Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days / 2 Nights)

250 $

Duration

3 Days 2 Nights

Tour Type

Group Tour

Transports

Car

Overview Tour

Discover the best of Northern Vietnam on this unforgettable 3-day journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. Explore Vietnam’s ancient capital or the country’s largest Buddhist pagoda, cruise through the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc or Trang An, conquer Mua Cave for panoramic views, then continue to Halong Bay for an overnight luxury cruise featuring kayaking, swimming, cave exploration, Vietnamese cooking classes, and breathtaking sunsets.

This tour perfectly combines history, culture, nature, and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage destinations in just three days.

Highlight

  • Flexible sightseeing options: Choose between Hoa Lu Ancient Capital or Bai Dinh Pagoda.
  • Choose your preferred boat tour in Tam Coc or Trang An UNESCO Landscape Complex.
  • Climb Mua Cave for one of Vietnam’s most famous panoramic viewpoints.
  • Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.
  • Overnight luxury 5-star Halong Bay cruise.
  • Explore Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay’s largest caves.
  • Kayak or ride a bamboo boat through Luon Cave.
  • Swim or hike at Titop Island.
  • Vietnamese cooking class and sunset party onboard.
  • Delicious local meals and fresh seafood throughout the journey.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi → Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh → Tam Coc or Trang An → Mua Cave → Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 2: Ninh Binh → Halong Bay → Luon Cave → Titop Island → Sunset Party → Overnight Cruise

Day 3: Tai Chi → Sung Sot Cave → Halong Bay → Hanoi

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu/Bai Dinh – Tam Coc/Trang An) – Mua Cave
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07:30: Pick up by our friendly tour guide and depart for Ninh Binh Province. Pickup time may vary depending on your hotel location in Hanoi Old Quarter or the Opera House area.

09:15: Stop for a short break (15–20 minutes).

10:15: Visit one of Ninh Binh’s most famous attractions.

Option 1: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visit Vietnam’s ancient capital dating from 968–1010 during the Dinh and Early Le Dynasties. Explore the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh before enjoying a peaceful cycling trip through the surrounding countryside.
Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days  2 Nights)

Option 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda

Visit Vietnam’s largest Buddhist temple complex. Discover impressive bronze Buddha statues, the famous Arhat Corridor with over 500 stone statues, and admire the magnificent architecture while learning about Vietnamese Buddhism.

Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days  2 Nights)

12:00: Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local specialties and vegetarian options.

13:30: Choose one of two scenic boat tours.

Option 1: Tam Coc

Enjoy a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride through rivers, caves, rice fields, and limestone mountains, often called “Halong Bay on Land.”

Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days  2 Nights)

Option 2: Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex

Take a traditional sampan through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, passing caves, rivers, and dramatic limestone valleys featured in Kong: Skull Island.

Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days  2 Nights)

15:30: Transfer to Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 stone steps to Dragon Peak for spectacular panoramic views over Tam Coc and surrounding rice fields.

17:30: Check in to your accommodation.

18:30: Dinner at a local restaurant.

Free evening.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Lan Ha Cove – Titop Island
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07:00: Pick up from your hotel in Ninh Binh and transfer to Halong Bay.

11:30 – 12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau International Port. The cruise staff will welcome you at the lounge and assist with the check-in procedure.

Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days 2 Nights)

12:15: Board the cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and refreshing towel while the Cruise Manager introduces the itinerary. The cruise departs from Tuan Chau Marina, sailing through the spectacular limestone karsts and emerald waters of Halong Bay.

Enjoy a deluxe lunch in the onboard restaurant while cruising through the bay.

14:00: Relax on your cabin before joining the afternoon excursion.

Visit Luon Cave, where you can choose between kayaking or taking a traditional bamboo boat to explore the peaceful lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

16:00: Continue to Titop Island by tender boat. Climb to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of Halong Bay or relax and swim at the beach.

17:30 – 18:30: Return to the cruise for a Sunset Party and Vietnamese Cooking Class on the sundeck. Enjoy tea or coffee while watching the sunset. Learn how to make Pho Cuon (Fresh Rice Noodle Roll) with guidance from the chef, then enjoy your own creation.

18:30: Happy Hour – Buy 2, Get 1 Free on selected drinks.

19:30: Enjoy a Gala Dinner in the restaurant.

20:30: Evening leisure or join the optional activities:

  • Complimentary herbal foot soak
  • Traditional bamboo dance performance
  • “Footsteps of Heritage” cultural fashion show
  • Sky Bar (additional charge)
  • Spa and massage services (additional charge)
  • Night squid fishing by tender boat

Overnight onboard in a peaceful area of Halong Bay.

 

Day 3: Sung Sot Cave – Halong Bay – Hanoi
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06:15: Start your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.

06:30 – 07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast with tea, coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit.

07:30 Visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most famous cave in Halong Bay. Walk beneath lush greenery and climb stone steps to explore this magnificent cave, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (3 Days 2 Nights)

08:30 – 09:30: Return to the cruise and enjoy some free time. Relax in your cabin, enjoy the complimentary herbal foot bath prepared by Amanda Prestige, sunbathe on the sundeck, take photos, or shop for souvenirs onboard.

09:30: Check out. Please place your luggage outside your cabin and return your room key to reception. The crew will transfer your luggage to the pier.

10:00: Enjoy an early buffet brunch in the restaurant on the second deck. Settle any personal expenses before disembarkation.

11:00: Arrive back at Tuan Chau Port and disembark.

11:30: Transfer back to Hanoi (for guests who booked the shuttle service).

15:00 – 15:30: Drop off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter or at the designated meeting point.

Inclusions

Limousine transportation from Hanoi to Ninh Binh and Halong Bay
One-night hotel accommodation in Ninh Binh
One-night stay aboard a 5-star Halong Bay cruise
English-speaking tour guide
Entrance tickets as mentioned in the itinerary
Buffet lunch in Ninh Binh
Meals: 3 lunches + 2 dinners + 2 breakfasts
Halong Bay activities: Kayaking at Luon Cave - Swimming at Titop Island (weather permitting) - Visit to Sung Sot Cave - Vietnamese cooking class - Sunset party with lemon tea

Exclusions

Beverages, spa services, and personal expenses
Holiday surcharge for Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year (USD 35 per person)
Airfare, visa services, and VAT
Any services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for the tour guide and driver

For Children

👶 Free of charge for babies (0 – 4 years old)
👶 Children from 4 to 8 years old: 75% of adult rate
👶 Child from 9 years must pay the full adult rate

Price

Price Single Supplement
250 100

Travel Tips

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially for climbing Mua Cave and exploring Sung Sot Cave.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and insect repellent.
  • Carry swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim at Titop Island.
  • Bring a light jacket during winter months (November–February).
  • Keep your passport or a copy available for cruise check-in.
  • Cash is recommended for drinks, souvenirs, and personal expenses onboard.
  • The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and cruise operations without prior notice.
  • Swimming and kayaking activities are subject to weather conditions.
  • Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Please inform us in advance.

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