Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Tour: Unveil the Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 3 Days

The Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 3 Days 

Begin your journey with a pickup in Hanoi, then embark on a 3-day adventure to Halong Bay first, sailing through emerald waters and exploring stunning limestone cliffs. Continue to Ninh Binh, a haven of tranquility with scenic rivers, ancient pagodas, and towering karst formations. This 3-day tour blends natural beauty, cultural history, and the peaceful charm of Vietnam, promising a memorable trip. 

Day-by-day itinerary 

Halong & Lan Ha Bay | 1 night 

Day 1: Sail Through the Majestic Lan Ha Bay & Halong Bay 

After being picked up in Hanoi, embark on a journey through the breathtaking seascape of Halong Bay, famous for its crystal-clear emerald waters and majestic limestone cliffs. 

Meals included: Lunch (on Halong cruise); Dinner (on Halong cruise) 

Cruise included: 2 Days 1 Night 

• The Au Co cruise: 2 Days 1 Night Signature Voyage across Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay
• Check in: 12:00 | Check out: 10:00 

Itinerary: 

Morning: (07:00 - 12:00) 

• Board your shuttle bus to Halong Bay. Arrive at Bhaya Cruise Center, located within the Tuan Chau International Marina after 3 hours. 

Afternoon: (12:00 - 15:00) 

• Board the cruise and enjoy lunch as the Au Co cruises towards Lan Ha Bay.
• Explore Cat Ba Island by bike, pedaling to Viet Hai Village, a hidden gem in Cat Ba National Park. With Bhaya Cruises' expert guides, discover their corporate social responsibility initiatives: "Viet Hai Community Farm" and "Save the Langurs." 
• At Bhaya Cafe, enjoy some time for refreshment and participate in some fun activities. Join a cocktail making session with local ingredients or try your hand at making "Bánh Cuốn" (steamed rolls) - a Vietnamese traditional delicacy.  

Evening: (17:00 - 21:00) 

• Back to the Au Co and enjoy Happy Hour at Lan Ha Bar during sunset. 
• Savor the delicious dinner in the restaurant.   
• Join the exciting Vietnamese rice wine tasting at the bar or try squid fishing with our staff on the main deck.  

Halong to Ninh Binh | 1 night 

Day 2: From Halong Bay’s Beauty to Ninh Binh’s Tranquil Countryside 

After your morning in Halong Bay, travel to the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”, then you will be free to explore for 1 night 1 day.  

Meals included: Breakfast (on Halong cruise) 

Hotel included: 1 night 

• Hotel: Emeralda Tam Coc Resort (or similar alternatives, subject to availability) 
• Check in: 14:00 | Check out: 12:00 

Itinerary: (Included - Halong cruise, Not included - Ninh Binh) 

Morning: (07:00 - 12:00) 

• Rejuvenate the body and mind with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson during sunrise. 
• Enjoy breakfast as the boat cruises towards the center of Halong Bay. 
• Kayaking around Trinh Nu area - an exclusive combination of beach and cave surrounded by cascading mountains.
• Back to the ship and prepare to check out. 
• Disembark at Bhaya Cruise Center and take some time to rest at Bhaya Cruise Center before your journey to Ninh Binh (approximately 3.5 hours driving). 

Suggested itinerary in Ninh Binh: 

Afternoon: (14:00 - 17:30) 

• Arrive in Ninh Binh and check into your hotel.
• Head to Tam Coc for a scenic boat ride along the river, surrounded by stunning limestone karsts and rice paddies. The boat ride typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, offering beautiful views of the landscape and the chance to see local wildlife.
• After the boat ride, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a picturesque three-tiered temple complex located in the hills near Tam Coc. Spend some time exploring the pagodas and enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Travel to Mua Cave, which is about 10-15 minutes away by car. Climb the 500 steps to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including Tam Coc and the lush countryside. 

Evening: (18:00 - 21:00) 

• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try Ninh Binh specialties like com chay (burned rice) or goat meat dishes, which are famous in the region.
• Explore the local night market for street food, souvenirs, and crafts. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you interact with local vendors.
• Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.  

Day 3: Unveil Ninh Binh's Natural Wonders and Journey back to Hanoi 

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Ninh Binh before returning to Hanoi. Your afternoon bus back to the city offers flexible scheduling, with the journey by car taking around 2 hours to reach the center of Hanoi. 

Meals included: Breakfast (at Ninh Binh hotel) 

Suggested itinerary: (not included) 

Morning (07:00 - 12:00) 

• Set sail on a boat ride at Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to enjoy scenic journey through serene rivers, limestone karsts, and hidden caves.
• Discover the historic temples of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia. You should take an electric car to explore all the monuments here. 

Afternoon: (12:30 - 14:00) 

• Check out and have your own lunch.
• Start your journey back to Hanoi (approximately 2 hours by car). 

Authentic Ninh Binh Exploration

Half-day tour from $150/person

Explore Thien Ha Cave and enjoy a scenic rowing boat ride through Thung Nham Valley, surrounded by limestone mountains and tropical forests. Then, explore Vietnamese craft “tò he” & make colorful toy figures from rice powder in Xuan La Village.

