HANOI - HALONG - NINH BINH

Here’s a detailed 5-day, 4-night itinerary for your trip to Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, including 3-star hotels, full meals, and an overnight cruise.

5 Days 4 Nights: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh

Destinations: Hanoi (3 nights), Halong Bay (1 night on a cruise)
Hotels: 3-star accommodations
Meals: Full board

• Hanoi has a rich history, dating back to over 1,000 years. It was the capital of various kingdoms and dynasties, including the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties.
• The city blends traditional Vietnamese culture with French colonial influences, especially seen in its architecture, food, and public spaces.
• It's known for its beautiful Old Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with colonial-era buildings, temples, and vibrant street markets.

• Hanoi is located on the banks of the Red River (Sông Hồng), which plays an important role in the city's economy and culture.
• The city's climate is influenced by a tropical monsoon, with hot summers and cold winters. Winter in Hanoi can be surprisingly chilly compared to the southern parts of Vietnam.

Hoan Kiem Lake

• Hoan Kiem Lake: A serene lake in the city center, surrounded by parks and important landmarks like the Ngoc Son Temple.
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: The resting place of Vietnam’s revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh.
• The Old Quarter: A bustling area with streets named after traditional goods sold in the area (e.g., Hang Bac for silver, Hang Gai for silk).
• Temple of Literature: A historic site dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam's first national university.
• Hoa Lo Prison: Also known as the "Hanoi Hilton," it was used during French colonial rule and later for American POWs during the Vietnam War.

• Hanoi is famous for its street food culture. Some of the must-try dishes include:
• Pho: A fragrant noodle soup, often made with beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga).
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with noodles and herbs.
• Cha Ca: A dish made with turmeric-marinated fish, typically served with rice noodles and herbs.
• Egg Coffee (Cà Phê Trứng): A sweet and creamy coffee made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and sugar.

• Hanoi has a dense and chaotic street traffic, especially with motorbikes. The city also has an expanding public transportation system, including buses and the newly opened metro line.
• Noi Bai International Airport serves as the main airport for both domestic and international flights.

• As the capital, Hanoi plays a central role in the political and economic development of Vietnam. The city has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with improvements in infrastructure, business, and tourism.
• It has a burgeoning tech industry and serves as a hub for education and government institutions.

• Hanoi hosts several traditional festivals, including the Lunar New Year (Tết), which is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and special events.
• The Mid-Autumn Festival is also a big event, especially for children, who celebrate with lanterns and mooncakes.

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in Quang Ninh Province, about 170 km east of Hanoi, it is known for its stunning seascape of limestone karsts and islets, which rise dramatically from the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.

Why Choose an Overnight Cruise?

1. More Time to Explore – Unlike a day cruise, an overnight stay lets you visit more remote areas and experience the bay at a relaxed pace.
2. Breathtaking Sunsets & Sunrises – Watching the bay change colors during sunrise and sunset from the deck is an unforgettable experience.
3. Luxury & Comfort – Most cruises offer spacious cabins with private balconies, fine dining, and onboard entertainment.
4. Exciting Activities – Depending on the cruise, you can go kayaking, swimming, cave exploring, squid fishing, or enjoy a cooking class.
5. Less Crowded Spots – Many overnight cruises take you to quieter areas like Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, offering a more peaceful experience.

Key Highlights of Halong Bay

• Scenic Beauty: The bay has nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, many of which are covered with lush greenery.
• Cruising: The best way to explore Halong Bay is by an overnight cruise or a day cruise, which takes visitors through different parts of the bay.
• Caves and Grottoes: Famous caves include Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), and Dau Go Cave.
• Floating Fishing Villages: Places like Cua Van and Vung Vieng offer a glimpse into the local way of life.
• Activities: Kayaking, swimming, hiking on islands like Ti Top Island, and exploring the bay’s hidden lagoons.
• Bai Tu Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay: Less crowded alternatives to Halong Bay with similar limestone scenery.

• October to April: Best weather with cooler temperatures and less humidity.
• May to September: Warmer but also the rainy season with occasional storms.

• From Hanoi: The most common route is via a 2.5-3.5 hour drive by private car, bus, or shuttle.
• By Seaplane: A luxury option from Hanoi with aerial views of the bay.