Kong Skull Island Northern Vietnam Tour: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay
Overview
Trip Highlights
Discover the Spectacular Kong Skull Island Filming Locations in Northern Vietnam
The Hollywood blockbuster “Kong: Skull Island” introduced the world to the breathtaking natural beauty of Northern Vietnam, showcasing dramatic limestone mountains, mysterious caves, peaceful rivers, and untouched landscapes that perfectly matched the movie’s legendary Skull Island setting.
Inspired by these stunning filming locations, this 5-Day Kong Skull Island Northern Vietnam Tour is customized to take you on an unforgettable journey through Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay – some of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders featured in the movie.
Your adventure begins in Hanoi, where you can experience the city’s vibrant culture through authentic street food tours, traditional water puppet shows, and the famous Hanoi Train Street. The journey then continues to the peaceful landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called the “Halong Bay on land.” Here, you’ll explore the magnificent scenery of Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Van Long Nature Reserve, and Mua Cave – all famous for their cinematic beauty and Kong movie backdrops.
The tour also includes a memorable luxury cruise through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald waters. Kayaking, cave exploration, hidden lagoons, and stunning panoramic views create a true adventure through one of the world’s most beautiful seascapes.
Combining culture, adventure, relaxation, and spectacular movie-like scenery, this Northern Vietnam Tour offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers, and fans of Kong: Skull Island.
Special Highlights of the 5-Day Kong Skull Island Vietnam Tour
- Explore the stunning filming locations of Kong: Skull Island in Ninh Binh and Halong Bay
- Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi with a street food tour, water puppet show, and famous Hanoi Train Street
- Enjoy scenic rowing boat rides through the breathtaking landscapes of Van Long Nature Reserve and Trang An UNESCO Heritage Site
- Hike to the summit of Mua Cave for panoramic views over Tam Coc’s limestone mountains and rice fields
- Cruise through the magnificent limestone islands of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay aboard a luxury overnight cruise
- Experience exciting activities including kayaking, swimming, bamboo boating, cave exploration, and Vietnamese cooking class
- Visit peaceful lagoons, hidden caves, and untouched beaches featured in Hollywood movie scenes
- Discover Hanoi’s cultural highlights including Ho Chi Minh Complex, Temple of Literature, and Museum of Ethnology
- Taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine including Pho, spring rolls, egg coffee, fresh seafood, and local specialties
- Perfect Northern Vietnam adventure combining culture, nature, cinematic landscapes, luxury cruise experiences, and local life
Itinerary
Warmly welcome at Noibai airport and transfer to Hanoi city center.You can check-in hotel if the room is available ( normal check-in time is at 14:00).Have a shower or take a rest after a long flight till 4:30 p.m, our guide will escort you for a special show of water puppet, then a nice walk thru “Hanoi Old Quarter – 36 ancient streets”– the busiest bussiness area in Hanoi.
Hanoi visit
Between this journey, we will stop by different local food stalls for your delicious tastes of authentic foods & drinks such as Pho ( noudle with beef or chicken), sping rolls, Yen sticky rice, Hanoi draught beer ( Bia Hoi), famous egg coffee……. It is an exciting walk along narrow streets of local shops, bussinesses & busy traffic of cars & motobikes.
Conclude your tour with a visit to Hanoi Train Street, where you can relax at a quaint café. Savor a cup of the iconic egg coffee or another beverage while watching the trains pass by. This spot is perfect for capturing memorable photos and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of Hanoi.
Back to your hotel & be free at your leisure !
Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for airport transfer, local tourguide of English speaking, walking street food tour, water puppet show tickets, meals (D- Dinner), twin/double-shared room in Hanoi Rex Hotel or similar
Today is our journey to explore untouched & peaceful Ninh Binh landscapes among beautiful shooting backgrounds in Kong Skull Island trailer. The day of special exploration of Ninh Binh’s natural attractions
Pick up at your hotel and 2 hour car transfer to Van Long Nature Reserve , where is so natural & primtive for your relaxation. In a rowing boat ride, you will admire not only Van Long’s impressive nature of forested limestone pillars with hidden grottos but also its largest area of wetland -the home to many types of birds, herons…., and famously the living place of the biggest number of Delacour’s langurs (one of the most endangered primates in the world).
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue with a pleasant & longer rowing boat tour to enjoy Trang An Scenic Landscapes – recently recognised as UNESCO’s natural & cultural heritage in 2014, more cave systems you can expect to discover: Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, Nau Ruou in mystery and wildness, see lovely scenery of mountains and rivers – Halong bay on land of Ninh Binh.
End your day with a light trek to the summit of Mua cave for a stunning capture of whole Tam Coc area with majestic surrounding mountains, river & evergreen rice fields – great photos of Ninh Binh –“Kong: Skull Island”.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for the day tour, local tourguide of English speaking, boat ride in Van Long & Trang An, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- Lunch), twin/double-shared room in Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Resort or similar
Continue your journey to another beautiful shooting area in “Kong:Skull Island” movie : Halong bay, the best attraction in Vietnam, famous for its large area of over 3000 untouched limestone outcrops on emerald seawater.
After breakfast, we will take a car transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong bayin 3.5 hour drive
11:30 – 12:00: Arrive to Tuan Chau harbor (Station number 17 – OVERNIGHT CRUISE PORT, Tuan Chau Maria, Ha Long), passengers will be welcomed by receptionist at La Casta’s waiting lounge.
