the luxurious cruise amidst the tranquil and captivating Halong Bay.  Overnight on the Cruise

4
Day 04

DAY 4: HA LONG BAY – HA NOI ( B/L )Wake up early and enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the bay while practicing a rejuvenating Tai Chi lesson on the Sundeck. Fuel up for the day ahead with a light breakfast, and later, savor a colorful brunch on the cruise. Continue your exploration of Halong Bay, sailing across its 2000+ islets and visiting some of its major highlights such as awe-inspiring caves, stunning beaches, and picturesque floating villages. You will have plenty of time to soak up the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, take stunning photos, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding nature.  After the excursion, you will return to the coast of Hanoi, where you will spend the night in the comfort of your hotel in the bustling city. Take some time to relax, unwind, and reflect on the wonderful experiences of your Halong Bay adventure.Overnight at your hotel

5
Day 05

DAY 5: DEPARTUREStart your day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel and bid farewell to the friendly hotel staff.Check out from the hotel and board your comfortable transfer to the airport, where you will embark on your journey back home with a heart full of unforgettable memories and experiences from your amazing Vietnam Tour.Not Included

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Hanoi 5 cities · 5 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Transfers: Airport Pick up & drop off as per your flight timings, comfortable and hygienic vehicle
  • Meals (not drink) as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
  • English-speaking guide
  • Entrance fees
  • Ninh Binh Day Trip: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital- Tam Coc Boat Trip- Mua Cave Hiking, Biking
  • 2 Days 1 Night cruise exploring the most stunning beauty of Ha Long Bay Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses & Beverages
  • Holiday surcharge & All other services not clearly mentioned above

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hanoi, VN
Tour start
Hanoi, VN
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 5 days finish where they began, in Hanoi.

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