5-Day North Vietnam: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh

Arrive in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital located in the heart of northern Vietnam, warmly welcomed by the English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour at the airport. A comfortable transfer takes visitors to the centrally located hotel (rooms available from 2:00 p.m.), with the day's activities tailored to suit the arrival time.

Set out for the first exploration of the city center, soaked in the charm of this ancient capital:

• King Ly Thai To square: Discover the millennium-old history of the Vietnamese capital.

Ly Thai To is the founder of the Ly dynasty (1009-1225). It was he who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010

• Lake of the Restored Sword with the temple of Mount Jade, the Turtle Islet, in the heart of Hanoi.
• Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 corporation streets, where you can stroll through craft streets named after the goods that were produced and sold there. Don't forget to stop at Ma May Street and visit an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic feature of traditional Hanoi architecture.

This Old Quarter is located in the heart of Hanoi and is full of old houses, temples, bustling markets, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants. It is an emblematic place that testifies to the history and culture of the Vietnamese capital.

Discover the colonial heritage with French concessions: take a cycle rickshaw ride through the city to visit the Grand Théâtre, the Métropole Hotel, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office. End your day with a relaxing night at the hotel. This marks the beginning of your North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. Enjoy exploring the rich history and culture of the region with our expert guidance.

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Night in Hanoi.

Depart for Ninh Binh, known as the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, offering a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

Mua Cave in Ninh Binh is a tourist area in the core of Trang An scenic complex that you can try. Located at the foot of Mua Mountain with the shape of a large bell face upside down, it's about 800m2 wide. This tourist site belongs to Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. 

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

Explore a vast landscape featuring sugarloaf-shaped rock formations, rice paddies, and rivers. Enjoy boat rides on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the sugarloaf peaks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat excursion on the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc, winding through rice paddies, and sugarloaf formations, and passing under the three caves at the base of the limestone peaks.

Return to Hanoi by the end of the day and spend the night at the hotel.

For a shorter drive, there's an option to stay in Ninh Binh on this day and spend the night there (without returning to Hanoi during the day). Then, you can depart for Halong Bay the following morning with the guide and private car. Please contact us for this option.

Part of the Gulf of Tonkin (Pacific Ocean), Halong Bay is a vast area comprised of thousands of limestone karsts rising from the sea. A cruise aboard a junk boat in this bay is a must during any trip to Vietnam.

Depart for Ha Long, the most beautiful bay in Vietnam and one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Board a traditional junk upon arrival, welcome by the crew, and embark on a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long, the northern part of Ha Long Bay:

• Admire picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).

• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.

• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).

• In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, including card games or night fishing. 

Spend the night on board.

Wake up at dawn to savor a moment of unparalleled beauty: witness the first rays of sun peering over the countless limestone karsts of the bay and partake in a Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Embark on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to interact with local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, marking the conclusion of your North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this remarkable journey. Safe travels!