Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Tour 3 Days 2 Night

Travel Style: Classic Tours, Halong Bay Cruise
Trip length: 3 days

If you only have a few days in Vietnam but still want to experience its best landscapes, this 3-day tour from Hanoi is the perfect choice.

The journey combines three highlights in northern Vietnam: cruising through the emerald waters and towering limestone karsts of Halong Bay, exploring the tranquil countryside and ancient capital in Ninh Binh, and experiencing authentic rural life along the way. Spend a night onboard a traditional junk in Halong Bay, kayak into hidden lagoons, visit mysterious caves, cycle through rice paddies, climb up to Hang Mua for breathtaking panoramic views, and enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s “Halong Bay on land.” This well-paced itinerary blends nature, history, and culture, making it an unforgettable snapshot of northern Vietnam.

• Overnight cruise on a traditional junk boat in Halong Bay.
• Kayaking and cave exploration among limestone islets.
• Cycling through Ninh Binh’s countryside to Hang Mua.
• Panoramic views from Mua Cave summit.
• Peaceful sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone valleys.
• Visit to Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s ancient royal capital.
• Balanced mix of culture, history, and natural scenery.

Day 1. HANOI - HALONG BAY CRUISE (L, D)

8:00-8.30 pick up at your hotel, depart for Halong bay. On the way to Halong city enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life.

11.45 Arrive in Tuan Chau marina, aboard a cruise for this stunning 2D1N Cruise of Halong Bay. Lunch is served while the boat cruises Halong bay to enjoy the beautiful limestone seascape with Fighting cock, Dog Rock and Incense Burner islets. After visiting Amazing cave we stop at a floating house and go kayaking to Luon cave to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2. HALONG - NINH BINH (B, L, D)

Sunrise breakfast and cruise around the clear & emerald water to another part of Halong bay with a close-up view of stunning limestone peaks, keeping on another side toward Halong harbor. Enjoy the lunch (or brunch) on board and enjoy the rest of the boat trip. Disembark at Halong dock, have short break before driving to Ninh Binh (3.5 hours).

Check in your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Hop on a bike and cycle to Mua cave (Hang Mua) with stunning countryside with rice fields, buffalo, goats… along the road (4km biking to Mua cave). You start walking up to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Tam Coc area and the stunning countryside surrounding. Descending and visit Hang Mua and a fairy stream for relaxing.

Optional: You can also opt for this evening cooking class with a local family and enjoy your own dinner (what-you-have-cooked)

Day 3. NINH BINH - HANOI (B, L)

Enjoy a peaceful morning and have breakfast at hotel. Start the day with a work-out to ride a bike to Tam Coc and the countryside of Bich Dong pagoda. Enjoy a peacefull morning before boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “Three Caves”. With Halong bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious yet inviting caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields.. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, a very good opportunities for photo lovers, freezing the special moments and scenery.

Check out your hotel and have lunch at a nice restaurant with many local delicacies.

Continue our trip and pay a visit to Hoa Lu - the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le, admire the unique architecture from ancient times, learn about history and culture of ancient Vietnamese.

Return to Hanoi late afternoon. End this tour at your hotel.

GROUP TOUR (Seat-in-Coach)

PRIVATE TOUR PRICE

Not fit your requirement? Feel free to contact us to plan this trip and get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.