How many days do you need in Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay?
- Most travelers spend 5-8 days in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay combined
- With 9 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Can Tho, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve
How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam
Recommended Itineraries for Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
Recommended Itinerary for 5 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Free Afternoon | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Morning Walk by the Hoan Kiem, Explore the City | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Ninh Bình, Sampan Boat Ride at Tràng An | Ninh Binh |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Hạ Long Bay, Boat Cruise | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 5 | Tour Hạ Long Bay, Depart from Hanoi |
This five-day tour gives you the best of northern Vietnam, from Hanoi to the fertile river lands of Ninh Binh and finally to Ha Long Bay. In Hanoi, you'll immerse yourself in the culture, enjoy delicious street food, and visit famous landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. You'll then travel to Ninh Binh for a boat journey on the river, followed by a trip to Ha Long Bay, known for its emerald waters and over 1,000 uninhabited islands. Read more
Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 3 | Cycling & Sampan Tour in Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Hanoi, Evening Street Food Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise & Optional Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 6 | Morning Cruise, Transfer to Hanoi | Hanoi |
| Day 7 | Explore the Vietnamese Countryside on a Ba Vi Eco-Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 8 | Depart Hanoi |
See some spectacular scenery and learn about daily life in northern Vietnam on this immersive, eight-day tour. Explore the lush countryside of Ninh Binh by bike and sampan boat, savor Hanoi's best street food on a guided tour, enjoy an overnight cruise around Ha Long Bay, and discover the villages and countryside of Ba Vi National Park on an unforgettable eco-tour. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
15-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, Can Tho & Pu Luong Nature Reserve
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Hanoi, Explore | Hanoi |
| Day 2 | Hanoi City Tour | Hanoi |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve & Hike | Pu Luong Nature Reserve |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 5 | Sightseeing in Ninh Binh | Ninh Binh |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Ha Long Bay, Overnight Cruise & Optional Activities | Ha Long Bay |
| Day 7 | Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hue | Hue |
| Day 8 | Hue City Tour, Bike to Rural Villages | Hue |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Hoi An | Hoi An |
| Day 10 | Visit Tra Que Village & Hoi An City Tour | Hoi An |
| Day 11 | Fly to Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 12 | Free Day in Ho Chi Minh City | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 13 | Day Trip to Tày Ninh & Cu Chi Tunnels | Ho Chi Minh City |
| Day 14 | Day Trip to Mekong Delta | Can Tho |
| Day 15 | Depart Ho Chi Minh City |
This grand tour of Vietnam covers the best in the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After touring the historic sites in Vietnam's capital, spend time in the unspoiled nature reserve of Pu Luong and the stunning landscapes of the Red River Valley. Following this is a cruise around Ha Long Bay, a tour of organic farms at ancient Hoi An, and a visit to highlights around Ho Chi Minh City, like the Mekong River. Read more
How to travel between Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay
How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
If you're looking to make the 108-mile (174 km) journey from Hanoi to scenic Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone pillars and small, verdant islands—you have three efficient options. Read more
How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The mountainous city of Ninh Binh is just 60 miles (97 km) from Hanoi, and you have three easy travel options to choose from. Read more
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