Cultural 4,5 Days: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Tours

Why Choose Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours for Your Vietnam Journey?

This Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours will take you to a deeper insight into Vietnam spirit and culture, among the spectacular natural beauty and the most attractive sites of Ha Noi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh. Wander the cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, sample iconic Vietnamese dishes such as Pho Hanoi and Bun Cha, and see the attractions of Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature. Travel on to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its breathtaking limestone peaks and clear waters. Finally, discover the tranquil landscapes around Ninh Binh, the “Halong Bay on land,” replete with prehistoric temples and stunning natural beauty.

This is a tour that is made for culture and nature lovers and is a great combination of historical exploration, nature’s gift, and culturally intermingled activities! From the grand Hanoi to the splendid Halong Bay to the serene Ninh Binh, each place is a collection of special experiences satisfying a variety of tourists. Travel in Vietnam with Impress Travel: You will have a thoughtfully crafted experience; you will be led by local, insightful, and experienced guides who will make Vietnam’s history come alive, making sure your experience is unforgettable.

Detailed Itinerary for Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours: A 4-5 Day Cultural Adventure

Day 1: Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam

Morning:

• Arrive in Hanoi: Welcome to the vibrant Vietnam and welcome to Hanoi. Today, check into your hotel, as you get ready to experience the sights and sounds of the Place of the Celestial Nymphs.
• Jeep Tour Around Hanoi: Hanoi in a different way! Get to know the local culture and history in a unique way with our jeep tour in the heart of Hanoi! This one-of-a-kind ride allows you to visit hidden treasures and discover the colonial charm of the city in a fun and educational way.

Late Morning:

• Explore the Old Quarter: Visit the Old Quarter, the very soul of Hanoi filled with history, culture and trade. The streets are named for the goods that used to be sold there, and the higgledy piggledy feel is ideal for wandering in. Visit artisan shops, local markets and obscure temples that have withstood the test of time.
• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple: Take a walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi’s most famous place. Stroll around the lake visiting the nearby Ngoc Son Temple on a little island and learn about the legend of the Golden Turtle that is linked to the history of the lake.

Lunch:

• Traditional Hanoi Cuisine: Enjoy morning class of traditional Pho Hanoi (traditional Pho Hanoi is a perfect an authentic dish of Hanoi) or Bun Cha (grilled pork vermicelli noodles) as lunch. This is the kind of dishes that are staples in the lively food scene of a city, and to enjoy them in local atmosphere is an experience in its own right.

Afternoon:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of the most visited attractions in Vietnam. Discover the life of Ho Chi Minh, his legacy and influence in Vietnam.
• One Pillar Pagoda: You will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an unusual and unique structure built in the form of a lotus blossom. The petite and lovely temple represents for Vietnamese Buddhist and architecture.
• Temple of Literature: Visit the Temple of Literature, the first University in Vietnam, where literary talent and learning have been recognized for more than 1,000 years. It’s a peaceful, cultural retreat offering a glimpse into the country’s history of education and Confucianism.

Evening:

• Dinner at a Traditional Restaurant: Treat yourself to a traditional dinner after a full day of activities. Sample the renowned Cha Ca La Vong (grilled fish with dill and noodles) or Banh Cuon Thanh Tri (steamed rice rolls with pork).
• Water Puppet Show: Finish your first day with an interesting Water Puppet show, which is a traditional Vietnamese performance. See expert puppeteers animate a diverse cast of wooden characters who tell traditional Vietnamese stories in the water, accompanied by live music that provides insight into Vietnamese musical traditions.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Sours: vinpearl)

Day 2: Halong Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Gem

Morning:

• Depart for Halong Bay: After breakfast, take a scenic drive (approximately 3.5 hours) to Halong Bay. Admire the beautiful countryside as you make your way there, then pull up to this natural wonder.
• Luxury Cruise Around Halong Bay: After you get to the bay, jump on a luxury cruise around Halong Bay. Admire the limestone karst mountains, floating villages, and placid waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a great way to make the most out of your journey to Halong Bay and its natural wonders!

Midday:

• Explore Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Sung Sot Cave is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Wander through its enormous chambers, filled with wonder at the stalactites and stalagmites that have been thousands of years in the making.
• Relax or Kayak: After the cave tour, relax on the deck or participate in activities including kayaking on calm waters and marvel at the scenery made famous in movies or you can even swim into the bay.

