Hanoi Halong Bay 5 Days

Itinerary Highlights

• Explore the historic capital of Hanoi and discover its best attractions
• Spend a night on a Halong Bay cruise with an array of exciting activities
• Admire the stunning scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage site

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the night at the hotel.

Photo: tripsavvy.com

Take some time to explore the area around your hotel. A leisurely stroll will allow you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi before diving into its rich culture and history.

Day 2: Hanoi Full Day Trip

Your day is packed with visits to the must-see landmarks of the capital city.

Start your morning at Ho Chi Minh's complex, one of Vietnam's most important and frequently visited sites, which encompasses the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Afterward, take a short taxi ride to the Ethnology Museum, where you will learn about the culture, customs, languages, and traditional houses of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. This museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, featuring models of traditional houses and sculptures representing Vietnam's diverse ethnic landscape.

Photo: vietnam-guide.com

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to savor authentic Hanoi cuisine, then meander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, taking in the lively atmosphere and visiting Hoan Kiem Lake, a beloved landmark in the heart of the city.

Wrap up your day with a visit to Long Bien Bridge, a historic cantilever bridge spanning the Red River, perfect for capturing images of local farmers and their life along the riverbanks amidst the gallery of homes beneath the bridge.

For dinner, consider Ngon Restaurant, a popular dining spot offering a broad selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes to suit every palate.

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay

Consider booking a package cruise that includes pickup from your hotel in Hanoi, which makes for a hassle-free journey to Halong Bay.

Enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise towards the heart of the bay.

Photo: thanhnien.vn

In the afternoon, disembark the boat for activities such as exploring caves, kayaking, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

Return to the vessel for a cooking demonstration and a delightful happy hour on the sun deck.

After dinner, unwind with free time or try your hand at squid fishing. Spend the night on the cruise.

Day 4: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Wake early to witness the sunrise or engage in a rejuvenating Tai Chi session on the deck.

Enjoy a light breakfast and join in on the day's activities.

Photo: baogiaothong.vn

After checking out from your cabin, savor brunch or lunch while the boat sails back to the harbor.

Bid farewell to the cruise and transfer back to Hanoi to spend your final night at the hotel.

Day 5: Hanoi Departure

Enjoy your leisure time until your departure. You can request a cab through your hotel or book a ride via a ride-sharing app. As you travel to the airport, don't miss the iconic view of Nhat Tan Bridge, which beautifully showcases Hanoi's western skyline.