Tour Overview
Northern Vietnam Highlights – 3 Days: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh
Discover the very best of Northern Vietnam on this well-crafted 3-day journey, designed to showcase the region’s most iconic destinations, natural beauty, and cultural highlights in a short yet enriching timeframe. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the spectacular limestone seascapes of Ha Long Bay and the serene countryside of Ninh Binh, this itinerary delivers an unforgettable snapshot of northern Vietnam.
Begin your journey in Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and lively street life create a unique cultural atmosphere. 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. The adventure concludes in Ninh Binh, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” featuring peaceful rivers, rice paddies, and stunning limestone caves explored by traditional sampan boat.
This 3-day itinerary is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience the essential highlights of Northern Vietnam, combining culture, nature, and relaxation in a smooth and well-paced journey.
Why Choose the Northern Vietnam Highlights – 3 Days Tour?
• Complete 3-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 breathtaking limestone scenery
• Explore Ninh Binh’s rivers, rice paddies, and limestone caves by traditional boat
• Experience a perfect mix of culture, nature, and scenic landscapes
• Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including local specialties
• Comfortable transportation and professional English-speaking guides
• Well-organized schedule ideal for short stays or stopover travelers
• Perfect for couples, families, friends, and first-time visitors to Vietnam
Tour Highlights
• Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, historic landmarks, and vibrant street life
• Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay with stunning limestone islands
• Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, one of the largest and most impressive caves in Ha Long Bay
• Enjoy scenic boat trips through rivers and karst landscapes in Ninh Binh
• Discover Trang An or Tam Coc, known as “Ha Long Bay on land”
• Experience a perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation
• Travel comfortably with air-conditioned transportation and professional local guides
• Ideal for short stays, first-time visitors, couples, families, and small groups
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Itinerary
Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your local guide and begin exploring Vietnam’s historic capital.
Visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks:
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Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside view) & Ba Dinh Square
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One Pillar Pagoda – a unique symbol of Hanoi
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Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).
In the afternoon:
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Explore Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple
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Walk through the bustling Old Quarter
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Experience Hanoi’s famous street food culture
Optional evening activity:
Overnight in Hanoi.
08:00 – 08:30 – Pick-up from hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and depart for Ha Long Bay
(Approx. 2.5–3 hours via expressway).
11:30 – Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, check in, and enjoy a welcome drink.
12:30 – Board the cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch while sailing through the emerald waters and limestone karsts of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.
Afternoon activities:
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Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay
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Kayaking or bamboo boat ride through scenic lagoons
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Swimming or relaxing on the sundeck
16:30 – Sunset time on board while cruising back to the harbor.
17:30 – Transfer back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
07:30 – Pick-up from hotel and transfer to Ninh Binh Province
(Approx. 2 hours).
Morning highlights:
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Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam
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Explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
or Tam Coc, depending on itinerary
Enjoy a peaceful boat trip through rivers, caves, and limestone formations.
12:30 – Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Vietnamese specialties.
Afternoon:
16:30 – Return to Hanoi.
Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport or drop-off at hotel.
End of Northern Vietnam Highlights – 3 Days 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
• 1 full-day Ha Long Bay 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
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Light, breathable clothing & comfortable walking shoes
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Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
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Passport with at least 6 months validity
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Cash in Vietnamese Dong (VND) for small purchases or optional activities
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Travel insurance documents (recommended)
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Small backpack or daypack for daily excursions
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Swimwear and towel for beaches, pools, or onboard cruise
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Optional camera / smartphone for photos
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