Lunch:

• Seafood on Board: Traditional fresh seafood lunch served on board. Feast on the freshest seafood this region has to offer fish, shrimp and squid, all cooked Vietnamese style.

Afternoon:

• Visit Ti Top Island: After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit. Climb to the top of the hill to the viewpoint, where you’ll have a panoramic view of Halong Bay from above. The stunning panoramas are ideal for you to take some amazing pictures.
• Explore Small Islands: Continue to discover some of the bay`s smaller, more isolated islands where, if you choose to, you can enjoy a relaxed swim, or whatever takes your fancy, where there is no crowd.

Evening:

• Sunset and Dinner on the Cruise: While the sun goes down over the Halong Bay, do rowing-boat charming through the islets for a while  and contemplate de beautiful form of the islets. Dinner in a floating village: A great dinner waits at an amazing a floating village. Enjoy more wonderful Vietnamese food while watching the sky change colors.
• Overnight on the Cruise: Stay overnight on the cruise liner as you enjoy the peace and serenity of Halong Bay. Have a nice quiet evening, some light entertainment, or rest on the balcony.

Luxury Cruise Around Halong Bay (Sours: duthuyenhalong)

Day 3: Ninh Binh – The Land of Limestone Peaks and Ancient History

Morning:

• Depart for Ninh Binh: From the boat you will go back to Hanoi after having breakfast, and continue on a scenic 3-hour road trip to Ninh Binh.
• Visit Tam Coc: From here, take a leisurely boat trip between the limestone karsts of Tam Coc (Three Caves), a spectacular landscape sometimes called Halong Bay on land. Admire the peaceful scenery of limestone mountains, rice fields, and caves.

Lunch:

• Ninh Binh Specialties: Com Chay Ninh Binh (crispy rice) and various regional dishes can be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

Afternoon:

• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Afternoon take a visit to the former capital of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 980. Discover the Dinh and Le temples which are dedicated to the first Vietnamese feudal lords.
• Check-in to Hotel: After the trip, check in at your Ninh Binh hotel and have own time to relax or discover the town.

Dinner:

• Traditional Ninh Binh Cuisine: Have an appetite with local food for dinner: Ninh Binh Goat Meat and Banh Gai, a sweet cake of the region.

Tam Coc (Sours: tripadvisor)

Day 4: Trang An and Mua Cave – Scenic Wonders of Ninh Binh

Morning:

• Trang An Scenic Landscape: Start your day with a trip to Trang An which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its serenading boat cave rides and river rides, set amidst the vibrant greenery and towering mountains. The peaceful setting here make it a great place for nature lovers.

Midday:

• Lunch at a Local Restaurant: We will try a feast of Vietnamese dishes for lunch.

Afternoon:

• Mua Cave and Scenic Views: In the afternoon, you’ll climb up 500 steps to Mua Cave to take in the panoramic views of the Tam Coc valley. Stop for a while to admire the scenery and take some stunning photographs.

Evening:

• Return to Hanoi: End the day with a delightful late afternoon drive back to Hanoi. Relax at the hotel when you get to hotel, or wander around the Old Quarter for shopping or sightseeing dissociation..

Trang An Scenic Landscape (Sours: trangandanhthang)

Day 5: Hanoi – Final Exploration and Departure

Morning:

• Explore the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market: From the morning, it is essential to get your first morning back into the order of the Old Quarter, for the last time. Walk down its picturesque thin streets, and take in the upbeat vibe. Head to Dong Xuan Market, a large covered market in Hanoi, Vietnam, and shop at one of the oldest and most well-known markets of Hanoi for fabulous souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, or local produce. It’s an excellent place to grab presents and souvenirs to take home with you after your Vietnam trip.
• Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House: Keep the vibe going – visitors to Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House must visit his other home near the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The place where Ho Chi Minh lived in the latter part of his life, surrounded by gardens, the house is a peaceful enclave in the busy buzz of the city.

Lunch:

• Traditional Hanoi Lunch: Savor your last traditional Vietnamese lunch in a restaurant such as Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), or any other local food to complete your Hanoi Tour.

Afternoon:

• Free Time for Last-Minute Exploration: You will have free time following lunch to relax or for your last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Hanoi. You can opt to visit the Temple of Literature again, go for an evening walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, or visit one of Hanoi’s renowned coffee shops for a taste of Vietnamese coffee.
• Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: If you want to learn even more about Vietnam’s culture, check out the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This museum will give you a more in-depth look at the ethnic groups and their traditions of said country and is, arguably, the best ending to the several-hour cultural experience.

