Northern Vietnam Highlights: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong 5 Days by Link Asia Travel

🇻🇳 NORTHERN VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS: HANOI – NINH BINH – HALONG BAY (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Country VIETNAM TOURS

Type of Trip

Budget money Price from 629 USD

Explore the rich heritage of Northern Vietnam in a perfectly balanced 5-day journey. From the ancient tree-lined boulevards of Hanoi and the dramatic limestone karsts of UNESCO World Heritage Trang An - Ninh Binh, to an extraordinary overnight luxury cruise amidst the emerald waters of Halong Bay.

⭐ TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

🏛️ Hanoi Cultural Heritage: Immerse in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with an authentic 1-hour cyclo tour, visit Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Complex, and taste famous local Egg Coffee.
🚣 UNESCO Trang An Landscape: Glides along emerald rivers through majestic limestone caves and ancient temples aboard a traditional sampan boat.
🚢 5★ Luxury Halong Bay Cruise: Experience a breathtaking 2-Day/1-Night cruise with a private balcony suite, ocean kayaking, cave exploration, and a sunset party on the sundeck.
🥢 Authentic Culinary Delights: Enjoy handpicked Vietnamese specialty lunches including Hanoi Pho/Bun Cha, Ninh Binh goat meat specialties, and seafood feasts on Halong Bay.

Description of the programme

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL & WELCOME DINNER (Meals: Dinner)
- Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), your private driver and English-speaking tour guide will greet you warmly at the arrival hall and transfer you to your boutique hotel in Hanoi city center.
- Check-in and relax after your flight.
- Late Afternoon: Enjoy a charming 1-hour Cyclo Ride around the 36 Ancient Streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, followed by a visit to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple.
- Evening: Gather for a delicious Welcome Dinner at an authentic local restaurant showcasing Northern Vietnamese cuisine.
- 🏨 Overnight: 4★ Boutique Hotel in Hanoi City Center.
DAY 2: HANOI FULL-DAY CULTURAL CITY TOUR (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
- 08:30 AM: Begin your exploration at the historic Ho Chi Minh Complex, visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Presidential Palace grounds.
- Continue to the prestigious Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)—Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070.
- 12:30 PM: Savor a delicious lunch featuring Hanoi's iconic Bun Cha or Pho.
- Afternoon: Visit the acclaimed Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (or Women's Museum) to learn about the country's 54 ethnic groups.
- Conclude the tour at a hidden rooftop cafe in the Old Quarter to enjoy a cup of traditional Hanoi Egg Coffee.
- Evening: Free time to explore the Old Quarter Night Market or dine at your leisure.
- 🏨 Overnight: 4★ Boutique Hotel in Hanoi City Center.
DAY 3: HANOI – NINH BINH (HOA LU ANCIENT CAPITAL & TRANG AN) (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
- 08:00 AM: Depart Hanoi for a scenic 1.5-hour drive through countryside villages to Ninh Binh Province—often called "Halong Bay on Land".
- Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh Tiên Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
- 12:30 PM: Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local delicacies such as Ninh Binh crispy rice and mountain goat.
- Afternoon: Transfer to the Trang An Landscape Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Board a handcrafted sampan boat for a serene 2.5-hour journey gliding past towering karst towers, through hidden water caves (Sang Cave, Toi Cave), and visiting ancient stone temples along the riverbanks.
- Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
- 🏨 Overnight: 4★ Boutique Hotel in Hanoi City Center.
DAY 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT LUXURY CRUISE (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- 08:00 – 08:30 AM: Depart Hanoi via the modern expressway to Halong Bay (approx. 2.5 hours).
- 11:45 AM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina. Warmly welcomed aboard your 5★ Luxury Cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing while checking into your ocean-view Balcony Suite.
- 13:00 PM: Relish a gourmet lunch on board as the cruise sails deep into the emerald bay, passing iconic limestone islets (Fighting Cocks, Incense Burner).
- Afternoon Excursion: Explore stunning caves (such as Sung Sot / Surprise Cave or Luon Cave) by kayak or bamboo boat. Take a dip or relax on the white sands of Titov Island.
- Sunset Party: Return to the cruise sundeck for a sunset cooking demonstration and cocktail happy hour.
- 19:00 PM: Indulge in a lavish seafood dinner under the stars, followed by evening squid fishing or spa relaxation.
- 🚢 Overnight: 5★ Luxury Cruise Ship in Halong Bay (Private Balcony Deluxe).
DAY 5: HALONG BAY MORNING EXCURSION – HANOI DEPARTURE (Meals: Breakfast, Brunch)
- 06:30 AM: Start your morning with a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the limestone peaks.
- Enjoy a light breakfast served in the dining room.
- 07:45 AM: Visit a floating village or scenic water cave by kayak/local rowboat.
- 09:30 AM: Return to the cruise to pack your luggage and check out of your cabin.
- 10:00 AM: Enjoy a delicious international buffet brunch while the cruise gently sails back toward the harbor.
- 11:30 AM: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina. Your private driver meets you for the direct transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your onward flight (or return to Hanoi city center).
- End of services with Link Asia Travel!

This price includes

• Accommodation: 3 Nights in 4★ Boutique Hotel in Hanoi + 1 Night aboard 5★ Luxury Halong Bay Cruise (Private Balcony Deluxe)
• Meals: Full board meals as specified in the itinerary (4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches/Brunches, 2 Dinners)
• Transportation: Private modern A/C vehicle with experienced driver throughout the tour
• Tour Guide: Professional, knowledgeable English-speaking local tour guide
• Boat Trips: Handcrafted sampan boat ride in UNESCO Trang An & Kayaking/bamboo boat in Halong Bay
• Sightseeing & Entrance Fees: All entrance tickets, 1-hour Cyclo tour in Hanoi Old Quarter, and activity fees
• Special Experiences: Traditional Hanoi Egg Coffee tasting & Sunset Party on Halong Cruise
• Complimentary: 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day

This price does not include

• International Airfares: Roundtrip international flights to and from Vietnam
• Personal Expenses: Drinks/beverages during meals, laundry, telephone, shopping, and personal purchases
• Tipping & Gratuities: Tips for local drivers, tour guides, boat rowers, and cruise staff
• Early Check-in & Late Check-out: Hotel rooms outside standard check-in (14:00) and check-out (12:00) times
• Travel Insurance: Personal travel and medical insurance
• Vietnamese E-Visa Fee: Visa processing fee (Available upon request if needed)
• Surcharges: Peak season or compulsory Gala Dinner surcharges during Christmas / New Year / Lunar New Year (if applicable)

Necessary information for the trip

• Passport & Visa Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date into Vietnam. Please ensure you carry a printed copy or digital PDF of your approved Vietnamese E-Visa.
• Dress Code for Cultural Sites: When visiting temples, pagodas, and sacred historical monuments (such as the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, or Ngoc Son Temple), please wear respectful attire that covers your shoulders and knees.
• What to Pack & Footwear: We recommend comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for sightseeing, cave walking, and boat tours. Don't forget your swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for Halong Bay. A light jacket is recommended during winter months (November to February).
• Dietary Restrictions & Special Requests: Please inform our tour team of any dietary requirements, food allergies, or medical conditions at least 7 days prior to arrival so we can arrange customized meal menus (Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Gluten-free, Seafood allergy, etc.).
• Local Currency & Spending: The official currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and shops, but carrying small VND cash is recommended for local markets, street snacks, and tipping.

🇻🇳 NORTHERN VIETNAM HIGHLIGHTS: HANOI – NINH BINH – HALONG BAY (5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS)

Description of the programme

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