The North of Vietnam is amazing at everywhere from its majestic natural beauty to unique ancient one. Start from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam of ancient constructions and long-established cultures, then reach Hoa Lu, ancient capital Vietnam since 1oth century, after that visit the picturesque areas of Tam Coc to explore the beautiful area, which named as Halong Bay on land. A great chance to explore Halong Bay, the World Heritage site of Vietnam and the top famous destination in North Vietnam. The best of 5-day North Vietnam tour provides a great balance for a short time in Vietnam trip.

Tour Code: VEHA 11
Duration: 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Tour Type: Classic & Easy
Tour Categories: Hanoi Tours
Starts/ Ends: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Tour Route: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Halong Bay – Hanoi
Group Size: Private only
Tour Customizable: Definitely! (Tell us what you wish to do)

Highlights of 5-day North Vietnam Tour

  • Visit the ancient and present capital of Vietnam
  • See old constructions proving the gorgeous history of Vietnam
  • Behold the fantastic view of the two Halong Bay in Northern Vietnam

Brief Itineraries

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc
Day 3: Hanoi Half-day City Tour – Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong Bay – Back to Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi Departure

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (D)

Upon our arrival in Noi Bai airport in Hanoi; we are welcomed and picked up by our local tour guide & driver to the arranged hotel in city center. Check-in and free for relaxing. If the permits in the evening: We enjoy a nice welcome dinner outside for chatting. Back to the hotel for overnight

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc (B, L, D)

Today, we will visit Ninh Binh province which is among the must-visit highlights in Northern Vietnam through the lovely beauty of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc.

At 8 o’clock we will depart for Ninh Binh province, where is around 100 km Southward of Hanoi. After 2, 5 hours driving along Highway No 1, we arrival Tam Coc wharf that is one of the best places in the North Vietnam with marvelous landscapes. Getting on the boat row while this area is still not busy, we will enjoy a nice and quiet riding long river through 3-tunnel caves, consisting of the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba grottoes. These caves are adorned with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and colors that sparkle like gemstones.

ninh binh cave north vietnam tour

After 2 hours boat ride we get back on the shore, have lunch in a local restaurant close by, afterward, we will go to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam in 10th and 11th centuries, with 2 temples of the Kings Dinh and Le before heading back to Hanoi.

hoa lu ancient capital north vietnam tour

Dinner will be at hotel or local restaurant

Day 3: Hanoi Half-day City Tour – Halong Bay (B, L, D)

In the morning, we will visit Ho Chi Minh Complex with Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, The Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda…and the Temple of Literature then we stop for our lunch at a local fine restaurant.

temple of literature north vietnam tour

In the afternoon, we will depart Hanoi with a 3,5 hour driving through the Red River Delta to Halong City. On the way, we will stop for refreshments in Sao Do Town for a while. Upon arriving in Halong City, we check in hotel and relax at the beach. Tonight, we enjoy our Dinner at a fine local restaurant in town. Overnight in Halong city.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Back to Hanoi (B, L, D)

After breakfast at hotel, we transfer to Bai Chay Wharf for our 4-hour boat trip to visit Halong Bay – the widely well-known site of North Vietnam. During the time, we will have the opportunity to visit the spectacular Heaven Palace (Thien Cung) and Dau Go caves, those caves crammed with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites with different colors, shapes, and size. Those definitely will stir our imagination. We keep cruising to see many limestone islands and islets, which dotted around the bay including Incense Bowl islet, Cock Fighting islet, Sail islet, turtle island… Seafood lunch will be served on the boat. Then we go back to Hanoi in the afternoon.

halong bay north vietnam tour

Tonight, we will enjoy the Water puppet show and dinner at a fine local restaurant in town. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Hanoi Departure (B)

Today our vehicle will transfer us back to the airport for our flight to home. Trip ends.