4-Day Halong Bay Cruise & Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi

What you'll experience

Highlights

4 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Hanoi

   Welcome to Hanoi - Vietnam!
   The driver will be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport; it takes us 35 minutes driving to the centre of Hanoi.
   Based on your arrival time, you could choose the morning or afternoon joining city tour with lunch.
   Morning option:
   Embark on a captivating exploration of Hanoi City as our friendly guide picks you up between 8:00am and 8:30am. Your journey begins with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, nestled on the picturesque Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This ancient pagoda, dating back to the 6th century, is a testament to Hanoi's rich history. Next, you'll discover the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you'll have a remarkable opportunity to view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh himself. Stroll through the lush garden, which once served as his residence and workplace from 1954 to 1969. Your next stop is the One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural marvel dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. It stands as one of the world's most unique pagodas. Please remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. Keep in mind that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, if you travel on closing dates of this place, our guide would replace this to another attraction.
   By 11:15am, we would visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum, where you'll gain valuable insights into the diverse cultures of the country's 54 ethnic groups. On Mondays, when the Ethnology Museum is closed, we'll take you to the Women's Museum for an equally enriching experience.
   By lunchtime, savor a Vietnamese lunch at local restaurant. Your morning half-day city tour concludes here, leaving you with a deeper understanding of Hanoi's cultural and historical treasures.
   
   Afternoon option: Starting around 12:30pm
   Your adventure begins with our friendly guide extending a warm welcome as they pick you up from your hotel. You're about to embark on an enriching afternoon exploration of Hanoi, one of Vietnam's most culturally vibrant cities.
   Your culinary and cultural journey kicks off with a visit to a local restaurant, where you'll have the pleasure of indulging in a Vietnamese lunch. The first stop on your itinerary is the esteemed Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. Founded in the year 1070, this historic complex holds immense significance in Hanoi. Stroll through its picturesque gardens, marvel at the time-honored architecture, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of the country's educational heritage.
   The journey continues with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, a site that holds historical weight and was famously known as the "Hanoi Hilton." Explore its thought-provoking exhibits, each narrating stories from different chapters of the nation's past.
   As late afternoon approaches, you'll find yourself at the tranquil Ngoc Son Temple, gracefully positioned on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake. To reach this sacred sanctuary, you'll cross the iconic red bridge, adding to the experience.
   This is where your adventure through Hanoi's rich cultural and historical tapestry comes to an end and you will return back to your hotel.
   O/N in Hanoi

   

   Tran Quoc Pagoda

   

   Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

   

   One Pillar Pagoda

   

   Vietnam Museum Of Ethnology

   

   Temple of Literature

   

   Đền Ngọc Sơn

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Beryl Charm Hotel & Spa Superior, 4 star hotel: La Passion Classic Deluxe, 5 star hotel: Apricot Hotel Sketch room
2. 2

   Day 2 — Hanoi - Tam Coc - Hoa Lu - Mua Cave - SIC Tour

   A 90km drive south of Hanoi will lead you to Ninh Binh, the site of the one capital city of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took its leading role in 11th century. The area is featured by lots of well-known sceneries, which include Tam Coc Caves and Hoa Lu ancient capital with the old temples dedicated to King Dinh & King Le reigned in 10th century. The visit in Ninh Binh starts by a boat trip in Tam Coc where spectacular limestone karsts jut out from the green paddy fields reminding about Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which gives this scenery the name "Halong-bay-on-land". Further discovery in Ninh Binh will be continued in the site that used to be the kings' palace in 10th century and now famous for the wooden relieves of the shady Dinh and Le temples. Late afternoon back to Hanoi.
   Overnight in Hanoi. 

   

   Hoa Lu

   

   Tam Coc

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Beryl Charm Hotel & Spa Superior, 4 star hotel: La Passion Classic Deluxe, 5 star hotel: Apricot Hotel Sketch room
3. 3

   Day 3 — Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi - SIC Tour

   Early departure for Halong Bay, a World Heritage as designated by Unesco in 1994 with nearly 3,000 rocky islets. The drive may take you more than three to four hours utmost depending on the high or low seasons' traffic, and will pass the Red River Delta, one of the two granaries of Vietnam. Upon arriving in Halong, we will sail our boat round its natural rocky gardens whilst a tasty seafood lunch is waiting on board. Most of the islets here are not for living due to the lack of fresh water, but are excellent for cruising to contemplate their miraculous draws on the horizon. Many of them have great names from their inspirational shapes, including the Surprising cave, Pelican Grotto, Chopstick rock, Butterfly rock, Turtle rock, the island of Fishman's Head, the Fighting Cocks, the Sail, the Urn, or the Sea Dog! We can wander to visit grottos, so swimming, or just lazily relax on the sundeck with our drinks. The boat will be back to the Wharf late afternoon where we take our car or coach to return to Hanoi.
   Overnight in Hanoi.

   

   Halong Bay

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: 3 star hotel: Beryl Charm Hotel & Spa Superior, 4 star hotel: La Passion Classic Deluxe, 5 star hotel: Apricot Hotel Sketch room
4. 4

   Day 4 — Hanoi Departure

   Your morning will be free until checkout and your transfer to the airport. End of service!

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator