5-Day North Vietnam: Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh
- Hanoi
- Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay on Land)
- Ha Long Bay
Meticulously custom-made for those seeking an immersive overview of northern Vietnam, this North Vietnam 5 days itinerary will help you explore the charm of this captivating region: Hanoi - the capital, Ha Long Bay, and the Ha Long Bay on land (Ninh Binh). Delve into Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, as you explore its cultural gems. Traverse through rice fields nestled amidst the breathtaking mountainous karst landscapes while hiking, then spend a night on Halong Bay, recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This North Vietnam 5 days itinerary ensures an unforgettable adventure.
- Engaging in a comprehensive journey to uncover the gems of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay.
- Uncover the rich history of the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam.
- Enjoy invigorating hikes through rice fields surrounded by the majestic mountainous karst landscapes.
- Indulge in an overnight stay on Ha Long Bay, prominent globally for its natural wonders.
- Hanoi
- Ninh Binh (Ha Long Bay on Land)
- Ha Long Bay
Day 1 Hanoi - Arrival
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.
Day 2 Hanoi - City Tour
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.
Day 3 Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Halong bay on land)
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.
Day 4 Ninh Binh - Halong bay (3.5 hours drive)
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:
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Admire picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
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Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
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Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).
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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.
Day 5 Halong - Hanoi - Departure
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!
• Travel period
• Number of travelers
• Chosen services
- Accommodation for the entire circuit, in hotels or with locals
- Travel according to the program by private car
- English-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program
- All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
- Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Bottle of water during guided tours (2 x 500ml/traveler/day)
- Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc.)
- International flights from your home
- Visa fees, payable directly at the airport customs (see VISA)
- Bank fees related to payment
- Personal insurance
- Personal beverages during meals: beer, Coca-Cola, fruit juice, etc.
- Other meals not specified in the program
- SIM card and mobile plans
- Tips, personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the "Our Included Services" section
Interested in this tour?
What they say about us
Countless travelers create unforgettable memories with us every year. Discover their testimonials about our exceptional service, stunning destinations, and the highlights of their trips !
What they say about us
Carles & his partner - Spain
January 04, 2025 - Good morning, Mrs. Thuy Do,
We finally found the time to write to you and share our travel experience.
A huge THANK YOU for this magnificent trip that was absolutely flawless!
Everything was perfect: from the hotels you selected for us to the drivers and guides (Thai, Dzung, and Anh), who were wonderful and accompanied us throughout. And, of course, the fabulous itinerary you organized for us, allowing us to discover incredible wonders, including the rice terraces in the north, the lantern-filled city of Hoi An in the center, as well as Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
You and the guides and drivers who joined us contributed immensely to making our trip an unforgettable moment of happiness.
We returned home with great sadness at leaving your beautiful country, as well as the smiles and kindness of its people.
Thank you again for your professionalism, availability, kindness, warmth, the welcome at your agency, and your smiles.
We can’t wait to come back—and
Ethan's Family - Switzerland
December 30, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. And yet, we gave you so much work!
First, in crafting the itinerary, custom-tailored to include our requested visits. You contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the itinerary suited us perfectly and fit within the budget we had set. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, attentiveness, and patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test your skills and professionalism when, one day before departure, my wife had a sinus infection requiring emergency surgery. We were initially supposed to travel as a group of three—my sister, my wife, and me. Given how well-prepared the trip was, I asked my sister to go ahead. Three days after the surgery, which went very well, I decided to join my sister and pick up the itinerary mid-trip (a week later) from Ha Long Bay. Nhung was amazing and remarkably efficient. She canceled my wife's arrangements and organized my transfer to the Ha
Françoise & Claude - France
December 12, 2024 - Dear NHUNG,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. How much work you must have had to do for us!
First, for creating a custom itinerary, taking into account our requests for visits. To do this, you contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the tour was perfect and fit within our budget. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, your listening, and your patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test, quite against our will, your competence and professionalism when, one day before departure, my husband developed a sinus infection requiring urgent surgery. We were leaving as three—my brother and us. We had prepared the trip so well that I asked my brother to go ahead. Three days later, after the surgery went very well, I decided to join my brother and take the tour from Halong Bay (one week later). Nhung was amazing and incredibly efficient. She canceled my husband’s personal bookings and took care of my transfer to the Halon
Eric and friends - Australia
November 25, 2024 - Hello Nhung,
What a wonderful surprise this palace in Sapa is once again.
We deeply appreciate the tranquility and relaxation of this sumptuous and luxurious establishment: it's a perfect retreat after the bustling days we’ve had since our arrival.
What magnificent discoveries we’ve had in the program you organized for us.
