5 days/ 4 nights

Best of North Vietnam 5 Days: Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoa Lu & Tam Coc, Halong Bay Cruise

5 days/ 4 nightsduration
10group size
Easydifficulty
Ha Noi - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bayroute

Overview

  • Discover Hanoi’s top landmarks on a full-day city tour with an English-speaking guide
  • Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest pagoda, on the shores of West Lake
  • Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex and see the iconic One Pillar Pagoda
  • Step inside the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070
  • Learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at the Vietnam Ethnology Museum
  • Discover the history of the “Hanoi Hilton” at Hoa Lo Prison Museum
  • Enjoy a famous Egg Coffee near Train Street
  • Optional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter or a traditional water puppet show
  • Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and the temples of Kings Dinh and Le
  • Glide through rice paddies and three caves on a 2-hour bamboo boat ride in Tam Coc, known as “Ha Long Bay on land”
  • Cruise through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, among thousands of limestone islands
  • Enjoy a seafood lunch on board and afternoon tea on the upper deck
  • Explore Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave in the Bo Hon Archipelago
  • Kayak or take a bamboo boat in the peaceful Luon Cave Lagoon
  • Walk along the beach and climb Titov Peak for panoramic views of the bay
  • Travel in comfort by Limousine bus, with fast expressway transfers to Ha Long
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi, with a single hotel base for all 4 nights
  • Choose from 3-star, 4-star or 5-star hotel options
  • Entrance fees and daily bottled water included

Pricing

Low & peak season

Low season

  • 2027May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Peak season

  • 2027Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Prices differ in low and peak season. The season is set by the month and year of your departure date.

Group discount — the more travellers, the less each pays

Travellers Discount
1–4 Standard price
5–9 3% off
10–19 5% off
20+ 8% off

Group size = adults + children. The discount applies to the accommodation price (adult and child rates), not to extras.

1

How many are traveling?

AdultsAge 12-99
1
ChildAge 5-11
0
Child 0-4Age 0-4 · Free
0
2

Select accommodation

Select your preferred room types for your 1 travellers and 0 children + 0 aged 0-4 (free) Clear selection
Double RoomPrivate

Private Room

$269per Adult
Single SupplementPrivate

Private Room

$90per Adult

Day-by-day itinerary

1 Arrival to Hanoi Day 1

Welcome to Hanoi – the millennium capital of Vietnam! Located on the right bank of the Red River, the present-day city was founded in 1010 on a prehistoric site. Occupied by the French in 1873, it became the capital of French Indochina in 1902. It fell into Japanese hands between 1940 and 1945, the same year when Ho Chi Minh of icially proclaimed the country's independence there. It was recaptured by the French and only liberated definitively in 1954. Since 1976, following the bloody Vietnam War, it has become the capital of the present-day Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The current face of Hanoi dates back to the French period, as demonstrated by the numerous colonial buildings and large tree-lined boulevards. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our tour guide will greet you and transfer you to the city center for hotel check-in.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

2 Ha Noi – City tour Day 2

08:00 – Departure from Hotel

Meet your friendly guide at your hotel to begin a full-day exploration of Hanoi’s historical and cultural highlights.

Tran Quoc Pagoda

Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. Dating back to the 6th century, it is Hanoi’s oldest pagoda and a serene example of Buddhist architecture.

Ho Chi Minh Complex

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum (note: closed for maintenance from June 15 to August 15, and closed on Mondays and Fridays). View the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh from outside, and stroll through the surrounding gardens to see his former residences where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969.

One Pillar Pagoda

Visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, celebrated as one of the world’s most remarkable pagodas.

Vietnam Ethnology Museum

Gain insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups at the Vietnam Ethnology Museum. This museum is renowned for its comprehensive indoor exhibits and outdoor displays, including carefully reconstructed traditional tribal houses.

Note: On Mondays, the Women’s Museum will be visited instead, as the Ethnology Museum is closed.

Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)

Discover Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 to honor Confucius. See the stone steles mounted on turtle backs, engraved with the names of the country’s most esteemed scholars. The temple reflects the high value placed on education throughout Vietnamese history.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Conclude the day with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Originally built by the French for political prisoners, it was later used to house American POWs during the Vietnam War and became known as the “Hanoi Hilton.”

Train Street

Enjoy Hanoi’s famous Egg Coffee. At the end of the afternoon, you can take a cyclo ride (at their own expense) around the Old Quarter before returning to the hotel or signing up to watch a water puppet show...

Overnight: Hotel in Hanoi

3 Ha Noi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu – Tam Coc) – Ha Noi Day 3

Located in Ninh Binh province, 100 km southeast of Hanoi, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc are two of northern Vietnam’s most picturesque destinations. Hoa Lu served as Vietnam’s ancient capital from 968 to 1009 CE. Nearby, Tam Coc—often called “Ha Long Bay on land”—offers serene rivers winding through rice paddies and towering limestone karsts. Visitors glide along the peaceful Tam Coc stream in a traditional bamboo boat, passing through caves where stalactites and stalagmites glimmer like gemstones just above the water.

Tour Highlights:

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, learning about their heroic histories during the 10th century.

