Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi - Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay - Ninh Binh Tour

The Essence of Northern Vietnam in 4 Days

This four-day journey takes you from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Halong Bay and the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh, before returning to Hanoi. Get ready for a journey filled with Northern Vietnam’s rich culture, natural beauty, and history. Whether exploring ancient temples, cruising emerald waters, or cycling through lush countryside, this itinerary promises unforgettable experiences in just four days.

Day-by-day itinerary

Hanoi | 1 night

Day 1: Discover Hanoi’s timeless charm

Embark on your journey in Vietnam's vibrant capital, where historic temples meet modern cafes and lively streets. After checking in at your hotel in Hanoi, the city is yours to explore with your own schedule and interests.

Hotel included: 1 night

• Hotel: MK Premier Boutique Hotel (or alternatives of the same category, depending on availability)
• Check in: 14:00 | Check out: 12:00

Suggested itinerary: (not included)

Afternoon (13:00 - 17:00)

• Half-day city tour. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, and stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. Some other popular attractions that you also could take consideration such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature.
• Stop at a local café to enjoy famous Vietnamese egg coffee like Giang Cafe, Dinh Cafe.

Evening (18:00 - 21:00)

• Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant. Do not miss some signature Hanoi’s food like Pho, Bun Cha, Cha Ca. 
• Dive into the nightlife of the Old Quarter, with its numerous bars and live music venues.
• Overnight stay in Hanoi. 

Hanoi Jeep Adventure

Half-day tour from $100/person
Explore Hanoi in a vintage army jeep, passing iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, then hidden sites of Banana Island along the Red River. Drive by West Lake and visit Van Nien Pagoda, then the historic B-52 Lake. Along the way, savor authentic Hanoi dishes at local eateries.

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Embark on a journey around Hanoi by vintage army jeep.

We will pass by some iconic landmarks such as Opera House, Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh before venturing to the hidden sites of Banana Island, an island of Red River where you suddenly feel like you are deep in the countryside, far away from the megalopolis. Drive along Hanoi’s largest inner-city lake and visit the serene centuries-old Van Nien Pagoda.

Next, venture through bustling streets and tiny alleys to see the hidden B52 Lake where an American B-52 bomber was shot down by Vietnamese soldiers and its wreckage still remains here since 1972.

During the trip you will have chance to savor Hanoi dishes at authentic local eateries.

Timing options:

• Afternoon tour (12:30-17:00): lunch included before tour
• Evening tour (17:00-21:30): dinner included after tour

Hanoi to Halong & Lan Ha Bay | 1 night

Day 2: Sail Through the Majestic Lan Ha Bay & Halong Bay

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare to check out. Leave the city behind and set sail for the stunning seascape of Halong Bay, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts.

Meals included: Breakfast (at Hanoi hotel); Lunch (on Halong cruise); Dinner (on Halong cruise)

Cruise inlcuded: 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)

• Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and prepare for check-out.  
• 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 3: Journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh

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.
• Visit to the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, a series of three pagodas built into a mountainside.
• Climb to the top of Hang Mua for panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding limestone peaks and river. It's one of the best viewpoints in Ninh Binh and well worth the effort.

Evening: (18:00 - 21:00)

• Free evening to explore local dining options such as Ninh Binh goat meat, Rice crust with pork floss, Local rice wine. 
• Overnight stay in Ninh Binh. 

Day 4: Explore Ninh Binh's Natural Wonders and Return to Hanoi

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh before heading back to Hanoi. Timing for your return bus to Hanoi could be flexible to schedule in the afternoon. It takes approximately 2 hours by car from Ninh Binh to Hanoi center.

Meals included: Breakfast (at Ninh Binh hotel)

Suggested itinerary: (not included)

Morning (07:00 - 12:00)

• Embark on a boat trip through the enchanting Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
• Explore the ancient temples of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia. 

Afternoon: (12:30 - 14:00)

• Check out and have your own lunch.
• Begin 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 Hanoi or 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.

MK Premier Boutique Hotel - Hanoi

Luxury Room - 4 star hotel - Located in the heart of Hanoi, combining modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese hospitality, provides easy access to city attractions.

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

Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam, and how can I apply for it?

Whether you need a visa to visit Vietnam depends on your nationality. Many travelers from ASEAN countries, the UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, and some other countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for stays ranging from 15 to 30 days. If you're not eligible for visa-free entry or plan to stay longer, you can apply for a visa online via Vietnam’s e-Visa system, which allows stays of up to 30 days. The e-Visa process is straightforward, requiring you to complete an application online, upload a passport photo, and pay the processing fee. Approval usually takes 3-5 business days. For longer stays or multiple entries, you may need to apply for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Always check the latest visa requirements before your trip.

For the latest information on Vietnam e-visa, visit the official information portal of Vietnam Immigration Department. 

Website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/trang-chu-ttdt

What is the best time to visit Northern Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Halong, and Ninh Binh, depends on what you’re looking for, as each season offers unique advantages. Spring (March to May) features pleasant weather and blooming landscapes, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (June to August) brings warmer temperatures but also great discounts and promotions on tours, ideal for budget travelers. Fall (September to November) offers cool weather and stunning scenery, making it perfect for boat trips in Halong Bay and cycling in Ninh Binh. Winter (December to February) is cooler and quieter, perfect for those seeking a peaceful experience. Please keep in mind that this period is considered peak season for travelers coming to Northern Vietnam. Therefore, it is advisable that you plan your flights, tours, and excursions in advanced to ensure availability for your plan. 

Is the 4-day/3-night tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for families. Many activities like the Ha Long Bay cruise offer kid-friendly options such as swimming, kayaking, and visiting caves. Ninh Binh’s boat tours through rice paddies and caves can also be a fun adventure for children. However, make sure to choose a tour with flexible pacing if you have young kids, and confirm whether the accommodation or cruise has family-friendly amenities.

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

When visiting Hanoi, do not miss some signature food such as Pho (noodle soup), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and Vietnamese Coffee, especially Egg Coffee, a local specialty.  

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. 

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, most dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, can be accommodated. Please inform us of any dietary needs when booking the tour.

Is it possible to customize or change the itinerary?

The Halong Bay cruise itinerary is fixed, with planned activities such as cruising through the bay, visiting caves, kayaking, and possibly swimming, depending on the weather and season. However, in Hanoi and Ninh Binh, you'll have more flexibility to explore at your own pace, with optional activities available. We provide a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time in these areas, but you're welcome to tailor your experience based on your interests. 

Dates & prices