4-Day Northern Vietnam Tour with Hanoi, Ninh Bình and Hạ Long Bay

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore Hanoi's cultural and historical landmarks, including the Temple of Literature and Ngọc Sơn Temple
• 02 Cruise past the limestone islands of Hạ Long Bay, including Hòn Gà Chọi, the bay's symbol
• 03 Visit Hoa Lư Ancient Capital and the temples of Kings Đinh Tiên Hoàng and Lê Đại Hành
• 04 Climb Mua Cave for panoramic views over the Tam Cốc landscape
• 05 Boat through the UNESCO World Heritage scenery of Tràng An's karst mountains, caves, and rivers
• 06 Kayak or ride a bamboo boat through Luon Cave, then relax or trek on Titop Island

Discover Northern Vietnam through a well-rounded journey that combines Hanoi's cultural landmarks, the dramatic karst landscapes of Ninh Bình, and the iconic seascapes of Hạ Long Bay. Explore historic and spiritual sites in the capital, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, and cruise through the UNESCO-listed scenery of Tràng An. In Hạ Long Bay, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak at Luon Cave, and relax or trek on Titop Island. The tour ends with free time in Hanoi before your airport transfer.

In Hạ Long Bay, visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak at Luon Cave, and relax or trek on Titop Island.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Halong, Hanoi, Hai Duong, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Hanoi and City Highlights

• 7h30-8h00: Our driver will pick you up from the airport station and transfer you to the city center to join the group tour.
• We will begin the city day trip by heading to Uncle Ho's final resting place in Ba Đình Square, where Vietnamese cultural and political events usually take place. Visit Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he lived intermittently during the Vietnam War, and One Pillar Pagoda - a Buddhist temple featuring distinctive architecture, with a peaceful lotus lake outside. Continue to Trấn Quốc Pagoda and see the Bodhi tree that was offered as a gift by Indian Prime Minister Rajendra Prasad during his visit to Vietnam in 1959.
• 12h30: Have lunch at a restaurant in the Old Quarter.
• Continue to the ancient Ngọc Sơn Temple and Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Sword Lake). Then visit Vietnam's first university - the Temple of Literature (Quốc Tử Giám), founded in 1070 based on the teachings of Confucius.
• 16h15: Enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a well-known traditional Vietnamese art form that has been preserved through generations for more than 800 years. (Water Puppet Show excluded.)
• Free time for dinner on your own.
• Stay overnight in Hà Nội.
• Please note: The program will be adjusted to suit arrival flights. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Monday and Friday, and all museums are closed on Monday. Alternatives will be recommended accordingly.

2

Day 02

Hoa Lư, Mua Cave, and Tràng An

• 7h30-8h00 AM: Depart from Hanoi.
• Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and begin the journey to Ninh Bình province. It takes approximately two hours to reach the first destination of the day, Hoa Lư Ancient Capital.
• 10h00-10h30 AM: Visit Hoa Lư Ancient Capital.
• Hoa Lư was the capital of Vietnam during the Đinh and Lê dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Here, you will visit the temples of the two kings, Đinh Tiên Hoàng and Lê Đại Hành. The temples are located in a scenic area surrounded by limestone mountains and green rice fields.
• 11h30 AM: Explore Mua Cave.
• After visiting Hoa Lư, the tour continues to Mua Cave, located nearby. Mua Cave is a popular tourist spot because of its stunning panoramic views over the Tam Cốc area. To reach the top of the mountain, you need to climb 500 steps, but the effort is worth it.
• 1h00 PM: Lunch break.
• You will have lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Bình, where you can try traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
• 2h00 PM: Boat tour in Tràng An.
• After lunch, it is time for a boat tour in Tràng An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tràng An is known for its scenic landscapes of karst mountains, caves, and rivers. During the boat tour, you will explore the caves and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• 4h30 PM: Return to Hanoi.
• After the boat tour, you will be driven back to your hotel in Hanoi, arriving around 6h30 PM, depending on traffic.

