Enchanting Vietnam: A 4-Day Hanoi & Halong Bay Journey

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day private journey through Northern Vietnam, where the region’s rich cultural depth gracefully meets its breathtaking natural grandeur. This meticulously curated retreat is designed for travelers who desire an immersive and intimate experience at a relaxed, comfortable pace. Your adventure begins in the bustling capital of Hanoi, where you will explore ancient markets, historical landmarks, and the vibrant street life that defines the city. From there, you will escape to the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh, a region often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," where peaceful boat rides take you through lush rice paddies and past towering karst formations. The tour culminates with an unforgettable overnight cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, sailing through its dramatic seascapes on a luxury 5-star vessel. Every moment of this itinerary is tailored to offer a seamless blend of history, nature, and authentic local flavor, ensuring you create unforgettable memories and connect with the very soul of Vietnam. Let us handle the details while you explore, unwind, and discover the magic of this timeless country.

Tour Highlights

Hanoi

Explore the Old Quarter’s maze of vibrant markets, street food stalls, and artisan shops.
Visit the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its historical significance.
Stroll around the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the iconic red bridge to visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Experience the unique buzz of Train Street at night, a must-see for all visitors.

Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu & Trang An)

Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and explore its centuries-old temples dedicated to Vietnam’s early kings.
Enjoy a scenic bike ride through a traditional village, surrounded by picturesque rice fields.
Glide through the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape on a peaceful sampan boat, passing through stunning caves and lush karst formations.

Halong Bay

Cruise through Halong Bay’s dramatic limestone islands on a luxury 5-star vessel.
Explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave and kayak through Luon Cave’s tranquil lagoon.
Swim or hike at Ti Top Island for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay.
Join a festive sunset party on deck with music, tea, and wine as the sun dips below the horizon.

Timing & Duration

Details	Information
Duration	5 Days / 4 Nights
Locations Covered	Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay
Accommodation Nights	Hanoi (3), Halong Bay (1)

Accommodation

4 nights in well-rated hotels (3-star or above) with daily breakfast
Twin/double sharing basis unless otherwise requested

Transportation

Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
Airport pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi
Shared cruise transfer for Halong Bay

Sightseeing & Activities

Entrance fees to all listed attractions
Guided boat tour in Trang An or Tam Coc (Ninh Binh)
Mua Cave hike and panoramic viewpoint
Overnight cruise experience in Halong Bay with onboard activities
Hanoi city tour including Old Quarter walk, Temple of Literature, and Hoan Kiem Lake

Meals

Daily breakfast at hotels
Lunch and dinner onboard Halong Bay cruise
One local lunch in Ninh Binh featuring regional specialties

Support & Documentation

24/7 local assistance during the tour
Tour confirmation voucher and travel documents
Vietnam visa guidance and support for Indian travelers

Taxes & Charges

All applicable government taxes
Service charges and tolls

International Travel

International airfare to and from Vietnam
Vietnam visa fees and processing charges for Indian passport holders

Meals

Lunches and dinners not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
Snacks, beverages, and room service orders

Personal Expenses

Laundry, telephone calls, and minibar usage
Tips for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (at traveler’s discretion)
Travel insurance (recommended but not included)

Optional Activities

Any sightseeing or experiences not listed in the inclusions
Optional excursions or upgrades (e.g., private boat, luxury cruise cabin)
Entrance fees for attractions visited during free time

Early Check-in / Late Check-out

Hotel check-in before standard time (usually 3:00 PM)
Late check-out beyond hotel policy (usually 12:00 PM)

Others

Any items of a personal nature or not specifically mentioned under “Inclusions”
Additional transportation due to flight delays, weather disruptions, or itinerary changes

Enchanting Vietnam: A 5-Day Hanoi & Halong Bay Journey

Overview: Your 5-day journey exploring the cultural heart of Vietnam, from Hanoi's vibrant streets to the stunning limestone karsts of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Half Day City Tour – Private Tour

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport and be greeted by your guide for a private transfer to your hotel.
Begin your cultural immersion at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university.
Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the iconic red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple.
Enjoy a scenic cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter.
Conclude your day with a traditional Water Puppet Show.

Inclusions

Accommodation
Tour Guide: English-speaking guide[group]
Transfer: Private car

Exclusions

Meals
Entrance fees (if not pre-arranged)
Personal expenses and tips

Notes:

Early check-in available on request with surcharge.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Day 2: Day Trip to Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu, Tam Coc) – Private Tour (B)

Depart Hanoi after breakfast for a full-day private tour to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land.”
Explore the ancient temples of Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam.
Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, passing through caves and rice paddies.
Visit the serene Thai Vi Temple.

