Discover Northern Vietnam in Style: 6-Day Trip to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh

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6 Days/5 Nights From HANOI
Private Tour
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Overview

Tour Map
Start/End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Route: Hanoi- Halong bay - Ninh Binh - Hanoi
Duration: 6 Days/ 5 Nights - Private Tour
Tour guide in: English

Trip Highlights

Overview of 6-Day Northern Vietnam Tour to Hanoi, Halong bay & Ninh Binh

Experience the perfect combination of luxury, culture, and natural beauty on this 6-Day Northern Vietnam Tour to Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh. Designed for travelers seeking comfort and unforgettable experiences, this journey includes elegant 5-star accommodations in Hanoi and an overnight luxury cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Discover the timeless charm of Hanoi with its French colonial architecture, ancient temples, bustling Old Quarter, and vibrant local life. Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay aboard a luxury boutique cruise while admiring spectacular limestone islands, hidden caves, and peaceful fishing villages.

Continue your adventure to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on Land,” where stunning karst mountains, peaceful rivers, and ancient historical sites create one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes.

With private transportation, knowledgeable local guides, luxury services, and carefully selected experiences, this Northern Vietnam Tour promises a relaxing yet immersive journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations.

halong bay- hanoi travel packages

Halong bay beauty 

Travel Route Map Hanoi- Halong bay- Ninh Binh-Hanoi.

Special Highlights of this Northern Vietnam Travel Package

  • Experience luxurious comfort with 5-star hotel accommodations, high-end cruises, and private transfers, all complemented by enthusiastic guides and drivers.
  • Discover Hanoi’s rich culture and history while visiting renowned attractions and engaging with friendly locals.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of Halong Bay, often described as “heaven on earth,” and spend a night on a luxurious Halong Bay cruise.
  • Capture the picturesque Red River Delta thru the car journey and witness the unique lifestyle of fishermen in floating villages within Halong Bay.
  • Savor authentic local cuisine at some of the finest restaurants in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and on the Halong Bay cruise.
  • Take a serene rowing boat trip through the scenic Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”
  • Learn about Vietnam’s history and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival at Hanoi airport, our guide and driver will warmly greet you, holding a sign with your name : Mr/Ms………., following your flight number……….. & its landing time……… . They will pick you up & transfer to the hotel in Hanoi for check-in. Please note that check-in is available after 2:00 PM.

In the afternoon, at your preferred time, our guide will take you on a delightful walk through the French Quarter, around Hoan Kiem Lake, and on an exciting cyclo ride through Hanoi Old Quarter, giving you a wonderful insight into Hanoi’s daily life. You’ll then enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the finest Vietnamese restaurants, offering a stunning view of the lake.

For your first night, you’ll stay at Melia Hotel Hanoi

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for airport transfer & tour, local tourguide of English speaking, meals (D-dinner), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, cyclo ride, twin/double-shared rooms

Today, we will have an exciting journey through Hanoi’s must-see attractions. Begin your day with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city’s oldest temple and an important Buddhist site. Next, explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Uncle Ho’s former residence and workspaces, such as the stilt house, Presidential Palace, fish pond, and beautiful gardens. Don’t miss the One-Pillar Pagoda, a unique lotus-shaped temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.

Continue your adventure at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, offering an intriguing glimpse into the country’s feudal education system and Confucian culture.

For lunch, enjoy a meal of local Vietnamese cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology, renowned for its comprehensive exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Afterward, stroll through the bustling, narrow streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, famous for its unique shops and rich history.

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 (at your own expense) while watching the trains pass by. This spot is perfect for capturing memorable photos and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of Hanoi.

Train Street Hanoi

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for day tour, local tourguide of English speaking, meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double-shared rooms

Today, you will explore the must-see attraction in Vietnam ( Halong bay), natural & stunning landscapes of thousand untouched islands on emerald sea water on a high-ending Halong bay cruise.

8:30 – 8:50 AM: A limousine bus will pick you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter

12:00 PM: The Mon Cheri Cruise crew will greet you at No. 34, Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh.

12:30 PM: You’ll board a support vessel and get on a scenic journey across the bay to our luxurious Mon Chéri Cruise. A briefing on the itinerary will be provided during this time.

1:00 PM: Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink, cool towels, and a special lunch featuring fresh seafood and a variety of delicious dishes. Dining on our luxury cruise while taking in the stunning views is an experience you won’t forget. We will set sail towards Lan Ha Bay, one of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays.

Savor the exquisite lunch as we cruise through Lan Ha Bay, surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

3:30 PM: Explore the Tra Bau area, renowned for its pristine, poetic natural beauty and captivating seascape of Lan Ha Bay. This is the perfect time for kayaking to discover the true charm of the limestone islands.

Take a dip in the emerald green waters of the bay or unwind in the Jacuzzi pool on the Mon Chéri Cruise.

5:30 – 6:30 PM: Join our cooking demonstration to learn how to make one of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, spring rolls. Alternatively, head to the top deck to witness the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Enjoy Happy Hour at the bar with a “Buy One, Get One Free” offer. It’s the ideal time for photography enthusiasts to capture the breathtaking sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

7:30 PM: Indulge in a delightful dinner prepared by our skilled chef. This intimate, romantic setting is perfect for enjoying the delicious local cuisine.

9:00 – 10:00 PM: Unwind with exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (additional charges apply).

Pamper yourself with a spa service (optional) or simply relax on the top deck under a starry sky.

For a bit of adventure, try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck.