3

Day 03

Hạ Long Bay Cruise, Sung Sot Cave, and Titop Island

• 08h30-09h00: The car and tour guide will pick you up at the meeting point in the Old Quarter and Opera House to depart for Hạ Long Bay. On the way, you will stop in Hải Dương for a short rest and free time to shop for local specialties.
• 11h30-12h00: Arrive at Hạ Long port. The group gathers at the waiting house under the guidance of the tour guide, receives tickets, and boards the cruise to begin the journey of exploring the bay. The cruise passes many large and small islands with different shapes, including Hòn Gà Chọi, the symbol of Hạ Long Bay.
• Enjoy lunch on board.
• 14h00: Arrive at Bồ Hòn Island, where you will visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Hạ Long Bay. Next, you will kayak or take a bamboo boat to visit Luon Cave (the cost of kayaking or the bamboo boat is included). After 30 minutes of kayaking, you will board the cruise again and continue to Titop Island.
• You can swim at Titop Beach with its white sand, or try trekking to the top of Titop Mountain for a panoramic view of Hạ Long Bay.
• 16h30: Return to the cruise. The boat will begin moving back toward the port. You can sunbathe on the deck, listen to music, relax, and immerse yourself in the nature of Hạ Long Bay.
• 17h30-18h00: The cruise docks. Say goodbye to Hạ Long Bay and get in the car for the return journey to Hanoi.
• 20h00-20h30: Arrive in Hanoi. The car will drop you off at the pick-up point. End of the trip.
• Important note: The time for visiting Hạ Long Bay can be adjusted to suit conditions. Departure dates may be subject to change depending on Hạ Long weather or coordination by the Management Board of Hạ Long Bay. In some cases, there may be a sudden departure ban due to high winds or thunderstorms without prior notice. We hope for your understanding.

4

Day 04

Free Time in Hanoi and Departure

• Have breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy free time at leisure, then check out. The driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Transport: airport transfer, air-conditioned tourist bus during the tour, and cruise trip in Hạ Long Bay.
• English-speaking tour guide during the tour.
• One water bottle per day.
• Entrance fees.
• Meals: 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches.

3-night accommodation (3 nights in Hanoi) with daily breakfast as per the detailed itinerary.

Children policy:

Under 3 years old: free of charge (<1.2 m).

From 4 up to 8 years old: 75% of adult price.

From 9 years old and up: 100% of adult price.

What's Not Included

• Air tickets, international and domestic.
• Tips to guides and drivers (compulsory).
• Drinks.
• VAT 8%.
• 3% bank fee.
• Travel insurance.
• Single room.
• Vietnam visa stamp (US$25.00 per person).
• Travel insurance with Covid protection term up to $10,000.

Group below 5 pax: US$5.00 per person/day.

Group 5 pax and up: US$3.00 per person/day.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing for sightseeing and walking (light, breathable fabrics for daytime, warmer layers for evenings)
• Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking (especially for Mua Cave)
• Swimwear for beach and water activities at Titop Island
• Sunscreen and hat for sun protection
• Camera/phone for photos
• Waterproof bag for electronics and valuables (especially on the boat)
• Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
• Insect repellent for outdoor activities
• A small backpack for day trips
• Travel documents (passport, e-visa, insurance)

Know before you go

• E-Visa: Apply online at least 15 working days before departure. Cost: US$25.
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Bring cash for small purchases or tips.
• Weather: Northern Vietnam can be cool in the winter (Dec-Feb), and warm in summer (Jun-Aug).
• Language: Vietnamese is the main language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
• Meals: 03 breakfasts, 02 lunches are included. Other meals are your responsibility.
• Tipping: Optional, but guide/driver tips are appreciated (around US$3-5 per day).
• Health: Stay hydrated and carry any personal medications.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Hanoi, Vietnam

Tour start

Hanoi, Vietnam

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.