Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Sapa would be the best tourist attractions in the North of Vietnam, but with a 5-day itinerary, it is too short to discover Sapa. Thus, Ninh Binh is recommended as an ideal replacement. This trip will be a good chance to learn about the friendly and enthusiastic people in Hanoi, the fascinating beauty of Ha Long Bay, the World Heritage Site, and the wonder of nature in Ninh Binh. Furthermore, you also have a worthy experience trying and enjoying Vietnamese traditional dishes.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi and Halong Bay
You are picked up from Noi Bai Airport and directly transferred to Halong Bay to check in at the hotel. You will have dinner at a local restaurant and then stroll on the beach to enjoy the first night in Halong Bay.
Day 2: Full day Ha Long Bay boat trip
Breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to the jetty where the boat is waiting. Take a stunning discovery in Surprising Cave - the most impressive cave in the limestone mountain in Ha Long. Visiting the floating village and stopping off for kayaking, swimming or snorkeling in the emerald water will be interesting activities. After that, you can paddle to Monkey Island before having a fresh seafood lunch on the junk.
In the afternoon, you have the chance to cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Vietnam. Relax under the slight sunshine on the ship deck and admire the astonishing landscape there. Continue cruising to observe many limestone islands and islets including Fighting Cock Islet, Incense Bowl islet… and visiting a local fishing village nearby. Late in the afternoon, you will move back to the hotel and enjoy the last night on the bay.
Day 3: Halong to Ninh Binh
After breakfast in Halong, you will be transferred to Ninh Binh Province, another tourist attraction in Northern Vietnam. Reach Ninh Binh at noon, check in the hotel there and enjoy the meal with local specialties such as Goat meat, Com Chay (rice crust at the bottom of the pot)…
In the afternoon, set off the Ninh Binh tour with a boat trip to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which is also a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. You will be amazed at the grandeur of the nature in Trang An with many majestic grottoes, layer on layer mountains and lush green forest. After the tour to Trang An, get back to the hotel to enjoy the delicious dinner and then stroll around to learn about the night in Ninh Binh.
Day 4: Ninh Binh half day tour and back to Hanoi
After breakfast, you will have a good chance to explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the Dinh Dynasty. The monument is the witness of a splendorous period of Vietnam Feudalism that will be an introduction to you about the country’s history. After that, you can pay a visit to Tam Coc – Bich Dong, the tourist destination situated on the Ngo Dong Riverside. Observe the picturesque landscape dominated by rice fields and karst caves.
Return to the hotel to enjoy the lunch and then move to Hanoi Capital. Upon arrival at Hanoi late in the afternoon, you will have a short break before taking a fantastic street food tour in Hanoi Old Quarter. It is a good chance to enjoy many traditional dishes including Pho (noodle soup), plenty types of traditional noodle, nem, com… What can be more interesting than strolling on ancient streets in Hanoi and step in some walk-side restaurants to enjoy Vietnam’s unique culinary? Come back to the hotel and spend overnight there.
Day 5: Half Day Hanoi City Tour and Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before starting the mesmerizing tour in Hanoi. You have the chance to explore some outstanding destinations in Hanoi including Sword Lake, West Lake and ancient streets nearby. It would be more interesting if you take this trip by a cyclo.
After that, you can pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex to understand this greatest Vietnam person. You might also discover the Temple of Literature, which is considered the first university in Vietnam.
Enjoy the lunch and check out at the hotel. You will be transferred to the airport and say farewell to the beautiful Hanoi.