5-Day Vietnam Adventure: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh

Day 1: Hanoi Exploration

Hanoi, Vietnam on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pho Gia Truyen

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Pho breakfast, famous for its rich broth and fresh herbs, perfect to start your day in Hanoi.
VND65000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

Explore the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the peaceful Ngoc Son Temple, a central cultural and historical spot in Hanoi.
VND30000, 1h30m

11:30am

Old Quarter Walking Tour

Discover the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant street markets.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the signature Hanoi cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) at this renowned local restaurant.
VND120000, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university, featuring beautiful garden landscapes and historic architecture.
VND30000, 1h

5:00pm

Water Puppet Show

Experience traditional Vietnamese culture through a unique water puppet performance at Thang Long Theater.
VND100000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Enjoy a delicious Bun Cha meal, the dish made famous internationally by President Obama’s visit, perfect for authentic Hanoi flavors.
VND90000, 1h
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Day 2: Ha Long Bay Cruise

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for the day’s travel and cruise.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Ha Long Bay

Depart Hanoi by shuttle for approximately 3.5 hours transfer to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
VND500000 (shuttle), 3h30m

12:00pm

Board Ha Long Bay Cruise

Start a 2-day, 1-night cruise exploring the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, including lunch on board.
USD150, 6h

6:30pm

Dinner on board

Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner and sunset views while cruising through the bay.
Included in cruise, 1h

8:00pm

Optional night squid fishing or relaxation

Participate in night squid fishing or relax on the deck under the stars.
Free, 1h
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Day 3: Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Morning Tai Chi and Breakfast

Join a Tai Chi session on the deck and have breakfast while enjoying the bay's morning views.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Continue cruising and visit limestone caves

Explore the famous Sung Sot Cave and other scenic spots along the cruise route.
Included, 2h

11:00am

Return to Ha Long Pier

Disembark and transfer by shuttle to Ninh Binh, which takes about 4 hours.
VND600000, 4h

3:30pm

Check-in and relax at hotel in Ninh Binh

Settle into your accommodation and rest before an evening activity.
Varies, 1h30m

5:00pm

Boat Ride at Tam Coc

Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through rice paddies and limestone caves, open until sunset.
VND150000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Dine on traditional Vietnamese dishes such as goat meat and local rice specialties in Ninh Binh.
VND120000, 1h
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Day 4: Ninh Binh Nature and History

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your morning with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Visit Trang An Landscape Complex

Take a scenic boat tour through the stunning karst landscape and caves, UNESCO World Heritage site, open 7am-6pm.
VND200000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chez Loan

Savor local dishes including goat meat hot pot and rice pancakes at this popular Ninh Binh restaurant.
VND130000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam featuring impressive statues and religious architecture, open 7am-6pm.
VND50000, 2h

4:00pm

Relax or optional bicycle tour

Stroll or cycle around local villages enjoying rural life and rice fields.
Free to rent bicycle ~VND50000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at local street food market

Sample various street food dishes including grilled corn, bánh xèo, and fresh spring rolls.
VND70000, 1h
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Day 5: Return to Hanoi

Ninh Binh to Hanoi, Vietnam on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for departure back to Hanoi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel back to Hanoi

Shuttle transfer back to Hanoi, about 2 hours, for your last exploration or departure.
VND350000, 2h

10:30am

Coffee at Cafe Giang

Stop by the famous Café Giang to try the traditional egg coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty.
VND50000, 30m

11:30am

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter or shopping

Spend your last hours wandering shops or picking up souvenirs in the lively Old Quarter.
Variable, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Bun Bo Nam Bo

Try this flavorful Hanoi dish of warm noodles topped with beef and fresh herbs before heading to the airport.
VND80000, 1h

3:00pm

Departure to airport

Travel to Noi Bai International Airport for your departing flight.
VND300000, 1h
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