3N4D Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Halong Bay and Ninh Binh Experience

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Pho Bat Dan

Enjoy a traditional bowl of Pho at Pho Bat Dan, a local favourite known for its rich broth and fresh herbs. Opens early to serve authentic Hanoi breakfast.
VND50000, 0h45m

9:30am

Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful green area in the heart of Hanoi, and visit the historic Ngoc Son Temple on the small island.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its colonial architecture, street vendors, and traditional shops.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Taste Bun Cha, Hanoi's grilled pork and noodle dish made famous internationally, served in a cosy, local setting. Open until 3pm.
VND70000, 1h

3:00pm

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first national university dating back to 1070, known for its peaceful gardens and traditional architecture.
VND30000, 1h

4:30pm

Water Puppet Theatre

Watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show that depicts folklore and rural life; a unique cultural experience. Shows start at 4:45pm, 6:30pm.
VND100000, 0h50m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cha Ca La Vong

Sample Cha Ca, a famous Hanoi fish speciality grilled with turmeric and dill, at the iconic Cha Ca La Vong restaurant.
VND150000, 1h30m

Day 2: Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay, Vietnam on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi to Halong Bay

Embark on a comfortable 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay, enjoying scenic rural views en route.
VND300000 (transport), 3h30m

11:00am

Board Halong Bay Cruise

Check in and start your scenic cruise amid stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters; includes lunch onboard.
USD100 (full day cruise with lunch), 5h

4:00pm

Kayaking and Cave Visit

Enjoy kayaking in quiet lagoons and visit Dau Go Cave, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner on Cruise

Feast on freshly prepared seafood and Vietnamese dishes on board while watching the sunset over Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 1h30m

8:30pm

Overnight on Cruise

Relax and enjoy overnight accommodation aboard the cruise ship amidst the tranquil bay.
Included in cruise, Overnight

Day 3: Ninh Binh Discovery

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast on Cruise

Enjoy a light breakfast on board with beautiful early morning views of Halong Bay.
Included in cruise, 0h30m

8:30am

Return to Hanoi then travel to Ninh Binh

Disembark and travel back to Hanoi by shuttle, then continue to the scenic Ninh Binh region famous for its countryside landscapes.
VND400000 (combined transport), 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chookie’s Beer Garden

Enjoy a relaxing lunch offering local and Western dishes in a lush garden setting in Ninh Binh. Open 11am to 9pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:00pm

Trang An Boat Ride

Take a serene sampan boat ride through caves and limestone mountains in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
VND200000, 2h

4:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Vietnam, known for its grand architecture and panoramic views.
VND30000, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at local restaurant – Ninh Binh Family Restaurant

Sample traditional Vietnamese cuisine featuring goat meat specialties, a local delicacy.
VND100000, 1h30m

8:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Travel back to Hanoi for overnight stay, concluding an eventful day of natural and cultural exploration.
VND200000, 2h30m

Day 4: Departure

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Have a fresh, western-style breakfast with coffee in the Old Quarter before departure. Opens 7am daily.
VND80000, 0h45m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping in Old Quarter

Pick up souvenirs like silk, handicrafts, and art from Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter markets.
Varies, 1h

10:30am

Departure to airport

Head to Noi Bai International Airport for onward flight, allowing time for traffic and check-in.
VND300000 (taxi), 1h