Vietnam

North of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

This Trip At a Glance

Imagine stepping into a real-life painting, where ancient Hanoi meets the serene beauty of Ninh Binh, and the majestic Halong Bay takes your breath away. Our “North of Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay” tour is your ticket to experience these iconic wonders firsthand. Ready to explore the best of Northern Vietnam? Book your adventure with Vietnam Journeys Group today!

What Makes This Trip Special

Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and discover its historic temples and significance.
Journey through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a scenic boat ride through its stunning cave systems and landscapes.
Sail among breathtaking Halong Bay limestone karsts, explore stunning caves, and enjoy water activities with a sunset party.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL - PRIVATE TRANSFER

Welcome to Hanoi! Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After you’ve settled in (rooms available from 02:00 PM), your Hanoi exploration begins.

Meals are your own. Your day ends with relaxation in the Hanoi hotel.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: None
Transfer: Private car

DAY 2: NINH BINH DAY TRIP - HOA LU - TAM COC - GROUP TOUR (B/L)

At 07:00 AM, your guide will collect you for a scenic drive to Ninh Binh. After a short break, you’ll explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, visiting the 17th-century temples of King Dinh and King Le. A leisurely bicycle ride through local villages allows for a glimpse into daily life. Lunch offers a buffet selection of regional dishes.

The afternoon begins with exploring Tam Coc, a UNESCO World Heritage site, by boat. You’ll find many captivating caves in the landscape, familiar with “Kong Skull Island”. The trip back to Hanoi finishes around 06:30 – 07:00 PM, with drop-off at your hotel or our office.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide
Transfer: Group transfer

DAY 3: HANOI - HALONG BAY - GROUP TOUR (B/L/D)

After hotel breakfast, a cruise bus will transport you to Halong Bay, showcasing the Red River Delta’s scenic beauty. Upon reaching the harbor, board our boat and sail through emerald waters, exploring a stunning grotto with impressive formations. Then, settle into your overnight cruise ship, your gateway to Halong Bay’s iconic limestone structures.

Following a delightful onboard lunch, engage in various activities like kayaking and visiting floating villages. As evening arrives, enjoy a cooking demonstration and a delicious dinner onboard. You may join evening activities or simply relax, enjoying the peaceful bay.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English speaking guide on cruise
Transfer: Group transfer

DAY 4: HALONG BAY - HANOI - GROUP TOUR (B/BR)

After breakfast, you’ll spend time sunbathing and relaxing against the stunning backdrop of the bay. Enjoy a delightful onboard brunch at around 11:30 AM, then transfer back to Hanoi, arriving between 03:00 and 04:00 PM. Overnight in Hanoi.

Our Services:

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Tour guide: English speaking guide
Transfer: Group transfer

DAY 5: HANOI DEPARTURE

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight. Your transfer will be driver-only, giving you some personal time before departure. Meals are on your own.

End of tour!

Our Services:

Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: None
Transfer: Private car

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Accommodation in double/twin/triple sharing with daily breakfast (Standard check-in time: ~14:00 – 15:00, standard check-out time: ~11:00 – 12:00 noon)

1 Night stay on Halong bay cruise

Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle

Private airport transfers

Private vehicle(s) for private tour(s)

Shared bus for SIC tours/join in tours

Boat trip(s) as mentioned in the itinerary

Tour guide(s) escort as per the itinerary (English-speaking guides)

Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers: 2 bottles per person per full day & 1 bottle per person per half day or airport transfer

Entrance fees as mentioned in the detail itinerary

Meals where mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)

Inclusions

Single supplement for single room

Vietnam e-visa fee at $33/pax/single entry

Internal flights

International flights

Travel insurance

Surcharge for early check in/late checkout

Bank transfer fees for payment

Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tips…)

Surcharge for Holidays or Peak season in Vietnam

Accommodations

Accommodation is flexible and tailored to your preferences. We’ll suggest suitable options and can adjust upon request.

Traveller Reviews

The team was friendly, professional, and very helpful from start to finish. Everything was well organized, and the tour felt authentic and enjoyable. The local knowledge and personal touch really made a difference.
Highly recommended for anyone traveling in Vietnam! Memories and exciting experiences. I can’t speak highly enough about the service we had..

@Emily

Travel in Vietnam

Dec 2025

I had an amazing experience with this travel company. Mary are very friendly, helpful, and always ready to support customers. The tour was well-organized and everything went smoothly. My family and I were very satisfied with the service. Highly recommended!

@subhayan

Travel in Vietnam

Dec 2025

Perfect trip from Hanoi - Da Nang - Phu Quoc. Mary did a great job before/during and after the trip. I enjoyed it much and thank you so much Mary for her arrangement to help us discover Vietnam for the best. 🤝