Vietnam · Cruise & Sailing

6-Day Northern Vietnam Tour with Ha Long Bay Cruise and Ninh Binh

6 Days Round trip from Hà Nội Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Hanoi's highlights, including the Temple of Literature and Ethnology Museum
  • 02 Cruise through Ha Long Bay on a luxurious wooden sailing junk
  • 03 Spend a magical night anchored in Ha Long Bay
  • 04 Discover Hoa Lư, the ancient capital of Vietnam
  • 05 Enjoy a boat trip through Tam Cốc's green rice fields

Discover Hanoi's culture, cruise Ha Long Bay, and explore Ninh Binh's landscapes on a 6-day adventure that blends history, nature, and comfort. Explore the capital city of Hanoi and its iconic monuments, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Presidential Palace, and One Pillar Pagoda. Spend a serene night on a wooden sailing junk in Ha Long Bay, then continue to Ninh Binh to experience its striking geological scenery, ancient capital, and river landscapes.

Your Ninh Binh experience begins with a boat trip through Tam Coc, where majestic limestone karsts rise dramatically from the lush green rice fields, evoking comparisons to Guilin in China and earning the area the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.”

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Halong, Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư, Tam Cốc-Bích Động
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Hanoi arrival

  • Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our driver and guide. 
  • Then, you'll be comfortably transferred to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi.
  • The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your long journey. Feel free to explore the city at your own pace, and our tour guide will be available should you need any assistance.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi.

2
Day 02

Hanoi – Discover Hanoi: A Full-Day Cultural Journey (B)

  • After breakfast, our guide will meet you to begin a full-day exploration of Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital. We'll start the city tour at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes his mausoleum, gardens, stilt house, and a museum dedicated to his life and legacy.
  • Our first stop is Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, located in the heart of Ba Dinh Square, where the nation’s founder rests. This significant monument is open to visitors from Tuesday to Thursday, and on weekends, between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
  • Next, we’ll visit the nearby Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure resembling a lotus rising from a square pond. Originally built in 1049 by King Ly Thai Tong, inspired by a dream of the Goddess of Mercy, it was destroyed in 1954 and later restored in 1955.
  • We'll continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. Here, you'll gain insight into the country's educational history, which dates back over a thousand years.
  • In the afternoon, we’ll explore Ethnology Museum, which showcases the rich diversity of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. The museum features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including traditional houses reflecting various architectural styles. Please note, the museum is closed on Mondays.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Hanoi.

3
Day 03

Hanoi – Halong Bay (B/L/D)

  • After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a scenic 3-hour drive through the fertile farmlands of the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most stunning natural wonders. Located nearly 200 kilometers from Hanoi, the bay boasts 1,600 limestone islands, each offering a breathtaking view.
  • Upon arrival in Ha Long, board a luxurious wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the bay's limestone formations and emerald waters. This is a perfect opportunity to marvel at the extraordinary scenery of this World Heritage Site. Onboard, savour a delicious fresh seafood lunch, and then enjoy swimming and exploring some of the bay's limestone caves. 
  • As the sun sets, we’ll anchor near a secluded island for the night. Dinner will be served on board, followed by an overnight stay on the junk.
4
Day 04

Halong – Ninh Binh (B/L)

  • Waking up to the serene beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning swim, taking in the joys and emotions of watching the sunrise over the sea, followed by breakfast on board. This morning, we will continue exploring the bay, seeking out more secluded areas. The junk will remain nearby, serving as a support vessel for anyone who may need it. 
  • Around midday, we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour drive to Ninh Binh.
  • On arrival, check in at the hotel and time on your own.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ninh Binh.

5
Day 05

Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave (B)

  • After breakfast in the morning, you’ll explore Ninh Binh, the former capital of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its prominent role in the 11th century. The region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu, the ancient capital with its historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, who ruled in the 10th century.
  • Your Ninh Binh experience begins with a boat trip through Tam Coc, where majestic limestone karsts rise dramatically from the lush green rice fields, evoking comparisons to Guilin in China and earning the area the nickname “Ha Long Bay on land.”
  • Next, delve deeper into Ninh Binh's history at the site of the 10th-century royal palace, now famous for the intricate wooden carvings of the serene Dinh and Le temples. Continue to Mua Cave, a site known for its captivating legends. Climb 500 stone steps to the peak, where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the meandering Ngo Dong River.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Ninh Binh.

6
Day 06

Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Departure (B)

  • Breakfast is served at the hotel. After that, transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

End of our service.

Ha Long Bay limestone karsts, Tam Coc green rice fields, Hoa Lư Ancient Capital

Where this trip takes you

Ha Long Bay limestone karsts, Tam Coc green rice fields, Hoa Lư Ancient Capital

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Hà Nội 5 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Accommodation in a twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below-indicated room types (see hotel category list below), with check-in and check-out around noontime
  • 2 days/1 night cruise on board a cruise in Ha Long Bay (double/twin cabin on a shared boat)
  • Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
  • Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
  • Shuttle bus service
  • Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program
  • Flight as per the program
  • 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on the bus, on days of transfer and sightseeing only

What's Not Included

  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • International and domestic flight tickets
  • Meals other than those mentioned in the program
  • Additional transfers required due to any emergency situation
  • Visa, as per country requirements
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Phú Cường, Sóc Sơn, Hà Nội, Việt Nam
Tour start
Hà Nội, Việt Nam
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Hà Nội.

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Starting from

USD 420 /person
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Estimated room rates

Single Room $420.00 — $1,055.00
Double Sharing $420.00 — $713.00

When

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