Best Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh Guide: Itinerary, attractions & travel tips

Don’t be afraid of starting a new journey in another country, especially a new adventure in the north of Vietnam.

You  won’t regret it when you explore the tradition, the people here are full of joy and friendly. If you are a curious person, the journey in the north of Vietnam won’t be disappointing.

We suggest that you should try the Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour when you arrive in Vietnam. In this guide,  we’ll explore the best itineraries, top attractions, and travel tips to help you make the most of your adventure through these stunning locations.

Highlights of Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh

On the Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour, you need to know what to do and where to visit first. So that we will tell you a bit of highlights of these locations:

Hanoi History
hanoi cultures
Hanoi-Street-Food-Tour

Hanoi: History, culture & street food

History

Although it is called Hanoi, this name has only been used since 1813, although people have lived there for thousands of years. Initially, in 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Dai La citadel, changing the name of this citadel to Thang Long capital.

In 1802, the Nguyen Dynasty ascended the throne and moved the capital to Hue, Thang Long was no longer the capital and was renamed Hoai Duc prefecture shortly after. In 1831, there was a major administrative reform: abolishing towns and establishing provinces. From there, Hanoi province was born.

Culture

In addition, the capital’s culture is also a plus for visitors to know and visit in Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour. With over 1,000 years of civilization, it is the largest cultural center in the country with tangible and intangible cultural relics.

Besides, with the development of the times, in addition to the modern presence, Hanoi still retains its inherent traditional characteristics, the ancient architecture and cultural traditions of our ancestors are still preserved until today. 

Street food

It is also impossible not to mention Hanoi street food in Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour, diverse and traditional dishes that will explode your taste buds.

You will regret it if you miss these dishes, the typical dishes that we suggest for you will be Bun Cha, Pho, Hanoi Bread, Banh Duc, … We recommend that you try these dishes once when you set foot in Hanoi.

    halong bay beauty
    halong bay limestones

    Halong Bay: The UNESCO heritage site

    According to research, Halong Bay is one of the cradles of the ancient Vietnamese, with three successive prehistoric cultures, from 18,000 to 3,500 years ago: Soi Nhu culture, Cai Beo culture and Halong culture.

    In particular, archaeological documents belonging to the prehistoric period of Ha Long are present in almost all places on the Bay, proving a widespread scale, showing the brilliant and continuous development of a culture imbued with the nuances of the island residents, which has an important meaning in contributing to the formation of ancient Vietnamese civilization.

    This is a beautiful relic that tourists cannot miss in northern Vietnam when having a Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour.

    Just a few hours drive from the center of Hanoi, tourists can admire all the beauty of this majestic place.

    Visitors can experience cave exploration activities such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, etc,  or kayaking on the water and visiting floating villages.

    trang an landscape
    bai dinh
    tam coc
    mua cave

    Ninh Binh: the “Halong Bay on land”

    Ninh Binh is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its rich historical and cultural traditions.

    With 1,821 ranked historical relics, this area is steeped in history. Notably, it was the capital of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state for 42 years (from 968 to 1010), associated with the Dinh, Tien Le, and early Ly dynasties.

    Today, Ninh Binh boasts valuable cultural and historical heritages such as Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Phat Diem Stone Church, Bich Dong Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Duc Thanh Nguyen Temple, and Thai Vi Temple.

    In addition to these historical and cultural relics, Ninh Binh is rich in intangible cultural values, including poems, festivals, traditional Cheo melodies, Van singing, Xam singing, and a unique culinary culture.

    The province hosts up to 260 festivals, many of which are well-known to both domestic and international tourists. 

    In Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour, when visit Ninh Binh, we suggest you to experience these location:

    • Trang An landscape complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its scenic boat rides through caves and rivers.
    • Tam Coc: Often called “Three Caves,” this area is famous for its picturesque boat tours along the Ngo Dong River.
    • Bai Dinh pagoda: The largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, featuring a towering statue of Buddha and beautiful architecture.
    • Mua cave: A challenging climb rewarded with stunning views over Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside.

      Best Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh itineraries

      Discover the ideal way to experience the wonders of Northern Vietnam with these carefully curated itineraries that cover the highlights of Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh tour.

      4-day itinerary: highlights for a quick getaway

      Day 1

      • (Explore Old Quarter: Stroll through the bustling streets, explore local shops, and savor street food.
        • Address: Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Walk (10-15 mins from the hotel, depending on hotel location)
        • Price: Free
      • Hoan Kiem lake & Ngoc Son temple: Walk around the lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple on a small island.
        • Address: Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Walk/Taxi (15 mins/5 mins from Old Quarter)
        • Price: 30,000 VND( 2 USD) Visitors will only have to buy tickets when passing Dac Nguyet Lau. If you only stop at The Huc Bridge, you do not need to buy tickets. Ticket prices are regulated differently for each group as follows:
          • Children under 15 years old: free.
          • Students: 15,000 VND/ticket ( 0.6 USD) (show student ID)
          • Adults over 15 years old: 30,000 VND (1.2 USD) /ticket
      • St. Joseph’s cathedral: Admire the French colonial architecture and take photos.
        • Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi 100000, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Walk/Taxi (15 mins/3 mins from Hoan Kiem Lake)
        • Price: Free
      • Hanoi Opera House: Visit the opera house, possibly attend a performance.
        • Address: 1 Trang Tien, Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Walk/Taxi (10 mins/15 mins from St. Joseph’s Cathedral)
        • Price: 200,000-1,000,000 VND (8- 39 USD)(ticket). You can buy tickets at the theater’s official website: hanoioperahouse.org.vn.
      • Night market: Shop for local souvenirs, enjoy Vietnamese street food, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
        • Address: 127 Hang Buom, Hang Dao, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Walk/Taxi (20 mins/5 mins from Hanoi Opera House)
        • Price: Free

      Day 2

      • Overnight cruise: Board the cruise ship, check-in to your cabin, and start your journey through Halong Bay’s stunning landscapes. The cruise package includes meals, activities, and accommodation.
      • Enjoy kayaking, swimming, cave visits: Participate in various activities offered by the cruise, such as kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves.
      • Seafood dinner on the Boat: Enjoy your dinner on the boat.

      Day 3

      • Breakfast on the Cruise: Enjoy a hearty breakfast on board the cruise ship while taking in the morning views of Halong Bay.
        • Address: Ha Long city, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
        • Price: Included in cruise
      • Travel to Ninh Binh: Journey from Halong Bay to Ninh Binh via private car or bus.
        • Address: Ha Long city, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Private car/Bus (3-4 hours)
        • Price: 100,000 – 300,000VND (8-12 USD). You can book on traveloka.com. We suggest: Luxury Van Limousine, Minh Long Limousine, Trang An Limousine,…
      • Visit Trang An landscape complex: Take a boat ride through the picturesque Trang An landscape complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning limestone karsts and clear rivers.
        • Address: 7W39+7G5, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Boat ride
        • Price: 120,000-300,000 VND (9-12 USD) (ticket). You can refer to buy tickets at Trang An (muave.disantrangan.vn)
      • Hike up Mua Cave: Hike to the top of Mua Cave for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including Tam Coc and rice fields. The hike involves climbing 500 steps, but the view is well worth the effort.
        • Address: 6WJP+H9, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Taxi (15 mins from Trang An landscape complex)
        • Price: 100,000 VND (8 USD) (ticket). Buy tickets directly at the tourist area. You can refer to Trang An Limousine on your trip, contact Trang An Limousine for more information (xetrangan.vn)

      Day 4

      After Day 3, follow our recommendations for your journey on the final day of the Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh itinerary.

      • Visit Hoa Lu: Explore the ancient capital of Vietnam, visit historical temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le. Learn about the country’s early history and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
        • Address: Truong Yen, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh, Vietnam
        • Transportation: Taxi/Private car (30 mins from Trang An)
        • Price: 20,000 VND(ticket) (0.9 USD). Buy directly at the tourist area.
      • Return to Hanoi: Travel back to Hanoi from Ninh Binh via private car or bus.
        • Transportation: Private car/Bus (2 hours)
        • Price: 200,000-400,000 VND (8-16 USD). You can refer to traveloka.com for more information about car service providers.
      hanoi-halong-ninh-binh-tour

      Choosing the right tour package

      Seasonal considerations

      When planning your Hanoi – Halong – Ninh Binh tour, keep in mind the best times to visit:

      • Spring (March to April): This time is suitable for outdoor activities with pleasant weather, mild temperatures and blossoming flowers. 
      • Autumn (September to November): It will have cool and comfortable weather and perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures.

      Avoid the peak summer months (June to August) due to high temperatures and humidity, as well as the rainy season (May to September) when heavy rains can affect your plans.

      However, considering travel during off-peak months can still be a viable option. These months often feature fewer crowds, creating a more relaxed experience, and may offer a variety of promotions or discounted rates, making them a worthwhile consideration for those seeking both convenience and value.

      Budget:

      Select a Ha Noi – Ha Long – Ninh Bình package that fits your budget, from budget-friendly options to luxury experiences. Compare prices and inclusions to find the best value for your money. Then you should consider additional costs such as tips, personal expenses, and optional activities not included in the package.

      Inclusions:

      You need to look for packages that include accommodations, transportation, meals, and guided tours. This ensures a hassle-free experience and lets you focus on enjoying your trip. Then check if the package covers entrance fees to attractions and activities such as cruises, boat rides, and guided tours.

      Conclusion

      When planning your trip, consider the seasonal weather, booking tips, and packing essentials to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

      By choosing the right tour package that fits your interests, schedule, and budget, you can make the most of your adventure through Northern Vietnam.

      With its rich historical heritage, stunning natural wonders, and vibrant cultural experiences, a trip to Hanoi – Halong Bay – Ninh Binh is sure to be a highlight of your travels.