Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh 5 Days 4 Nights

Travel Style: Classic Tours
Trip length: 5 days

This 5-day Vietnam highlights tour is designed for travelers who want to see the very best of northern Vietnam in a short time.

Explore the charming capital Hanoi with its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial buildings, ancient temples, and vibrant Old Quarter. Head south to Ninh Binh, where you’ll visit Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s ancient capital – and glide through the scenic limestone karsts of Tam Coc on a peaceful sampan boat ride. Then experience the natural wonder of Halong Bay, cruising through emerald waters, exploring dramatic caves, and kayaking among limestone islets. With a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, this itinerary offers a well-balanced and unforgettable journey.

• Discover Hanoi’s Old Quarter, French colonial landmarks, museums, and Hoan Kiem Lake.
• One-hour cyclo ride through the 36 streets of Hanoi.
• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and learn about Vietnam’s dynastic history.
• Take a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on land.”
• Overnight Halong Bay cruise with kayaking, caves, and floating villages.
• Witness sunrise over the bay and enjoy onboard activities like squid fishing or cooking demos.
• Flexible itinerary with options to adjust accommodation or cruise based on preferences.

Day 1: HANOI ARRIVAL (L)

Arriving at the airport in Hanoi, meet our guide and drive to your hotel for checking in.

Afternoon tour start at one of the city’s museums (History Museum and Ethnology Museum, Hoa Lo Prison which once known as “Hanoi Hilton”). Back to downtown for refreshment by Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Restored Sword Lake) with Ngoc Son Temple before taking one hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets, this bustling area of narrow streets is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It’s a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: HANOI - NINH BINH (B, L)

8:00 pick up at your hotel and head out for Ninh Binh (2 hour driving), enjoy beautiful roadside scenery on the way.

Arriving in Ninh Binh province, pay a visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam. Continue to Tam Coc and have lunch at a nice restaurant before boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves”. With Halong 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

Return to Hanoi late afternoon. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY CRUISE (B, L, D)

8.00 Morning pick up and depart for the journey east of Hanoi (approximately 3,5 hours) to Tuan Chau marina, the gateway to Halong Bay. En route stop for stretching your legs.

11.45 Arrive in Halong, aboard a traditional junk, check in your cabin. Lunch is served while the boat sets sail to Halong bay to enjoy the beautiful limestone seascape with Fighting cock, Dog Rock and Incense Burner islets. Stop for visiting the Amazing cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the area. Continue cruising to floating house/village and go kayaking to Luon cave to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay. Dinner and join exciting night activities on board. Overnight on board.

*Itinerary varies depending on the boat you choose, will be modified on final confirmation.

Day 4:  HALONG BAY - HANOI (B, L)

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 Tuan Chau marina. Enjoy the lunch (or brunch) on board and enjoy the rest of the boat trip. Disembark at Halong dock, have short break before en route to Hanoi.

Day 5: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

The day will be free for strolling in the charming ancient capital, go shopping in the Old Quarter, and enjoy the savor of Hanoi. Transfer to the airport for your flight onward.