Northern Vietnam

Hanoi, the Ninh Binh karsts and a night on the bay

Hanoi, the Ninh Binh karsts and a night on the bay A ready-built creator-led group trip across Vietnam, 4–6 days. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Vietnam · 4–6 days · Best season: October to April, the dry season across most of the country · Group size: Flexible group size

Route

Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Halong Bay

Highlights

  • Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh, Trang An, Mua Cave
  • Halong Bay overnight cruise, cave, kayaking
  • Sunrise, Tai Chi, brunch, back to Hanoi
  • Hanoi full-day city tour
  • The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey, stroll the Old Quarter's shop-lined lanes or relax by Hoan Kiem Lake

Day by day

Day 1: Hanoi arrival & free time

On arrival in Hanoi, your private driver transfers you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey, stroll the Old Quarter's shop-lined lanes or relax by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 2: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh, Trang An & Mua Cave

A full-day excursion to Ninh Binh begins at Bai Dinh, Vietnam's largest Buddhist complex, then continues to the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape for a boat ride through caves and karsts. Finish by climbing Mua Cave for panoramic views over the rice fields before returning to Hanoi.

Day 3: Halong Bay overnight cruise

Transfer to Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Sail past limestone karsts, visit a cave such as Sung Sot, and kayak or take a bamboo boat around a floating village. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, with a cooking demonstration and squid fishing in the evening.

Day 4: Halong sunrise & back to Hanoi

Wake for sunrise and an early Tai Chi session, then breakfast on board. Cruise on past more karsts and fishing villages before disembarking at noon and transferring back to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure.

Day 5: Hanoi full-day city tour

A full day exploring the capital, its temples, lake and Old Quarter, with free time for last-minute shopping or a riverside coffee.

Day 6: Departure

At the scheduled time, your private driver and guide transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

Inclusions

  • Private tours and transfers throughout, with airport pick-up and drop-off
  • English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
  • Overnight Halong Bay cruise with activities, lunch and dinner
  • All sightseeing entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Mineral water: 2 × 500 ml per person per day on tours and transfers
  • Tips included
  • 24/7 support throughout the trip

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfares
  • Vietnam visa, e-visa or visa-on-arrival and stamp fees
  • Travel insurance and medical clearance
  • Drinks and beverages during meals
  • Optional tours, activities or entries not listed
  • Early check-in or late check-out fees
  • Personal and incidental expenses