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In the morning, check out from your Ninh Binh hotel and proceed to a lesser visited area of Ninh Binh to explore the majestic Thien Ha Cave and take a rowing boat through the surrounding limestone foothills of Thung Nham Valley, surrounded by tropical forests draping limestone mountains with natural plants, untouched floral and water caves.

Tò he is named after a Vietnamese tradition in which colorful toy figures are made from rice powder. This morning, we will visit Xuan La village specializing in crafting tò he and try your hands on making this unique craft.

Drive back to Hanoi.

Reviews

Hotels, transfers & FAQ

Accommodation

Each hotel in Ninh Binh and Halong Bay cruise we select is carefully chosen to offer the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and authentic local character. While the specific accommodations may differ depending on your travel dates, we regularly use these hotels for the tour and are certain they'll meet your expectations.

The Au Co Cruise - Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay

Deluxe Cabin - The luxury steel-hulled Au Co with vintage style offers smooth sailing through Halong and Lan Ha bays, well-planned itineraries to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and discover cultural traditions.

Emeralda Tam Coc Resort - Ninh Binh

Superior Room - Nestled amidst Ninh Binh's stunning karst landscape and lush rice paddies, the resort offers a serene retreat where traditional Vietnamese charm meets modern comfort.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit Halong and Ninh Binh depends on what you’re looking for, as each season offers something unique. Spring (March to May) brings pleasant weather and blooming landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities. Summer (June to August) is great for water sports and cruises, and gives more discounts. Fall (September to November) offers cooler temperatures and stunning scenery with clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and photography. Winter (December to February) is less crowded, with a peaceful atmosphere, great for those who prefer a more tranquil experience. Every season has its charm!

Is it worth visiting Halong Bay?

Yes, its breathtaking natural beauty, with towering limestone islands, emerald waters, and hidden caves, makes it one of Vietnam’s most famous attractions. Whether you're interested in scenic boat cruises, kayaking, exploring caves, or relaxing on the beach, Halong Bay offers a unique experience. Additionally, the bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in both natural and cultural value, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to Vietnam. 

Which is better Ninh Binh or SaPa?

Whether Ninh Binh or Sapa is better depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking: 

• Ninh Binh offers stunning landscapes, such as Tam Coc and Trang An, known for limestone karsts, peaceful rivers, and ancient temples. It's ideal for those interested in history, nature, and culture, with easier access from Hanoi.
• Sapa provides breathtaking mountain scenery, terraced rice fields, and the chance to interact with ethnic minority villages. It's a great choice for hiking and trekking enthusiasts looking for adventure. 

For natural beauty and culture, both are excellent, but if you prefer a laid-back, scenic experience, go for Ninh Binh; if you seek adventure and hiking, Sapa is the better choice. 

How do I go to Ninh Binh from Halong Bay?

Taking a passenger bus is a very budget-friendly option for travelers looking to save money. The journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh takes about 4 to 5 hours. There are several direct buses available daily. To catch a bus, you can head to Bai Chay Bus Station in Halong Bay and buy a ticket for a direct trip to Ninh Binh. This method offers a convenient and affordable way to travel between the two destinations. 

You can consider other options such as private car/taxi, train or motorbike. 

How much time do I need in Ninh Binh?

One day in Ninh Binh can be enough to see the main highlights, such as Tam Coc or Trang An boat rides, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Mua Cave for panoramic views.  

However, to fully appreciate the area's beauty and explore more leisurely, 2 days would be ideal. This allows extra time for cycling around the countryside, visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, or taking in other lesser-known sights like Van Long Nature Reserve. A longer stay offers a richer and more relaxed experience. 

What are the must-try local foods in Halong and Ninh Binh?

Most cruises offer a range of Vietnamese and international dishes, with an emphasis on seafood. Dishes like grilled squid, sea bass, and fresh oysters are popular.  

Ninh Binh is known for goat meat dishes like De Tai Chanh (lemon goat) and Com Chay (crispy rice). You can find these specialties at local restaurants in the town or near attractions. 

Is Ninh Binh the same as Halong Bay?

No, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay are not the same, but they share similarities. Halong Bay is known for its dramatic limestone islands rising from emerald waters, while Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," features similar limestone karsts but set amidst lush rice fields, rivers, and valleys. Both offer stunning natural scenery, but the experiences differ: Halong Bay is best explored by cruise, while Ninh Binh allows for a combination of boat rides, cycling, and hiking through rural landscapes. 

Is it possible to customize or change the itinerary?

The Halong Bay cruise itinerary is set, featuring activities like cruising the bay, exploring caves, kayaking, and potentially swimming, depending on the weather and season. In contrast, Ninh Binh offers greater flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace with optional activities. While we provide a suggested itinerary to help you maximize your time in these locations, you are free to customize your experience according to your interests. 

Dates & prices