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

Viewed by 55 travelers

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi

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
Find Hotels in Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

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
Find Hotels in Ha Long Bay to Ninh Binh

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
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh

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
Find Hotels in Ninh Binh to Hanoi
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