Northern Vietnam & Halong Day Cruise

Hanoi as your base, day trips to the icons

Hanoi as your base, day trips to the icons A ready-built creator-led group trip across Vietnam, 4 days / 3 nights. GoExplorer shapes it into a departure under your name, with route, inclusions and logistics handled.

Vietnam · 4 days / 3 nights · Best season: October to April, the dry season across most of the country · Group size: 10–20 guests

Route

Hanoi > Ninh Binh > Halong Bay

Highlights

  • Hoa Lu ancient capital, Tam Coc sampan ride
  • Halong Bay day cruise, Sung Sot Cave, kayaking, TiTop
  • Standard check-in is 14:00; earlier arrival is subject to availability
  • Visit Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam's first feudal dynasties, then board a sampan for a 1.5-hour row through the Tam Coc caves along the Ngo Dong river
  • Collected around 8:15–8:50, drive roughly 2.5 hours to Tuan Chau Harbour and board your cruise, enjoying a set-menu lunch as you pass the Fighting Cock and Incense Burner islets

Day by day

Day 1: Hanoi arrival & Old Quarter

On arrival at Hanoi airport, your private driver transfers you to your hotel to settle in. Standard check-in is 14:00; earlier arrival is subject to availability. In the afternoon your guide leads you to Hanoi's famous train street and Hoan Kiem Lake for photos of Ngoc Son Temple and the red Huc Bridge, finishing in the Old Quarter's '36 streets', a maze of shops and street life.

Day 2: Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu & Tam Coc

Drive about 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh, a landscape of karst mountains, caves and rice fields known as 'Halong Bay on land'. Visit Hoa Lu, capital of Vietnam's first feudal dynasties, then board a sampan for a 1.5-hour row through the Tam Coc caves along the Ngo Dong river. Enjoy lunch before returning to Hanoi.

Day 3: Halong Bay day cruise

Collected around 8:15–8:50, drive roughly 2.5 hours to Tuan Chau Harbour and board your cruise, enjoying a set-menu lunch as you pass the Fighting Cock and Incense Burner islets. Visit Sung Sot Cave, kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave's lagoon, and stop at TiTop Island to swim or climb for bay views. Cruise back for a sunset gathering before the drive returns you to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 4: Hanoi departure

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to the airport for your onward flight. Check-out is at 12:00.

Inclusions

  • Private door-to-door pick-up and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking guide as per the itinerary
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in your chosen tier, centrally located, with breakfast
  • Full-day Halong Bay cruise with lunch and activities
  • Sampan boat ride at Tam Coc
  • All entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches
  • Bottled water in the vehicle (2 per person per day)
  • Service charges and government tax
  • 24/7 support throughout the trip

Exclusions

  • International and domestic airfares
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed in the programme
  • Peak-season or public-holiday surcharges, if any
  • Personal expenses such as drinks, telephone and laundry
  • Vietnam visa fees
  • Tips for your guide and driver