Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong – HanoiVietnam in 3 nights

Four days based in Hanoi, with two full days out: the limestone river caves of Trang An in Ninh Binh, and a long day cruise on Ha Long Bay. You come back to the same hotel each night, so there is no packing and unpacking.

Day 1

Arrive Hanoi – City Tour

Welcome to Vietnam. Our guide meets you at Noi Bai Airport and takes you to your hotel (check-in from about 2 pm). In the afternoon, a guided visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex: the Mausoleum (seen from outside, as it is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon), the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh's stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. Then a walk through the Old Quarter's busy lanes, old shops and colonial buildings, before you are dropped back at the hotel.

No meals included today Overnight: HanoiPrivate tour

Day 2

Hanoi – Ninh Binh (Hoa Lu, Cycling, Trang An) – Hanoi

Pick-up about 7:00, back about 18:30. A guide takes you about 120 km south to Ninh Binh. First stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, and the 17th-century temples of King Dinh and King Le. Then a 45-minute cycle through the village and a buffet lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, a boat ride through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, gliding through limestone caves such as Sang, Toi and Nau Ruou on a quiet green river; parts of Kong: Skull Island were filmed here. Back to your Hanoi hotel in the evening.

Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: HanoiGroup (SIC) tour

Day 3

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Day Cruise – Hanoi

Pick-up about 8:30, back about 20:30. A shuttle bus and guide take you to Tuan Chau harbour in Ha Long for a cruise of more than five hours, with a Vietnamese lunch on board. You pass islets with names like Cock Fighting and Thumb, visit the stalactites of Surprising Cave, then kayak or take a bamboo boat through the lagoon at Luon Cave. At Titov Island, relax on the beach or climb to the top for a view across the bay. Afternoon tea and a sunset party on the upper deck on the way back, then the drive to your Hanoi hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch Overnight: HanoiGroup (SIC) tour

Day 4

Departure from Hanoi

After breakfast and check-out, the rest of the day is free until a driver (no guide) takes you to the airport for your flight home.

Breakfast

Tour details

Accommodation

Choose the hotel category. The same route and sightseeing in every category.

Hotels are listed in order of preference, or similar, subject to availability. Ha Long Bay nights are on board the cruise (shared boat).

Package cost

Price per adult on twin sharing, by the number of adults travelling together. Land only.

Rates in US Dollars per person on twin sharing, by number of adults travelling together. Single supplement is for one guest in a room on his own. GST 5% and TCS extra as per Government of India rules. Payable in INR at the prevailing exchange rate.

Tour information

Read this to prepare for your holiday.

Good to know

• Rates are per person in US dollars and don't apply on black-out dates (Christmas, New Year and local holidays). Ask us for prices on those dates.
• Prices depend on the number of adults travelling together; the solo price already includes the single supplement.
• Flights between cities are not included. We quote them separately at the best fare we can find.
• Group (SIC) tours are shared with other travellers, with a different guide in each city.
• Some hotels ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in.
• Indian passport holders need a Vietnam e-visa, and a Cambodia visa for Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your return date.
• If a hotel is full, we offer a similar one in the same category.

When to go

October to April. Hanoi and Ha Long are cool and dry from October to April; Hoi An is best from February to August; the south is dry from December to April. October to December brings rain to the centre.

Our favourite months

Cancellation policy & payment terms

• Payments by bank transfer (NEFT / RTGS / IMPS), UPI or cheque in favour of TripRoutes. Card payments may carry a convenience fee.
• GST 5% is charged on the package cost as per government rules. On international holidays, TCS also applies as per government rules.
• Cancellation charges are per person, counted from the date of departure.
• Cancellations must be sent in writing by email or WhatsApp; the date we receive it is the cancellation date.
• Air and train tickets are refunded as per the airline / railway rules, plus our service charge.
• Visa fees, insurance premiums and non-refundable hotel or houseboat bookings (peak dates, special events) are not refundable.
• Refunds are processed within 15 working days of receiving supplier refunds.
• There is no refund for services not used during the holiday.
• Hotels may ask for a refundable security deposit at check-in, paid directly to the hotel.
• Prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• TripRoutes is not liable for changes caused by weather, strikes, roadblocks, flight delays or government orders; extra costs arising are payable by the guest.

Questions about this holiday