Discover the captivating beauty and rich culture of Northern Vietnam on this exciting 5-day journey. Explore the charming chaos of Hanoi's Old Quarter on a walking food tour, marvel at the stunning karst landscapes of Ninh Binh ("Halong Bay on Land"), and sail through the iconic, emerald waters of Halong Bay on an unforgettable overnight cruise. This tour perfectly blends urban exploration, natural wonders, and cultural immersion.
Travel Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Ha Noi
Vietnam Destinations Map
Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport (HAN), our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel (approx. 45 mins drive). Check-in time is 2:00 PM. After settling in, our guide will meet you for a 3-4 hour walking tour to discover the heart of Hanoi. Explore the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, stroll around the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake, and see the neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Cathedral. Along the way, you'll sample authentic local specialties like Pho (noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Egg Coffee, and mixed fruits – this tasting experience serves as your included Lunch or Dinner for the day.
(Pick up approx. 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM) After breakfast, your guide will pick you up for a scenic 2-hour drive to Ninh Binh province. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Spend about 30 minutes visiting the historic Dinh and Le king temples.
Enjoy a delicious local buffet lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a stunning 2-3 hour boat trip through the Trang An landscape complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glide through serene waterways surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and explore natural caves.
Afterwards, challenge yourself with a hike up approximately 500 steps to the summit of Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You'll be transferred back to your Hanoi hotel, arriving around 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out. Between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, our driver will pick you up for the 2.5-hour transfer to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier around 12:30 PM, you'll board your cruise ship. Settle in and enjoy lunch as the cruise begins sailing through the magnificent bay. During the afternoon, participate in exciting activities: hike to the top of Titop Island (approx. 425 steps) for incredible panoramic views of the bay, enjoy kayaking in a calm lagoon or small cave area, and join an onboard cooking class to learn how to make a Vietnamese dish. Enjoy dinner and spend the night on the cruise ship.
Wake up to the beauty of Halong Bay. Around 7:00 AM, enjoy breakfast, coffee, tea, and fruits onboard. At approximately 8:00 AM, visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Around 9:00 AM, return to the cruise ship to pack your belongings and complete the check-out process. A farewell brunch will be served around 10:00 AM as the cruise sails back towards the harbor. Disembark around 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and board the bus for the return journey to Hanoi. You will be transferred back to your hotel in Hanoi, arriving around 3:00 PM.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Hanoi. This is a free and easy day until your departure. Standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel at the appropriate time and transfer you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your onward flight. Say goodbye to Vietnam!
This price is the sample rate based on 3-star hotel accommodation and Halong Cruise quality 4 star. Final pricing may vary depending on travel dates, hotel category, and group size.
All hotel and cruise stays are based on standard rooms with windows. Room upgrades are available upon request for an additional fee.
Specific hotel names are subject to availability at the time of booking. Equivalent alternatives will be provided if necessary.
Looking for a longer journey? Discover curated multi-day packages by region:
🔹 Southern Vietnam Tour Packages
🔹 Central Vietnam Tour Packages
🔹 Northern Vietnam Tour Packages
Choose the itinerary that best suits your travel plans:
Customize Your Vietnam Itinerary Here
Vietnam's weather varies significantly by region due to its long, narrow geography.
Southern Vietnam (e.g., Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) enjoys hot and dry weather from November to April, with temperatures ranging between 25–35°C (77–95°F). The rainy season peaks between June and August, bringing short but heavy showers.
Central Vietnam (e.g., Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue) is typically hot and dry from January to August, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F). October and November can bring heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons, especially along the coast.
Northern Vietnam (e.g., Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh) experiences a cooler, drier climate from November to April, with temperatures averaging 17–22°C (63–72°F). The summer months from May to October are warm and humid, with heavy rainfall, particularly in July through September.
Each region has its own best time to visit depending on your preferred activities and destinations.
Looking for travel inspiration, tips, and local insights?
Vietnam stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, which means the climate varies by region. In general, the most popular time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and temperatures are pleasantly mild across much of the country. This season is ideal for exploring bustling cities, relaxing on beaches, and discovering cultural landmarks.
For the central region — including Hoi An, Danang, and Hue — the months from March to August are especially favorable. Expect sunny skies, warm seas, and fewer crowds, often with better hotel deals.
