Classic North Vietnam

From: 278 USD | 4 Days

Active level: Easy

Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh

Adventure

Your Classic North Vietnam at a glance

Located in northern Vietnam, Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh offer a perfect combination of cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. While many travelers focus on a single destination, this journey brings together the very best of northern Vietnam in one seamless experience.Over the course of a few unforgettable days, you’ll explore the vibrant Old Quarter of Hanoi, then cruise through the iconic limestone karsts of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your adventure in Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” where peaceful rivers wind through dramatic limestone landscapes, ancient temples, and lush countryside.This journey takes you from the lively energy of the capital to the tranquil beauty of the sea and countryside—offering the perfect balance of exploration, relaxation, and cultural discovery. It’s an ideal itinerary for travelers seeking the essence of northern Vietnam in a single trip.

Brief

Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival - Half Day City

Day 2 - Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Hanoi

Day 3 - Halong Day Cruise

Day 4 - Hanoi Departure

Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh

Important Information

  • Explore the vibrant Old Quarter of Hanoi and its rich cultural heritage
  • Cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay
  • Discover hidden caves and enjoy kayaking in emerald waters
  • Take a boat ride through the scenic rivers and caves of Ninh Binh (Tam Coc/Trang An)
  • Experience local life, ancient temples, and peaceful countryside landscapes
  • Unlimited customization upon request
  • Instant support
  • Accommodation with breakfast in the central location and highly recommended on travel forum
  • Experienced local guide (language is upon request)
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing tickets as listed
  • Local dishes with hygiene (others are upon request)
  • Air-conditioned transfer during the whole tour
  • Complimentary water each day
  • Service charges and government taxes
  • Any extra services are upon request

This customized itinerary allows us to tailor the accommodation to your specific preferences and budgetary considerations. Our local travel experts will recommend accommodations that align with the unique requirements of your journey, ensuring comfort, convenience, and a memorable stay.

From local homestay, boutique hotels to renowned hotel chains, we prioritize collaboration with accredited and reputable accommodation providers, guaranteeing the highest possible standards of service and hospitality throughout your entire travel experience.

Detailed information about accommodation for this itinerary will be provided in the final tour proposal.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind before your trip. Our team is here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out to us with questions.
- Visa & Passport: Check the visa requirements for your nationality well in advance. Also, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your trip.
- Health & Safety: Make sure you have suitable travel insurance and consult your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medications you might need before you travel.
- Dress Code: Pack modest clothing, especially when you plan to visit religious sites or rural areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal due to the tropical climate.
- Travel Documents: Keep copies of important travel documents (passport, visa, and travel insurance) and store them in a separate place from the originals. It's also a good idea to have digital copies stored on your phone or in cloud storage for easy access.
For more helpful travel tips, check out our free Travel Guide. You can get your copy below:

Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival - Half Day City

Day 1 - Hanoi Arrival - Half Day City

Welcome to Vietnam: after long time on airplane, you will reach Vietnam – the S-shaped land, where 54 different ethnic minorities inhabited.

In the morning

  • You will be warmly welcomed by our guide and driver at the airport and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.

In the afternoon

  • After lunch, you will firstly visit Dong Xuan market. This is the largest covered market of Hanoi where the wholesale traders sell everything from clothes, household goods to foodstuffs. (Train street has been closed due to safety issue so you can only see it from afar).
  • Then, you will sit in front of Cyclo to move around the Old Quarter and experience the local life in 45 minutes. The cyclo tour ends at Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square. Then you will visit the Hoan Kiem Lake. Peaceful and quiet, the lake surrounds Ngoc Son, sitting in the center on a small island. The island on which the temple is built is known as Jade Island and is accessible by the iconic The Huc Bridge or Rising Sun Bridge which is a charming scarlet-painted wooden bridge of classical Vietnamese design.
  • Have a cup of Vietnamese Coffee at a hidden local café (inclusive). If you prefer new taste, Egg Coffe will be good choice.
  • Tour ends at 5.00pm, you will check in your hotel and have free time afterwards.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2 - Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Hanoi

Day 2 - Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Bich Dong - Hanoi

In the morning

  • At 08:30, our tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and you will leave Hanoi for Ninh Binh – your destination today, often known as “Halong Bay on land” – one of the most photogenic landscapes in Northern Vietnam.
  • The first visit is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet. Instead of a long historical narration, your guide will share a short and engaging story about Vietnam’s first kings and the formation of the country, making it easy to follow and enjoyable.
  • Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon

  • After lunch, you will be rowed along the Ngo Dong River to visit Tam Coc, offering a peaceful and relaxing boat experience through limestone mountains and rice fields.
  • Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you pass through natural caves and stunning landscapes – a truly Instagram-worthy highlight of the day.
  • Continue visiting Bich Dong Grotto, located around 2km from Tam Coc. A short climb will take you to the upper pagoda, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of lush rice fields and surrounding mountains.
  • In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Hanoi after a refreshing day combining nature, relaxation, and light cultural discovery.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3 - Halong Day Cruise

Day 3 - Halong Day Cruise

In the morning

  • From 07:30 to 07:45, you will be picked up and transferred to Halong bay, 2-hour drive to Halong Bay. Enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta country side and have a short break on the way.
  • 10:00: Stopping over to stretch the legs on the way, enjoy some coffee to refresh
  • Around 10:30: Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Harbour, you will check in and get on board the La Casta Daily cruise then start a trip to discover the World Heritage.
  • 11:00: Upon boarding, guests are warmly welcomed by the crew and offered a welcome drink. The boat sets sail, taking guests to explore Halong Bay’s most beautiful landmarks, where majestic natural scenery unfolds with thousands of limestone islands.
  • Notable stops include Stone Dog IslandDuck Stone Island, and especially Finger Island – a stunning limestone island rising from the clear water, resembling a giant thumb. Here, the boat will slow down so guests can easily capture these wonderful moments through their lenses.
  • 12:00: Guests will enjoy a deluxe buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood renowned in Quang Ninh, along with a variety of distinctive Vietnamese dishes.

In the afternoon

  • 13:00: Guests will have the opportunity to explore Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay’s most outstanding natural wonders. Entering the cave, you’ll be captivated by the mysterious and impressive beauty of the gigantic limestone formations, shaped over millions of years
  • 14:00: At the Luon Cave area, guests can opt to experience kayaking or rowboat rides.
    • For those not participating in the water activities, you can rest and enjoy the Jacuzzi on board.
  • 15:00: At Titov Island, you can swim, sunbathe on the pristine white sand, or challenge yourself by climbing to the summit. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone peaks rise from the emerald waters.
  • 16:00: Return to the boat for an exciting sunset party. Here, you can relax on the sundeck, enjoy refreshing drinks along with snacks and fresh fruit. The wonderful natural setting, combined with the Jacuzzi, will make the sunset experience peaceful and romantic.
  • 17:30-18:00: The boat will dock at Tuan Chau Harbor, concluding the impressive exploration of the bay with the Cruise.
  • 20:30 – Drop off at your hotel, trip ends

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4 - Hanoi Departure

Day 4 - Hanoi Departure

Depending on your flight time, our driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Make an enquiry

If you would like to customize this itinerary and create a Tailor Made Journey just for you and your companions, CLICK HERE to inquire, or speak to our travel professional.

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