Incredible landscapes and settings, remarkable encounters, and extraordinary people everywhere in the local life. The guides were all different but so passionate and engaging (little Linh, so endearing, Hang, and Sam, so dedicated and professional). The drivers were experienced (especially Cuong in the North, who is our favorite: so kind and attentive… and an expert at navigating the mountain roads to keep us safe).
Leonardo and his wife - France
November 15, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
I finally find the time to write to you and share the impressions that our journey to Vietnam left on us.
Beyond the wonderful memories of the 23 days we spent in Vietnam, there is a particular aspect of this trip that I wish to share with you.
My wife and I have traveled fairly extensively. Not as much as we would have liked, but over the years, we have had the opportunity to visit several countries and have learned to organize our trips quite competently and independently. We have never participated in an organized tour and have always chosen our destinations, itineraries, and experiences based on our readings about the countries we visit and our personal tastes and interests. For Vietnam, our starting point was the same, and you may recall that to define our itinerary, we initially sent you a very precise and detailed travel plan.
Véronique Demonçay - Canada
October 20, 2024 - Good evening Mrs. Trang,
We have returned home and resumed work, though with a bit of nostalgia after discovering your beautiful country.
We had an excellent trip; everything was just as planned. Our guide Thien made the stay very enjoyable by scheduling visits during less crowded times. Always kind, cheerful, and speaking excellent English, he shared his knowledge and the great cultural richness of his country. He always gave us great advice. Thank you also to Mr. Long for his careful driving and kindness.
In Cambodia, Mr. Tra (short for his name) also adapted the visit itinerary to less crowded times. He added a temple visit and the visit to the Angkor Scent Workshop. We ended up visiting the floating village of Kampong Phuck, which was closer than the one originally planned, and there weren't too many people yet. This allowed us to visit a local market as well.
Just for your information, it’s necessary to complete the e-Arrival form for Cambodia in add
Pier-Luc Desbiens - Australia
October 7, 2024 - Hello,
We booked this tour at the last minute, and Kampá Tour didn’t disappoint with their prompt organization. Our guide, Thao, was fantastic—full of energy, humor, and knowledge. We spent a lot of time on boats, drifting along the rivers and canals. We loved cycling through the quiet palm groves and cruising through the narrow waterways by sampan in Mekong Delta.
A special thank you to the entire team at Kampá Tour. We spent 15 days in a wonderful country, with remarkable people, extraordinary landscapes, and a fascinating culture... Our return flight on Sunday was also perfect, and we have already been back at work since Monday... but with many images of Vietnam still in our heads and hearts 😊
Best regards,
Pier-Luc Desbiens
Brigitte and Jean - USA
September 22, 2024 - Dear Ms. Thanh LE,
We are already back in Toulouse, and we didn’t realize how quickly time flew by.
Our 18-day Vietnam tour (August-September 2024) was an unforgettable experience.
First of all, we would like to thank your agency, "Kampá Tour," and especially you, Ms. Thanh Le. This trip, organized by your agency, was remarkably well-prepared, with representatives always attentive to our needs. The selection of hotels and destinations was meticulously planned. During our stay, we had five guides who were always there for us, making us live magical moments. A special thanks to Nhi and Lam. We loved our experiences in Sapa, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the Imperial City, and many other places (the list is long).
Regarding safety, it was very reassuring, and we felt well taken care of before and during the trip. On the first day, we had the chance to meet you at your Hanoi office, where you handed us the documents for our tour. I highly recommend this customiz
Maria Dolores & friends - Argentina
September 12, 2024 - Hello,
We had the most amazing time and are heading back to Argentina completely in love with your beautiful country! Everything was perfectly organized, and always on time.
The hotels were so comfortable, and the guides were absolutely fantastic. Special thanks to Luis in Hanoi and Ming in Phnom Penh for their kindness and professionalism – they really made our trip extra special! Hue and Phnom Penh were simply breathtaking – such charming cities with so much history and beauty. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we truly appreciate all the effort that went into planning this unforgettable journey.
I will be recommending your agency to all my friends and family – you have been incredible!
Big hugs and all the best,
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What budget should I plan for a trip to Vietnam?
As an approximate guideline, the cost of a 2-week trip to Vietnam would be around 1450$ per person when traveling as a pair (excluding airfare). For a 3 or 4-week journey, please budget between 1900$ and 2500$ per person. If you're in a larger group (4 or 6 people), the trip will be more cost-effective. The price always varies depending on the duration and time of your stay, as well as your preferences (activities, services). Please leave us a quote request, and our travel advisor will provide you with more detailed information and a quote.
2. What is the 'customized travel' option?
3. How can I book my trip?
4. What is the price of the trip?
5. When are the best times to visit Vietnam?
6. Am I exempt from the visa? If not, how can I obtain it?
7. Can I make changes to the itinerary?
Still have questions or hesitations?