12:00 – 12:30 Welcome to our cruise and enjoy welcome drink, meet the captain, crew to get a brief introduction about cruise and safety guidelines. Complete check-in procedure
13:30: Enjoy Vietnamese seafood and vegetarian lunch, while cruising in the magnificent Halong – Lan Ha Bay, admiring the fascinating rock formations in the bay.
15:45: Visit Ba Trai Dao area and the natural lagoon of Lan Ha Bay – this area includes the beach which breathes a romantic atmosphere and three smaller islets like three giant peaches on the sea. You can join with our activities such as: kayaking, swimming, sightseeing and explore the Ba Trai Dao area.
(In unfavorable weather conditions, to ensure the safety of our guest, this destination would be change into Dark and Bright cave– famous for the pristine natural beauty and poetic, attractive seascape of Lan Ha Bay. You can join with our activities such as: kayaking, sightseeing on the bamboo boat, … – It’s time for you to enjoy bamboo boats or swimming which is an interesting activity to discover the truest beauty of the stunning limestone structure and the blue sky of Lan Ha Bay).
17:30 – 18:30: Come back to our La Casta cruise and enjoy the pre-dinner sunset party with Happy Hour Promotion (buy 1 get 1 free with some kinds of drinks) at the bar while watching the view of the bay at sunset.
18:00: Join a cooking demonstration, our chef will guide you how to make some simple signature Vietnamese dishes.
19:30: Enjoy special seafood and typical Vietnamese food on the cruise.
Evening entertainments: play game on the cruise: cards game, chess, squid fishing, relaxing with drink on skybar and overnight on the La Casta Cruise.
Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for the day tour, local tourguide of English speaking on cruise , kayak/bamboo boat ride, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- Lunch, D- dinner), twin/double-shared cabin on La Casta Cruise or similar
06.30: Early morning sun risers can enjoy fantastic view on sundeck.
7:00-7:45: Have light breakfast. Morning view of bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
08:15: Mingling yourself in the stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets. Explore Kong Skull Island ( years ago in 2017, Hollywood they came here to use that place for the background of King Kong movie ). You can do kayaking or swimming in the bay
09:00: Back to your cabin, take relax and check carefully all the luggage before leaving your cabin.
09:30: Check-out from the private cabin and enjoy a fantastic cruise on the bay for room service. Complete check-out procedure and enjoy your last lunch at La Casta cruise.
11:30: Cruise are landing Tuan Chau Harbor, tourists say goodbye to sailors and finish the cruise.
The driver welcomes you at Tuan Chau harbor and transfers you back Hanoi city. Check-in the hotel & be free at your own leisure
Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for Halong bay – Hanoi, local tourguide of English speaking on cruise, kayak, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- Lunch), twin/double-shared room in 4 Hanoi Rex Hotel or simliar
Today, we have time to visit Hanoi’s highlights, get to know Hanoi’s brilliant history & its friendly people.
Firstly, we pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex including : Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, his former house on stilts, the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.
Then continue to Temple of Literature -Vietnam’s first university dating back to 1070. This temple highlights the importance that Vietnamese society placed then and now on education.
Temple of Literature
Lunch will be at a fine local restaurant
In the afternoon, we will visit one of the most interesting museums in Vietnam – the Museum of Ethnology, which has an extensive display about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups
Then, basing on your flight departure, we will arrange your with a private car with driver to Noibai airport for your flight back onward. The end of “Kong:Skull Island” Vietnam Tour 5 days. See you in another trip to Vietnam !
Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for the day tour & airport transfer, local tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- Lunch)
The Trip’s Inclusions :
- All transfer and transportation vehicle with air conditioning
- Hotel accommodation base on twin/double sharing room
- 01 night on the cruise in Halong Bay
- English speaking tour guide (other language upon request)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
- Boat trip in Halong Bay, Trang An, Van Long
- Entrance fees of mentioned visiting places
The Trip’s Exclusions :
- Drinks
- Tips to guide, driver & boat rowers
- Visa to enter Vietnam & flight tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expense & thíngs not stated in the inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour takes you to the primary cinematic locations featured in the blockbuster. This includes the mystical Trang An Eco-Complex and the tranquil Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh, which served as the pristine, untamed home of the island’s indigenous tribe. The tour also weaves through the jaw-dropping emerald waters and limestone pillars of Halong Bay, which provided the grand aerial backdrops for the fictional island.
Travelers will experience traditional, hand-rowed sampan boat trips in two distinct areas. At Van Long Nature Reserve, you will glide across a mirror-like “bay without waves,” surrounded by dramatic marshes where you might spot the endangered Delacour’s Langur. At the Trang An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the boat journey takes you directly through a network of mystical hidden river caves and beneath towering cliffs that feel like an untouched world.
This package features a 2-day/1-night luxury overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Staying overnight is the absolute best way to experience the “Skull Island” atmosphere. It allows you to witness the magnificent sunset and sunrise over the Gulf of Tonkin, participate in morning Tai Chi on the sundeck, and kayak into remote lagoons and hidden caves that day-trippers cannot reach.
The physical activity is moderate and accessible to most travelers. The most challenging climb is at Mua Cave (Dragon Mountain) in Ninh Binh, which requires walking up approximately 500 stone steps. However, the path is well-paved with secure handrails, and the reward at the summit is a spectacular, 360-degree panoramic view over the Ngo Dong River and the surrounding valley—a mandatory photo spot for your trip.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.
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Kong Skull Island Northern Vietnam Tour: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay