A short, scenic trip through Vietnam's north: Hanoi's old streets and temples, a rowing-boat ride through the river caves of Trang An in Ninh Binh — 'Ha Long Bay on land' — and a night aboard a cruise in Ha Long Bay itself.
- Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Route: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu, Trang An) – Ha Long Bay (overnight cruise) – Hanoi
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Starts: Hanoi (Noi Bai) airport
- Ends: Hanoi (Noi Bai) airport
Tour Highlights
- Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and a water puppet show
- Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex
- Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital
- Rowing-boat ride through the caves of Trang An (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Mua Cave viewpoint over the rice fields
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise with kayaking
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE HANOI
- Arrive at Hanoi (Noi Bai) airport and meet your guide
- Transfer to the hotel and check in
- Evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter
- Traditional water puppet show
- Overnight stay in Hanoi
Day 2: HANOI SIGHTSEEING
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the One Pillar Pagoda (mausoleum closed on some days)
- Temple of Literature and Tran Quoc Pagoda
- Afternoon at leisure for shopping and street food
- Overnight stay in Hanoi
Day 3: HANOI – NINH BINH (95 KMS / 2 HRS DRIVE)
- Breakfast and drive to Ninh Binh
- Visit Hoa Lu, the 10th-century capital, and the temples of the Dinh and Le kings
- Rowing-boat ride through the limestone caves and rice fields of Trang An
- Climb about 500 steps to Mua Cave viewpoint for sunset
- Overnight stay in Ninh Binh
Day 4: NINH BINH – HA LONG BAY CRUISE (170 KMS / 3 HRS DRIVE)
- Breakfast and drive to Ha Long Bay
- Board your cruise; lunch on board among the limestone islands
- Kayaking and a visit to Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
- Sunset on the sundeck
- Dinner and overnight stay on the cruise
Day 5: HA LONG – HANOI DEPARTURE (170 KMS / 3 HRS DRIVE)
- Morning tai chi on deck and brunch while cruising back
- Disembark and drive to Hanoi (Noi Bai) airport for your onward journey
- Tour ends with sweet memories
- Note: Indian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa, applied online before travel
Plan This Trip With Us
This itinerary is fully customisable — add a day, change hotel category, or turn it into a family, group or honeymoon trip. We can also help with flights or trains to the starting point. Prices depend on your travel dates, hotel choice and group size. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 98847 98483 or email info@adwaittours.com for a free quote.
