Tour Overview
Best of Northern Vietnam – 5 Days 4 Nights: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Ninh Binh
Discover the very best of Northern Vietnam on this thoughtfully designed 5-day journey, showcasing the region’s most iconic destinations, breathtaking natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage at a comfortable and unhurried pace. From the vibrant capital of Hanoi to the spectacular seascapes of Ha Long Bay and the tranquil countryside of Ninh Binh, this itinerary offers a well-rounded and memorable Northern Vietnam experience.
Begin your adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic and cultural heart, where ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and lively street life blend seamlessly. Continue with a scenic cruise through the emerald waters of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, surrounded by thousands of limestone islands and dramatic karst formations. Enjoy more time to relax, explore caves, and admire the bay’s natural beauty. The journey then leads to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land,” where peaceful rivers, rice paddies, and limestone mountains are explored by traditional sampan boat.
This 5-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience Northern Vietnam’s essential highlights with more depth and relaxation, combining culture, nature, and authentic local experiences in a smooth and well-paced journey.
Why Choose the Best of Northern Vietnam – 5 Days 4 Nights Tour?
• Complete 5-day itinerary covering Northern Vietnam’s must-see destinations
• Visit top highlights: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Ninh Binh
• Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay with stunning limestone landscapes
• Explore Ninh Binh’s rivers, rice paddies, and limestone caves by traditional boat
• Enjoy a balanced mix of culture, nature, and scenic relaxation
• Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine and local specialties
• Comfortable transportation and professional English-speaking guides
• Well-organized schedule with ample time for sightseeing and leisure
• Ideal for couples, families, friends, and first-time visitors to Vietnam
Tour Highlights:
• Explore Hanoi’s historic landmarks, vibrant Old Quarter, and rich street food culture
• Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, surrounded by thousands of limestone islands and emerald waters
• Visit spectacular limestone caves and enjoy scenic activities on Ha Long Bay
• Relax on a luxury cruise and admire breathtaking seascapes
• Discover Ninh Binh – “Ha Long Bay on land” with rivers, rice paddies, and karst mountains
• Enjoy a traditional sampan boat trip in Tam Coc or Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam
• Experience a perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation
• Travel comfortably with air-conditioned transportation and professional English-speaking guides
• Ideal for couples, families, friends, and first-time visitors to Vietnam
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Itinerary
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet our driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi city center.
Hotel check-in
Free time at leisure to relax or explore Hanoi on your own:
• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Explore the Old Quarter
• Enjoy Hanoi street food and local cafés
Overnight in Hanoi.
08:00 – 08:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Ha Long Bay
(approximately 2.5–3 hours via expressway).
11:30 – Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, check in, welcome drink, and safety briefing.
12:30 – Board the cruise and enjoy lunch while sailing through the limestone karsts of UNESCO-
listed Ha Long Bay.
Afternoon activities (depending on cruise itinerary):
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave or a similar limestone cave
• Kayaking or bamboo boat ride through scenic lagoons
• Swimming or relaxing on the sundeck
16:30 – Enjoy sunset views and a tea party on the sundeck.
19:00 – Dinner on board featuring fresh local seafood.
Evening – Free time to relax, join onboard activities such as squid fishing, or enjoy the peaceful night scenery.
Overnight on Ha Long Bay cruise.
06:30 – Early morning activities and light breakfast on board.
07:30 – Continue cruising through the bay and enjoy the tranquil morning scenery.
09:30 – Brunch served while the cruise returns to the harbor.
11:00 – Disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor and transfer back to Hanoi.
16:30 – 17:30 – Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Hanoi.
07:30 – Pick-up from your hotel and depart for Ninh Binh Province
(approximately 2 hours).
Morning highlights:
• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – the first capital of Vietnam
• Boat trip in Tam Coc or Trang An, cruising through rivers, limestone caves, and rice paddies
12:30 – Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Vietnamese cuisine.
Afternoon activities:
• Visit Mua Cave and climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views of Tam Coc
16:30 – Return to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Breakfast at hotel.
Free time until transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.
End of Best of Northern Vietnam – 5 Days 4 Nights Tour.
Table Price
Price Include
• Airport pick-up and drop-off (as per itinerary)
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
• Professional English-speaking local tour guides
• 2 day Ha Long Bay overnight cruise with lunch
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
• Kayaking or bamboo boat experience in Ha Long Bay
• Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
• Ninh Binh sightseeing tour (Hoa Lu – Trang An / Tam Coc – Mua Cave)
• Bottled water: 1 bottle per person per day during tours
• All applicable taxes and service charges
Price Exclude
• Accommodation
• Drinks during meals
• International & domestic air tickets
• Vietnam visa & visa stamping fees
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any services not clearly stated in the “Tour Included” section
Children Policy
Additional Information
Terms & Conditions