Inclusions

Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast
Tour Guide: English-speaking guide[group]
Transfer: Private car

Exclusions

Lunch and dinner
Entrance fees and boat ticket (if not included)
Personal expenses and tips

Notes:

The boat ride is approximately 2 hours.
Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise (B, L, D)

Depart Hanoi after breakfast for Tuan Chau Port in Halong Bay.
Board a luxury 5-star cruise and enjoy a Vietnamese lunch while sailing past breathtaking limestone karsts.
Visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave and explore Luon Cave via kayak or bamboo boat.
Arrive at Ti Top Island to swim or hike for panoramic bay views.
Enjoy a sunset party onboard before spending the night in your luxury cabin.

Inclusions

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour Guide: English-speaking guide[group]
Transfer: Private car

Exclusions

Personal expenses and tips
Kayaking fee (if applicable)
Drinks beyond tea and wine

Notes:

Bring swimwear and comfortable footwear.
The cruise itinerary is subject to change due to weather.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi (B, Br)

Wake up to a peaceful morning on Halong Bay.
Enjoy leisure time on deck as the cruise sails back to the port.
Have brunch onboard before disembarking around 11:30 AM.
A private car will transfer you back to your hotel in Hanoi.
The evening is free for you to explore Hanoi on your own.

Inclusions

Accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Tour Guide: English-speaking guide
Transfer: Private car

Exclusions

Dinner
Personal expenses and tips

Notes:

Brunch includes both Vietnamese and international options.
Wi-Fi may be limited on board the cruise.

Day 5: Hanoi – Departure (B)

Enjoy a final relaxed morning and breakfast in Hanoi.
Your driver will provide a private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Private car

Exclusions

Accommodation
Meals beyond breakfast
Tour guide services

Notes:

This is a driver-only transfer; no guide will be present.
Late check-out may be available on request with a fee.

Your Vietnam Travel Guide

Plan Your Tour Now

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of essential information for your trip to Vietnam, including logistics, travel tips, and the visa process for Indian citizens.

Tour Notes & Information – Northern Vietnam Discovery

Route: Hanoi → Ninh Binh → Halong Bay → Hanoi

Best Time to Visit

Vietnam’s north experiences four distinct seasons. For this itinerary, the most favorable travel windows are:

Season	Months	Highlights
Spring	March – April	Mild weather, blooming landscapes, ideal for cruising and sightseeing
Autumn	October – November	Clear skies, golden rice fields in Ninh Binh, calm seas in Halong Bay
Avoid	May – August	Hot and humid with chances of heavy rain and storms

Tip: Avoid Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Jan–Feb) unless you want to experience cultural festivities—many services may be closed.

Top Attractions by City

City	Must-Visit Attractions
Hanoi	Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Old Quarter, Temple of Literature, Train Street, Water Puppet Show
Ninh Binh	Trang An boat tour, Tam Coc rice fields, Mua Cave viewpoint, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Halong Bay	Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave (kayaking), Overnight cruise, Sunset deck party

Culture & Festivals

Tet (Lunar New Year) – Jan/Feb: Family reunions, fireworks, and flower markets
Lim Festival – February: Traditional Quan họ folk singing in Bac Ninh near Hanoi
Hung Kings Festival – April: Celebrates Vietnam’s legendary founders with processions and lanterns
Mid-Autumn Festival – September: Lantern parades and mooncakes, especially festive in Hanoi and Ninh Binh
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes before entering sacred spaces, and avoid touching heads or pointing feet at people.

Restaurants & Cuisines to Try

Vietnamese cuisine varies by region—northern dishes are subtle, earthy, and herb-forward.

City	Signature Dishes	Recommended Spots
Hanoi	Phở (beef noodle soup), Bún Chả, Egg Coffee	Pho Thin, Bun Cha Ta, Giang Café (egg coffee)
Ninh Binh	Goat meat with lemongrass, Cơm Cháy (crispy rice)	Thăng Long Restaurant, Đức Dê Goat Hotpot
Halong Bay	Grilled squid (Chả Mực), seafood hotpot	Onboard cruise dining, Halong Night Market food stalls

Vegetarian options are available—request “ăn chay” meals.

Shopping to Explore

City	Shopping Highlights
Hanoi	Dong Xuan Market, Weekend Night Market, Trang Tien Plaza, Lotte Center Hanoi
Ninh Binh	Rong Market, Tam Coc Museum (local crafts), Lan Tam Coc Handmade Shop
Halong Bay	Halong Night Market, Bai Chay Shopping Center, Hon Gai Market (seafood & souvenirs)