Meanwhile, southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc) enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round, but the dry season from November to April makes outdoor activities and river cruises more comfortable.
In the north (Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay), winter months (December–February) can be cool and misty, while late spring and autumn (March–April, September–October) bring clear skies and comfortable temperatures — perfect for trekking or cruising.
Tip: No matter when you visit, each region of Vietnam offers something unique, so the “best” time can also depend on the experiences you’re looking for.
Looking for travel inspiration, tips, and local insights?
Booking with Vielokal Travel is simple and flexible:
Browse our tours and find the one you love.
Fill out the inquiry form with the tour code and your details (travel dates, number of people, contact information, and any special requests).
If you're just inquiring, one of our travel consultants will reach out shortly to finalize the details and guide you through the payment process. If you're booking directly, you may be prompted to make a deposit payment.
Once your booking is confirmed (and deposit paid, if applicable), you’ll receive a confirmation email with your itinerary and further details.
Throughout your journey, our travel consultant will provide support and check in to ensure everything runs smoothly.
👉 You can also contact us directly via WhatsApp or email us at contact@vielokaltravel.com for quick assistance or to make a booking.
Absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized travel experiences. If you like one of our existing tours but want to modify it (change duration, add destinations, upgrade hotels), just let us know in your inquiry. Alternatively, if you want a completely unique itinerary built from scratch based on your interests, budget, and travel style, please fill out our "Tailor-Made Tour" request form or contact us directly. Our expert consultants love crafting dream trips!
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your stay. Many nationalities are eligible for visa exemptions for short stays (usually 15-45 days). Others may need to apply for an e-visa online in advance or obtain a visa via a Vietnamese embassy/consulate. We strongly recommend checking the latest official visa requirements for your specific passport country well before your travel date. We can provide general guidance, but the responsibility for obtaining the correct visa lies with the traveller.
While we do not include travel insurance in our standard packages, we highly recommend that all travellers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departing for Vietnam. Good insurance protects you against unforeseen circumstances like trip cancellation, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and travel delays. Proof of insurance may sometimes be requested.
Once your deposit is received and your booking is confirmed, you will receive:
A formal Booking Confirmation email.
A detailed day-by-day itinerary (if not already provided).
Service Vouchers (usually sent closer to the travel date) confirming your arrangements (hotels, tours, transfers).
Contact details for our support team in Vietnam should you need assistance during your trip.
Your dedicated travel consultant will remain available to answer any further questions you have before you travel.
Deep Local Expertise & Passion: We're not just booking agents; we are passionate locals and Vietnam travel experts based right here! We live and breathe Vietnam every day. This means we have intimate, up-to-date knowledge of destinations, hidden gems, cultural etiquette, and the best local spots that many others might miss. We offer authentic insights that only locals can provide.
Truly Personalized & Flexible Itineraries: We believe your trip should be yours. Forget rigid, one-size-fits-all packages. We listen carefully to your interests, travel style, pace, and budget to craft a unique, tailor-made itinerary just for you. Want to linger longer somewhere? Add a specific activity? We make it happen.
Focus on Authentic Experiences: We strive to connect you with the real heart and soul of Vietnam. This means incorporating meaningful interactions with local people, unique cultural experiences, delicious regional cuisine, and steering you towards genuine discoveries beyond the usual tourist crowds where possible.
Dedicated Support & Seamless Service: From your very first inquiry until you safely return home, you'll have a dedicated travel consultant. Crucially, being based in Vietnam means we offer reliable on-the-ground support 24/7 during your trip. If anything unexpected happens, we're right here to assist you immediately, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.
Excellent Value & Transparency: We leverage our local connections to offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Our quotes are detailed and transparent, clearly outlining what's included and excluded, so there are no hidden surprises. We focus on providing exceptional value for your investment.
Commitment to Quality & Responsibility: We carefully select our partners (hotels, guides, drivers) based on quality, reliability, and professionalism. We are also committed to responsible tourism practices that respect local culture and benefit the communities you visit.
Choosing Vielokal Travel means choosing peace of mind, authentic discovery, personalized care, and unbeatable local expertise for your unforgettable Vietnam adventure. Let us show you the difference!
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