Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Tour 5 Days

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon landing at Noi Bai Airport, a professional tour guide and driver will warmly greet you at the pickup lobby. Enjoy a delightful 45-minute drive to the city center, specifically the Hanoi Old Quarter, where you’ll receive a briefing on the city’s highlights, culture, traffic, and cuisine.

Upon arrival at your hotel, check-in and take some time to relax. Please note that the hotel check-in time is at 14:00.

Later in the day, your tour guide will accompany you on a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House. Along the way, stop at notable landmarks such as the statue of King Ly Thai To, the Vietnamese Government Guest House, and the historic Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back through the charming Old Town, exploring some main streets before returning to your hotel.

Optional: In case your flight arrives late or you experience jet lag after a long journey, the walking tour can be rescheduled to the city tour day.

Embark on a cultural journey in Hanoi, visiting a World Heritage site, a city museum, and exploring the French Quarter and Ho Chi Minh complex, with a leisurely stroll around West Lake and the Old Quarter, culminating in the enchanting water puppet show.

At 9:00 AM, your tour guide will pick you up for a visit to the Temple of Literature, a World Heritage site built in the 11th century under the Ly dynasty, dedicated to Confucius and the education of royal children. Enjoy a serene walk in the garden to the city’s symbol, Khue Van Cac, followed by a visit to the World Heritage “stone steles,” showcasing the names of outstanding students. Continue your exploration to Quoc Tu Giam, recognized as Vietnam’s first national university.

Next, choose among the city’s museums (National History Museum, Hoa Lo, Museum of Ethnology, and Fine Arts Museum) for a captivating visit before taking a break for lunch or refreshments at your own budget.

In the afternoon, discover the French Quarter, often referred to as a “little Paris” in Hanoi, adorned with tree-lined boulevards, government offices, and a spacious square. Visit the exterior of Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before enjoying a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to explore the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, where he lived and worked. Continue towards the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the city. Exploration of this complex typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the group size.

Continue your journey to Quan Thanh Temple, one of the city’s four most important temples, dating back to the 11th century under King Ly Thai To, dedicated to the Tran Vu gods in Taoism. Take a leisurely walk along a romantic road crossing West Lake, offering beautiful city views. Make a stop at Tran Quoc Pagoda, dating back to the 6th century during the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De Dynasty.

Conclude your day by enjoying the unique water puppet show, a traditional performance dating back to the 11th century. These shows vividly depict the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people through puppets on water, accompanied by traditional music.

Return to your hotel, marking the end of an enriching day.

Let’s take a captivating journey to Ninh Binh, a region brimming with historical, cultural, religious, and geographical wonders. At 8:00 AM, rendezvous with your tour guide and driver at the hotel for a scenic transfer to Ninh Binh. As you traverse the Red River delta, feel free to make stops for picturesque photo opportunities.

Arriving at Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 10th to the 11th century, marvel at the citadel surrounded by limestone mountains and rivers, creating a breathtaking and picturesque setting. Explore the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). Both leaders played crucial roles in securing the country’s independence after a thousand years of Chinese rule. The 17th-century temples symbolize profound respect for the kings’ contributions.

Continue your journey to Bich Dong, a typical countryside pagoda in the Red River Delta, constructed in the 15th century. Cross a stone bridge to Chua Ha, ascend over 100 steps to Chua Trung—the cave pagoda adorned with unique clay statues – and hike up to Chua Thuong. Immerse yourself in Buddhism and relish incredible countryside views.

Indulge in a delightful lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Tam Coc, renowned as the “Halong Bay on land” and featured in the famous French movie “Indochina.” Upon reaching the pier, board a private sampan boat for a ninety-minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Glide through three caves and witness a stunning landscape woven with small communities, rice fields, cemeteries, and temples.

Around 6:00 PM, drive back to Hanoi, concluding a day filled with cultural exploration and natural beauty.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay, known for its stunning sailing routes, picturesque scenery, and a visit to the breathtaking Titov Beach.

At 8:00 AM, our team will pick you up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter for a scenic 3-hour drive to Halong Bay. As you traverse the Red River Delta, you’ll pass through charming villages and lush rice fields. Take a brief break for refreshments and restroom facilities before continuing the journey. Arrive at the harbor around noon, where a warm reception awaits you.

12:30: Complete the check-in process on the boat, including a cruise briefing and safety instructions. Set sail to explore the wonders of Halong Bay, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Indulge in a buffet lunch featuring delectable Vietnamese dishes as you cruise through the bay, passing by enchanting areas such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim Beach, and Coconut Three Islands.

In the afternoon, venture to the Tung Sau area, adorned with fascinating rock formations and a cultured pearl fishery. Witness the intricate process of crafting jewels, from cultivation to harvesting and sculpting. Additionally, seize the opportunity to engage in kayaking, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of pearl making. Visit the pristine Titov Beach for a refreshing swim (weather permitting) or climb to the summit of Titov Island for a panoramic view of Halong Bay. Return to the boat and enjoy free time while sailing to Luon Bo area, where the vessel will anchor for the night.

Optional: Indulge in a rejuvenating massage service available on board. Kindly make reservations directly with the Cruise Manager (refer to the massage menu).

18:30: Participate in a Cooking class on the sundeck, learning the art of making Vietnamese spring rolls, a traditional culinary delight. Subsequently, savor Happy Hour with a buy-one-get-one-free offer, creating the perfect ambiance for casual conversations and relaxation. Delight in the mesmerizing sunset over Halong Bay.

Dinner features a Deluxe Vietnamese BBQ Set Menu, offering a delectable array of flavors.

Evening activities include leisure time to socialize around the bar, enjoy movies and various cultural films from Vietnam, relax, and savor a romantic night on the Pelican Halong Cruise. Engage in music, play cards or chess, read magazines in your room or the dining area. For those seeking a bit of adventure, try your hand at squid fishing and fishing directly from the boat.

Commence your day early at 06:30 with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck, embracing the harmonious blend of deep breathing, relaxation, and gentle movements.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries served in the dining room, all while enjoying the morning view of the bay’s enchanting landscape.

Embark on a tender transfer to Sung Sot Cave, a renowned natural wonder. Ascend approximately 100 steps to reach the cave entrance and explore the vast expanse of Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. After the exploration, return to the cruise by tender, complete your check-out, and settle your bill at the reception.

Savor a buffet brunch against the backdrop of the bay’s mesmerizing scenery as the cruise gracefully cruises back to Tuan Chau Wharf, arriving around 11:30-12:00 for disembarkation.

Upon disembarking, be welcomed by your driver at the harbor for a relaxing journey back to Hanoi. Take a moment to rest midway before being dropped off at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

Later, a private driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for a 45-minute transfer to Noi Bai Airport, catering to international or domestic departures based on your preference. We express our gratitude for choosing our city for your visit.

Note: For international flights, it is advisable to be at the airport 3 hours prior to departure, while domestic flights require 2 hours before departure time. Safe travels!

End of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay Tour 5 days!