Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi Capital, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our representative will warmly greet you, holding a sign with your name, based on your flight number and its landing time. You’ll be escorted to the city center of Hanoi, where, if your hotel room is ready (standard check-in time is 2:00 PM), you can check in. After a long flight, take some time to freshen up or rest.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a leisurely walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its 36 ancient streets, and around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city. As you stroll, you’ll experience the bustling energy of Hanoi, with its thousands of motorbikes, learn to navigate its busy streets, explore local shops, and perhaps even engage with local students practicing their English.

Hoan Kiem lake in Hanoi

Next, you’ll visit Hanoi’s famous Train Street, where you can unwind at a charming café. Enjoy a cup of the renowned egg coffee or another drink (at your own expense) while watching the trains pass by—a perfect spot for memorable photos and soaking in Hanoi’s unique, relaxed vibe.

End your first day with a comfortable stay at a cozy hotel in the capital.

Inclusions : Airport pick-up with driver, local tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, Meals (L-Lunch), twin/double-shared room in 3* Flower Boutique hotel or similar

8:00 AM, our driver and English-speaking guide will pick you up from your hotel and begin your journey to Ninh Binh, offering beautiful views of the rural countryside along the way.

9:15 AM, we’ll stop for a short break, giving you time for coffee and a restroom

10:15 AM, you’ll arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you’ll explore the Dinh Temple, dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and his family, and the Le Temple, honoring King Le Dai Hanh and his family. This visit offers a glimpse into Vietnamese history, particularly the period from the 10th to 11th centuries, and the capital’s relocation from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010.

Hoa Lu ancient capital with a group from the Philippines

Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll board a scenic boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, gliding through the breathtaking landscapes of Tam Coc. You’ll pass through three natural caves and admire the towering limestone karsts and rice fields. From early January to late May, the vibrant green rice paddies and traditional farming scenes create perfect opportunities for photography.

3:00 PM, we’ll visit Mua Cave, where you’ll hike up Ngoa Long Mountain for about an hour, rewarded with panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s spectacular mountain scenery.

4:30 PM, we’ll start our return journey to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 p.m.

Dinner will be on your own, and you’ll have the evening free to explore Hanoi at night. Overnight in Hanoi.

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 room in 3* Flower Boutique Hotel or similar

Today’s journey is to Halong bay – the must-see tourist destination in Vietnam.

8h15 -8:30. Our car with driver will pick you up at the hotel ( please, be on time & ready at the hotel’s lobby) & takes 2.5 hour drive along Red River Delta on Hanoi – Halong Highway to Halong city.
11:30 – 11:45 .You are ready at Halong International Habor ( Sun Group harbour- right in Halong city)
12:15 Get on the cruise by tender. Check-in, enjoy welcome drinks and cruise briefing
13:00 Enjoy lunch while cruising to magnificent Ha Long Bay, and admire the fascinating formations on the way
14:45 Luon cave – kayaking or bamboo boat. Luon cave excursion on bamboo rowing boat by locals or kayaking. This is one of the must-do activities in the bay.

16:00 Your next stop is Titop Island with its famous crescent moon-shaped beach and tranquil beautiful blue waters. Viewing Halong Bay from the peak of Titop Island is another not-to-be-missed activity.
17:00 – 18:30 Enjoy the best moments of the day at sundeck as the sun hits the water between the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald-green coves, enjoying drinks and a cooking demonstration.
19:15 Savour a delicious dinner
21:00 Night-time squid fishing
22:30 Free of mind with sweet dreams
Overnight on Victory Cruise

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Hanoi – Halong bay, English speaking tourguide on the cruise, sight-seeing entrance fees, kayaking or rowing boat fees, meals (B- Breakfast, L-Lunch, D- Dinner), twin/double cabin on 4* Victory Cruise or similar

We suggest beginning your day early to take in the peaceful sunrise over the bay, followed by a visit to Sung Sot Cave.

06:15: Greet the day by watching the sunrise over the bay and joining a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

06:30: Enjoy a light breakfast featuring coffee, tea, and pastries at the restaurant.

07:20: Set off to explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most awe-inspiring cave in Halong Bay.

09:15: Check out of your cabin, settle your bill, and start your cruise back to the port.

09:30: Indulge in a buffet brunch at the restaurant.

10:45 – 11:00: Return to the port, bid farewell, and disembark.

11:15 – 11:30: Meet your driver for a transfer back to Hanoi.

14:30 – 15:00: Arrive in Hanoi, check into your hotel, and enjoy some free time to relax at your own pace.

For a truly local experience, consider joining our Hanoi Street Food Tour (optional).This tour offers you the opportunity to sample renowned local dishes such as pho, spring rolls, grilled pork with rice noodles, local draught beer, and egg coffee—perfect for adding a memorable culinary touch to your trip.

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 in 3* Flower Boutique Hotel or similar

After your breakfast at the hotel, our guide will take you on an exciting journey to discover Hanoi’s top attractions. We’ll start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the body of President Ho Chi Minh are preserved (Please note that the mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so plan your visit for other days).Following our visit to the mausoleum, we’ll proceed to Ba Dinh Square, located right in front, where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. You’ll have the opportunity to take memorable photos of the mausoleum and the square while our guide shares fascinating historical insights about Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary efforts.

Next, we’ll take a pleasant stroll to admire the French architecture of the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s modest residence surrounded by vibrant flowers and ancient trees, and his three notable cars—gifts from the Soviet Union and Vietnamese expatriates from France. Explore Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, where he hosted important meetings and penned his final will, as well as his bomb shelter used during the American War.

One-pillar pagoda in Hanoi

Our walk will conclude with a visit to the One-Pillar Pagoda, a sacred site for Vietnamese Buddhists. This uniquely designed lotus-shaped pagoda pays homage to the Goddess of Mercy, who, according to legend, granted the king’s wish for a son. The pagoda offers stunning photo opportunities and a glimpse into Vietnamese spiritual heritage.

Following the Ho Chi Minh Complex, we’ll visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established in 1070. Initially built to educate royal children, it opened to the public in the 13th century. Here, you can explore ancient Vietnamese architecture, view 82 stone steles on turtle carvings listing distinguished scholars from 1442-1779, and learn about Vietnam’s educational systems during feudal times. The temple remains a popular sightseeing spot and is frequented by university students in traditional Ao Dai dresses, making it a picturesque location.

After lunch at a local restaurant, our driver will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport for your return flight. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to have the opportunity to assist you on your next visit to Vietnam.

Inclusions : AC car transportation with driver for day tour & airport drop-off, local tourguide of English speaking for the city tour, meals (B-breakfast, L-lunch), entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places