Tam Coc Boat Ride: Row along the Hoang Long River in a bamboo boat, pass through three majestic caves, admire the stunning karst formations, and experience local village life along the riverbanks.

Itinerary:

07:45 – 08:30 AM: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and depart for Ninh Binh, enjoying scenic countryside views along the way.

Hoa Lu: Visit Dinh and Le King Temples, the 10th-century royal capital.

Tam Coc: About 10 km from Hoa Lu, board a bamboo boat and row along the Hoang Long River. Pass through three enormous caves while observing local life and spectacular limestone formations. The boat ride lasts approximately 2 hours.

16:30 PM: Depart Tam Coc and return to Hanoi by car.

19:30 PM: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends.

Meals: Lunch at a local restaurant can be arranged upon request.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

4 Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay – Ha Noi Day 4

Ha Long Bay 1-Day Tour from Hanoi. Overview:

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. Famous for its emerald waters, thousands of towering limestone islands, and colorful caves, Ha Long Bay is a must-visit destination in northern Vietnam. This full-day tour is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to experience the beauty of Ha Long Bay in a day.

Highlights:

Expressway transfer from Hanoi for faster travel

Day cruise in Ha Long Bay with seafood lunch on board

Explore Sung Sot Cave (Amazing Cave)

Kayak or bamboo boat in Luon Cave Lagoon

Visit Titov Island and climb to Titov Peak for panoramic views

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi

Itinerary:

08:00 – 08:30 AM:

Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi. Travel to Tuan Chau Island, Halong City via the new expressway, with a short rest stop along the way.

Cruise in Ha Long Bay:

Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, welcome aboard, and safety briefing.

Cruise through the stunning limestone islands, passages, and uninhabited islets with imaginative names such as Fighting Chicken.

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese seafood lunch on board.

Visit & Activities:

  • Bo Hon Archipelago: Explore Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, filled with impressive stalagmites and stalactites in various shapes.
  • Go kayaking or bamboo boat in Luon Cave Lagoon to discover peaceful waterways surrounded by limestone cliffs.
  • Titov Island: Walk along the sandy beach and climb Titov Peak for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, a picture-perfect paradise.

Afternoon:

Enjoy afternoon tea on board while cruising back toward Tuan Chau Harbor.

Sunbathe on the upper deck and take photos of the iconic natural scenery.

18:00 PM:

Disembark at Tuan Chau Harbor and return to Hanoi via the expressway.

21:00 PM:

Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Lunch with local Vietnamese cuisine included.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

5 Ha Noi – Departure Day 5

Free time for a last bit of shopping or exploring the city on your own, before we take you to Noi Bai airport for your flight home. Your room is available until noon only.

END OF SERVICES.

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What's Included

Accommodations at hotel with breakfast
Transport in air-conditioned vehicle
Meals plan: as mentioned on the program
Local English-speaking guide
All sightseeing fees
Daily bottled water

What's Not Included

International and domestic flights & departure taxes
Tip for guide and driver
E-Visa Viet Nam
Personal travel insurance
Other personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, phone…

Where You'll Stay

LA DOLCE VITA HOTEL - Superior Room

LA DOLCE VITA HOTEL - Superior Room

★★★
Days 1,2,3
HA NOI PEARL HOTEL - Deluxe City view Room

HA NOI PEARL HOTEL - Deluxe City view Room

★★★★
Days 1,2,3
MELIA HANOI - Deluxe Room

MELIA HANOI - Deluxe Room

★★★★★
1,2,3
COZY BAY

COZY BAY

★★★★
Days 4

Tour Operator

Operated by
Indo-Pacific Travel
Platinum Operator
Rating4.8★ (189 reviews)
Response time2 hours
Response rate100%

Traveler Reviews

4.7
★★★★★

Overall rating based on 88 reviews

Itinerary
4.6
Food
4.3
Accommodation
4.2
Guide
4.8
Transport
4.7
Tour Operator
4.7

Important Notes

  • We do not hold any bookings and no services has been made yet until the confirmation
  • Above rates are for quotation only, not for confirmation.
  • All subjects are based on availability.
  • All requests such as smoking, non-smoking, interconnecting room, bedding type will be
  • subject to availability prior to check in.
  • Booking is non refundable nor amendable.
  • Prices are not include city tax nor other taxes nor deposits if required upon check-in.
  • Passport must be valid 6 months ahead since the time of departing the visited country.

Terms and Conditions

  • Standard Hotel Check in time: 2:00pm – 3:00 pm (local time).
  • Standard Hotel Check out time: 11:00am-12pm (local time).
  • A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
  • All hotel rooms are based on the lowest category of room or Run of House; upgrade is subject to availability & supplement charges will be applicable
  • The timing of sightseeing points shall be fixed by local operator due to traffic and weather conditions, however all points must cover unless amendment or cancellation make by clients themselves (Non-refundable for any cancellation that made by clients)
  • Tour and price are subject to change without notice or in case of deduct number of pax in quoted group; increasing in entrance fee; hotel policy …
  • Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
  • Overtime transfers and tour guides services to be charged on spot. Our tour guide will inform and do the best suitable timing for clients.
  • All the rates are based on minimum 01 pax, any change in the total numbers will affect the costing.