Hanoi Epic 4-Day Tour: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay

From$232
4 days
Hanoi, Vietnam

About this activity

Experience the best of Northern Vietnam in this 4-day tour, visiting Hanoi's Old Quarter, Ninh Binh's Hoa Lu and Mua Cave, and Halong Bay's stunning landscapes.

Highlights

  • Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
  • Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Mua Cave in Ninh Binh
  • Cruise through Halong Bay's limestone karsts and islands
  • Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine
  • Experience local culture and history

Full description

Discover the rich history and natural beauty of Northern Vietnam on this immersive 4-day tour. Begin in Hanoi, where you'll wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter and visit the serene Hoan Kiem Lake. Journey to Ninh Binh to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views of the countryside. Conclude with a breathtaking cruise through Halong Bay, renowned for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Along the way, savor authentic Vietnamese dishes and gain insights into the local culture and traditions. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, ensuring a memorable experience in Vietnam.

Included / Excluded

  • Private transportation throughout the tour
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses and gratuities

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Your private car will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Hanoi. After taking a rest, you will have a Hanoi Private Street food tour. On a 3-hour walking tour, explore the culture and history of Hanoi by stepping into a world full of street food vendors. Unlike big cities all around the world, street food in Hanoi is not just hot dog carts and pretzel stands, you will be offered an opportunity to try out 10 different dishes at local food stands and family restaurants, namely, Pho (beef/ chicken noodle), Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodle), Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread), Banh Cuon (steamed rice pancake), Banh Xeo (fried rice pancake), Nom Bo Kho (green papaya salad with dried beef), Thit Xien Nuong (street pork barbeque), Banh Ran Ngot (sweet rice donut), Che (Vietnamese dessert) and Ca Phe Trung (egg coffee).

Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES
2

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh 7:30AM – 8AM: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province 9:15AM: Have a short break for 15-20 minutes to relax 10:30AM: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital of Vietnam between 968and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Ding, Le and Ly Dynasty. 11:45PM: Have buffet lunch in the restaurant with a lot of local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, fried rice,… Vegetable foods are always available in the buffet lunch.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
3

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh 1PM: Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has a wonderful tunnel cave system so Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for the New Version of Kong in 2016 – “Skull Island”. With 2 hours for the boat trip, you will be impressed by the beauty here. 3PM: Continue the tour for 45 minutes – cycling around the village to discover the life of the local people .

Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: YES
4

Day 2: Hanoi - Ninh Binh 3:45PM: Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave. Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain and have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here. 5PM: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi. 7PM: Get dropped off at Hotel in Hanoi.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
5

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long 8.45AM – 9.15AM: Pick up at your Hotel (around the old quarter) Return on the new Highway (Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh). Stop over for a rest on the way. 11.45PM-12PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau island Welcome aboard and have Vietnamese traditional Lunch with seafood while cruising through the amazing rocks: Insense Bunner, Cock fighting …

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

Day 3: Hanoi - Hạ Long 1.30PM-2.45PM: Explore Sung Sot- Surprising grotto The longest, biggest and the most beautiful grotto of Ha Long bay.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
7

Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long 2.45PM: Discover Luon Cave (water cave) With some options: -Kayaking or bamboo boat. -Relaxing on boat. 3:45PM: Visit Titop island: -Swimming on the beach. -Trekking Titop peak for taking photos with panoramic view of the bay. 4:30PM: Enjoy Sunset party on Boat with Red wine, French fried, cakes, Fruites.. 4:45PM-6PM: Back to Ha Long habour. 8:30PM-8:45PM: Arrival to Ha Noi

Duration: 6 hoursAdmission: YES
8

Day 4: You are free till airport transfer for departure flight. Trip ends!

Duration: 4 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Important information

Know before you book

  • This tour is suitable for travelers of all ages and fitness levels.
  • Accommodations are in 3-star hotels; upgrades may be available upon request.
  • Meals are included as specified; dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for city tours and hikes.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
  • Pack a light raincoat or umbrella, as weather can be unpredictable.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult

Traveler reviews

5.0
5 reviews
5
5
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Professional Tour Operator

Thank you, Crossing Vietnam Tours, Especially our advisor Ms. Mary, for your excellent service throughout our trip. The city tour gave us great insights into local life and Vietnam’s rich heritage. The Ninh Binh tour was excellent, and the Halong Bay cruise was truly marvelous. Special appreciation to the professional guide and driver for their punctual pickup and drop services. Everything was well organized and comfortable.

Connector38922307925Mar 22, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Fabulous organization by Harley!

I originally booked a private walking food tour of Hanoi on Trip Advisor, and Harley reached out to confirm details and ask if I needed help booking anything else. I did! Harley then helped me book a full day tour of Incense Village, Train Street and Hanoi sights; and a customized 3N/4D tour of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay cruise. Harley took care of booking our hotel in NB, and all transport including back to Hanoi airport. Every detail was taken care of, the trip was seamless, everything was on time, and we had a wonderful time. Thank you Harley, for making our trip so great!

mariabQ1156DDFeb 10, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Great Trip around Hanoi

The trip was super nice, interesting things to see and well organised. The Guides were super helpful and nice and organisation was also good, woild recommend.

Adventure00341969675Feb 19, 2025TRIPADVISOR

Best tour agent ever!

From the moment we contacted them thanks to all the good reviews, our agent Harley was superb! I'd planned our 10 day trip to Northern Vietnam and Harley patiently adjusted our private tour itinerary to suit our time, budget and interest. Nothing was impossible for her. She meticiously planned every thing and constantly kept in touch even during our tour. Our tour was perfect - everything was planned well with great guides (each segment had a different guide as they are the locals from the area) and timely pick ups and drop offs. I cannot recommend them more!!! Thanks again Harley for the best customer experience. You are truly a gem!

Busy_Mum04Dec 13, 2024TRIPADVISOR

2 days/ 1 night Ninh Binh

We did a 2 days/ 1 night tour in Ninh Binh with 2 different guides. This was very fun and good organized! I really recommend Harley (working for Viator) as travel organizer! She is always helping with your questions! Thanks again for this good service! :)

CharlotteP2245Sep 11, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Children must be accompanied by an adult