Escape to Northern Vietnam – 5 Days

Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide/driver. Then, you will transfer to your hotel in the city center. Depending on your arrival time, check-in may be available (hotel check-in time is usually after 2:00 PM). Early check-in is subject to availability or an additional fee.

In the afternoon, let’s begin your tour at the vibrant Old Quarter, where the maze of streets is named after traditional trades and crafts, and visit Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword): Take a scenic walk around the lake, the heart of Hanoi, and admire the iconic Red Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain), dedicated to Confucian and Taoist deities.

After the Old Quarter, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. This serene complex, built in 1070, honors Confucius and celebrates Vietnam’s scholars. Stroll through its courtyards and marvel at the ancient architecture and steel of doctors.

In the evening, you will enjoy a Vietnamese water puppet show at a local theater. This art form originated from the Red River Delta and showcases traditional tales, folklore, and music. The show typically lasts about 45 minutes.

Return to your hotel and unwind after your first day in Hanoi. If time allows, enjoy the night vibe of Hanoi by visiting a café or taking a short stroll around the Night Market on your own (if your arrival is on a weekend).

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Meals included: None

Pick up from your hotel or private address and depart to Ninh Binh.

09:30 -10:00 Arrive at Hang Mua, “Mua Cave,” one of the most alluring places to get the panorama view in Ninh Binh, hiking up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain to take in your amazing views of the Tam Coc, Ninh Binh area.

11:00 – 11:30 Take a bike and start riding around the village to explore the gorgeous rice fields surrounded by limestone mountains with a unique route and visit a local family in the Tam Coc area. They are a traditional Vietnamese family with three generations living together. Here you will get the chance to see the house’s architecture and their daily lives.

14:00 Visit Tam Coc by a small boat rowed by a local for about 1.5 hours. Known as “Halong Bay on land”, the boat trip is a nice journey along the river with the peaceful scenery of limestone mountains and rice paddy fields if traveling during harvest season.

16:30 Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, and visit the temple of King Dinh. Under the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about Vietnamese history.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will depart towards the famous Halong Bay. On the way, you will pass through Thai Binh province and the large port city of Hai Phong before arriving in Halong around noon.

This world-famous bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Vietnam, with its giant rock islets covered in luxuriant vegetation overlooking the waters. Halong Bay includes some 1,900 islands and islets of rocky peaks, often uninhabited and unvisited. This scene creates a spectacular marine landscape, which earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1994. You will be served lunch and dinner aboard with excellent and freshly caught seafood from the bay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on the junk

Distance: 122 kilometers, 2 hours

Early in the morning, and depending on the season, you will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the aquamarine waters of the bay. Then the cruise will tour around the bay until you disembark at the end of the morning. After that, you will check out the cruise and overnight in Halong Bay.

Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Halong

Pick you up at your hotel in the city center, and then let’s get ready for Halong Discovery. Pass through the iconic Bai Chay bridge crossing the sea that links the two districts of Halong City. The first stop is at Long Tien, the largest pagoda in Quang Ninh Province. The pagoda has an original and unique architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty. Built in 1941, Long Tien Pagoda is a favorite site amongst both domestic and international tourists.

From there, climb up to Bai Tho Mountain Peak (186 meters high, 250 steps). It will give you the perfect opportunity to take panoramic photos of the city and the amazing islands that are scattered across Halong Bay.

Continue to get to the city’s main market with all the pieces of stuff and food. Then drive to a local seafood market to see the way of life and living making of many fishmen of the city.

Afterward, drive to Quang Ninh Museum (closed on weekends) with its unique and modern architecture, designed by the famous Spanish architect Salvador Perez Aroyo, to visit this modern, architecturally striking museum designed to look like a black pearl, reflecting the importance of coal and Halong Bay’s heritage.

There will be time for free shopping or some drinks before coming back to Hanoi Airport for your departure flight. Ends of service.