5-Day Vietnam (Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong) Trip from New Delhi — 18–22 Dec 2025

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Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam on December 18, 2025

10:00am

Arrival & hotel check-in

Arrive Noi Bai Airport, transfer to Old Quarter hotel (30–45 mins in light traffic). Settle in and drop luggage to start exploring. This helps you be centrally located for walking tours.
USD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch — Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try bun cha (grilled pork with noodles) at the famous local spot; open typically 9:00am–10:00pm. A great first taste of authentic Hanoi street-food.
USD5, 1h

1:00pm

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple (opens ~8:00am–6:00pm). Scenic, central, and an easy introduction to Hanoi’s history and rhythms.
USD1.5, 1h

2:30pm

Old Quarter walking tour & cafe

Explore the narrow streets, silk shops and try an egg coffee at Cafe Giang (open ~8:00am–10:00pm). Good for photos and local shopping.
USD3, 1h30m

6:30pm

Water Puppet Show (Thang Long Theatre)

Traditional Vietnamese water-puppet performance showcasing local myths; shows commonly at 3:00pm/5:00pm/8:00pm — check current schedule and book in advance. Cultural must-see.
USD7, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner — Cha Ca Thang Long

Try cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) — a signature Hanoi dish; restaurant open roughly 10:00am–10:00pm. Sit-down meal to round off your first night.
USD12, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ninh Binh Day

Ninh Binh (day trip from Hanoi), Vietnam on December 19, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Leave early by private car or tourist shuttle (approx 2h). This maximizes daylight for boat and viewpoint activities.
USD30, 2h

9:30am

Tam Coc boat ride

Rowboat through limestone karst scenery and river caves (boats operate ~7:00am–5:00pm). One of Vietnam’s most photogenic lowland landscapes.
USD12, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch — riverside local restaurant

Enjoy fresh local river fish and rice at a family-run restaurant near Tam Coc; simple, hearty Vietnamese cooking.
USD6, 1h

1:00pm

Mua Cave viewpoint & Bich Dong Pagoda

Climb the Mua Cave stairs for 360° views over Tam Coc (open ~7:00am–5:00pm); then visit Bich Dong pagoda complex for quiet temple gardens.
USD6, 2h

3:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi (~2h) with arrival in late afternoon — rest or explore more of the Old Quarter on return.
USD30, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner — Quan An Ngon

Dine at Quan An Ngon for a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes in a comfortable setting; open ~9:00am–11:00pm.
USD8, 1h30m
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Day 3: Halong Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on December 20, 2025

7:00am

Transfer Hanoi to Halong Bay

Shuttle or private car to Halong (approx 3–3.5h). Aim to arrive at the pier before embarkation time (usually 11:00am).
USD20, 3h30m

11:00am

Embark Halong Bay cruise (1-night)

Board cruise: lunch served while cruising to attractions. Typical itinerary includes cave visit, kayaking, and island stops. Overnight cruise gives sunset + sunrise views.
USD120, 24h0m

4:00pm

Kayaking / swimming

Optional kayak or tender to lagoons depending on cruise — great for up-close karst exploration. Activities usually available until late afternoon.
USD0, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner on board

Multi-course Vietnamese/seafood dinner included in most cruises; relax on the sundeck afterwards or join onboard entertainment.
USD0, 1h30m

9:00pm

Evening activities

Optional night activities (squid fishing or small-class cooking demo) — check your cruise’s schedule. A relaxed evening on the bay.
USD0, 1h
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Day 4: Return Hanoi

Halong Bay → Hanoi, Vietnam on December 21, 2025

6:30am

Morning on deck & Tai Chi

Optional sunrise Tai Chi and light breakfast as the cruise moves through quieter scenery — peaceful start before disembarkation.
USD0, 1h

9:00am

Cave visit & disembark

Visit a notable cave (e.g., Sung Sot) or island depending on cruise, then brunch on board and disembark by around 11:00–12:00pm. Confirm exact docking time with cruise.
USD0, 2h

12:30pm

Transfer back to Hanoi

Return drive to Hanoi (approx 3–3.5h). Expect to reach early-to-mid afternoon; use transfer time to rest.
USD20, 3h30m

4:30pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university and fine gardens (open ~8:00am–5:00pm). Serene and historic — a quiet contrast to the bay.
USD1, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner — Home Hanoi Restaurant

Modern Vietnamese tasting menu in a well-reviewed setting; open evenings ~6:00pm–10:00pm. A pleasant way to celebrate the last full day.
USD15, 1h30m
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Day 5: Shop & Depart

Hanoi, Vietnam (Depart to New Delhi) on December 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Cafe Giang (egg coffee)

Return for a relaxed coffee and light breakfast; egg coffee is iconic and open from morning hours (approx 8:00am onward).
USD3, 45m

9:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (optional)

Learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups (open ~8:30am–5:30pm; closed Mondays). Good choice if museums suit you — otherwise use time for shopping.
USD3, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch — Bun Bo Nam Bo

Light lunch of Bun Bo Nam Bo (seasoned beef over noodles) in the Old Quarter; quick, tasty, and local.
USD6, 1h

1:30pm

Last-minute Old Quarter shopping

Pick up lacquerware, silk, teas and souvenirs. Haggle politely; many shops open 9:00am–9:00pm.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Transfer to airport

Leave for Noi Bai Airport allowing at least 3 hours before international departure; taxi/transfer ~45–60 mins depending on traffic.
USD15, 1h30m

7:00pm

Depart Hanoi to New Delhi

International flight home — confirm your flight time and arrive early for check-in and immigration procedures.
USD0, N/A
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Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed