The Perfect 5-Day Northern Vietnam Getaway

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From $526

Tour information

Short on time but eager to experience the best of Northern Vietnam? This 5-day tour is the ideal choice, offering a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. Begin your journey in Hanoi, exploring a traditional incense-making village and the city's iconic landmarks. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ninh Binh. Then, set sail on a luxury Halong Bay cruise, where you’ll enjoy kayaking, squid fishing, and breathtaking views. Wake up to a peaceful morning on the bay before returning to Hanoi for a final cultural discovery. This itinerary ensures unforgettable experiences, seamless travel, and the best highlights of Northern Vietnam, all within just five days!

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Trip highlights

Cultural Experience: Visit a traditional incense village in Hanoi.
UNESCO Heritage: Explore the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex.
Luxury Cruise: Stay overnight on a Halong Bay cruise.
Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy kayaking and squid fishing in Halong Bay.
Time-Saving - See Vietnam’s top highlights in just five days.

Wander through the lively Old Quarter of Hanoi, visit iconic sites like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Temple of Literature, and explore local markets. Experience the rich history and vibrant street food culture of Vietnam’s bustling capital.

Hanoi

Ninh Binh, often called the 'Ha Long Bay on land,' is a breathtaking destination in northern Vietnam, known for its stunning limestone karsts, tranquil rivers, and rich cultural heritage.

Ninh Binh

Destinations

Embark on a 14-day journey through Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. From Hanoi’s bustling streets to the serene waters of Halong Bay, uncover rich cultural heritage of Hue, breathtaking natural landscapes in Sapa, and authentic local experiences of Mekong Delta, creating lasting memories in this vibrant country.

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Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, known for its spectacular limestone karsts. Enjoy activities like kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration, surrounded by one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Halong Bay

Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem next to Ha Long Bay, boasts emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and secluded beaches, offering a tranquil escape and ideal conditions for kayaking and swimming.

Lan Ha Bay

Outline Itinerary

The Perfect 5-Day Northern Vietnam Getaway

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Welcome to the vibrant city of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Your private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your centrally located hotel.

Enjoy a delicious traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, featuring popular dishes such as pho and bun cha.

At 13:00, pickup from your hotel in Hanoi and head towards Quang Phu Cầu Incense Village, located about 45 minutes from the city. Upon arrival, explore the traditional process of incense-making. Watch local artisans craft incense sticks by hand, a skill passed down through generations. Learn about the village’s history and the significance of incense in Vietnamese culture. You will also have the chance to visit the local market, where you can shop for handcrafted incense and other local products. After exploring for two hours, you'll be transferred back to downtown Hanoi.

Hotel Check-in & Evening Exploration: After checking in, it is free time for you exploring the lively Dong Xuan Night Market, where you can indulge in authentic Hanoi Street food.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel / May De Ville Lakeside Hotel

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi: visit a traditional incense village
At 8:00 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel in the Old Quarter and depart for Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave, enjoying the scenic countryside along the way.

By 10:30 AM, we will arrive in Ninh Binh province to visit Mua Cave, which requires climbing 500 steps to the top of Mua Mountain. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Hoa Lu landscape.

At 12:00 PM, lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, at 1:00 PM, we’ll head to Trang An Eco-Tourism area where you'll board a small boat to explore majestic limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, peaceful streams, rice paddies, and lush green fields. The boat trip will take you through the cave complex, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou, offering stunning mountain and river views.

At 3:00 PM, the guide will take you to Hoa Lu, the Ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, where you’ll visit the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple to learn about the heroic histories of these kings and their battles.

By 4:00 PM, you’ll board the van for the return trip to Hanoi. Arriving at 6:30 PM, you’ll have time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel / May De Ville Lakeside Hotel

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Discover Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 
08:00 – 09:30: Enjoy a luxury transfer from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the La Regina Private Lounge via the La Regina Grand Cruise limousine (optional).

11:30: Arrive at the La Regina Private Lounge at Lot 24, Tuan Chau Marina, Ha Long, where you’ll enjoy a welcome drink and quick check-in before boarding.

12:15: Transfer by tender to La Regina Grand Cruise. After boarding, enjoy a welcome drink and a briefing on the cruise's orientation, activities, and safety procedures. The cruise departs for Lan Ha Bay.

13:00: The cruise heads out to explore Lan Ha Bay, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a peaceful, crowd-free environment.

15:30: Arrive at Light and Dark Cave, a top attraction in Lan Ha Bay. Explore the area by local boat or kayak, and take a refreshing swim in the emerald waters surrounding the cruise.

17:30: Return to the cruise and relax while watching the sunset over the bay. Enjoy the "Happy Hour" special and join the chef to learn how to make traditional spring rolls.

19:00: If the weather is suitable, enjoy dinner on the sundeck or in the Ha Long Bar & Restaurant on the second floor. Savor meals made from premium, fresh ingredients, blending traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern culinary techniques.

Overnight on the luxury cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Victory Star Cruise / La Regina Grand Cruise

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay: Kayaking, squid fishing & overnight cruise 
06:00: Start your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, breathing in the fresh air of the bay while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.

06:30: Enjoy a light breakfast inside the Ha Long Restaurant to energize your morning.

06:45: Grab a quick breakfast on board and prepare for the day ahead.

07:30: Join the Cat Ba World Biosphere tour, with a 30-minute transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang Cave, one of the most impressive caves on Cat Ba Island.

09:30: Return to the main boat for relaxation and check-out. Please place your luggage outside your cabin, and our crew will assist in transferring it to the land.

09:45: Enjoy lunch in the restaurant as the boat heads back to the harbor.

11:00: Disembark from the cruise, bid farewell to the crew, and transfer back to Tuan Chau Marina by tender. Meet your driver and transfer back to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
Accommodation: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel / May De Ville Lakeside Hotel 

Day 4: Halong Bay – Relaxing morning – Return to Hanoi
Your exploration of Hanoi begins with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the city's oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. Next, immerse yourself in the charm of Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, But Tower, Dai Nghien, and the iconic Huc Bridge.

The morning tour continues by a visit to Hanoi’s most iconic landmarks:
✅ Ly Thai To Statue: A tribute to Hanoi’s legendary founder.
✅ Hanoi Opera House: A stunning symbol of French colonial architecture.
✅ Saint Joseph Cathedral: A breathtaking neo-Gothic church with vibrant stained-glass windows.
✅ Train Street: Witness daily life unfold just inches from passing trains.

Lunch & Coffee Break: Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant before unwinding at a traditional Vietnamese coffee shop (#10 Hang Manh, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi), where you can sip on Vietnam’s famous coffee while reflecting on the city's French colonial charm.
After lunch, your private transfer escorts you to Noi Bai International airport. You board the plane filled with mixed emotions. You’re ready to journey home, but you know that you will miss Vietnam. Luckily, the memories will last a lifetime.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Hanoi: iconic landmarks and cultural highlights – Departure 

Tour Includes

All domestic flights within Vietnam

Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle

Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room

Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)

Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary

Entrance fees for mentioned visits

English or French speaking guide

Vietnam travel insurance / Tax & service charge

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