Northern Vietnam Highlights – 3 Days: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Ninh Binh

ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI CITY TOUR – CULTURAL DISCOVERY

Upon arrival in Hanoi, meet your local guide and begin discovering Vietnam’s historic capital.

Visit some of Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks:

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside view) & Ba Dinh Square

• One Pillar Pagoda – a unique symbol of Hanoi

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).

In the afternoon, continue exploring the city:

• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple

• Stroll through the bustling Old Quarter

• Experience Hanoi’s famous street food culture

Optional evening activity:

• Traditional Water Puppet Show (own expense)

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI – HA LONG BAY CRUISE (LUNCH INCLUDED)

08:00 – 08:30 – Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and depart for Ha Long Bay
(approximately 2.5–3 hours via expressway).

11:30 – Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, check in, and enjoy a welcome drink.

12:30 – Board the cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch while sailing through the emerald waters and limestone karsts of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.

Afternoon activities include:

• Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay

• Kayaking or bamboo boat ride through scenic lagoons

• Swimming or relaxing on the sundeck

16:30 – Enjoy sunset time on board while cruising back to the harbor.

17:30 – Transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: HANOI – NINH BINH (TRANG AN / TAM COC) – DEPARTURE

07:30 – Pick-up from hotel and transfer to Ninh Binh Province
(approximately 2 hours).

Morning highlights:

• Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam

• Explore Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
  or Tam Coc, depending on itinerary

• Enjoy a peaceful boat trip through rivers, caves, and limestone formations

12:30 – Lunch at a local restaurant featuring Vietnamese specialties.

In the afternoon:

• Visit Mua Cave and climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views over rice paddies and karst mountains

16:30 – Return to Hanoi.

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport or drop-off at hotel.

End of Northern Vietnam Highlights – 3 Days Tour.

TOUR INCLUDED

• Airport pick-up and drop-off (as per itinerary)

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing

• Professional English-speaking local tour guides

• 1 full-day Ha Long Bay cruise with lunch

• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

• Kayaking or bamboo boat experience in Ha Long Bay

• Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary

• Ninh Binh sightseeing tour (Hoa Lu – Trang An / Tam Coc – Mua Cave)

• Bottled water: 1 bottle per person per day during tours

• All applicable taxes and service charges

TOUR EXCLUDED

• Accommodation

• Drinks during meals

• International & domestic air tickets

• Vietnam visa & visa stamping fees

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

• Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff

• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

• Any services not clearly stated in the “Tour Included” section