5-Day Authentic Vietnam Expedition

Hanoi • Ninh Binh • Ha Long Bay Cruise

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey through the heart of northern Vietnam. From the historic, lantern-lit streets of Hanoi to the majestic karst landscapes of Ninh Binh and a luxury overnight cruise in UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, this tour offers the perfect blend of rich heritage, vibrant culture, and world-class scenery.

• Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

• Destinations: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay

• Activities: Historical walking tours, cyclo rides, boat cave tours, kayaking, tea ceremony & calligraphy, overnight bay cruising

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Meals included: None

• Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), our friendly local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

• Check-in & Settlement: After checking in, take time to unpack, relax, and stretch your legs.

• Travel Assistance: Your guide will assist you with practical setup such as local SIM cards and currency exchange.

• Evening at Leisure: Spend your evening exploring nearby shops, soaking in the lively street atmosphere, or sampling local Hanoi cuisine before a good night's rest.

Day 2: Historic Hanoi City & Cultural Immersion

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Literature, Heritage & Tea

• Temple of Literature: Begin your day exploring Vietnam's first national university. Marvel at its ancient courtyards, traditional architecture, and centuries of scholarly history.

• Tea & Calligraphy Experience: Step into a traditional tea house to experience a serene Vietnamese tea ceremony combined with the delicate artistry of local calligraphy.

• Museum Visit: Delve deeper into Vietnam's vibrant history and cultural identity at a top local museum.

Afternoon & Evening: Cyclo Ride & Old Quarter Exploration

• Local Lunch: Savor an authentic Vietnamese meal at a charming local restaurant.

• Classic Cyclo Tour: Sit back and relax on a traditional three-wheeled cyclo ride gliding past Hoan Kiem Lake, ancient temples, and the bustling 36 tree-lined streets of the historic Old Quarter.

• Evening: Return to your hotel for an evening of leisure and rest.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Ancient Capital & Tam Coc River Boat Tour

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Ancient Hoa Lu

• Depart for Ninh Binh: Journey south through lush countryside to Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long Bay on Land."

• Hoa Lư Ancient Capital: Visit the 10th-century capital of Vietnam to explore historical temples dedicated to the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

Afternoon & Evening: Sampan Boat Ride through Tam Coc

• Traditional Lunch: Enjoy a regional Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties.

• Tam Coc River Excursion: Board a hand-rowed bamboo boat in Tam Coc village. Glide down serene rivers cutting through towering limestone karsts, passing under natural limestone caves and through sweeping rice paddies.

• Return to Hanoi: Drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon for an evening at your hotel.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay – Luxury Overnight Cruise

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning & Afternoon: Setting Sail into the Bay

• Transfer to Ha Long Bay: Depart Hanoi for the coastal waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Board Cruise & Check-in: Step aboard your luxurious cruise vessel, receive a warm welcome drink, and check into your private cabin.

• Gourmet Lunch on Board: Savor a fresh seafood lunch as the ship sails into emerald waters surrounded by thousands of towering limestone islets.

Afternoon Activities & Evening Sunset

• Kayaking & Caves: Spend the afternoon kayaking through secluded lagoons, swimming in clear waters, or exploring majestic limestone caves.

• Sunset & Dinner: Watch the sunset over the bay from the top deck before sitting down to a gourmet multi-course dinner. Overnight in your comfortable cabin surrounded by tranquil waters.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay Morning – Return to Hanoi

Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch

• Morning on the Deck: Wake up to breathtaking bay views and enjoy a light breakfast on deck (optional Tai Chi session available).

• Morning Exploration: Enjoy a final morning activity—swimming or visiting an iconic bay cave—before checking out of your cabin.

• Leisurely Brunch: Savor a delicious brunch while the ship gently cruises back toward the main harbor.

• Return to Hanoi: Disembark at the harbor and transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter or the airport, concluding your unforgettable Vietnamese adventure.

Essential Tour Information

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions:

• Air-conditioned transfers during all excursions

• 01 Night aboard a luxury Ha Long Bay Cruise (private cabin)

• Hotel accommodations in Hanoi

• Professional English-speaking local tour guide

• Meals as specified in the daily itinerary

• Cyclo tour, sampan boat ride in Ninh Binh & kayaking in Ha Long Bay

• All sightseeing & entrance fees

Exclusions:

• International flight tickets & Vietnam visa fees

• Drinks during meals & personal expenses

• Personal appreciation / tips for guides and drivers

STARTING PRICE FROM: $ [Insert Price]

(Final pricing varies based on group size, private preferences, and custom adjustments)

About Our Rates and Private Customizations

1. Baseline Pricing: The listed price is our baseline starting rate per person. Completing checkout at $0.00 submits your travel request without requiring upfront payment.

2. Private Tour Option: While standard group departures are available on select routes, almost any itinerary can be converted into a Private Tour. Please keep in mind that pricing for private arrangements differs noticeably from shared group rates due to dedicated transport and guide allocations.

3. Customized Pacing: Want to adjust the schedule or trim non-essential stops? We frequently tailor itineraries to "cut the fluff" and focus purely on what matters most to your group.

4. Your Next Steps: Submit your travel details via the $0.00 checkout form. We will calculate your exact rate based on your group size and preferences, then send a detailed quote and secure payment invoice straight to your inbox.

📋 How to Request Your Custom Booking

1. Add to Cart & Checkout at $0.00

   Add this tour to your cart and complete checkout. The $0.00 price at checkout simply submits your request—no payment is required upfront.

2. Complete the Tour Preferences Form

   Fill out the quick form during checkout to let us know your travel dates, exact party size, hotel preferences, and any special requests.

3. Receive Your Personalized Invoice

   The price displayed on this page is our "Starting From" rate and will be adjusted based on your party size, transport preferences, and room selections. We will review your details and email you a customized itinerary alongside a secure payment invoice.

💡 Looking for a Completely Custom Expedition?

If you'd like us to design a multi-day itinerary from scratch or need unique arrangements for large parties, please skip checkout and reach out directly through our Contact Us Form!