Evening:

• Dinner and Departure: Have one last dinner in Hanoi before you leave and taste more of what’s cooking in the capital. After that, at an appropriate time, you will be picked up and transferred to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to your next destination, Vietnam, or back to your hometown with sweet memories of Vietnam classic highlights, Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours mix with a historical multi-hue.

Dong Xuan Market (Sours: diendandothi)

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

Tour Includes:

• Stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels, based on twin/double-sharing with daily breakfast. Relaxing on a luxury cruise in Halong Bay.
• Private, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
• Experience the Hanoi Old Quarter and its historical sites by Jeep Tour.
• Boat rides through Tam Coc and the Trang An scenic area.
• Entrance tickets for sightseeing places indicated in the itinerary: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ngoc Son Temple, Temple of Literature, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and Mua Cave.
• A professional English-speaking guide will be throughout the tour.
• Meals as mentioned:
  • Daily breakfast at hotels and on a cruise.
  • Lunches with authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Dinners at selected local restaurants and on a cruise.
• Holi the Creator theme & Water Puppet Show includes your Hanoi ticket.
• Kayaking trip or bamboo boat in Halong Bay.
• Sunset party on the cruise in Halong Bay.
• 2 bottles of water per person per day and a refreshing tissue during transfers.

Tour Excludes:

• Arrival/departure to Hanoi by both international and domestic flights.
• Vietnam Visas cost (if any).
• Services of a personal nature (beverages, laundry, telephone, mini bar, etc.).
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended, offered separately).
• Early check-in or late check-out at the hotels (unless otherwise stated).
• Any other services and/or expenses are not specified in “Includes".

Travel Tips for Your Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours

What to Bring

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be visiting ancient streets, pagodas, caves, and the countryside. Quality shoes will provide you comfortable feeling during your Hanoi Tours and beyond.
• Light, Breathable Clothing: Vietnam’s weather can be hot and wet, especially near Halong Bay and Ninh Binh. Choose lightweight clothing to help keep you cool when you’re getting out and about.
• Sunscreen and Hat: The tropical sun is fierce, and especially when boating in Tam Coc, Trang An and on the deck of your Halong Bay cruise.
• Raincoat or Umbrella: If your trip occurs between May and September, prepare a raincoat since these are all in the range of Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours rainy seasons.
• Camera or Smartphone: From the golden sunsets in Halong Bay to panoramic views from the highest peaks at Mua Cave, you will want to capture all those unforgettable moments!
• Cash (Vietnamese Dong): The Old Quarter and Ninh Binh, for example, have many small vendors who do not take cards.

Best Time to Visit

October – April is the ideal time to experience Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours. The months are cooler and drier, great for exploring the sights.

• Autumn (September – November): Hanoi Tours are magical during the autumn season, when the city becomes covered with the aroma of milkwood pine flowers and mild sunshine.
• Spring (March – April): Halong Bay and Ninh Binh look beautiful, with lush scenery and bright green countryside. The air is nice and cool, this time the perfect temp for cruising and hiking.

Other Useful Information

• Respect Local Customs: When you go to the temples, such as One Pillar Pagoda or Bai Dinh Temple, dress appropriately with your shoulders and knees covered.
• Stay Hydrated: Keep a water bottle with you at all times as you venture through Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours.
• Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi is readily available in hotels, restaurants, and cafés throughout Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh.
• Local Etiquette: A smile can get you anywhere! This is outshone by how welcoming Vietnamese people are, particularly in smaller towns, such as the beautiful Ninh Binh.
• Language Tip: Although English is spoken at the tourist attractions, try to pick up a few Vietnamese words (like “Xin Chao” – Hello, or “Cam On” – Thank you) will definitely help melt the hearts of locals while on Hanoi Tours.

Conclusion

Discover the wonders of Vietnam with Hanoi-Halong Bay & Ninh Binh tours on the way! That is, after exploring trek in hill-tribe North, before doing, by the time you have visited our interesting place of the Hanoi Tours which is, additionally, rich in culture, Halong Bay, stunning in beauty, and Ninh Binh, peaceful in scenery, you will never know what it reserves for you in the next stop. Book your journey today through Impress Travel, and we will show you the heart of Vietnam!

Contact Impress Travel:

• Phone: (+84) 912 379 189
• Email: info@impresstravel.com
• Website: www.impresstravel.com