Photographs of the destinations on this route — not of the specific hotel or boat you'll be booked into.
Explore the best of Northern Vietnam, from Hà Nội's vibrant capital to an overnight cruise on Hạ Long Bay, discovering limestone islets and caves, before experiencing the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh.
★4 daysSmall group
This 4-day journey unveils the diverse wonders of Northern Vietnam, blending urban exploration, a luxurious cruise through a natural wonder, and tranquil countryside discoveries. Begin your adventure in Hà Nội, exploring its historic Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Journey to Hạ Long Bay for an overnight Ambassador Cruise, navigating majestic limestone islets, visiting Luon Cave, and exploring Sung Sot Cave. Continue your Hạ Long Bay experience with a tai chi session and a visit to Titov Island, followed by a unique cultural performance and dining inside Dragon Pearl Cave. Conclude your trip with discoveries in Ninh Binh, with options like a sampan ride, Hoa Lu, or Múa Cave, before returning to Hà Nội.
Day by day
Day 1
Hà Nội – Arrival
HotelSILK PATH BOUTIQUE HANOI 4★ — Deluxe or similar
Check in from 2:00 PM and enjoy the capital your way — old streets, still lakes and Vietnam's best street food. Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2
Hà Nội – Hạ Long Bay · Ambassador Overnight Cruise
CruiseAMBASSADOR CRUISE HALONG (46 CABIN) 5★ — Deluxe or similar
After breakfast, your car heads for the coast (about 2.5 hours) and the Ambassador sails at midday — caves, islands and dinner under the stars. 11:00 Check-in at Ambassador's Lounge — Halong International Cruise Port 12:20 Board the Ambassador; welcome briefing at the Piano Lounge 12:45 Premium lunch while sailing among the World Wonder's limestone islets 14:15 Luon Cave — drift through on a local-rowed bamboo boat, or kayak* 15:45 Sung Sot Cave — the bay's largest cavern (or afternoon tea, spa*, outdoor Jacuzzi on board) 17:30 The ship anchors — cooking class, or Happy Hour* with canapés 19:00 fine-dining dinner on the sundeck with live band (band rests on Mondays) 20:40 Live music, squid fishing, spa* or an in-cabin movie — overnight on the bay
Day 3
Hạ Long Bay – Dragon Pearl Cave – Ninh Binh
HotelTHE REED HOTEL NINH BINH 4★ — Deluxe or similar
After a golden morning on the bay and the Dragon Pearl Cave show & lunch, ride the coastal expressway to Ninh Binh (about 3 hours) and check in for the night. 06:10 Tai chi session on the sundeck 06:30 Light breakfast — coffee, tea and fresh pastries 07:15 Titov Island — swim in turquoise water or climb to the panoramic summit 08:30 Full breakfast at the restaurant 09:30 Bill settlement and check-out 10:15 Disembark at Halong International Cruise Port 12:00 Welcome and check-in at the Dragon Pearl Cave 12:20 "The Quest for the Sacred Pearl" — a multi-sensory performance 13:00 "Tastes of the World" lunch inside the million-year-old cave 14:30 Journey's end — onward transfer
Day 4
Ninh Binh – Hà Nội (at Leisure)
A morning among the karsts at your own pace — a Trang An or Tam Coc sampan ride, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, or the Mua Cave viewpoint (payable locally) — before the short drive back to Hanoi (about 1.5 hours).
The hotels and cruises named in this itinerary are the ones we book first. If a property is fully booked on your travel dates, we will replace it with another one of the same standard (or better) in the same area, and confirm the change with you before you pay — the tour price stays as quoted.
What's included
- Round-trip shuttle bus transfer from/to Hanoi hotel
- Ambassador Day Cruise in Halong Bay
- English-speaking guide on board the cruise
- Buffet lunch on board
- Entrance fees for sightseeing as per itinerary
- Welcome drink and afternoon tea
Not included
- Accommodation in Hanoi
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Drinks (alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water) on board
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
The route
3 stops · 4-day trip
- 1Hà NộiThe capital — old quarter and street food
- 2Hạ Long BayLimestone islands, overnight cruises
- 3Ninh BìnhKarst peaks, river caves, rice fields
Good to know
Accommodation is in 4-star hotels. Transport includes private car transfers, shuttle bus, and an overnight cruise. An English-speaking guide is provided on board the cruise. Meals included are a buffet lunch, welcome drink, and afternoon tea on board the cruise. This tour excludes accommodation in Hanoi, most meals (breakfast and dinner), other drinks, personal expenses, travel insurance, and tips for guide and driver.
Price per person
The larger the group, the less each person pays.
| 1 | 2–3 | 4–5 | 6–8 | 9–11 | 12+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $740 | $420 | $370 | $340 | $350 | $310 |
Per-person reference prices — a specialist confirms the final quote by email.
From$310
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