4 Days Hanoi - Halong Bay - Ninh Binh Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

• 8:00 - 8:30: Set off from your hotel and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi, located in the West Lake area.
• 9:45: Walk to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum in Ba Dinh, and enjoy a local Vietnamese breakfast on the way.
• 11:15: Visit the One Pillar Pagoda.
• 12:00: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, such as Quan An Ngon, known for its traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
• 13:30: After lunch, head to the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam.
• 15:00: Go to Hoan Kiem Lake; spend some time strolling around the lake, exploring shops, cafes, and patisseries.
• 17:00: Return to your hotel and freshen up for dinner.
• 18:30: Explore the Old Quarter and find a local restaurant for dinner, such as Cha Ca Thang Long, famous for its grilled fish.
• 20:00: Return to your hotel to unwind for the evening.

Recommended stay: Bonsella Hotel (3-star, approximately 2,100,000 VND/night) and Hanoi Pearl Hotel (4-star, around 1,200,000 VND/night). For updated rates, please check their website or contact them directly. Bonsella Hotel can be reached at +84 24 3991 3333, and Hanoi Pearl Hotel at +84 24 3938 2093.

Day 2: Hanoi to Halong Bay

• 8:00 - 8:30: Start your day with a delicious Banh Mi for breakfast before boarding a shuttle bus bound for Halong Bay.
• 12:15 - 13:00: Arrive at Halong Bay ferry port, complete check-in, enjoy welcome drinks, and board your cruise boat.
• 13:00: Savor a set-menu lunch onboard featuring fresh and local ingredients.
• 14:00: Explore Sung Sot Cave, renowned for its stunning formations and natural beauty.
• 15:00: Head to Titop Island, where you can swim, sunbathe, discover the island's trails, or go kayaking around the coast, including a visit to Bo Nau Cave.
• 16:30: Return to the boat to prepare for a scenic sunset dinner.
• 17:30: Enjoy a delightful dinner and take part in evening activities such as squid fishing!

Recommended cruises for 2025 include Glory Legend Cruise, Paradise Cruise, and Aphrodite Cruises, with the latter highly rated for its gourmet onboard meals. For a shorter transfer time, consider Orchid Cruise and Peony Cruise, both departing from Got Pier, which is just around 1.5 hours from Hanoi.

Day 3: Halong Bay to Hanoi

• 07:30: Wake up and savor breakfast on board the ship.
• 09:00: Explore the Ba Ham Lake in traditional bamboo boats. This scenic spot, encircled by mountains, is accessible only by small vessel, offering a serene experience.
• 10:30: Capture your final glimpses of Halong Bay as the ship navigates back to the port. Take photos to commemorate the stunning limestone formations and vibrant emerald waters.
• 12:00: Depart for Hanoi via shuttle bus, enjoying the picturesque landscape along the way.
• 16:30: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi and take some time to unwind.
• 19:00: Dine at one of the outstanding restaurants with views over Hoan Kiem Lake.

Recommended dining options near Hoan Kiem Lake: Bun Cha Dac Kim (1 Hang Manh Street) and Cau Go Restaurant (07 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi, 100000).

Day 4: Hanoi to Ninh Binh to Hanoi

• 8:00 - 8:30: Depart from Hanoi and head for Ninh Binh on a private shuttle bus.
• 11:00: En route to Ninh Binh, stop at Bai Dinh Pagoda, a remarkable complex featuring grand Buddhist temples and towering Buddha statues.
• 12:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh and proceed to the Trang An area. Check in at your hotel.
• 13:00: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Trang An region.
• 14:30: Experience a local boat tour of the Trang An landscape complex. Take in the stunning views that resemble Ha Long Bay but set inland!
• 15:30: Following the boat tour, you can rent bicycles and explore the picturesque rice paddies surrounding Ninh Binh.
• 16:30: Board your shuttle bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

Ninh Binh is located approximately 90 km from Hanoi, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours via the Hanoi-Ninh Binh Expressway!