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver Hanoi- Halong bay, local tourguide of English speaking on cruise, meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double-shared cabin in 5* Mon Cheri Cruise or similar

6:00 AM: Start your day with a refreshing Tai Chi session as the sun begins to rise over the horizon.

6:45 – 7:15 AM: Enjoy breakfast while cruising to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time may vary according to the actual itinerary.)

7:30 – 9:00 AM: You will join on a tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere via transshipment. The transfer takes about 30 minutes from Gia Luan to Trung Trang, one of the most remarkable caves on Cat Ba Island. This limestone cave features thousands of stalactites in various shapes, showcasing significant geological value and a unique cave ecosystem.

Cat Ba

9:30 AM: Return to the main boat from the cave, and guests will proceed with cabin check-out. Please place your luggage outside your cabin.

Lunch will be served in the restaurant. You can settle any bar bills at the restaurant desk.

10:30 – 11:00 AM: Disembark from Mon Cheri Cruises and transfer back to Block #34 at Big Bay group terminal, Tuan Chau Marina. Relax while waiting for your luggage.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Guests should be ready at Tuan Chau Marina & get the shuttle bus or car transfer back to Hanoi

2:30 – 3:00 PM . Arrive in Hanoi. Check-in your hotel & be free at your leisure

Note: The itinerary is subject to change without notice due to weather and other operational conditions

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver Halong – Hanoi, local tourguide of English speaking on cruise, meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, twin/double-shared room

8:00 AM.: Our driver and English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Ninh Binh. Enjoy scenic views of the rural countryside during the journey.

9:15 AM.: We’ll make a brief stop for coffee and restroom facilities.

10:15 AM.: Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. Visit two historic temples: the Dinh Temple, dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and his family, and the Le Temple, honoring King Le Dai Hanh and his family. Learn about Vietnamese history from the 10th and 11th centuries, including the strategic relocation of the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010.

Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.

After lunch, get on a rowing boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, taking in the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc. Admire the majestic limestone mountains, three natural caves, and picturesque rice fields. If you visit between early January and late May, you’ll see vibrant rice fields and traditional farming activities, perfect for photos.

3:00 PM.: Transfer to Mua Cave for a one-hour hike up Ngoa Long Mountain. Enjoy breathtaking views of Ninh Binh’s mountainous landscape.

4:30 PM.: Return to Hanoi, arriving around 7:00 p.m. The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for the day tour, local tourguide of English speaking, meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, boat ride in Tam Coc, twin/double-shared rooms

You have free time at leisure or go shopping till the time our driver picks up & transfers back to airport for your flight home !

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for airport transfer, local tourguide of English speaking, meals (B-breakfast)

The Trip’s Inclusions :

  • AC car transfer with driver following the travel itinerary
  • Tourguide of English speaking as stated in the program
  • 1 night on 5* Mon Cheri Cruise or similar ( 2 day-1 night cruise program)
  • 3 nights at 5* Melia Hotel Hanoi or simmiar
  • Entrance sight-seeing fees following the stated itinerary.
  • Boat ride in Tam Coc, Kayak in Halong bay & Cyclo ride in Hanoi
  • Meals as stated in the travel itinerary (B- breakfastm L-lunch, D-dinner)

The Trip’s Exclusions :

  • Drinks
  • Tips to guide & driver
  • Online payment fees
  • Visa to enter Vietnam, flight tickets.
  • Personal expences…….

Frequently Asked Questions

The definitive route for a first-time visitor focuses on Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay. This circuit begins in Hanoi for a taste of French-Indochine architecture and street food, moves south to Ninh Binh to explore ancient feudal history at Hoa Lu and boat through the limestone karsts of Trang An, and concludes with an overnight or luxury day cruise among the thousands of islets in Halong Bay.

Ninh Binh earns this title because it shares the exact same spectacular geological formation—towering limestone karst mountains—as Halong Bay. However, instead of rising out of the ocean, Ninh Binh’s cliffs emerge dramatically from flat, emerald green rice paddies and winding river systems like Tam Coc and Trang An, which travelers explore via traditional hand-rowed sampan boats.

The absolute best time to experience Northern Vietnam is during the autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May). During these months, the weather is dry, cool, and pleasant for outdoor trekking and cruising. Furthermore, traveling in late May or September gives you the added bonus of seeing Ninh Binh’s rice fields turn a magnificent golden yellow during the harvest seasons.

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.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for travelers entering Vietnam. However, depending on the length of your stay and the areas you plan to visit, several vaccinations are commonly recommended by health professionals, particularly for rural or remote travel.

Recommended vaccinations may include:

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (booster shots advised)
  • Rabies (recommended for extended stays or frequent contact with animals)

If you take regular medication, we strongly advise bringing an adequate supply to cover your entire trip, as certain medicines may not be easily available locally.

Please also carry your medical prescription, ideally translated into English, to assist with customs procedures or in case medical attention is needed during your stay.

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrival exit according to your flight number and landing time. The driver will be holding a welcome sign displaying: “Golden Holiday Travel – [Your Name]”

Please take a moment to carefully look for your name among the signs at the arrival area. In case you cannot locate our driver immediately, kindly stay near the meeting point and contact our 24/7 support team for quick assistance:

Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 988 451 530

Useful Tip: We recommend activating international roaming or ensuring internet access on your phone upon arrival so we can easily communicate if necessary.

Important Note:At busy airports, many drivers may be waiting in the same area. If you do not see our representative right away, please do not leave the arrival hall – simply contact us and our team will assist you promptly.

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